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Upper Hill

Upper Hill

Neighborhood in Springfield, Massachusetts

Hampden County 01109

$286,639 Average Value
$168 Average Price per Sq Ft
5 Homes For Sale

Birthplace of basketball

Most neighborhoods in America can't claim they invented one of the world's most popular sports, but Upper Hill can. Just a couple of miles east of downtown Springfield, this small community is the birthplace of basketball, first introduced at Springfield College in the 1800s. Locals are just a short drive from Springfield's most iconic attractions, including nationally regarded museums and the over 700-acre Forest Park. Ties are strong here as families have lived in Upper Hill for generations. The impact individuals have made in their community is clear through parks that have been named in their honor.

Dr. James Naismith statue near the entrance of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Dr. James Naismith statue near the entrance of the Basketball Hall of Fame.
A visitor checks his wing span compared to a NBA player at The Basketball Hall of Fame.
A visitor checks his wing span compared to a NBA player at The Basketball Hall of Fame.
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Springfield Museums and Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Living in Upper Hill, locals can watch as NBA players are inducted into the Hall of Fame. Tickets always sell out. Though this ceremony used to take place locally at Springfield College, it's still held just 2 miles from home at the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Hall of Fame Avenue. At the entrance, locals and tourists are greeted by a statue of basketball's first coach, instructor James Naismith of Springfield College. Springfield Museums on Edwards Street is the same distance from Upper Hill. Its cluster of five museums includes the fully bilingual museum dedicated to Dr. Seuss in Spanish and English.

A woman views a sculpture at George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum in Springfield.
A woman views a sculpture at George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum in Springfield.
These sculptures are outside of the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield.
These sculptures are outside of the Dr. Seuss National Memorial Sculpture Garden in Springfield.
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Upper Hill homes were built in the 1920s

"Upper Hill is urban but has a small city feeling. Housing prices are better here than in other areas. You can still buy a home for under $300,000 here," says Nina Sable, a realtor who specializes in Springfield and works for William Ravis. The town has a densely built layout with an average of 17 people per acre, and the average home value is around $260,000. Though homes skew older, they are well maintained, according to Sable. "Because the top market price is lower here, people have more discretionary cash, so the interiors are better." The area offers a mix of historic properties, mostly built in the early to mid-1900s, including colonials, Cape Cods and bungalows. Sable describes the market as "very active" and says houses sell quickly.

a lovely cape cod in the Upper Hill section of Springfield.
a lovely cape cod in the Upper Hill section of Springfield.
An aerial view of the streets and homes in the Upper Hill section of Springfield.
An aerial view of the streets and homes in the Upper Hill section of Springfield.
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Basketball is always on the mind of kids at Bolden Park in Springfield.
Basketball is always on the mind of kids at Bolden Park in Springfield.

Samuel A. Bolden Park is a living memory

South Branch Mill River runs along Alden Street, where Springfield College is. Some locals stand along the sliver of grass between the road and water to fish. Gunn Square has a tot-friendly playground for kids ages 2 to 5. Samuel A. Bolden Park on Wilbraham Avenue is more than just a place to play Basketball; it's also a living memory, named after a beloved community that has always lent a helping hand in support of families. Forest Park's over 700 acres off Sumner Avenue, just 2 miles away, offer winding trails along ponds and lakes. Among its many attractions is an indoor ice-skating rink and America's first public swimming pool, established in 1889.

Forest Park hosts "Bright Nights"

Springfield College hosts Upper Hill's annual block party — a tradition since 2004, held at either William N. DeBerry Elementary School or Samuel A. Bolden Park. A thousand residents show up each year for face painting, live music, free food, music and more. During the holidays, Forest Park also hosts "Bright Nights" — a 2-mile drive through festive lights. The farmers' market has also been open for business in Forest Park nearly year-round since 1998.

Forest Park is a 735-acre Forest Park located in Springfield.
Forest Park is a 735-acre Forest Park located in Springfield.
Ladies take a stroll in Forest Park in Springfield.
Ladies take a stroll in Forest Park in Springfield.
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Everyday needs are at Five Town Plaza

Talk of the Town on Wilbraham Road is famous for its jerk chicken. Just a short walk from this restaurant on the same road, locals also enjoy Jamaican cuisine at Sweet Spice. Five Town Plaza, 3 miles away via South Branch Parkway, is there for everyday needs with its Pet Supplies Plus, Big Lots, Big Y World Class Market for groceries and more.

Crispy's is your place to go for wings, burgers and anything fried in the Upper Hill Section.
Crispy's is your place to go for wings, burgers and anything fried in the Upper Hill Section.
The signs greet shoppers to Five Star Plaza in Springfield.
The signs greet shoppers to Five Star Plaza in Springfield.
This Big Y store is at Star Plaza in Springfield.
This Big Y store is at Star Plaza in Springfield.
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John J Duggan Middle School gives the kids an educational walk into the school
John J Duggan Middle School gives the kids an educational walk into the school

Springfield Public Schools

Springfield Public Schools serves Upper Hill. Nearby schools include William N. DeBerry Elementary School and John J Duggan Academy for grades 6 through 12; both earn a C minus rating from Niche. Springfield Central High School, which scores a B, has over 2,000 students, making it one of the largest in Western Massachusetts.

School children visit the Springfield Museums.
School children visit the Springfield Museums.

Bus stops are plentiful in Springfield

"It's walkable but not as walkable as a big city. You still need a car to get from place to place," Sable says. In 3 miles, locals can be at the Baystate Medical Center on Chestnut Street — a level 1 trauma center with over 700 beds. Bradley International is 21 miles south along Interstate 91. Bus stops are plentiful, many situated along State Street and Wilbraham Road.

Kathryn Ashworth
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
Matt Barrett
Photography Contributed By
Matt Barrett
Lucas Dyke
Video By
Lucas Dyke

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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nina Sable, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Bradley International

35 min drive

Bus

American International College (1)

Bus

Wilbraham & Reed

Bus

Wilbraham & Lakeside

Bus

American International College (2)

Bus

Westford & Gunn (2)

Bus

Wilbraham & Suffolk (2)

Bus

Westford & Massachusetts (1)

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Upper Hill US
Homicide 7 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 4 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$280,000
Median Single Family Price
$282,500
Median Townhouse Price
$235,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$168
Number of Homes for Sale
5
Last 12 months Home Sales
23
Months of Supply
2.60
Median List Price
$282,499
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
890
Median Year Built
1921
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,671
Below the national average
1,936
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,839
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • Friday, May 2
    4 - 5pm

    342 Wilbraham Rd, Springfield, MA 01109

    $419,900

    • 7 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,801 Sq Ft
    • 342 Wilbraham Rd
    • New 16 days ago

    Welcome home to this amazing 2-family. The 2nd floor boasts 5 bedrooms, 2 baths. It has been completely renovated, new flooring, light fixtures and freshly painted. The kitchen has new cabinets and granite counter tops. The unit has a great size living room and dining room. This unit has 2 levels. The 1st floor has 2 bedrooms and is in great condition. The 1st floor is rented and the tenants

    Kempf-Vanderburgh Realty Consultants Kempf-Vanderburgh Realty Consultants, Inc.

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  • Saturday, May 3
    12 - 2pm

    56 Colonial Ave, Springfield, MA 01109

    $329,999

    • 4 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,000 Sq Ft
    • 56 Colonial Ave
    • New 27 days ago

    Stunning 4bd 2bth Custom Renovated Colonial Home in Springfield Massachusetts. Plenty of curb appeal! This home is truly a masterpiece! Designed to be spacious & elegant this magnificent home feels like a vacation home! As you enter you will find a heated insulated oversized front porch for additional living space with custom paints elegantly polished wood floors. Inside the Living room you will

    JR Rodriguez Signature Realty

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  • Saturday, May 3
    12 - 1:30pm

    118-120 Westford Cir, Springfield, MA 01109

    $399,900

    • 6 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,673 Sq Ft
    • 118-120 Westford Cir
    • New 27 days ago

    Move in and have your tenants pay your mortgage, fully remodeled. FULLY VACANT- Move-in ready with modern finishes and updates throughout. Two spacious units, each unit features, 3 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom, Formal Living Room & Formal Dining Room for elegant entertaining. Kitchen with pantry, custom cabinets and appliances for buyers enjoyment. Hardwood floor refinished thought, ceramic tile flooring

    Tanya Harvey Keller Williams Realty

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Nina Sable, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
7,678
Median Age
27
Population Density
19 ppl/acre
Population under 18
28%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
9.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$34,518
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$50,844

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
79.9%
College Graduates
22.3%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.2%
% Population in Labor Force
44%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
19°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
27''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

41 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

50 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

50 / 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.

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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
Upper Hill