Get to Know Our Community

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, a growing Central Iowa Community, invites visitors, businesses, and residents to experience our authentic, small-town charm and big city amenities.” We’ve received a variety of awards from the Iowa City Manager’s Association for the implementation of our comprehensive plans 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

website-locationLocated just 30 minutes east of downtown Des Moines, our central Iowa city of Newton is ideal for families, entrepreneurs, and homeowners alike. Situated right on Interstate 80 and close to Interstate 35, we are known as the "Crossroads of the Midwest." This strategic location ensures that Newton residents have easy access to the broader region for work, entertainment, cultural activities, shopping, and nightlife. And yet, we have plenty of businesses that call Newton home - from a vibrant Newton Main Street District featuring locally owned retail stores, business offices and restaurants to larger retailers and restaurants located throughout the community.

In addition, we take pride in being home to MercyOne Newton Medical Center and Newton Clinic, both whom provide our community with easy and convenient access to health care. Come and experience the convenience and warmth of our city, where raising a family, starting a business, and building a life all find their perfect place.

Entertainment & Recreation

website-entertainmentNewton, Iowa, is a place where entertainment and recreation flourish, providing abundant activities and events to delight residents and visitors. From the exhilarating races at the Iowa Speedway to the harmonious tunes of concerts in our scenic parks, our community offers diverse experiences. Stroll through our charming downtown square, where history meets modernity, and enjoy unique shops and local cuisine. Relish classic movie nights at the Capitol II Theatre or Valle Drive-In for a touch of nostalgia. Outdoors, discover the natural beauty of our region on bike trails, or let your furry friends frolic in our dog parks. And for those seeking camaraderie, our organized recreation leagues and the welcoming Newton YMCA provide team activities for all ages. Take the chance to tour Maytag Dairy Farms and learn about our local cheese-making heritage. Newton's entertainment and recreation scene is as varied as our welcoming community, ensuring something to delight every individual and family.

CHILDCARE & Education 

website-educationWhen you choose Newton - you have the pick of childcare and education options for your family. The 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. 

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. The Iowa Culinary Institute® Baking and Pastry Arts program is also part of the DMACC Newton Campus. Buena Vista University and DMACC have developed a 2+2 program that offers classes at the DMACC Newton campus and online, allowing students to complete a bachelor’s degree in a variety of majors.

ARTS & CULTURE

website-artsThe city of Newton takes great pride in supporting the arts and culture, which are reflections of our community's identity and the warm hospitality that we offer. We have an impressive array of artistic talents, ranging from local art galleries to community theater productions that bring stories to life. You will discover a wide range of art and music events that cater to different tastes, including public art displays throughout the community, which consist of over 90 exhibits, including bronze sculptures, murals, and more. The Centre for Arts & Artists in Newton has helped to bring talented painters, sculptors, and creators to our community, infusing their creations with small-town charm and a dash of modern flair. Whether you enjoy a cozy acoustic performance in a local café or an outdoor music festival celebrating our Midwestern roots, there is something for everyone to enjoy. The community theater productions offer a chance to experience the magic of live performances, from classic plays to contemporary dramas. It's a beautiful opportunity to connect with fellow residents and immerse yourself in captivating stories.