Household incomes average around $56,321 in Newton. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Has anyone dealt with this? The suburbs are where most families end up. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods.
6 upvotes
2 Replies
ariana_native
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 57, moved here 7 years ago from Houston. I've lived in Old Town and Fairview, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Growing food and restaurant scene
3. Low crime in most neighborhoods
4. The people are generally average - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Not very walkable outside downtown
2. Chain restaurants dominate
3. The traffic situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Old Town: Great for singles. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Fairview: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Houston, everything felt average. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is pricey. You can live comfortably on $60K-$90K here.
**Final verdict:**
Give it a chance - it might surprise you.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
30 upvotes
Parker
Came here for cost of living and stayed because it exceeded my expectations. The public transit is honestly solid and I don't see that changing anytime soon.