Auburndale
Auburndale is a friendly, close-knit village along the Charles River offering a welcoming small-town atmosphere, convenient commuter rail access, and some of Newton's most accessible price points with a median around $950,000. Known for its diverse housing from charming bungalows to stately Colonials, Auburndale provides an affordable gateway to Newton's excellent school district and high quality of life.
$950,000
Median Price
$450K – $2M
Price Range
65
Walk Score
8/10
School Rating
25 min via Commuter Rail
Commute to Boston
Newton, MA
Location
What Is Auburndale Like?
Auburndale occupies Newton's western edge along the scenic Charles River, giving the village a natural beauty that many Newton neighborhoods lack. The village center along Auburn Street features a small but appreciated cluster of local businesses, including restaurants, a hardware store, and everyday services. The MBTA Commuter Rail station provides direct service to Boston, making Auburndale a practical choice for downtown commuters. The neighborhood's housing stock is remarkably diverse — from charming 1920s bungalows and Cape Cods on compact lots to handsome Colonials and larger family homes on quieter streets. This range creates one of Newton's most economically diverse communities, welcoming first-time buyers alongside established families. Auburndale straddles both sides of the Mass Turnpike, with distinct sub-neighborhoods north and south of the highway. The Charles River reservation provides beautiful walking and biking trails, and the historic Norumbega Park site adds local character. Schools include Countryside Elementary, F.A. Day Middle School, and Newton North High School. Auburndale's combination of affordability, transit access, river setting, and Newton's school district makes it an exceptional value.
What Are Home Prices in Auburndale?
Auburndale's median home price of approximately $950,000 makes it one of Newton's most accessible villages for buyers seeking entry into the school district. Prices range from around $450,000 for condos and smaller properties to $2 million for prime single-family homes. The housing stock is diverse: 1920s-era bungalows, Cape Cods, Colonials, multi-family homes, and some newer construction. South of the Mass Turnpike tends to be more residential and slightly higher-priced, while north of the Pike offers more compact, walkable streets. The market moves at a moderate pace with homes averaging 14-20 days on market. Year-over-year appreciation has been 4-5%, slightly below Newton's hottest villages but still reflecting strong demand.
What Are the Schools Like in Auburndale?
Auburndale students attend Countryside Elementary School, a well-regarded school with strong community ties. Students then progress to F.A. Day Middle School and Newton North High School, which is consistently ranked among Massachusetts' finest public high schools. Newton North offers extensive AP courses, diverse extracurricular activities, competitive athletics, and excellent college placement. The school quality is a primary draw for families choosing Auburndale as an affordable entry point to Newton's celebrated school district.
Where to Eat and Shop in Auburndale?
Auburndale's village center on Auburn Street offers a modest but growing collection of local businesses. Several restaurants serve the neighborhood, and the nearby Nonantum area adds Italian-American dining options. For larger shopping needs, the Watertown Mall and Arsenal Yards are a short drive east, and the Needham Street retail corridor is accessible to the south. The village center serves everyday needs with a convenience store, dry cleaners, and personal services. Auburndale's commercial district is less developed than some Newton villages, but residents appreciate its low-key character.
Parks & Recreation in Auburndale
Auburndale's greatest natural asset is the Charles River reservation, which provides miles of scenic walking, biking, and jogging trails along the riverbank. Norumbega Park, a historic recreational area along the river, offers green space and a connection to the village's past. The Leo J. Martin Golf Course is located nearby. Several neighborhood playgrounds serve families, and Newton's park system provides additional recreation options throughout the city. The river setting gives Auburndale an outdoor recreational advantage that inland Newton villages lack.
How Do You Get Around Auburndale?
The MBTA Commuter Rail station (Framingham/Worcester line) in Auburndale provides direct service to Boston's Back Bay and South Station. The Massachusetts Turnpike runs through the village, offering convenient highway access to Boston and western suburbs. Route 16 provides cross-town connectivity. Bus routes supplement rail service. The walk score of 65 indicates moderate walkability — the village center and commuter rail are accessible on foot for nearby residents, but a car is useful for broader errands and accessing other Newton villages.
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Neighborhood Highlights
- ✓Charles River
- ✓Commuter Rail
- ✓Norumbega Park
- ✓Diverse housing
Frequently Asked Questions
Auburndale FAQ
What is Auburndale, Newton like?
Auburndale is a friendly village along the Charles River in western Newton, offering commuter rail access to Boston, diverse housing, and some of Newton's most accessible prices. It provides a welcoming gateway to Newton's excellent school district.
What are home prices in Auburndale?
Auburndale's median home price is approximately $950,000, making it one of Newton's most affordable villages. Prices range from about $450,000 for condos to $2 million for larger single-family homes.
What schools serve Auburndale?
Auburndale students attend Countryside Elementary School, F.A. Day Middle School, and Newton North High School — one of Massachusetts' top public high schools. The school quality is a primary draw for families.
How do you commute from Auburndale to Boston?
The MBTA Commuter Rail provides direct service from Auburndale to Boston's Back Bay and South Station. The Mass Turnpike runs through the village for convenient highway access. Bus routes offer additional options.
Is Auburndale affordable?
Auburndale is one of Newton's most affordable villages with a median price of $950,000. Condos start around $450,000, making it a popular entry point for buyers wanting access to Newton's top-rated school district.
What is along the Charles River in Auburndale?
The Charles River reservation in Auburndale provides miles of walking, biking, and jogging trails. Norumbega Park offers green space along the river. The setting gives Auburndale a natural beauty advantage over many Newton villages.
What types of homes are in Auburndale?
Auburndale features 1920s bungalows, Cape Cods, Colonial-style homes, multi-family properties, and some newer construction. This diverse housing stock offers options for first-time buyers and established families alike.
Is Auburndale walkable?
Auburndale has a walk score of 65 with a small village center and commuter rail within walking distance for nearby residents. A car is useful for broader errands, but the Charles River trails provide excellent walking and biking.
How does Auburndale compare to other Newton villages?
Auburndale offers Newton's school district and quality of life at more accessible prices than villages like Chestnut Hill or Waban. It trades walkable village centers for Charles River scenery and commuter rail convenience.
Is Auburndale good for first-time homebuyers?
Auburndale is one of Newton's best options for first-time buyers, with condos starting around $450,000 and single-family homes from $650,000. Buyers get Newton's top schools, commuter rail access, and Charles River recreation at more accessible prices.