Thinking about moving to Newton, NC? Located in the center of Catawba County, Newton’s was incorporated in 1855, and its motto is “The Heart of Catawba County”. The city was named after Isaac Newton Wilson, a state legislator who created the county, and Newton is famous for its furniture and textile industry. More than 50% of the country’s furniture is produced within a 200-mile radius of Newton. About an hour from Charlotte, Newton, NC, is about 84 miles from Asheville, NC, giving people living in Newton easy access to bigger cities while enjoying a great place to raise a family, a good community, and fun local things to do, including a bustling downtown area with a nice variety of restaurants and bars.
As such, Newton NC is a nice place to live. Here’s what you can look forward to after relocating to Newton!
Table of Contents
Where is Newton?
Newton is the county seat of Catawba County and part of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical area in North Carolina. The city is bordered by Maiden in the south, Conover in the north, and Hickory in the northwest. It is about 9 miles from Hickory to Newton.
The city is located in the foothills of the mountains and is about 42 miles from Newton to Charlotte via NC-16 South.
While the city is small, it offers public transportation through Greenway buses throughout Conover, Hickory, and Newton in Catawba County.
Newton Population & Demographics
The Newton population is 12,968 according to the 2010 Census, making it the second largest population of the cities located in Catawba County. Catawba County has a population of 160,610 as of the 2021 Census.
The racial and ethnic composition of Newton is 72% white, 12% Hispanic or Latino, 11% black or African American, 9% other, and 4% two or more races.
Is Newton a good place to live? Residents think so… as do the few notable people who have called Newton their home at some point, including singer-songwriter and pianist Tori Amos, Rashad Coulter, MMA fighter, and Shane Lee, NASCAR driver.
Additional Newton demographics:
- Population density: 948.1 people per square mile
- Median age: 44.1
- Sex ratio: 54% females, 46% males
- Median household income: $55,391
- Educational attainment: 87.5% graduate high school or higher, 22.1% bachelor’s degree or higher
- Foreign-born population: 5.1%
Newton is a safe place to live with an average crime rate of 242, which is higher than about 81.5% of US cities, but the 2020 crime rate in Newton decreased by 11% compared to 2019. The violent crime rate has steadily been declining over the last five years. After moving to Newton, you will be served by the Newton Police Department.
Cost of Living in Newton
Being among the most sought-after places to live in the state, Newton is more expensive than other cities in North Carolina and slightly above the US average but still considered affordable. The Newton cost of living index is 106, making it 6% more expensive than the national average. By comparison, the North Carolina cost of living index is 95%. Transportation in Newton is more affordable than the national average, but groceries, utilities, and housing are all above average.
Housing is the largest factor affecting your cost of living after moving to Newton, North Carolina. The median price of houses for sale in Newton NC is $250,000, up 11.1% year-over-year. The average home sells for 1% below the listing price in about 50 days, while hot homes sell for about 1% over list price in a little over 30 days.
Are you planning to rent while living in Newton? The average rent is about $801, according to ApartmentFinder.
According to the Economic Policy Institute, a family of four would need to earn $72,491 per year to afford to live in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton Metropolitan Statistical area.
Typical Newton area living expenses according to Numbeo (numbers are based on nearby Hickory):
- Meal in an inexpensive restaurant – $15
- 12-ounce bottle of Coke or Pepsi – $2
- 1 gallon of milk – $3.55
- Dozen of eggs – $2.68
- Average monthly utility cost in Newton (electric, heat, cooling, garbage, water) is $77.50
Newton Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Newton
Will you like living in Newton? Here you’ll find a variety of neighborhoods to choose from.
Startown – Desirable Family-Friendly Neighborhood with Affordable Rentals
While the median real estate price in Startown is more expensive than most neighborhoods in the state at $319,656, the average rental price in Startown is lower than most of the state. The suburban neighborhood primarily comprises three to four bedroom, single-family homes, and high-rise apartments.
Community of Maple Ridge – New Homes Within the City Limits of Newton
For families looking for country living lifestyles but still within the Newton city limits and within a 1.5-hour commute from Charlotte, Asheville, and Winston-Salem – Maple Ridge is the ideal neighborhood. Choose from new single family homes featuring open floor plans, stainless steel appliances, and granite countertops.
Newton Weather & Climate
The majority of North Carolina, including Newton, has a Koppen climate classification of Cfa, which is a humid subtropical climate. The best time to visit Newton for outdoor activities is from mid-May to mid-June and then mid-August to early October. The hot season runs from May to September, with daily high average temperatures of 87 degrees.
August also receives the most rainfall – an average of 3.4 inches – so you’ll want to bring along an umbrella to stay dry during the quick precipitation showers! January receives the least amount of rain at 2.8 inches but is the month with the most snow, at an average of 3.1 inches. The cold season lasts from November to February, with average daily temperatures below 58 degrees. Does it snow in Newton? A little – the city receives snow for about 3.5 months out of the year, between December and March.
Things to Do in Newton
One of the benefits of living in Newton is that residents also enjoy convenient shopping right in Newton, including Marketplace Center Shopping Mall and the Plaza Latina Shopping Mall. There’s also a Walmart for your everyday needs, and Burkes Outlet for unique apparel and accessories. While the best things to do in Newton may actually fall just outside the city boundaries in neighboring towns and cities, Newton has a nice list of attractions to keep you busy.
Pin Station
Pin Station is a family-friendly attraction in Newton, where people of all ages can bowl on a league or during open bowling times. Stop in for date night on Friday or Saturday evenings and enjoy Cosmic Bowling. The bowling alley also features kids’ birthday parties.
525 W. A. St, Newton, NC 28658 | (828) 466-2695
Southside Park
Featuring a mile-long track for running and jogging, Southside Park is a safe and well-maintained park with fun things to do in Newton for kids and adults. There are lots of picnic tables, soccer, and volleyball nets, a playground, and movies in the park.
1775 Southwest Blvd, Newton, NC 28658 | (828) 695-4317
Heritage Trail Greenway
If you’re looking for dog-friendly things to do in Newton with the kids (or without!), walking the trail at Heritage Trail Greenway is a pleasant way to spend the afternoon. It’s about 1.5 miles from one end to the other, and the trail is mostly packed down and shaded for easy walking.
1410 W 7th St, Newton, NC 28658 | (828) 465-7470
Catawba County Museum of History
One of the best things to do in Newton on a rainy day or in winter, the Catawba County Museum of History is a free family activity featuring three floors of exhibits and a courthouse. It’s a great place to learn about Catawba County’s history and heritage.
30 N. College Ave, Newton, NC 28658 | (828) 465-0383
Additional Attractions In and Near Newton
The Newton Parks and Recreation Department maintains the cities parks and trails and provides a diverse program of recreational and cultural leisure opportunities, from pickleball to tai chi for seniors, soccer, yoga, and fun community challenges, there is truly something for everyone.
Newton Restaurants
The Hen & Egg
Hen & Egg. An American restaurant is known for its extensive breakfast menu, including chicken and waffles, fried green tomatoes, and French toast with lemon glaze and berries.
204 N College Ave, Newton, NC 28658 | (828) 994-4159
Dick’s Cafe
Dick’s Cafe. Affordable prices and friendly service have kept this small cafe busy for over 40 years. You may have to wait outside until a table opens up, but customers say it’s worth the wait. Daily specials like steak, baked potato, and salads, or enjoy the best grits in town.
2207 N Main Ave, Newton, NC 28658 | (828) 464-7920
Palermo’s Family Italian & Greek Restaurant
Palermo’s Family Italian & Greek Restaurant. Just over the line from Newton in Conver, Palermo’s offers generous portions, a menu with a wide variety of options, and everything is served fresh. 924 Conover Blvd W, Conover, NC 28613 | (828) 994-4346
Jobs in Newton
The unemployment rate is 4.5%, which is below the US average of 6%. The average salary in Newton is $16.69 per hour, according to Payscale. The median household income in Newton in 2021 was $55,391. If you’re looking for jobs in Newton, the top employers in the city include GKN Driveline, United Church Homes and Services, McCreaery Modern Inc, and Getrag. There are also openings working for the government in Newton.
Newton Schools
While living in Newton, your family will be served by the Newton-Conover City School District. The district offers four elementary schools in Newton or nearby Conover, and a middle school. The two best high schools in Newton are Newton-Conover high school, and Discovery High, which features a college preparatory 9-12 education through a project-based curriculum.
There are three colleges in the immediate area, including Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, Catawba Valley Community College in Hickory, and Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute in Hudson.
The Catawba County Library is a free public library offering books, learning opportunities, events for all ages, and arts programming.
Newton Statistics & Information
- County: Catawba County
- Newton Area: 13.85 square miles
- Newton Zip Code: 28658
- Newton Area Code(s): 828
- Newton Elevation: 1,001 ft
- Newton Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST)
- Closest Airport to Newton: Charlotte Douglas International Airport, CLT, 46 miles from Newton
Newton, NC Map
Explore more things to do, restaurants, and amenities with this map of Newton:
Conclusion
Ready to enjoy an amazing quality of life while living in Newton? Call Make a Move Today for a free moving quote from our reputable 5-star Newton movers!
