Cohen, who grew up in Newton, uses his extensive political experience to maintain a well-run city. He also credits residents, however, for their role in making the city a good place to live. They have a lot of pride, and citizen participation is high, Cohen said. We have hundreds of volunteers who use their time, energy and talent to work on various commissions and boards. That's one of our strengths.
Residents demonstrate an interest in other contemporary issues, too.
Despite its assets, Newton's home prices place it out of reach for many first-time buyers. At the turn of the century, people built these enormous Victorian homes. In fact, Newton has some of the nicest Victorian houses around. Today, big new mansions are being built by dot- commers moving to Newton. City archivist Pricilla Ritter of Chestnut Hill has lived in the city since the 1960s.