Nonantum

# Nonantum: Historic Charm and Quiet Living for Young Families

Nonantum—locals call it "The Lake"—offers something increasingly rare: a true village feel with all the convenience of city access. For young families, this neighborhood strikes that delicate balance between tight-knit community and connection to Boston's opportunities. Here, neighbors actually know each other. Sidewalks stay active with families. And the daily logistics of life, from your morning commute to weekend grocery runs, just work.

How is the commute from Nonantum to Boston and Cambridge?

Nonantum stands out as one of Newton's most commuter-friendly villages, with a ~20-minute drive to downtown Boston via the Mass Pike and reliable express bus service.

If you're trying to balance city careers with a quieter home life, the logistics here genuinely work in your favor. You're minutes from the Newton Corner entrance to I-90, making drives into Boston—or out toward the suburbs—remarkably efficient. Prefer public transit? The Express Bus 504 and 502 run frequently from nearby Newton Corner, getting you to Copley Square or the Financial District in under 30 minutes during typical traffic conditions.

And here's something you'll appreciate after years of city living: you can actually park when you get home. Most homes feature driveways, and on-street parking is generally available for guests. It's a small luxury that makes hosting playdates or dinner parties infinitely easier.

Is Nonantum good for families and school access?

Absolutely. Nonantum is exceptionally family-friendly, anchored by top-rated schools like Lincoln-Eliot Elementary, often within a 0.5-mile walk of most homes.

The "school run" here is often just a school walk. The new Lincoln-Eliot Elementary serves as the neighborhood's heart, boasting a student-teacher ratio of 9:1—the kind of personalized attention every parent hopes for. When your kids get older, Bigelow Middle School and Newton North High School sit approximately 1.5 miles away, easily reachable by bike or a short drive.

Safety matters deeply to families, and Nonantum delivers. The neighborhood holds an overall Violent Crime Grade of A-, with a cost of crime per resident of just $146—significantly lower than the national average of $258. You'll regularly see crossing guards at major intersections and parents walking their children to school. It reinforces that village atmosphere you're looking for.

After school, many families gravitate to the library, which serves as a welcoming third space for homework and community programs.

What are the daily amenities and shopping options in Nonantum?

Daily life flows smoothly here, with charming Italian bakeries right in "The Lake" village center and major grocery stores like Whole Foods just a 5-minute drive away.

Nonantum's village center along Watertown Street has become famous for its family-owned spots—places like Antoine's Bakery where you can grab fresh bread and pastries. For your weekly grocery runs, you're strategically positioned between the Stop & Shop on Pleasant Street and the Whole Foods in Newtonville. If you want to catch a local sports game, stop into the Dooliner Pub over on West Street. Olivia's is also a popular spot for date night.

Healthcare logistics are covered too. The renowned Newton-Wellesley Hospital sits a straightforward 10-15 minute drive away, providing that peace of mind every parent needs for urgent family situations. When you need to decompress, the Charles River Greenway offers immediate access to nature walks and biking trails right at the neighborhood's edge.

What are the home prices and rental costs in Nonantum?

Nonantum offers a competitive middle-ground price point for Newton, with median home prices around $1.49M and rentals averaging $3,495/mo.

For families moving from the city, Nonantum provides a genuine step up in space without the steepest price tags you'd find in villages like Chestnut Hill or Waban. The housing stock here charms with its mix of historic single-families and thoughtfully converted multi-families, offering various entry points for buyers.

Planning to rent before buying to get a feel for the neighborhood? Nonantum remains one of the more approachable options in Newton, sitting comfortably below the rental costs of nearby Chestnut Hill.

What Would a Local Agent Watch For in Nonantum?

Having grown up walking these streets and working in residential construction, I've learned to look past the surface charm. In Nonantum specifically, I pay close attention to the structural integrity of the multi-family conversions that are common here. They offer wonderful space, but it's vital to check soundproofing and systems updates—many of these homes date back to the turn of the century.

I also advise clients to walk their specific street around 5:00 PM. Because "The Lake" is so vibrant, some streets are quiet while others serve as active thoroughfares. Knowing the difference is key to your family's daily peace and comfort. This is a diverse multigenerational neighborhood.