A non-profit farm on the historic Angino farmstead, the Newton Community Farm is the last working farm in the city of Newton. Despite its modest size, the farm is a vibrant member of the Newton community. It provides locally-grown produce, grown with traditional organic methods used on the farm for 300 years, at Newton Farmers’ Markets, its own farm stand, and through its CSA (community supported agriculture) programs. The farm offers classes, workshops, and farm hours to educate Newton residents and bring them together. The Newton Community Farm also donates a portion of their produce to the Newton Food Pantry. Upcoming classes include Jam and Jelly Making, Fall Soups, and Indoor Composting. The City of Newton recognized the value of the farm enough to purchase it in 2005. The farm’s produce, educational programs, and special events show that was a sound decision.

After four years of planning and development, ten affordable housing units have been added to the Newton real estate stock. Currently, 7.6% of Newton homes are listed as affordable housing. Project developer SEB completed the Parkview Homes project, which consists in ten energy-efficient condominium units on Lexington Street. These one to three bedroom condominiums are being sold for $169,300 to $278,000. Six units are priced for families earning up to $64,400, 80% of the area median income for a family of four. The other four units are available to individuals or families earning 100% of the area median income. Parkview Homes are a deed-restricted development, meaning homes may not be sold on the open real estate market and are available only to Newton home buyers in the target income bracket.

Serving almost 12,000 students in 22 schools, Newton Public Schools offer an impressive array of programming for Newton residents. Still, for a variety of reasons, whether looking for a faith-based education, a particular style of teaching, or a smaller school, those considering a move to Newton may choose a private school. Newton offers a number of quality options. The Newton Montessori School in Newton Center serves toddlers through grade 6, teaching with the educational philosophies of Maria Montessori. The Clearway School serves special needs students in grades 6 to 12. The Fessendon School in West Newton is an all-boys school with both day and boarding options for students in kindergarten through ninth grade. There are three Catholic schools in Newtonville: Mount Alvernia High School for middle school and high school girls, Trinity Catholic High School for both boys and girls, and Newton Country Day School of the Sacred Heart for girls in grades 5 to 12. A number of private preschools are also available. Consider all your options, both public and private!

When families consider a move to a new town, they want to be sure their dogs will be as welcome as they are. Newton has made their position loud and clear, welcoming dogs in many of the town’s parks and playgrounds, meaning the entire family can play together. Both Hunnewell Park and Cabot Park has fenced areas for off-leash dogs. McGrath Park, Old Cold Spring Park, Claflin Playground, and Newton Centre Playground also allow off-leash dogs, though owners must carry a leash and be in control of their dogs at all times. While all the standard expectations for good citizenship, both human and canine, still apply, the Off Leash Area Working Group is proof of the Newton community’s commitment to dogs and their owners. For more information on Newton’s dog friendly areas, check here.

The Newton real estate market has remained strong in the summer months, and is preparing to rev up for the upcoming fall market.  While certain economic indicators are concerning as they pertain to the real estate depression and the future of home prices, consider the following Newton real estate trend:  When comparing July 2010 and July 2011, the data is very similar. 

July 2010 Facts & Figures

Number of closings for single family homes: 57

Average days on market for closed properties: 66

Average list price: $1,004,880

Average sale price: $965,558

List to sale price ratio:  96.1%

July 2011 Facts & Figures

Number of closings for single family homes: 61

Average days on market for closed properties: 75

Average list price: $986,093

Average sale price: $954,339

List to sale price ratio:  96.8%

Newton, given its excellent location to Boston, many public transit options, and historic charm, has remained largely insulated from the larger issues in the Massachusetts real estate market.  The prospect of high resale value in the Newton real estate market remains strong.

Anyone planning a move to a new town wonders what their neighbors will be like; how it will feel to be part of that community. Are people welcoming? Do they look out for one another? Someone planning a move to Newton might get that answer from Newton at Home. This group, founded by long-term Newton residents, empowers other residents to age at home and remain independent, the concept of “aging in community”.  Newton at Home collaborates with existing agencies and offers additional services, rather than duplicating services. The breadth of services offered is impressive: transportation, computer training and problem solving, house checks, dog walking, housekeeping help, and a list of safe, screened vendors, to name a few. One needn’t be elderly to appreciate what this means for the way Newton residents look out for each other.

A vibrant city will always have new development. Currently, the city of Newton is monitoring eleven projects. For detailed information, refer to Newton’s website. Town administrators are currently interested in modern traffic roundabouts as an alternative to past traffic circles or rotaries. Newton is also monitoring Austin Street development. One of the city’s prime intentions for this area is to add vitality to Newtonville village center; the city has designated a minimum 18 housing units to be built at this site.  Another area set for expansion is the Chestnut Hill Mall, planning a new three-story building and pedestrian bridge. Newton is also monitoring a mixed use project for the Riverside MBTA Station. The Newton community will benefit from additional housing and shopping as well as increasing vitality, so long as it also increases the tax base.

 Newton certainly shines with summer opportunities for residents. There seem to be art and entertainment all about town. Even better, it’s free entertainment. Through September, look for weekly family concerts at the Hyde Playground featuring a wide range of artists singing everything from big band to oldies to rock. Following the concerts, Hyde Playground will be the backdrop for family movies including Rango and Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Local musicians will be showcased Thursdays on Newton Centre Green as teen bands perform from 6:30 to 8 pm. Sundays, head to Newton Centre Green for Heritage Festivals; Wednesday evenings for Dancing in the Parks. Home shoppers should take advantage of some of the Newton community offerings to get a sense of local life.

There are many factors that contribute to Newton’s quality of life. Newton police are cracking down on an opposing factor, an increasing number of commercial vehicles driving through Newton causing accidents and increasing road wear. Newton police will field a team of officers that intend to eliminate the commercial vehicle violations that contribute to accidents and reduce the safety of Newton residents. Officers have recently identified commercial vehicles with uncovered loads, unsecured cargo, and equipment violations. Trucks will be stopped in the city to check for overloaded vehicles and other violations. Newton police have taken a very proactive approach to identifying and eliminating a hazard for Newton residents. Undoubtedly, their actions will continue to benefit Newton homeowners.

Newton’s overcrowded public schools now have a relief plan in place. Three overcrowded schools, Zervas Elementary School, Burr Elementary School, and Horace Mann Elementary School plan to utilize new modular classrooms in place for the start of the 2011-2012 school year. The cost of these additions is substantially increased, by $885,000, by the need for updated sprinkler systems. Massachusetts law requires the installation of an updated sprinkler system whenever school renovations and extensions are made. The Day Middle School will add new classrooms as well. That construction is currently forecast to begin in the fall of 2012. At this time, no new space is planned for Countryside Elementary School. The total cost for the modulars, sprinkler systems, and construction of additional classrooms is expected to be $5 million. While residential expansion expands the tax base of Newton’s real estate, it also expands the needs for town services. Towns must then be prepared to invest in the expansion of school and town facilities and services.