📍 Location & Geography
Newton is a city located in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is approximately 7 miles west of downtown Boston and is bordered by Boston’s Brighton and West Roxbury neighborhoods to the east and south, respectively, and by the suburb of Brookline to the east, the suburbs of Watertown and Waltham to the north, and Weston, Wellesley, and Needham to the west. Newton is known for its hilly geography, with many steep streets running across or between its many hills.
🌎 Coordinates
The geographical coordinates of Newton, Massachusetts are approximately 42.3370° N latitude and 71.2092° W longitude.
🗺️ Region & Area
Newton is part of the Greater Boston area, the most populous region in the New England area of the northeastern United States. The city covers a total area of 18.2 square miles, of which 17.83 square miles is land and 0.37 square miles is water.
👥 Population & Demographics
As of the 2020 census, Newton has a population of approximately 88,660 people. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of races and ethnicities. The majority of the population is White, followed by Asian, African American, and other races. The city is also home to a significant number of immigrants.
🏛️ History
Newton was settled in 1630 as part of “the newe towne”, which was renamed Cambridge in 1638. It became Newton in 1691 and was incorporated as a city in 1873. The city was known for its thriving shoemaking industry in the 19th century and was the location of the Stanley Motor Carriage Company, which produced the Stanley Steamer automobile in the early 20th century.
🏞️ Nature & Environment
Newton is known as the “Garden City” because of its abundance of trees and open space. The city is home to several parks and playgrounds, including the Charles River Reservation, a state park that offers walking and biking paths, fishing, and boating. Newton also has two golf courses and Crystal Lake, a popular spot for swimming and boating.
🏫 Education
Newton has a strong education system, with a highly-rated public school district. The city is home to Newton North High School and Newton South High School, as well as several middle and elementary schools. Newton is also home to Boston College, Lasell University, and Mount Ida College, offering a range of higher education opportunities.
🚧 Transportation
Newton is served by three modes of mass transit run by the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): light rail, commuter rail, and bus service. The city is also conveniently located near major highways, including the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) and Route 128 (Interstate 95), providing easy access to Boston and other areas.
📜 Trivia & Events
Newton is famous for the Boston Marathon, which passes through the city every April. One of the most challenging sections of the marathon, “Heartbreak Hill,” is located in Newton. The city also hosts the annual Newton Harvest Fair, a popular event featuring crafts, food, and entertainment. Newton is also the birthplace of actor Matt LeBlanc and television personality John Krasinski.