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City of Newton

401 North Main Avenue
828-695-4300

About Us:
The City of Newton is located in Catawba County, positioned in the triangle formed by Asheville to the northwest, Winston-Salem to the northeast, and Charlotte to the southeast, all within an hour-and-a-half drive. The gently rolling terrain blends into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains offering residents and visitors an abundance of scenic attractions, a wealth of recreational options, and a temperate climate with four seasons that are as distinct as they are mild.

The shelter of the mountains moderate winter temperatures and provides refreshing summer breezes providing an environment and ambiance favorable for year-round outdoor activities. Newton’s average annual temperature is 57 degrees F, with a range of 41 F in January to 77 F in July. The usual freeze-free period extends from the first week of April to the first week of November. Precipitation averages 49 inches yearly. The City’s location in the foothills of the mountains exerts a strong influence on the comfortable and pleasing climate. Elevation within the county ranges from 705 to 1780 feet, with Newton averaging about 1000 feet.

Newton was selected as the county seat in 1845 and was incorporated in 1855. The second largest city in the county, Newton was experienced a steady rate of growth since 1970, expanding from 7,600 to the current population of over 13,000 people. The City has a wide array of advantages – challenging places to work, low cost of living, diverse cultures, a vast array of recreational opportunities, arts and culture, and an unparalleled lifestyle. In fact, Catawba County has been recognized as being one of the top ten areas in American to raise family.

Over the past several years, Newton has sought to diversify and balance its threatened traditional manufacturing base. A productive partnership with the County and regional economic development organizations has produced a comprehensive methodology for identifying and recruiting new business and industry, both manufacturing and non-manufacturing. The transition from a traditional manufacturing economy to a more modern, diversified structure has benefited from a pool of skilled, productive workers loyal to the area. With hard work and determination, Newton has been highly successful in advancing its economy.

Newton has created an enviable living environment offering friendly neighborhoods and hospitable businesses, shops, and restaurants. The Downtown Newton Development Association has created an effective public-private collaboration to promote business development and preserve the friendly atmosphere of the downtown business district. This district includes the city government complex, the historical museum, and residential properties.

On the Square in the downtown area, visitors can get a sense of Newton’s past at the Catawba County Museum of History, where the region’s story is artfully displayed in the unique setting of the former Catawba County Courthouse, an imposing National Register Renaissance Revival structure built in 1924. Other attractions include the Historic Newton Depot and Museum, and the Newton-Conover Civic & Performance Place. The Newton Parks & Recreation Department helps advance the attractiveness of the community and its quality of life through a diverse and comprehensive program of recreational, educational, and cultural programs for both old and young alike.


Recent News

Newton Honored with National Financial Award for 38th Consecutive Year

Newton, NC - For the 38th consecutive year, the City of Newton has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Newton Finance Department received the certificate from the Government Finance…

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The Corner Table Receives New Van Funded with Portion of $900,000 Grant Awarded to City of Newton

Newton, NC - Newton is pleased to announce the delivery of a new cargo van to The Corner Table. Purchase of the van was made possible with funding awarded to the City of Newton by the North Carolina Department of Commerce’s Rural Economic…

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Newton Residents Encouraged to Attend Public Open House to Review the Draft Vision for Comprehensive Plan

Progress continues on community-drawn blueprint for growth and success Newton, NC - Members of the Newton community are invited to continue shaping the City’s upcoming comprehensive plan during a public open house from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.…

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Newton Appearance Commission Presents Yard of the Month, Looking Good Program Honors

Newton, NC - The Newton Appearance Commission is pleased to announce the recent recipients of the Yard of the Month and Looking Good Program honors. The Yard of the Month honor is a summer tradition that recognizes residents who maintain the most…

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Newton Splash Pad Opens for Summer Season

Newton, NC - The Newton Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to announce the Newton Splash Pad is open for the 2023 Season. The splash pad will operate through Labor Day from 1 to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.…

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City of Newton : Chairmen of the Board to open Downtown Newton's Musicon Main Summer Concert Series News -June2023

Chairmen of the Board to open Downtown Newton’s Music on Main Summer Concert Series Free concert in celebration of Juneteenth to feature legends of soul music on June 15 NEWTON, NC—Downtown Newton’s Music on Main Summer Concert…

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City of Newton News - Newton Spring Yard Sale is May 20 at Southside Park

Newton, NC - The Newton Spring Yard Sale, which was originally scheduled April 22, will be held from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20, at Southside Park. More than 30 vendors have reserved spaces, so attendees can expect to discover a trove…

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City of Newton News - Blueprint Newton: A Community-drawn Plan for a City’s Future

Blueprint Newton: A community-drawn plan for a city’s future Update to comprehensive plan will begin with community open house on March 9 Newton is undergoing a transformation. As entrepreneurs and developers increasingly choose to invest…

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City Of Newton : Mural To Complement Downtown Newton's Revitalization

Newton Public Art Commission announces the installation of a new mural by Osiris Rain, an internationally renowned muralist and painter. The community is invited to celebrate this large-scale public art commission—which will become the…

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City of Newton : Receives Financial Reporting Award

NEWTON, NC—For the 37th consecutive year, the City of Newton has been awarded the prestigious Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The Newton Finance Department received the certificate from the Government…

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City of Newton : 12 Days of Christmas Activities at Newton Parks and Recreation

NEWTON, NC—The Newton Parks and Recreation Department presents 12 Days of Christmas Activities, a series of events and contests during the holiday season designed to be fun for the whole family. Seniors Jingle Bell Express, Dec. 15 Newton…

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City of Newton News - Newton Fall Harvest/Halloween Decorating Contest Winners

Winners of Fall Harvest/Halloween Decorating Contest announced The Newton Parks and Recreation Department and Newton Appearance Commission are pleased to announce the winners of their Fall Harvest/Halloween Decorating Contest. Gregg Laws of…

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City Of Newton Curbside Leaf Collection

Curbside leaf collection service, which helps citizens dispose of leaves and ensures storm drains remain unclogged, is under way in Newton. Collection is scheduled to run through Jan. 13. Collection trucks run a route that begins at the south end…

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City of Newton : Halloween Spooktacular is October 29

NEWTON, NC—Newton’s Halloween Spooktacular will cast its spell on Southside Park the evening of Saturday, Oct. 29. Presented by Newton Parks and Recreation Department and Downtown Newton Development Association (DNDA), the annual fall…

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City of Newton - Recycling stations open for Newton residents Additional drop-off locations to be added citywide through Nov. 1, 2022

NEWTON, NC—Two of Newton’s new recycling stations are open for use by residents. Residents have access to the new stations 24/7 and may drop off recyclables as often as they choose. Recycling stations are open at: Northside Park,…

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Newton Fall Breeze and Autumn Leaves Yard Sale Rescheduled for Sept. 17

Newton, NC - The Newton Parks and Recreation Department’s Fall Breeze & Autumn Leaves Yard Sale has been postponed until Saturday, Sept. 17, due to forecast inclement weather with potentially heavy rain. The communitywide sale is now…

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Newton to Host U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree

U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to visit Newton: “The People’s Tree” will spread holiday joy during journey from North Carolina to Washington, D.C. NEWTON, NC - Each year, a different national forest provides a tree to light up…

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City Of Newton Receives $33.75 Million In State Budget For Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion

Newton will receive a $33.75 million appropriation from the State of North Carolina to fund a major expansion of the city’s wastewater treatment facility. The upgrades will add 2.5 million gallons of capacity per day to the facility and allow…

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City of Newton News - Newton Wins Electric Safety Award

NEWTON WINS ELECTRIC SAFETY AWARD The Newton Electric Department was recently honored with the North Carolina Association of Municipal Electric Systems Safety Award for 2021. The award recognizes the staff of the Newton Electric Department for…

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Newton Awarded $900,000 Through Rural Transformation Grant Fund

NEWTON, NC—Newton is excited to announce the North Carolina Department of Commerce recently awarded the city a $900,000 grant to fund the Downtown Newton Economic Infrastructure Revitalization Project. The grant was awarded through the Rural…

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City of Newton Yard Of The Month

NEWTON, NC—Do you or someone you know have a yard that deserves recognition? The Newton Appearance Commission invites you to nominate that special yard for the Yard of the Month honor. The commission will choose one yard to receive the Yard…

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