Auburndale Newton, MA

Birthed through its introduction as a flag stop along the local railroad, Auburndale experienced its first surge of real estate activity in 1847. However it wasn't until 1868 when William Robinson, the first major settler to the area, erected the area's first house, along what is currently Freeman Street. In 1886 Auburndale experienced its most substantial period of growth, when the Boston and Worcester Railroad and Charles River Railroad were connected to form the Circuit. Auburndale once housed Norumbega Park, an amusement park that contained the famous Totem Pole ballroom, a music venue once frequented regularly by numerous big band acts in the 1940s. Currently, the Auburndale Historic District contains over 275 properties as well as two National Register Districts, making up for the town's lack of museums. A light art scene can be found within numerous art galleries scattered across Newtown.

A fair distribution of independently-owned speciality restaurants and cafes dominate the population of Auburndale's dining options, all of which are generally located in the center of town. However, a spread of nationally-recognized chain restaurants can also be found both throughout the city of Newton. For a hearty and filling breakfast, look no further than Knotty Pine, a family-owned specialty breakfast and brunch restaurant located off of Auburn Street. Knotty Pine features a clean and friendly atmosphere, and the staff remains fully committed to providing customers with great-tasting food every day of the week. With a friendly staff, affordable prices and a plentiful variety of menu items, Knotty Pine holds its reputation as a favorite among the community. Try the Breakfast Special #12, a mouth watering combination of eggs, a choice of sausage, bacon or ham coupled with wholesome buttermilk pancakes and served with a side of freshly brewed coffee or tea. Boca Bella Cafe & Bistro, located on Lexington Street, presents a rich variety of Italian entrées in addition to numerous traditional American dishes like salads and burgers. Customers enjoy the warming environment, excellent customer service and generously served portions at this popular eatery. The culinary talent at Boca Bella Cafe & Bistro use only the finest and freshest ingredients to produce unique and bold flavors that stimulate a sensory experience unlike any other. Try The Cobbler, a roasted turkey sandwich, complemented by a spread of homemade cranberry relish and Jack cheese nestled between slices of multi-grain bread. Nightlife in Auburndale mainly consists of bars and taverns, with the option of a heavier nightclub presence in surrounding areas closer to Boston. Paddy's, an Irish pub off of Elm Street, serves as one of the community's most heavily frequented locations for nightly entertainment. Owned and operated by the O'Hara family, Paddy's pub presents a fully-stocked mahogany bar, a comfortable and amiable environment and puts together some of the area's most highly regarded dishes. The restaurant also regularly offers daily dinner and luncheon specials. Customers at Paddy's enjoy an expansive selection of draught and craft beers on top of an already thorough drink menu. When you visit, be sure to try the restaurant's famous Chicken Pot Pie, served in a crisp and fresh bread bowl with a side of cranberry sauce.

Buses, commuter rails and personal automobiles are among the most common means of transportation in Auburndale. The MBTA serves as the town's primary source for public transportation, offering rail and bus routes throughout the town and surrounding areas. Numerous taxi services serve throughout Newton as well, including Uber. Residents have access to both metered parking and daily parking starting at $4. Auburndale lies at the intersection of Interstate 90 and 95 as well as within close proximity of the Massachusetts Turnpike. Due to the layout of the neighborhood, most of Auburndale proves fairly safe for traveling by foot, and bikers enjoy a plentiful spread of biking routes and lanes throughout Newton.

A spread of traditional style parks and scenic landscapes characterize the distribution of recreational spots throughout Auburndale and the surrounding areas within Newton. Auburndale Park serves the town as a popular destination for recreational activities, providing a picnic area, playground and numerous walking trails along the Charles River. Forest Grove, a 2.6-acre peninsula, connects to Auburndale Park and offers a unique picturesque view of Mt. Feake. The open woods in Auburndale Park serves as the perfect location for hiking or a family retreat into nature. The Norumbega Park Conservation Land offers similar amenities as well as kayak and canoe rentals provided by the historic Newton Boathouse on Commonwealth Avenue. With both parks being pet friendly, you don't have to worry about leaving your furry friend at home. Due to its abundance of historic homes, the Newton House Tour serves as the town's major annual event, simultaneously acting as a fundraiser for Historic Newton.

The cost of living in Auburndale is approximately 32 percent higher than the state's average, with fairly affordable pricing to travel to the city center — as little as $2.10 via MBTA bus. The median rent for single-bedroom apartments in Auburndale sits at approximately $2,000, with both more affordable and more extravagant options available throughout Newton. Gas prices sit at around 5.6 percent higher than the national average, but on the plus side, if you ever find yourself near a local bar, a pint will only run you about $6.

Aside from the Auburndale Shopping Center located along Commonwealth Avenue, Auburndale alone does not provide a wealth of shopping outlets. However, a wide variety of independently owned stores and specialty boutiques span the neighboring communities of Newton, Mass. Newtonville Books welcomes its customers with an expansive selection of literature in a broad range of topics. Located on Langley Road, the store provides a clean and organized environment, complete with comfortable furniture and a courteous staff. Newtonville Books serves the community of Auburndale as a top choice destination that locals love to frequent for all of their literature needs. Locals in search of fashion head to W.O.W in nearby Newton Highlands for women's clothing and jewelry. With a selection that includes apparel from crafty designers, this place caters to an artsy crowd as well as the mainstream public. Let the salespeople here help you pick out an entire outfit, or browse at your own pace in peace. Residents of Auburndale visit both Walnut Market and Whole Foods for their grocery needs. Both stores feature an abundant selection of produce, bakery and fish/meat products, with Walnut Market bearing a focus toward its inventory of liquor and Middle Eastern speciality products. The Newton Farmers' Market services the neighborhoods of Newton and presents an impressive array of farm-fresh produce, meats and cheeses from local farms. Residents can visit the indoor farmers market from November through June at the Hyde Community Center.