Newton, Massachusetts, remains one of the most sought-after suburbs in Greater Boston, offering a distinctive blend of urban convenience and suburban charm. With a median home price of approximately $1.4 million in late 2025 and homes typically selling within 27–32 days, Newton continues to attract homebuyers seeking top-rated schools, excellent transit access, and vibrant village centers. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, these five neighborhoods represent the best Newton has to offer.
Newton Centre
Newton Centre stands as one of the city's most prominent neighborhoods, combining residential tranquility with a thriving commercial village. Its central location makes it an ideal choice for those who value walkability and easy access to the rest of Newton and Boston.
Community Features
The neighborhood centers around a vibrant village district with locally-owned shops, cafés, and essential services. Crystal Lake—a 33-acre natural pond—provides residents with swimming, kayaking, and fishing opportunities, with the city completing drainage and beach improvements in 2025 to enhance this beloved amenity. The MBTA Green Line D Branch station in Newton Centre offers a direct commute to downtown Boston in approximately 25 minutes. Throughout 2025, the MBTA has invested in station improvements, including stairway enhancements at Newton Centre, as part of a broader $9.6 billion capital investment program.
Appeal for Homebuyers
Newton Centre offers a diverse housing stock ranging from historic Victorian homes to modern residences. The neighborhood's walkable layout, strong sense of community, and proximity to excellent schools—including highly-rated elementary, middle, and high schools within the Newton Public Schools district (ranked in the top 10 districts in Massachusetts by Niche)—make it particularly attractive to families. If you're ready to explore homes for sale in Newton, Newton Centre is an excellent place to start your search.
Waban
Waban offers a quintessential New England village experience with tree-lined streets and a tight-knit community atmosphere. Located in Newton's southern section, this neighborhood combines accessibility with a peaceful residential character.
Community Features
Waban Village serves as the neighborhood's heart, featuring local boutiques, restaurants, and gathering spots that foster community connection. The area boasts numerous parks and green spaces, including portions of the Charles River Reservation. The Green Line D Branch provides convenient transit to Boston, with the MBTA's ongoing accessibility improvements program enhancing the commuter experience through new platforms, shelters, and signage across the line.
Appeal for Homebuyers
Waban attracts buyers seeking meticulously maintained homes with architectural character—from classic Colonials to Tudors and Craftsman styles. The neighborhood offers a quieter pace while maintaining excellent access to Boston and surrounding communities. With Newton's luxury market segment performing strongly in 2025, particularly for well-located homes priced between $1.5M and $2M+, Waban represents a compelling choice for discerning buyers. Browse available Newton luxury homes to see what's currently on the market.
West Newton
West Newton expertly balances historical significance with modern conveniences. Its central Newton location provides easy access to cultural attractions, diverse dining options, and major transportation routes.
Community Features
West Newton Village offers an eclectic mix of dining, shopping, and entertainment. The crown jewel is the historic West Newton Cinema, an Art Deco theater that was saved from demolition in 2024 when the West Newton Cinema Foundation acquired the property. In 2025, the nonprofit celebrated its first anniversary with remarkable achievements: ticket sales up 50%, new 4K laser projectors installed, enhanced accessibility features including captioning and headsets, and an expanded programming schedule featuring film festivals, author events, and community gatherings. The Framingham/Worcester commuter rail line provides additional transit options, connecting residents to Boston's South Station and points west.
Appeal for Homebuyers
West Newton features a mix of classic Colonial-style homes and updated contemporary properties. The neighborhood's central location, strong commercial district, and ongoing investment in local institutions make it appealing to individuals and families seeking a vibrant, connected community. Homes in the $1.2M–$1.8M range remain particularly competitive in Newton's 2025 market. Explore available Newton single-family homes to find your perfect fit.
Auburndale
Nestled along the Charles River, Auburndale offers a serene environment with convenient connections to Boston and the broader region. Its waterfront setting creates a distinctive character that sets it apart from other Newton neighborhoods.
Community Features
Auburndale's riverside location provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including walking trails, parks, and water activities along the Charles River. The village center offers dining, shopping, and local services in a charming, pedestrian-friendly setting. The Framingham/Worcester commuter rail stops in Auburndale, and proximity to major highways (including the Mass Pike) makes regional travel straightforward. Looking ahead, the MBTA has announced plans to bring new food and retail concessions to Newton Lower Falls in 2026, further enhancing the area's amenities.
Appeal for Homebuyers
Auburndale attracts buyers seeking classic New England-style homes in a tranquil, nature-oriented setting. Real estate experts note that Auburndale represents one of Newton's less saturated neighborhoods, potentially offering more options for buyers priced out of the most competitive micro-markets. The combination of riverside living, village convenience, and proximity to Boston's employment centers makes Auburndale particularly appealing for those seeking work-life balance.
Chestnut Hill
Straddling the Newton-Boston line, Chestnut Hill represents one of Greater Boston's most prestigious addresses. The neighborhood offers an elevated lifestyle with upscale amenities, beautiful homes, and excellent proximity to both urban and suburban conveniences.
Community Features
Chestnut Hill features premier retail and dining destinations. The Street Chestnut Hill has continued to expand with new tenants moving into its 400,000+ square feet of space across six buildings. Chestnut Hill Square offers an exciting mix of shops and restaurants, including Wegmans, The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, sweetgreen, and CAVA (which opened its first Chestnut Hill location in April 2025). The area also features Equinox fitness facilities, medical offices including Beth Israel Lahey Health, and Tesla Supercharger stations. Nearby golf courses, the Boston College campus, and extensive green spaces provide additional recreational and cultural opportunities.
Appeal for Homebuyers
Chestnut Hill attracts buyers seeking luxurious homes, from historic estates to modern developments. With Newton's high-end segment ($1.5M–$2M+) outperforming mid-range properties in 2025, Chestnut Hill remains a strong choice for luxury buyers. The neighborhood's combination of prestigious addresses, walkable retail, fine dining, and proximity to Boston creates a refined lifestyle that continues to command premium prices.
Newton's 2025 Real Estate Market at a Glance
Newton continues to be one of Massachusetts' most competitive and desirable markets. Key trends for 2025 include:
Median home prices: Approximately $1.35M–$1.7M depending on the month and property type, with luxury homes often exceeding $2M
Days on market: Homes typically sell in 27–34 days, though well-priced properties in desirable neighborhoods move faster
Inventory: Remains tight at approximately 2 months of supply, keeping sellers in a favorable position
Luxury performance: High-end homes with upgrades, strong design, and prime locations are capturing strong interest
Schools: Newton Public Schools continues to rank among the top 10 districts in Massachusetts, with 22 schools serving over 11,700 students and math/reading proficiency rates significantly exceeding state averages
Why Buy in Newton?
Newton offers a rare combination of factors that make it perennially attractive to homebuyers: exceptional public schools, multiple MBTA transit options (Green Line D Branch and commuter rail), diverse village centers each with their own character, abundant parks and recreation, and strong long-term property values. Whether you're drawn to the walkability of Newton Centre, the serenity of Auburndale, or the luxury of Chestnut Hill, there's a Newton neighborhood to match every lifestyle.
About Colin Bayley
Colin Bayley is a Senior Vice President and Real Estate Advisor at Compass, serving buyers, sellers, developers, and investors throughout Greater Boston. With deep expertise in Newton, Brookline, and Boston's most sought-after neighborhoods, Colin is known for his personalized service, honest advice, and results-driven approach. He values long-term relationships over transactions and offers clients the market insight and exclusive access that only years of local experience can provide.
Ready to explore real estate in Newton, MA? Contact Colin Bayley today to begin the search for your dream home, or request a free home valuation if you're considering selling.
Last updated: January 2026
