Newtonville

Can you imagine a village split in two? Newtonville, a charming suburb of Boston, bears this unusual scar. The Massachusetts Turnpike, a roaring river of asphalt, cuts right through the heart of Newtonville. This division, inflicted in the 1960s, disrupted the village center, leaving a wound that many residents still hope to heal. Newtonville, despite this, thrives. It is a vibrant village with diverse housing, a bustling restaurant scene, and unique local shops. Two large supermarkets, including a Star Market built over the Turnpike using air rights, anchor the commercial district. This Star Market stands as a testament to Newtonville’s innovative spirit, being one of the first air-rights constructions in the country. Walnut Street is Newtonville’s main artery. This bustling street is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes, banks, and other essential businesses. Branching off Walnut Street, Austin Street offers another commercial hub, featuring a mix of shops and eateries. On the north side of the Turnpike, Washington Street runs parallel to the highway and hosts even more businesses. Here you’ll find restaurants, salons, liquor stores, Newton’s largest post office, and a Whole Foods Market. Newtonville is also home to significant educational institutions. Newton North High School, one of the city’s two high schools, is located here. So is Cabot Elementary School, one of Newton’s largest. Ironically, the construction of the new Newton North High School building brought its own set of challenges. Insufficient on-site parking led to student cars overflowing onto residential streets. This sparked a controversial parking plan, requiring residents to obtain permits to park in front of their own homes. Newtonville also boasts green spaces. The southern part of the village is home to Bullough’s Pond, a tranquil oasis, and the Johnny Kelley Statue. This statue commemorates the start of Heartbreak Hill, a challenging stretch of the Boston Marathon that passes right through Newtonville. The marathon itself is a major event for the village, with residents lining the streets to cheer on the runners. Despite the challenges, Newtonville remains a desirable community, blending urban convenience with suburban charm. The village continues to grapple with development pressures. This includes oversized housing proposals that have met with resistance from residents and business owners. The desire to reunite the village, heal the scar of the Turnpike, and preserve Newtonville’s unique character remain central to its ongoing story.