I am from Newton. As far as the Massachusetts area goes, it is about the nicest place to live except for Beacon Hill or Back Bay. Newton is a pretty, safe area which is outside of the city but close enough so that you can commute to Boston for work, school, the theater, etc. Moreover, Newton itself has plenty of shops, restaurants, and theaters which will give you fun things to do after hours despite it being in the suburbs.

That said, I do not come from a well-off background so from my own experience the degree of affluence in Newton may be alienating when initially moving there. It is expensive as well. However, if you can afford it and are looking for a nice place near Boston to raise children, it is a fine place to live.

I have not "met" Joe or Caroline Kennedy in the sense that I did not speak to them or shake their hand, but I have seen them speak in person and was relatively close to the stage. I was really impressed by Caroline Kennedy, who came across as a very bright, thoughtful, and principled individual. I do like Joe Kennedy, but he did not make much of an impression on me as a speaker.