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Prospect Hill

Prospect Hill

$1,098,411 Average Value
$818 Average Price per Sq Ft
6 Homes For Sale

Prospect Hill is a residential hub with historic significance

Prospect Hill is a historic neighborhood in Somerville that is known for its long-standing charm, walkability and strong sense of community. It holds a special place in American history as the site where George Washington raised the first American flag in 1776, commemorated by the Prospect Hill Tower. The neighborhood features a mix of Victorian-era homes, classic triple-deckers and modern renovations, giving it a unique architectural character. Prospect Hill is a heavily residential neighborhood, with sidewalk-lined streets and plenty of pedestrian infrastructure. “You’ll see a lot of people walking around or walking their dogs and enjoying their immediate streets,” says Jennifer Keenan, a local Realtor and founder of 4Squares Residential Group at Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest. “This is a generally flat area, which is nice because things can get hilly here.” Prospect Hill has an overall CAP Index Crime Score of 4 out of 10, on par with the national average of 4.

Prospect Hill Park once was a watch tower used by American troops in the War of Independence.
Prospect Hill Park once was a watch tower used by American troops in the War of Independence.
Take in the city views of Somerville at Prospect Hill Park.
Take in the city views of Somerville at Prospect Hill Park.
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Median housing cost hovers around $900,000

The housing market in Prospect Hill reflects a mixture of stability and competitiveness. Colonial-style and farmhouse-inspired architecture is the norm here, and potential buyers will also find Victorians and attached rowhouses. The median overall sale price is approximately $900,000, but single-family homes in the area are priced higher, with a median of nearly $1,400,000. Homes tend to sell relatively quickly, averaging 46 days on the market—slightly faster than the national average of more than 50 days. “There is a mix of single-family and multifamily homes, as well as townhouses and condos,” Keenan says. “You might also have a condo that looks like it’s in a house because the property was converted from an original two-family home into condos split by floor levels.”

Prospect Hill homes often feature bright, vivid exteriors.
Prospect Hill homes often feature bright, vivid exteriors.
This three-family unit sits tall and prominent at the corner of Concord Square in Prospect Hill.
This three-family unit sits tall and prominent at the corner of Concord Square in Prospect Hill.
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Top-rated universities and high marks for public schools

Students living in Prospect Hill are served by Somerville Public Schools, which receives an overall A-minus rating from Niche. Prekindergarten through eighth-grade learners can attend the B-rated Albert F. Argenziano School, while older students in grades nine through 12 head to Somerville High School, rated A-minus. The high school has its own Center for Career and Technical Education, where students can enroll in programs focused on fields like carpentry, cosmetology and engineering. There are several institutions of higher learning in the area, including Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in neighboring Cambridge and Tufts University in nearby Medford.

The play area next to Somerville High School has views of the Tobin Bridge in Sommerville, MA.
The play area next to Somerville High School has views of the Tobin Bridge in Sommerville, MA.
The student count is roughly 550 at Argenziano School in Somerville.
The student count is roughly 550 at Argenziano School in Somerville.
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Parks, gardens and trails offer nature and history in Prospect Hill

Prospect Hill is a neighborhood full of green spaces. Prospect Hill Park, where George Washington is said to have raised the first American flag, features a memorial tower with city views and interpretive signage. Recent upgrades have added accessible trails, native plants and better lighting, making it a welcoming spot for walkers and history buffs. Nearby, the Durell Community Garden offers a quieter retreat where residents can garden, compost and connect with neighbors. Lincoln Park is a larger, activity-packed space with a playground, splash pad, sports fields and a unique parkour area. The park's design is meant to be sustainable, featuring permeable surfaces and native landscaping.

There's a stretch of grass on either side of Prospect Hill Park.
There's a stretch of grass on either side of Prospect Hill Park.
The kids will love that Lincoln Park is right next to Argenziano School in Somerville.
The kids will love that Lincoln Park is right next to Argenziano School in Somerville.
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Shopping, dining and events around Union Square

Prospect Hill’s atmosphere is kept lively with a growing number of shopping and dining options around Union Square Station, including Union Square Donuts, Backbar and Juliet restaurant. The Somerville Arts Council puts together community events in this area, like the annual Ignite festival, which celebrates global culture. This neighborhood is also home to a handful of convenience stores and grocery chains, including Market Basket and Whole Foods Market.

Many locals gather at Bow Market in Union Square for Moon Over Bow.
Many locals gather at Bow Market in Union Square for Moon Over Bow.
Locals can enjoy live music performances at Bow Market in Prospect Hill during the St. Patrick's event.
Locals can enjoy live music performances at Bow Market in Prospect Hill during the St. Patrick's event.
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Commuting around Boston and Cambridge

Prospect Hill offers easy access to public transit options, including MBTA Green Line stations and bus routes. Two commuter rail stations, East Somerville and Union Square, are located in the neighborhood. Prospect Hill’s proximity to Downtown Boston and Cambridge makes it a convenient spot for people who work or study at nearby hospitals, universities and offices. Drivers have easy access to Route 28, which passes through the area and connects to nearby Interstate 93 and Route 1. Boston Logan International Airport is 5 miles away, and CHA Cambridge Hospital has a 24-hour emergency room just over a mile from the neighborhood.

The Gilman Square subway station in Sommerville, MA sits behind the Somerville High School.
The Gilman Square subway station in Sommerville, MA sits behind the Somerville High School.
The Zakim Bridge leads into Boston.
The Zakim Bridge leads into Boston.
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Hayley Simms
Written By
Hayley Simms
Kyle Cook
Photography Contributed By
Kyle Cook
Mark Tilley
Video By
Mark Tilley

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

13 min drive

Bus

Somerville Ave & Union Square

Bus

Somerville Ave & Merriam St

Bus

Somerville Ave & Linden St

Bus

25 Webster Ave & Newton St

Bus

Washington St & Medford St

Bus

Washington St & Washington Terr

Bus

Somerville Ave Opp Stone Ave

Reviews

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Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Prospect Hill US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Prospect Hill Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$898,000
Median Sale Price
$895,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,275,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$2,176,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$860,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
100
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-11%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$818

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes
1,888
Number of Homes for Sale
6
Median Year Built
1900
Months of Supply
0.70
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,713
Below the national average
1,929
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,675
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,056
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
717
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
431
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
2,613

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Dec 20
    10:30am - 12pm

    31 Houghton St Unit A, Somerville, MA 02143

    $1,700,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,992 Sq Ft
    • 31 Houghton St
    • Unit A

    Designed with elegance and sophistication, this first floor Philadelphia-Styled condo offers 4 beds, 3 baths and 1 off-street parking spot! The main level boasts an expansive floor plan and has plenty of windows for copious amounts of natural light throughout the day. The fully equipped kitchen has electric cooking, stainless steel appliances, & shaker cabinetry complemented with gold hardware.

    Hudson Santana Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest

    Section Image
  • Saturday, Dec 20
    1 - 2pm

    54 Oak St, Somerville, MA 02143

    $1,199,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,435 Sq Ft
    • 54 Oak St

    54 Oak Street is a meticulously renovated single-family row house on the Cambridge line, steps to Inman Sq. This property is tailored for discerning individuals with an appreciation for quality and detail. Thoughtfully designed floor plan fosters both work and relaxation. The open kitchen/living area features premium appliances, quartz countertops, and tasteful cabinetry, providing an ideal space

    Charles Ball Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
12,123
Median Age
36
Population under 18
19.1%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$124,639
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$157,921

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
91.1%
College Graduates
69.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
81.5%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
15''

Area Factors

Biker's Paradise

Bike Score®

95 / 100

Walker's Paradise

Walk Score®

98 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

82 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

Nearby Neighborhoods

Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Prospect Hill