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.