What’s New in Newton?
LOOKING for more space, the tranquility of suburban life, a great community with lots to do, and a top-ranked school system while still being close to the city? Newton checks all the boxes.
Only ten miles from Boston and easy access from the Mass Pike, I-95, three commuter rail stations and several Green Line T stops, the location couldn’t be better. With almost 90,000 people and 13 unique villages, known for their independent restaurants and shops and beautiful tree-lined streets, it has its own culture and identity, truly offering something for everyone.
“It’s the closest suburb to Boston with public transportation, so for working parents it’s the best of both worlds,” says Sherrill Kaplan, a longtime Newton resident who lives there with her husband and children. “Houses with backyards and neighborhoods where my kids can walk to stores and parks, but also very easily commutable.”
The community loyally supports its small businesses, who are a staple of life in Newton. “I love that it has some great restaurants, culture and shopping!” says Kaplan. “Feels like the best of a city without being overwhelming.”
Some local favorites are:
- Baramor: a cute little bistro beside the Newton Center Green Line station. Sitting on their outside patio in the summer to people-watch never disappoints. And this summer on June 27th, August 8th and September 12th, they are partnering with Jr’s Paws For A Cause for pop-ups that allow dogs on the patio and include dog-friendly events to raise money for a great cause.
- Da La Posta: a renowned pizzeria on Washington Street in Newtonville, it’s great for an intimate dinner, a family gathering, or sitting at the bar to grab a bite and watch a game. Diners can sit at the pizza oven bar seats and watch the pizzas being made on a busy weekend to be a part of the action!
- MIDA Newton: this Walnut Street Italian casual spot also has locations in East Boston, and the South End. The interior is beautiful and the overall vibe is great.
- Bakey: new to the Newton scene (they also have locations in Boston and Brookline), this Newton Center bakery specializes in babka. One of its co-founders is James Beard Award nominee Uri Scheft, who also owns Lehamim Bakery in Israel and co-founded Breads Bakery in New York City.
EACH village has its own distinct flavor, most of them offering public parks, community pools and recreation centers and youth sports programs, with the neighborhood elementary schools bringing children and families together. “Newton is big enough you can really live privately if you want, but if you are interested in connecting with the community that is also right at your fingertips,” says Kaplan.
Newton is also known for its educational institutions, being the home of Andover Newton Seminary at Yale Divinity School (1807), Lasell University (1851), and the Mount Ida Campus (1899) of the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Chestnut Hill is the site of Boston College (1863). You can always find its public schools at the top of state and nation-wide rankings.
“The school system in Newton has exceeded my expectations,” says Kaplan. “The teachers here are passionate, smart, dedicated and really devoted to the best interests of the students.”
People who live in Newton love it so much that many of them will do just about anything to stay in the area even if the needs of their families have outgrown their first home. This is what Kaplan and her family decided to do. “Since we loved our neighborhood and our land, we decided to build on our lot. It was a lot of work, but ultimately we are so happy – we live in our dream house in the exact location we wanted to live in!”
Featured Listing: 360 Upland Avenue
5 bedrooms | 4.5 bathrooms | 5,625 sq ft | 3 car garage | Outdoor Pool
Offered at: $3,995,000
Listed exclusively by: David Green | The David Green Group at Coldwell Banker Realty
MODERN luxury awaits at this stunning newly constructed custom built home in an A+ location of Newton!
Step into the sun-splashed living room with high, vaulted ceilings, magnificent hardwood floors, gas fireplace and large glass windows, accented by an elegant chandelier.
The kitchen features quartz countertops and backsplash, custom cabinetry, Thermador stainless steel appliance package, induction cook top, double oven and wine fridge. The upper floor has 4 large bedrooms, 3 full baths & laundry room.
The expansive primary bedroom has his & her 11×10 walk-in closets, a quartz bathroom w/double vanity, shower and soaking tub. Other features include a home office, sunroom, patio, 3 car garage and the lower level has a full bathroom with plenty of room for a home gym, a 6th bedroom & play/game room.
The flat private fenced in backyard is an entertainer’s dream with an 800 sq ft deck equipped with a gas grill/dining area under a covered porch, fire pit & an outdoor pool.
Interested in living at 360 Upland, or learning more about living in Newton? Contact me for more information!
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Erika Tarlow is a seasoned real estate professional, having worked in the Greater Boston market since 2013. She specializes in working with buyers, sellers, developers, and investors in Boston and the surrounding northwest suburbs. Her passion for architecture and interior design also bring a unique and knowledgeable perspective to her work in real estate. She is a licensed realtor in the Commonwealth and a member of the Massachusetts Board of Realtors, the National Association of Realtors, and the Greater Boston Real Estate Board. She is also a New England Patriots Professional Cheerleader Alumni, having represented the 6-time Super Bowl Champion franchise at Super Bowl XXXIX. Outside of real estate, Erika enjoys yoga, music and traveling; she can be found exploring new restaurants and all that this city has to offer.
