Best Places to Shop in Newton, MA

Seven miles due west of Downtown Boston, Newton, Massachusetts, offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern convenience, making it a stand-out destination for those with any number of interests. However, those searching for some retail therapy will find Newton exceptionally accommodating, whether you're in the market for high-end fashion, specialty boutiques, or charming local shops. Here are some of the best places to shop in Newton.

Needham Street, Newton Highlands and Newton Upper Falls

What better place to begin our tour of Newton's top shopping destinations than on one of its most vibrant thoroughfares—Needham Street? From Winchester Street in Newton Highlands, stretching more than half a mile to the Charles River in Newton Upper Falls, Needham Street is a bustling commercial hub featuring several shopping centers and independent stores. Key destinations along this stretch include:

Newton Nexus: Built as a modern streetscape that gives way to the broader central-square type retail center, the Newton Nexus shopping campus offers a mix of big-name retailers and local businesses, providing everything from fashion and electronics to dining and fitness. Notable retailers include Boston Ski+Tennis, BFresh by Stop & Shop, Sierra Trading Post, and TJ Maxx. In addition to the retail spaces, visitors will find the Boston Ballet's Newton Studio.

The Shops at 300 Needham: Near the end of the Needham Street Retail Corridor, the Shops at 300 Needham is another collective of shops and services that further enhance the convenience of calling this charming area of Newtown home. Adjacent to the center are HomeGoods, Marshalls, Michaels, and Pet's Mart.

Walnut Street & Newtonville Avenue, Newtonville

With the exception of Whole Foods at the corner of Crafts Street and Washington Street, shopping in Newtonville trades big-name retailers for a quaint and decidedly village-like experience with a focus on local businesses and community charm. Straddling the Massachusetts Turnpike, the area is home to an array of specialty shops, including unique bookstores, artisan boutiques, and cozy cafes and eateries. The experience is made more magical given the primary business district is surrounded by Victorian-era homes, Romanesque, Renaissance, and Gothic Revival architecture and includes a portion of the Newtonville Historic District.

93 Union Street, Newton Centre

Next, we travel to the heart of Newton and one of its most prominent villages, Newton Centre. The largely residential enclave, home to Crystal Lake and the Wilson Conservation Area, also boasts a quaint and delightful retail scene punctuated by the endlessly charming Piccadilly Square. Effectively serving as Newton Centre's de facto town square, Piccadilly's collection of boutique shops, salons and spas, and an array of restaurants sits against a backdrop of historic architecture. The area is known for its vibrant atmosphere and pedestrian-friendly streets, with direct access to the MBTA's Newton Centre station. Key highlights include the boutiques of Dear Duchess and Folklorica, the award-winning Derby Farm Flowers & Gardens, and favorite local eateries Cafe St. Petersburg, PHO Viet's II, and SALT Patisserie.

200 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill

A few minute's drive from neighboring Newton Centre is the sought-after village of Chestnut Hill. Most widely known as the home to Boston College, Chestnut Hill also features two exceedingly high-end retail centers directly across one another on either side of Boylston Street and a third, which sits immediately to the east.  The first of these, to the south of Boylston, is Chestnut Hill Square, an upscale outdoor strip center that includes a mix of retail stores, dining options, and fitness centers. Among its most noteworthy tenants are retailers Anthropologie and Athleta, the health-centered SoulCycle and Sweetgreen, and the luxe dining of The Capital Grille and Seasons 52.

199 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill

Immediately north of Chestnut Hill Square, you'll find The Shops at Chestnut Hill, Newton's premier luxury shopping destination. The traditional yet hyper-stylish mall features over 50 upscale brands, including Newton's only Apple Store, two Bloomingdale's, Brooks Brothers, Coach, Michale Kors, Tiffany & Co., and Uniqlo. For dining, The Shops boasts the always exceptional Cheesecake Factory.

33 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill

Completing the trifecta of Chestnut Hill luxury shopping destinations is The Street at Chestnut Hill. A dynamic, multi-use, open-air shopping center that combines high-end retail with an inviting (and pet-friendly) community atmosphere, The Street boasts a curated selection of over 70 fashion, beauty, and lifestyle stores. The impressive retail roster includes popular brands like Lululemon, Nike Well Collective, and Warby Parker, locally owned shops such as Hummingbird Books, and several specialty and entertainment venues like Solidcore, Skin Laundry, and Showcase Superlux, which is considered Boston's best luxury movie theater. The Street also features a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants to delectable dessert shops.

Beyond Newton's diverse shopping experience, the city and its 13 villages feature some of Greater Boston's most desirable luxury homes and neighborhoods. From the upscale elegance of Chestnut Hill to the charm and serenity of Newton Centre, the Newton lifestyle is unparalleled.

If you're interested in exploring Newton homes for sale, contact Cindy Laughrea today to start your home-buying journey. Whether seeking a historic property or more contemporary luxury, allow Cindy's experience and expertise to help you navigate Newton's exceptional residential marketplace.