About Newton

Whether you’re raising a family, starting a business or building a home — you’ll want to get to know Newton. The community has many great amenities — excellent schools, unique entertainment, beautiful art displays, and parks. Established in 1846 and incorporated as a city in 1857, Newton is the county seat of Jasper County and the largest city in the county.

Newton focuses on providing a safe community with a high quality of life, engaged residents, and a strong business community. Our community vision statement is “Newton Shines Bright: Newton is a progressive, family-friendly community, a shining star of Central Iowa, and a place to call home.” We’ve received a variety of awards from the Iowa City Manager’s Association for the implementation of Newton’s Future: A Comprehensive Plan and the Get to Know Newton community outreach program. Newton was also named one of the “Top 10 Affordable Small Towns Where You Actually Want to Live”; by Realtor.com.

Location & Convenience

Located 30 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, our central Iowa location makes us the perfect city for raising a family, starting a business, or building a home. Newton is located on Interstate 80 and near Interstate 35 in the “Crossroads of the Midwest.” It’s easy for Newton residents to travel throughout the region for work, entertainment, cultural events, shopping, and nightlife. Newton is also home to Skiff Medical Center, a member of Mercy Health Network — so staying healthy in our community is easy and convenient.

Entertainment & Recreation

Newton’s entertainment & recreation options provide a plethora of activities and events for residents and visitors. From the speedway to concerts in the park, from a downtown square to a drive-in theater, from dog parks to bike trails — we have something for everyone. With organized recreation leagues and the Newton YMCA, there are also team activities for children and adults! You can enjoy a visit at Maytag Dairy Farms, join thousands of spectators for a race at the Iowa Speedway, or catch a movie at the Valle Drive-In. You can also check out great events such as the Newton Fest, Bowlful of Blues or the Iowa Sculpture Festival.

Education

Newton Community School District offers K – 12 schools that are full of academic, athletic, and artistic opportunities. The district’s motto is to do whatever it takes to ensure all students learn to think, innovate and succeed. Different students have different needs and their school experience reflects that individuality. Our entire community feels the Red Pride we have for our schools and the Cardinal sports teams.  

Newton Christian School is a community of families, staff and friends working together to provide students with a loving, nurturing environment which promotes strong academic development for K – 8 students. Their motto, “Training to a Higher Standard”, is the guiding principle for all their education.

Newton also has post-secondary opportunities. Des Moines Area Community College, Newton Campus is a place for students of all ages to begin college, enhance their skills for career advancement, or prepare for a new career. DMACC achieves academic excellence through affordable tuition, helpful staff, and small class sizes. Buena Vista University offers classes at the DMACC Newton campus and online, allowing students to complete a bachelor’s degree in a variety of majors.

Arts & Culture

Newton is passionate in its support of the arts and culture. This includes nearly 90 displays of public art (including sculptures and murals), a community theatre that performs several shows each year, talented local musicians, the annual Bowlful of Blues music festival and a historical museum that celebrates Newton’s history.