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Newtonville

Brief History

Newtonville is one of the thirteen distinct village centers within Newton, located on the North side of Newton. Developed around the rail and transit lines of the Boston suburbs with a commuter rail stop in the heart of Newtonville that is slated for a major upgrade.

Its growth accelerated in the late 1800s: after the creation of a central high school in 1859 and the arrival of the railroad station (originally called “Hull’s Crossing”) in the 1880s, Newtonville shifted from a mostly rural setting to a commuter-village serving Boston professionals.

The area retains substantial late-19th and early-20th-century architecture, and the city designated a Local Historic District in Newtonville in 2002 to preserve that character.

The village business district straddles the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90) at Walnut Street.

Village Character & Lifestyle

Newtonville balances suburban ease with urban connectivity:

Locals describe it as “walking distance to everything; schools, groceries, restaurants, fast food, commuter rail and buses. People are out and about and friendly.”

The architecture and streetscape: many homes built pre-1940, tree-lined blocks, local cafés and shops around the village center. The historic district includes examples of Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Ruskinian Gothic styles.

Schools & Community

Newtonville is part of the Newton Public Schools district. A key anchor is Newton North High School, located in the heart of Newtonville, which is one of the city’s two public high schools, and underwent a major reconstruction in 2010.

Elementary and Middle school options in or near the village are Cabot Elementary, Horace Mann Elementary and FA Day Middle School serve the area.

Newton North High School was rebuilt in 2010 and is an impressive campus that cost $200m to build!

The community is engaged: well-maintained yards, local events, neighborhood businesses, and a mix of families and long-term residents.

Location & Commute

Newtonville sits just west of Boston, giving it excellent access both by car and transit. By train, the village is served by the Newtonville station on the MBTA Commuter Rail Framingham/Worcester line.  Public transit access also includes MBTA bus routes and connections into Boston.

Driving into Boston is convenient — the Turnpike (I-90) and Route 16 provide good connectivity. For example, one travel estimate shows a train into South Station taking ~21-24 minutes and driving ~14 minutes (depending on traffic) from Newtonville to Boston.

Parks & Sites of Interest

The new Older Adults Center sits on Walnut St in the heart of Newtonville.

The Washington Park Historic District lies within Newtonville and features historic residences around a tree-lined park median.

Albermarle Field is located in Newtonville and this is the site of the 4th of July fireworks display.

Bullough’s Pond is located in Newton on the Newton Center side.  This pond does not allow for swimming or boating activities.

 

Community landmarks include historic buildings like the Bayley House (1883–84) showcasing architectural heritage.

Demographics & Income

The ZIP code 02460 (Newtonville) reports a population of around 10,033 (with ~3,972 households) and a population density of ~7,443 people per square mile.

Median household income is ~$153,056 and the average ~$196,574.

Housing Market & Home Ownership

Home values in Newtonville are significantly above average $1,447,12 2

Owner-occupancy is strong: 61.1 % of units are owner-occupied and 38.9 % renter-occupied.

What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

For Buyers:

If you’re seeking a community with strong schools, historic character, excellent transit and road access into Boston, Newtonville delivers.

Be prepared to compete at a premium price; homes are expensive and inventory may be limited given demand and the historic nature of the housing stock.

Consider older homes that may require updates (though many have been renovated) and factor in maintenance for older architecture.

Walkability, village feel, and transit access are major pluses — if those rank high for you, this neighborhood aligns well.

For Sellers:

You’re likely in a strong position: the combination of location, quality of schools, transit access, and historic charm is attractive to many buyers.

Highlight the village walk-to amenities, the brand recognition of Newton schools, and transit links to Boston in your marketing.

Ensure maintenance, curb appeal (think heritage home presentation), and highlight recent renovations/upgrades to capture maximum value — given high price expectations.

For owners of older homes, emphasizing character plus modern comforts (kitchens, baths, efficient systems) can set your listing apart.

In Summary

Newtonville is a well-established, desirable village within Newton that brings together suburban tranquility, historic architecture, walkable amenities, and strong transit/commute options into Boston. Its demographics reflect affluent, educated households and its housing market is strong — though with correspondingly high prices. For buyers and sellers focused on long-term value, quality of life, access to Boston, and heritage housing, Newtonville stands out as a top-tier choice. Whether you’re marketing a home here or presenting it to a client, the story is: “village living just outside Boston, with all the premium features urban-adjacent families are seeking.”


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