MetroWest Villages & Towns - Auburndale
Auburndale, which is one of the thirteen Villages of Newton, is situated at the western end of Newton near the intersection of interstate highways 90 and 95. Auburndale is home to approximately 9,000 people living in the 3,200 homes within the Village. Roughly one third of these homes were built prior to 1940 providing a historic feel to nearly every neighborhood.
William Robinson was the first major settler in Auburndale and built a house in 1678 on what is now Freeman Street. William also build the oldest existing home in Auburndale which dates back to 1730. This home was converted into a tavern for a period of time but is once again a residential home.
Auburndale remained a rural farm community until 1847 when the railroad stop expansion led to housing development. During that year, three significant housing sub-divisions were built. This was the start of the village which would later become famous as the home of Norumbega Park. The park, which originally contained a small zoo, a penny arcade and an amphitheater, became the home to the famous Totum Pole Ballroom. By the mid-1950s many swing bands had appeared at the Totum Pole as it became known. These included bands like Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Harry James. The music was broadcast throughout the nation via networks. The venue officially closed in 1964 as big swing bands faded and the site now is home to the Marriott Hotel.
Newton preserved roughly ten acres of Norumbega Park for area residents to enjoy. The Park now provides access to the Charles River, jogging and walking trails and remains a focal point of Auburndale.
Today Auburndale has become home to some of the most highly educated people in the country. In fact, according to NeighborhoodScout's analysis, better than 40% of the adults currently living in Auburndale have earned a Masters degree, medical degree, Ph.D. or law degree. This is higher than found in 98% of all U.S. neighborhoods. (1). This is due in large part to its proximity to Boston, of course, but I’d remarkable nevertheless.
Not surprisingly, Auburndale is a very desirable village within the City of Newton. While real estate values have cooled somewhat from their red hot growth phase, values continue to increase in Auburndale as inventory remains tight. Like most of the Villages of Newton, whether you’re looking to buy or sell property, specialized area knowledge is required to navigate the real estate environment.
