Ever wonder what it’s like to live in one of America’s wealthiest neighborhoods? Welcome to Thompsonville in Newton, Massachusetts. It is a place where luxury cars glide down well-maintained streets. It is a place where residents are more likely to vacation in Europe than anywhere else.
Thompsonville is one of Newton’s thirteen villages. Finding Thompsonville can be tricky. Its village center is elusive. Many associate it with the Bowen School. Most people in Newton know where Bowen School is.
Thompsonville sits nestled between Newton Centre, Newton Highlands, and Chestnut Hill. Thompsonville is bordered by Newton Centre and the Newton Andover Theological Seminary to the northwest. It has conservation land to the northeast and south. Oak Hill is to the southwest. The malls of Chestnut Hill are to the southeast.
Once, Thompsonville was centered near Jackson Street and Langley Road. Today, Thompsonville’s center is just across Route 9. It is across from where Thompson’s house once stood. Thompson’s house appeared to be where the Atrium is now.
Thompsonville’s real estate is expensive. The median price is over $1.5 million. This is higher than almost every neighborhood in Massachusetts and the US. Rentals average nearly $5,000 per month. That’s more than 86% of Massachusetts neighborhoods.
Many homes in Thompsonville are historic. They were built before 1939. Others went up between 1970 and 1999. Vacancies are low. Demand is high.
Thompsonville boasts some impressive statistics. Over 60% of adults have a master’s degree or higher. This rate is higher than almost all US neighborhoods. Thompsonville is full of urban sophisticates. They enjoy theater, boutique shopping, and fine wine.
Executives, managers, and professionals dominate Thompsonville’s workforce. Over 80% of residents work in these fields. Many residents commute by train. Thompsonville has a large population with Eastern European and Canadian roots. Russian is spoken in many homes.
Despite its wealth, Thompsonville faces challenges. Increased development puts pressure on the village. Traffic and noise impact residents’ quality of life. Preserving Thompsonville’s character is a constant effort. Even so, Thompsonville remains a unique and desirable place to live. It offers a blend of history, affluence, and community.