Newton Centre
1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA 02459
Living in Newton, Massachusetts
Newton is a city in Middlesex County about 8 miles west of downtown Boston, settled in 1639 as part of Cambridge, incorporated as its own town in 1681, and renamed from 'Newtown' to Newton in 1766. It became a city in 1874, and it's made up of thirteen villages, each with its own commercial center, rather than a single downtown.
Newton at a glance
- $9.69Residential tax rate per $1,000, FY2026
- $17,077Average single-family tax bill, FY2026
- 20-30 minDrive to Boston
- MiddlesexCounty
Newton's villages and zip codes
Newton's thirteen villages carry their own ZIP codes, including Auburndale (02466), Chestnut Hill (02467), Newton Centre (02459), Newton Highlands (02461), Newton Lower Falls (02462), Newton Upper Falls (02464), Newtonville (02460), Nonantum (02495), Waban (02468) and West Newton (02465).
| Area | Zip code | Where it is |
|---|---|---|
| Newton Centre | 02459 | The largest of Newton's village centers, a shopping and dining hub around the Green Line D branch station on Union Street, near Newton City Hall. |
| Newtonville | 02460 | A village center along Washington Street in the northern part of the city, on the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line. |
| West Newton | 02465 | A village center west of Newtonville along Washington Street, also served by commuter rail. |
| Auburndale | 02466 | A village in the northwestern part of the city along the Charles River. |
| Waban | 02468 | A residential village in the southwestern part of the city, near the Green Line D branch's Waban station. |
Things to do in Newton, MA
Start with Crystal Lake and Hemlock Gorge Reservation, then 2 more below.
Crystal Lake
A 33-acre lake in Newton Centre with a designated swimming area, bathhouse, and two small shoreline parks used for swimming and walking.
Near Wachusett St, Newton Centre, MA
Hemlock Gorge Reservation
A small Metropolitan District Commission reservation along the Charles River near Newton Upper Falls, with walking paths and views of Echo Bridge.
Ellis St, Newton Upper Falls, MA
Newton Centre shopping district
The city's largest village center, with shops and restaurants around the Green Line D branch station on Union Street.
Newton Centre, MA
Newton City Hall and War Memorial
The city's historic municipal building on Commonwealth Avenue, with grounds and a war memorial.
1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA
More worth a visit
- Chestnut Hill ReservoirA reservoir and walking path on Newton's eastern edge, near Boston College.
A little history
The area was settled in 1639 as part of Cambridge and incorporated as its own town, called Newtown, on December 15, 1681; the name was changed to Newton in 1766.
Newton became a city on January 5, 1874, but kept its village-based structure of thirteen distinct village centers rather than building a single downtown.
The Charles River runs along the northern and western parts of the city, historically powering mills at villages including Newton Upper Falls and Newton Lower Falls.
Parks, trails and outdoors in Newton
Newton's open space centers on the Charles River along its northern and western edge, plus Crystal Lake and several smaller reservations.
- Crystal LakeA 33-acre natural lake in Newton Centre with a swimming area and bathhouse.
- Hemlock Gorge ReservationA wooded reservation along the Charles River near Newton Upper Falls with walking paths.
- Chestnut Hill ReservoirA reservoir with a paved walking loop on the city's eastern edge.
Where to eat in Newton: restaurants and coffee
2 places in Newton to try, including diner and pizzeria. No one paid to be listed.
Johnny's Luncheonette
Diner
A retro diner in Newton Centre open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving breakfast all day.
30 Langley Rd, Newton, MA 02459 · johnnysluncheonette.com
Sweet Tomatoes Pizza
Pizzeria
A neighborhood pizzeria in Newton Centre that has expanded into catering and graze-to-go platters, at the intersection of Langley Road and Beacon Street.
47 Langley Rd, Newton Centre, MA 02459
Walkability and getting around Newton
Each of Newton's thirteen villages has its own walkable center, especially Newton Centre, Newtonville and West Newton, but the city overall is spread out and low-density between villages, so most trips between them are made by car or the Green Line.
Newtonville
West Newton
Auburndale
Drive times
- Boston, about 8 miles20-30 min
- Logan International Airport, about 15 miles30-40 min
Approximate, without traffic.
By bus or train
The MBTA Green Line D branch runs through Newton with stops including Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, Eliot, Waban and Woodland; the B branch serves Chestnut Hill. The Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line stops at Newtonville and West Newton.
Newton property taxes
Newton's FY2026 residential tax rate is $9.69 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $18.06. Massachusetts assesses homes at full value, so each $100,000 of assessed value costs about $969 a year. The average single-family tax bill was $17,077, on an average assessed value of $1,762,337.
Newton's FY2026 tax rates
$9.69per $1,000, residential
- Residential$9.69 per $1,000
- Commercial, industrial, personal property$18.06 per $1,000
- Average single-family assessed value$1,762,337
- Average single-family tax bill$17,077
- Motor vehicle excise (statewide)$25 per $1,000 of value
Source: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
How the residential rate has changed
| Fiscal year | Residential rate |
|---|---|
| FY2022 | $10.52 |
| FY2023 | $10.18 |
| FY2024 | $9.76 |
| FY2025 | $9.80 |
| FY2026 | $9.69 |
Look up a Newton property
- FEMA flood mapWhether a lender will require flood insurance
- City ClerkVital records and town records
- Registry of DeedsDeeds and mortgages for the county
Buying a home in Newton
What we check on a Newton purchase: MassHousing limits, the flood map, the smoke certificate.
First-time buyer programs
MassHousing sets its own income and price limits for Middlesex County. We check them with you before you shop.
MassHousing home loansCheck the flood zone first
The Charles River runs along Newton's northern and western edge, and low-lying parcels near the river, including areas of Auburndale and Newton Lower Falls, can fall within FEMA-mapped flood zones. We check FEMA's map before you offer.
FEMA's flood map for NewtonSmoke and CO certificate
Massachusetts requires the seller to get a smoke and carbon monoxide certificate from the Newton Fire Department before the sale closes. Call 617-796-2210 to schedule.
Newton Fire Department pageAll loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting, and property and program requirements. MassHousing limits and eligibility are set by MassHousing and change from time to time.
Thinking about buying in Newton?
We're licensed in Massachusetts. Send us a Newton address and we'll run the numbers, taxes included.
Moving to Newton: utilities, trash and city hall
Who to call in Newton: Eversource for power.
- ElectricEversource
- Natural gasEversource
- WaterCity of Newton, supplied through the MWRA system
- Sewer or septicCity of Newton sewer system, connected to the MWRA
- Trash and recyclingNewton issues households a blue cart for trash and a green cart for single-stream recycling, collected curbside, with an annual fee available for an extra trash cart.
- Registry of Motor VehiclesUpdate your address with the RMV within 30 days. Excise tax goes to the city or town where the car is garaged.Mass. RMV
City Hall offices and contacts
Newton City Hall is at 1000 Commonwealth Ave, Newton, MA 02459. Main line: 617-796-1000.
- City HallMain line and website617-796-1000
- City ClerkVital records and elections.617-796-1000
- Assessing DepartmentProperty values and assessments.
- Newton Fire DepartmentFire prevention, permits and inspections.617-796-2210
- Public Works, Trash & RecyclingTrash, recycling and street services.617-796-1000
- Newton Free LibraryThe city's public library.
- Newton Public SchoolsThe city's public school district.
- Board of HealthTitle 5 septic, wells and permits
Newton, MA FAQ: taxes and town services
What is the property tax rate in Newton, MA?
Newton's FY2026 residential tax rate is $9.69 per $1,000 of assessed value. Commercial, industrial and personal property pay $18.06. Massachusetts fiscal years run July 1 to June 30.
How much are property taxes on a $400,000 home in Newton?
Massachusetts taxes homes on their full assessed value. If a home is assessed at $400,000, that's about $3,876 a year at $9.69 per $1,000. The bill uses the assessor's value, not the sale price.
Does Newton have a split tax rate?
Yes. Homes pay $9.69 per $1,000 and commercial, industrial and personal property pay $18.06.
What is the average single-family tax bill in Newton?
The average single-family tax bill in Newton was $17,077 for FY2026, on an average assessed value of $1,762,337.
How many villages does Newton, MA have?
Newton is made up of thirteen villages, including Newton Centre, Newtonville, West Newton, Auburndale, Waban, Chestnut Hill, Newton Highlands, Newton Upper Falls, Newton Lower Falls and Nonantum, each with its own ZIP code and center.
Is trash pickup curbside in Newton?
Yes. Newton issues a blue cart for trash and a green cart for recycling, both collected curbside, with an annual fee option for an extra trash cart.
Who supplies electricity and gas in Newton?
Eversource provides both electric and natural gas service in Newton.
Is there a train or subway in Newton?
Yes. The MBTA Green Line D branch serves several Newton villages, the B branch serves Chestnut Hill, and the Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line stops at Newtonville and West Newton.
How far is Newton from Boston?
Newton is about 8 miles west of downtown Boston, roughly a 20-30 minute drive or transit ride depending on the village and time of day.
Towns near Newton
Neighbors of Newton, including across the Connecticut line where it applies. All Massachusetts town guides.
Sources
- Newton, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Crystal Lake (Newton, Massachusetts) - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- Newton Centre, Massachusetts - Wikipedia: en.wikipedia.org
- City of Newton official website: newtonma.gov
- Johnny's Luncheonette official site: johnnysluncheonette.com
- Sweet Tomatoes Pizza, Newton Centre location: sweettomatoespizza.com
- Tax rates and average single-family value and tax bill: Massachusetts Division of Local Services, Tax Rates by Class and Average Single Family Tax Bill.
- Motor vehicle excise: M.G.L. c. 60A, $25 per $1,000 of value statewide.
- Walkability: Walk Score®, provided live by Walk Score.
- Checked September 25, 2026.