Newton is a vibrant community that is desirable as a place to live and work due to its proximity to Boston, nearness to various highway and public transportation systems, attractive neighborhoods and high property values, well-run municipal government, and a strong, nationally-recognized school system. Newton is one of America’s best towns in which to reside – in 2005 it was ranked America’s Safest City and regularly ranks within the top five. Newton has well maintained parks, bicycle and fitness trails, golf courses, a public pool and lake. From July through October there is an outdoor Farmer's Market. Newton has a new, state-of-the-art, award-winning Library and is home to the Jackson Homestead Museum, one of 712 nationally-accredited museums (out of 6,200 museums country-wide). Among the myriad arts and cultural organizations and activities, Newton has a Symphony Orchestra, resident theatre groups and an Arts in the Parks Program. Newton has been designated 1 of 3 cities nationwide to participate in a pilot tree bank, planting 6,800 seedlings. Newton has an extensive Institutional Network (I-Net) communications system which connects 63 municipal and institutional buildings, including all public schools. Newton was the recipient of the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Heinz Foundation awards for being the first city in the Commonwealth to administer a mandatory curbside recycling program. 90% of residents recycle, reducing incinerated tonnage by 33% and saving $468,000 in 1993. Newton was also rated "America's Safest City" in 2005 and frequents the top ten each year.