Living in Newton, MA
Newton is a city of roughly 89,000 residents made up of thirteen distinct villages spread across about eighteen square miles immediately west of Boston, ranking among the dozen largest cities in Massachusetts by population (the exact order shifts slightly depending on which Census vintage is used). The city is served by the MBTA Green Line and Commuter Rail along with direct access to the Massachusetts Turnpike, putting downtown Boston roughly 20–30 minutes away depending on the village and mode of travel.
Newton at a Glance (2026)
Population: 88,923 as of the 2020 Census, with a Census Bureau mid-2025 estimate of 90,741
Median household income: approximately $190,300, more than double the national median
Education: roughly 81% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher
Poverty rate: approximately 4.5%, among the lowest of any Massachusetts city tracked
Residential property tax rate: $9.80 per $1,000 of assessed value for FY2025, set by the Newton City Council
Why Move to Newton, MA?
Strong Public Schools
Newton Public Schools carries a 2026 Niche "Best Schools" badge with an overall A+ grade, a 96% average graduation rate, and a 10:1 student-teacher ratio, well below the national average of 16:1. The district's average SAT score is 1370 and average ACT score is 32. Individual schools within the district are independently ranked — for example, Oak Hill Middle School holds a Niche grade of A among Massachusetts middle schools. As with any district, performance and fit vary school to school, so families should review specific school profiles for the addresses they're considering.
Proximity to Boston
Newton sits directly west of Boston with Green Line and Commuter Rail service plus Mass Pike access, making it a common choice for commuters who want a suburban setting without a long commute.
Educated, Established Community
Newton has a 97.3% high school graduation rate or higher among residents and roughly 97% broadband access, consistent with its high rate of bachelor's degree attainment and low poverty rate cited above.
Parks and Green Space
Newton has long been nicknamed "The Garden City" for its network of public parks and green spaces, and residents have easy access to walking, biking, and outdoor recreation across the city's villages.
Housing in Newton
Newton's housing stock ranges from historic single-family homes to condominiums, with pricing and inventory varying significantly by village. Given how quickly conditions shift month to month, the most accurate picture comes from current MLS data for the specific village and property type you're considering — browse current Newton listings or reach out directly for an up-to-date market snapshot.
Safety and Livability
Newton's low poverty rate reflects a stable local economy, and the city is consistently cited among the safer municipalities in Massachusetts.
Figures on this page reflect publicly available data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Niche, and the City of Newton, and are subject to change. For current listings and a personalized market analysis, contact us.
Last updated September 2026