Get to Know: Newton
In Newton, attractions like Iowa Speedway and Valle Drive-In catch your eye, but it’s the sense of community that make it a great place in Greater Des Moines (DSM) to call home. This city, east of Des Moines, continues to invest in downtown spaces like Harmony Park, a green space designed to host events and encourage play with interactive features like dancing water and musical sculptures.
Major employers such as The Vernon Company and TPI Composites provide career opportunities in the area. Spend time shopping at EarthWise Pet or relaxing at Gezellig Brewing Co. in Legacy Plaza. A visit to Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens offers more than six acres of trees, flowers and wetlands. Maytag Park also provides a historic setting for community events, bandshell concerts, a disc golf course, pool and more.
Newton at a Glance
- Population: 15,709 (2024, US Census Bureau)
- Location within Greater Des Moines: East
- Distance from Des Moines: 34.3 miles
- Type of Community: Town
- School District: Newton Community School District
- County: Jasper
Newton in one sentence: Newton focuses on providing a safe community with a high quality of life, engaged residents and a strong business community.
The top five best things about Newton: Newton is known for its strong educational opportunities, access to post-secondary education, a vibrant downtown — from the historic square to Legacy Plaza — and a diverse mix of local and regional employers.
Education: The Newton Community School District serves K–12 students with a wide range of academic, athletic and artistic opportunities. Recent investments in facilities, including a new middle school, reflect strong community support for education. The district is also home to a National Blue Ribbon School and multiple Capturing Kids' Hearts National Showcase Schools, demonstrating a commitment to student success and well-being.
Post-Secondary Education: Des Moines Area Community College Newton Campus provides opportunities for students of all ages to earn a degree, build skills or prepare for a new career. The campus offers affordable tuition, small class sizes and modern facilities. The nearby Jasper County Career Academy also gives high school students the opportunity to earn college credits and explore career pathways.
Downtown: Newton's centrally located, historic downtown defines the city’s character and culture. Downtown Newton is a visually dynamic showplace and a vibrant district with diverse shopping, dining, living and entertainment. A cohesive design plan and complementing financial incentives encourage property owners to invest in their buildings and respect a balance between downtown’s historic integrity and modern elements and improvements.
Employers: Newton is home to several major employers, including Thombert, Graphic Packaging, TPI Composites, Arcosa and MercyOne Newton Medical Center. These organizations are supported by a strong workforce and complemented by a growing base of locally owned businesses.
Hidden Gems and Unexpected Finds in Newton: Newton has not one, but two places to catch the latest movies! The Capitol II, Newton’s local movie theater, is located downtown and is home to a local celebrity. Joy, the mini pig, is a Guinness World Records Title Holder for the Most Tricks Performed by a Pig. The Valle Drive-In, open during the summer, is the oldest and most authentic drive-in in Iowa. The Newton Arboretum & Botanical Gardens has multiple annual demonstration beds, mixed borders, shade gardens, a butterfly garden, a rose garden, a peony border and 180+ individual trees and shrubs. The Arboretum also has over 3,000 feet of hard surface trails for accessibility. The Newton YMCA is a leading nonprofit in Jasper County committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y features an indoor pool and aquatics, group fitness classes, adult and youth sports leagues, a child care center and so much more. They’ve partnered with the Newton Community School District on a pre-k program and middle school sports.
Community Traditions and Annual Events: Newton Fest, Fourth of July, the Newton High School Homecoming Parade & Pep Rally, the Annual Jasper County Courthouse Lighting and the Holiday Light Display at Maytag Park are just a few not-to-miss events in Newton.
Best Ways to Get Connected: The Newton Kiwanis and Newton Rotary are two organizations that are very active in the Newton community and have monthly meetings where residents can meet and connect with others. Volunteering for a nonprofit like United Way of Jasper County or Newton Main Street is a sure-fire way to get involved, give back and meet neighbors.
Big Things on the Horizon for Newton: With adoption of the City’s comprehensive plan, “Envision Newton 2042”, the community is planning for continued growth and investment. Efforts include renewed activity at major employers like TPI Composites and ongoing development within the Legacy Plaza Reinvestment District.
If you’re coming to check out the community, be sure to spend your day ... Exploring Newton's top attractions. Catch a race at the Iowa Speedway, enjoying outdoor activities like biking trails or disc golf, or plan a visit to Maytag Dairy Farm for a local tasting experience. Stop by Gezellig Brewing Company, a female-founded brewery on the square, or visit The Cellar Peanut Pub, a longtime local favorite.
Explore Newton's history through sites on the National Register of Historic Places, including the Fred Maytag Park Historic District and the Downtown Historic District. The city also features a vibrant art scene—visit the Centre for Arts and Artists to view local work, take a class or explore the Public Sculpture & Art Tour, which includes more than 90 pieces across the community. The Jasper County Historical Museum is another great stop to learn more about the area's history and local artists.
Some of the ways Newton advances diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI): Organizations and partners across Newton continue to advance inclusion through initiatives like multilingual communication efforts, community partnerships and programs such as the Diversity Alliance organized by DMACC Newton Campus. Efforts also include support for organizations that promote cultural connection and global relationships within the community.
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