Newton Highlands Newton, MA

Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986, the heart of Newton Highlands village retains much of its original colonial character. The official Newton Highlands Historic District encompasses the area between Lincoln Street and Erie Avenue, from Woodward Street in the West to Hartford Street in the East. Although today's Lincoln Street has a small commercial drag, the residential nature of the village remains. Most of the area's decadent homes were built at the turn of the 20th century and feature Queen Anne and Colonial Revival architecture. Among these historic buildings is the Hyde School, named after James F. C. Hyde, Newton's first mayor and an instrumental figure in Newton's incorporation as a city. Today, the building houses the Hyde Community Center, the meeting place for many community groups and the site of annual events like the Halloween Party and Village Day.

Most of the Highlands' nightlife centers around the intersection of Walnut and Lincoln Streets. Both fine dining and cheap eats abound, with plenty of options to grab a brew or two. For drinks after a long day O'Hara's Food and Spirits has been a local favorite since 1985. While the drink options are sure to impress – 15 rotating drafts, a sizeable craft beer selection, and plenty of specialty cocktails – it's the food that has residents calling themselves regulars. Both the lunch and dinner menus feature daily specials, and kids have their own menu featuring classics like chicken fingers and grilled cheese. For adults, the menu ranges from pub favorites like meatloaf and shepherd's pie to more adventurous offerings like the fried pickle platter. For a true vegan and vegetarian experience head right down the street to Walnut Grille. Try the Gobi Manchurian, cauliflower coated in chick pea flour and tossed in a sweet and spicy tomato sauce with tamari, liquid amino and scallions. If your not feeling as adventurous try one of their great pizzas or their sweet potato fries. For desert make sure to have the heavenly chocolate souffle. Takara Sushi leads the pack when it comes to Japanese cuisine. A true "hole-in-the-wall," the food far exceeds the meager-looking operation of a single sit-down table. Takeout is where the restaurant thrives, and portions are huge – a rarity among sushi joints. Beyond the standard California roll, Takara gets creative with the local favorite Newton roll and the avocado lovers' crispy spicy avo avo. Monday through Friday lunch specials are the best bang for your buck, with all dishes under $10.

A mere 25 minute drive to downtown Boston, Newton Highlands gives residents the comforts of suburban life with easy access to the city. In accordance with the City of Newton's parking regulations, residents must have a resident parking permit for most street parking, but some metered parking exists along Hartford Street. For those wishing to ditch the car, hop on the Mass Bay Transit Authority's Green Line, with a stop conveniently located at Lincoln and Walnut Streets in the heart of Newton Highlands. The Green Line takes commuters inbound towards Boston, where it eventually connects to the Orange, Red, and Blue lines. In addition, the 59 bus route runs along Eliot Street, from the outerlying suburb of Needham to nearby Watertown Square. Pedestrians have easy access strolling through the heart of the village, and many residents choose to walk into town. Biking has become an increasingly wise option with the addition of a designated bike lane on Walnut Street, connecting northbound cyclists to larger thoroughfares like Beacon Street and Commonwealth Avenue. Due to the neighborhood's residential character, it's difficult to find a cab on the street. Make a reservation by calling one of the areas many taxi providers, or try a car service like Uber.

Highlands' residents have several options for kid-friendly outdoor fun. The sprawling Newton Highlands Playground features an open green field for soccer or playing fetch with the dog, and a basketball court for perfecting that jump shot. More central to the village center, Hyde Playground provides another outdoor play option adjacent to the historic Hyde School. The Hyde Community Center oversees the playground, and invites neighbors to come plant flowers in the playground's garden. For a more substantial jog, check out Coldspring Park, just north of the Newton Highlands MBTA stop. The 65 acre site features dog runs, tennis and basketball courts, and a softball field for well-rounded outdoor recreation.

With the average rental rate at $1,500 per month, renting in Newton Highlands remains cheaper than comparable residences in nearby Boston. However, rentals can be difficult to find in a neighborhood dominated by single family homes. Transportation costs remain low due to convenient public transport. A ride on the "T" (the Bostonian word for "subway"), will set commuters back $2.65, while the bus costs a bargain $2.10. At $2.60 a gallon, gas prices are only slightly higher than the national average. Although Massachusetts blue laws prevent bars from discounting alcohol sales, beer prices remain on par with national trends at around $4-$6 a bottle.

The intersection of Lincoln and Walnut Streets constitutes the Highlands' central business district. Here, residents can satisfy a range of shopping needs, from groceries to high-end clothing, all within a few blocks. Deja Vu boutique offers pre-owned designer clothing without the designer price tag. As a consignment shop, Deja Vu offers an eco-friendly second life for clothing that would otherwise sit in some untouched corner of the closet. Across the street, children will delight in the "galaxy of toys and books" at Green Planet Kids. Started in 1990 as a natural products store with a large selection of toys, the store eventually grew into its current incarnation as a full-fledged toy and crafting store. Evidence of GPK's original mission remains evident in the store's commitment to non-toxic materials. Beyond a huge selection of age-specific games and art supplies, the store doubles as a community event space, offering an arts-focused "Messy Hour" for kids ages 2-5 whose parents would rather avoid the cleanup. While the Walnut Street Whole Foods reigns as the go-to for groceries in the area, Walnut Market offers an independently owned option right in the heart of the Highlands village. The Market stands apart from your typical town grocer in its wide selection of international products. From South African fig jam to Turkish Delight, Walnut Market is a haven for area chefs or immigrants looking for a taste of home.