$259,608Average Value$191Average Price per Sq Ft2Homes For Sale
Investments in housing, parks and education
Old Hill has started a new chapter. The neighborhood a mile east of downtown Springfield became one of the Massachusetts city’s strongest African American communities by the turn of the 20th century. Churches anchored the neighborhood, and spiritual leaders such as Rev. William N. DeBerry of St. John’s Congregational Church served as important political and social activists in the city. Businessmen and judges also called Old Hill home. However, it experienced a decline in the last two decades as absentee landlords bought homes and let them fall into disrepair. A tornado damaged part of the neighborhood in 2011, exacerbating the issues. Recent investments by the city, nonprofits and private developers are turning things around in Old Hill, funding home construction, park upgrades and a new school. Meanwhile, the churches and organizations that have been key parts of the neighborhood for more than 100 years continue to support the community.
Single-family and multifamily Victorians
Victorian and traditional homes were built along Old Hill’s streets in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Lots are typically less than a fifth of an acre and often sit so close to the sidewalk that there’s only room for stoops and bushes rather than front yards. Most single-family homes have covered front porches, while the neighborhood’s multifamily Victorians have balconies on their second and third stories. Many homes are well maintained, with fresh coats of red and blue paint and thriving gardens surrounded by picket fences. Others have been left vacant, boarded up and deteriorating. The city has partnered with organizations like Springfield-based affordable housing developer Way Finders to replace and rehabilitate blighted homes in Old Hill. Coldwell Banker Realty agent Tony Racco lists homes on behalf of a client who is purchasing properties from the city and building new duplexes. Investors are often interested in buying them, but the homes have an occupancy requirement that prevents them from doing so from the other side of the state. “The purchaser has to reside in the home for at least three years,” Racco says. “That’s probably so they have some ownership in the property.” Move-in-ready houses vary in price from the high $100,000s to the high $200,000s. Six-bedroom multifamily homes start in the high $200,000s, while houses with eight-plus bedrooms cost around $400,000.
A nice porch on this multifamily home in Old Hill.
Most of the homes in Old Hill are multi-family units in Springfield, MA.
A row of multi-family homes in the Old Hill section of Springfield, MA.
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Donna Blake Park gets $1 million makeover
The city reopened Donna Blake Park in 2024 after wrapping up $1 million worth of upgrades. The project added a new playground and a splash pad to the green space in the middle of Old Hill. To the south, Harriet Tubman Park borders Watershops Pond, a fishing spot the state stocks with trout. The city received $500,000 from the state in 2023, funding a new playground, an outdoor classroom and enhanced landscaping for Harriet Tubman Park. Those improvements are expected to wrap up in 2025. The 2-mile Springfield Legacy Trail connects Donna Blake Park and Harriet Tubman Park, as well as four other parks in Old Hill and the Six Corners neighborhood.
The Dunbar Center has been the community’s focal point for indoor recreation for more than 100 years. Financial issues nearly caused it to close, but Mt. Zion Baptist Church bought and renovated the center in 2017. That move preserved the center’s basketball leagues, after-school programs and dance classes. Locals can also enjoy some of the attractions at Springfield College next to Old Hill. The college hosts rotating art exhibits and performances, from galleries to throat singers. Two dozen sports teams including football, basketball and gymnastics compete on campus throughout the year.
St. John’s Congregational Church has served a key role in the history of Springfield and the nation. It was one of New England’s earliest Black churches when it was founded in 1844, and its congregation was active in helping African Americans escape slavery in the South using the Underground Railroad. The church hosted prominent abolitionists including Frederick Douglass, Sojourner Truth and John Brown. Brown was a member when he lived in Springfield, and his Bible is still on display at St. John’s. The church was also influential during the ‘50s and ‘60s, when its pastor, Rev. Dr. Charles E. Cobb, spearheaded a campaign that pressured the Springfield school district to hire Black teachers. Church members remain active, running the St. John’s Food Pantry on Mondays and Wednesdays and serving hot meals on Wednesday afternoons. St. John’s is one of about 10 churches in Old Hill, and it’s not the only one known for community engagement. For example, Wesley United Methodist Church hosts an annual Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Breakfast on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Elected officials and pastors speak at the breakfast before the church awards $10,000 in scholarships to Springfield students.
A new basketball court awaits you at Winchester Square.
A local great park is the Donna Blake park to keep kids running and free.
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Library in Old Hill, museums nearby
The Springfield City Library’s Mason Square Branch in Old Hill is one of the most cherished in the city, says branch manager Gregg Mitchell. "I have worked in libraries outside of Springfield, as well as in other neighborhood branches in Springfield, and Mason Square is one of the most supporting and engaging communities. We have many events and festivals at the library, and the community always has enthusiastic turnout and creates a welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel like one large family.” The library hosts coding clubs, family game nights and air fryer cooking classes.
Old Hill is within a mile of the Metro Center and South End neighborhoods, home to many of the city’s museums. The former has Springfield Museums, a complex of five museums known locally as the Quadrangle. These Smithsonian Institute-affiliated museums focus on art, history and the life and works of Springfield native Theodor Geisel, known by his pen name Dr. Seuss. In South End, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame houses interactive displays and basketball memorabilia in a three-story sphere. James Naismith devised the rules of basketball in the 1890s while teaching at Springfield College.
There are always fun events happening in the community area of the library.
A clean and beautiful journey awaits all imaginations at Mason Square.
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New building for DeBerry Elementary students
In 2024, Springfield Public Schools opened a new campus for William N. DeBerry Elementary School in Old Hill. The project replaced a 70-year-old school building with a $95 million campus outfitted with a media center, music classroom and art room. Niche gives a C-minus grade to both DeBerry and Kiley Middle School. Central High School receives a B-minus, offering students the chance to earn college credits through 21 Advanced Placement courses, including chemistry and music theory.
Shops and eateries within walking distance
Businesses are sprinkled throughout the neighborhood, and most homes are within a 5-minute walk of at least one store or restaurant. Houses may sit across the street from Family Dollar or on the same block as Olive Tree Books-n-Voices. One of only a handful of Black-owned bookstores in Massachusetts, Olive Tree encourages customers to hang out, read and converse by filling the small shop with chairs, pillows and tables. Many restaurants are casual counter-service spots such as La Fritura Dominican restaurant. Fast-food chains, CVS and an America’s Food Basket grocery store line State Street, where strip mall-style development is often only accessible by car.
Crime in Old Hill
Overall crime levels in the neighborhood are a bit higher than the national average. Old Hill gets a CAP Index Crime Score of 6 out of 10, with 10 indicating highest crime. For comparison, the U.S. average is 4. The Springfield Police Department created the Firearms Investigation Unit in 2021 to find and confiscate illegal guns that are often used in violent crimes.
Walk, bus and drive around Old Hill
The compact layout and sidewalk-lined streets make it possible to walk to restaurants, churches and schools around the neighborhood. Pioneer Valley Transit Authority buses stop throughout, particularly along State and Hancock streets, and reach downtown in as little as 10 minutes. People can also drive State Street to downtown, where there’s an on-ramp to Interstate 91. The interstate routes to Bradley International Airport, about 20 miles away in Connecticut.
Bike shares can be found in the Old Hill section of Springfield, MA.
Public Transportation will get you around in Old Hill to Springfield.
Not far from downtown Springfield Old Hill keeps you near the pulse.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Old Hill, Springfield sell after 49 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Hill, Springfield over the last 12 months is $244,500, up 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Great investor opportunity. This 2 family home has a large driveway, 2 car garage and two, 2 bedroom units. Hardwood floors in most living areas. There are separate utilities for the units. This home is close to Springfield College and has great potential. Large backyard with privacy. Second floor has extra space to add a third bedroom. There is city gas to the home used for cooking , so buyer
Charming 3 Bedroom Home with Renovated Kitchen in the Heart of SpringfieldWelcome to this delightful 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom home nestled in a vibrant Springfield neighborhood. Featuring a spacious, newly renovated kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors, and generous living and dining areas, this property offers comfort, character, and room to grow.A true handyman special, it is bursting with
Great Starter Home – Vacant two-family with 3 Bedrooms per Unit. Perfect for owner-occupants or savvy investors! This solid two-family home features two spacious five-room units, each offering three comfortable bedrooms, a full bath, a bright living room, and an eat-in kitchen—ideal for flexible living or generating rental income. The property is delivered fully vacant, giving you the freedom to
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