Nonantum
Newton's most close-knit neighborhood — Italian-American heritage, strong community bonds, and relative affordability.
About Nonantum
Nonantum — locals call it 'the Lake' — is Newton's most distinct village, with an identity rooted in its Italian-American heritage and a community bond that's genuinely hard to find anywhere else. Watertown Street is the main corridor, and Adams Street cuts through the residential heart. The homes are more modest here, the lots smaller, and the prices lower than the rest of Newton. What you get instead is something money can't buy: a neighborhood where everyone knows everyone, St. Philip Neri Church is the social anchor, and the annual St. Mary of Carmen Festival brings the whole village together every July. It borders Watertown and Brighton, giving it an urban edge that other Newton villages lack.
Property Character
Newton's most affordable village. Modest single-family homes, many from the 1920s-1950s, on smaller lots. A good number of two-families and multi-family homes. Some homes need updating, which creates opportunity for buyers willing to renovate. Vinyl-sided Colonials and Capes are the backbone of the housing stock.
Typical Home Styles
Best For
Local Highlights
- •St. Mary of Carmen Festival — annual Italian street festival every July, a Newton tradition
- •Shalala's Bakery — Italian cookies, bread, and pastries from an old-school bakery
- •Watertown Street restaurants — growing mix of dining options along the corridor
- •Pellino's Ristorante — fine Italian dining, a neighborhood anchor
- •Proximity to Arsenal Yards in Watertown — new retail, dining, and entertainment complex
Getting Around
No Green Line stop in Nonantum — this is a bus and car village. The 59 bus runs along Watertown Street connecting to Newtonville and Watertown Square. Mass Pike access is quick via Newton Corner. Many residents commute to Cambridge and Watertown, which are both adjacent. Bike path along the Charles River connects to the larger path network.
Schools Serving Nonantum
Served by Horace Mann Elementary (K-5), which has a diverse student body and strong community engagement. Feeds into F.A. Day Middle School. High school is Newton North. Horace Mann reflects the tight-knit Nonantum community — it's a school where parents are very involved.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nonantum
What is Nonantum in Newton like?
Newton's most close-knit neighborhood — Italian-American heritage, strong community bonds, and relative affordability. Nonantum — locals call it 'the Lake' — is Newton's most distinct village, with an identity rooted in its Italian-American heritage and a community bond that's genuinely hard to find anywhere else. Watertown Street is the main corridor, and Adams Street cuts through the residential heart. The homes are more modest here, the lots smaller, and the prices lower than the rest of Newton. What you get instead is something money can't buy: a neighborhood where everyone knows everyone, St. Philip Neri Church is the social anchor, and the annual St. Mary of Carmen Festival brings the whole village together every July. It borders Watertown and Brighton, giving it an urban edge that other Newton villages lack. Nonantum is especially popular with first-time buyers who want newton schools at the lowest newton price point and investors looking for two-family and multi-family properties in a strong school district. Contact Steinmetz Real Estate for a personalized tour of Nonantum.
What are home prices in Nonantum, Newton?
Homes in Nonantum typically range from $600K–$950K. The Newton market has seen a +6.2% year-over-year price change. Sarina Steinmetz has 26+ years of experience in this neighborhood — call (617) 610-0207 for a precise valuation.
What types of homes are in Nonantum?
Nonantum features Cape Cod, Colonial, Two-family, Multi-family, Bungalow, Ranch homes. Newton's most affordable village. Modest single-family homes, many from the 1920s-1950s, on smaller lots. A good number of two-families and multi-family homes. Some homes need updating, which creates Browse active listings in Newton on our listings page.
How is the commute from Nonantum, Newton?
No Green Line stop in Nonantum — this is a bus and car village. The 59 bus runs along Watertown Street connecting to Newtonville and Watertown Square. Mass Pike access is quick via Newton Corner. Many residents commute to Cambridge and Watertown, which are both adjacent. Bike path along the Charles River connects to the larger path network. From Newton, the drive to Downtown Boston (Financial District) is approximately 25-40 min and 35-45 min (Green Line D) by transit.
What are the best schools near Nonantum?
Served by Horace Mann Elementary (K-5), which has a diverse student body and strong community engagement. Feeds into F.A. Day Middle School. High school is Newton North. Horace Mann reflects the tight-knit Nonantum community — it's a school where parents are very involved. Top-rated schools include Newton North High School (9/10), Newton South High School (9/10), F.A. Day Middle School (8/10). The Steinmetz team can help you verify school zones for specific addresses in Nonantum.
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Nonantum is just one part of what makes Newton special.