In the late 1800s, Newton Jct City's population numbered approximately 850 residents. This population was largely made up of Irish immigrants. In fact, by 1865, 17% of the city's residents were Irish-born. The city's economy was heavily dependent on manufacturing, especially in the carriage industry. In the 1850s, the city had several carriage manufacturers, including Edward Hayford & Son. The company, located at the intersection of S. Main and Highland St., produced over 1,000 carriages a year and shipped them throughout the United States. Today, the Historical Society of Newton owns two of these original carriages.
Today, the community is growing, based on a mix of retail and residential areas. The town has a strong sense of community and is tied to its mill town history. While the city is home to a variety of businesses and residential properties, it is also a destination for equestrian sports.
The area was settled in the early 1640s. After the colonial period, the community grew outward along the Charles River, resulting in three well-defined villages: Upper Falls, Lower Falls, and Newton Corner. The civic center of the city remained in Centre, and in 1826, the Theological Institution was established. By the mid-1820s, the Washington Street corridor was already a hub of commerce.
Architecture in Newton has an interesting mix of architectural styles, ranging from the vernacular Georgian farmhouses to high-style Victorian homes. The city's close proximity to Boston inspired local architects to adapt the styles of their Boston neighbors.