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Fort Hill

Fort Hill

Urban Core Neighborhood in Boston, Massachusetts

Suffolk County 02119, 02120

$742,202 Average Value
$491 Average Price per Sq Ft
2 Homes For Sale

A neighborhood overflowing with Boston history

Fort Hill’s residents live surrounded by history. Recognized as an architectural conservation district and occasionally called Highland Park, its historical significance extends to its parks and monuments. Terrance Moreau, a real estate salesperson and the team leader of the Roxbury Collaborative Group at Coldwell Banker, says Fort Hill is a nice merge between Jamaica Plain and Roxbury. “The green space and historic homes are really what gets people’s attention,” he says. “The appeal is that it’s one of the older communities of Roxbury. There are areas and homes within that neighborhood that were built prior to Roxbury becoming a part of Boston.” This history brings more visitors to the area, but having fewer businesses keeps it relatively quiet. History also impacts the present day, adding to Fort Hill’s vibrancy. “You have a mix of people, from people who have been there for several generations to young families just moving in,” Moreau says, adding that new development continues to bring “a really nice mix of people to the neighborhood.” The walkable little neighborhood has a distinct sense of community. “I would say the majority of the people up there know each other,” says Robert Nichols, a real estate broker at MIG Realty Group who has sold homes there for 15 years. “They talk. It does have a bit of a friendly vibe. It is urban, but it’s just set up for more of a community feel.”

Fort Hill residents have access to the Roxbury Crossing station.
Fort Hill residents have access to the Roxbury Crossing station.
Fort Hill has a historical church right in front of Roxbury Heritage Park.
Fort Hill has a historical church right in front of Roxbury Heritage Park.
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Playing at Marcella Park, pocket parks and historic landmarks

“In general, Roxbury is known for having so many parks,” Moreau says. “I think Highland Park has a great density of those parks.” Marcella Park is popular for its large playground, basketball courts, tennis court and athletic fields. Pocket parks like Lambert Avenue Playground are scattered throughout the neighborhood, ensuring that residents are always just a short walk away from the nearest green space. Roxbury Heritage State Park is one of many historic spaces in Fort Hill. Home to the Dillaway-Thomas House, which was the Continental Army headquarters in 1775, it’s more museum than park. The neighborhood’s most famous landmark, Fort Hill Tower, is the highest point in Roxbury and is located on the site of a 1775 Colonial Army fort. Just outside the neighborhood, Malcolm X Park also offers a large playground and athletic courts alongside an outdoor pool and a recreation center with indoor athletic courts.

Enjoy a stroll through Thomas House in Roxbury Heritage State Park in Fort Hill.
Enjoy a stroll through Thomas House in Roxbury Heritage State Park in Fort Hill.
Highland Park in Fort Hill offers walking trials with views of the city.
Highland Park in Fort Hill offers walking trials with views of the city.
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Dining and shopping along Highland Park's edges

Fort Hill is largely residential, but it still has a few popular spots to sit down for a meal — or to snag one to go. Like many other treasured community spots here, Fort Hill Bar & Grill has a long history. In this case, the local Caribbean eatery’s history dates to the 1920s, and its familiarity and cozy atmosphere keep it popular today. Ashur serves halal and Somali cuisine. Just outside Fort Hill, there’s a collection of restaurants around the intersection of Malcolm X Boulevard and Washington Street, including Silver Slipper Restaurant for Southern-style breakfasts and Fasika Café for Ethiopian food. According to Nichols, many locals walk to Dudley Café for its food and its creative vibe. “They feature a lot of local artists in there. They feature their work,” he says, adding that art hangs on the walls and local musicians often play there. “They cater to local artists and performers.” Nubian Markets is a newer spot that offers grocery items alongside hot and ready food. “The cooked food that they sell there is exceptional,” Moreau says. Nearby, Marcella’s Market is another small local grocer, but for a larger grocery store, Price Rite is just outside the neighborhood.

Fasika Cafe in Fort Hill offers Ethiopian cuisine and coffee's.
Fasika Cafe in Fort Hill offers Ethiopian cuisine and coffee's.
Nubian Markets in Fort Hill has all your everyday groceries and also offer dining options.
Nubian Markets in Fort Hill has all your everyday groceries and also offer dining options.
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The Islamic Society of Boston is an organization that runs two mosques, one in Highland Park.
The Islamic Society of Boston is an organization that runs two mosques, one in Highland Park.

Learning and connecting at the Culture Festival

The Islamic Society of Boston Cultural Center is the largest masjid in all of Massachusetts, making it a pillar of life for many living in and around Fort Hill. The masjid hosts an annual Culture Festival, which features tables representing over two dozen countries where locals can try their hands at crafts, learn about cultural customs and taste food from around the world. Just over 2 miles away, Franklin Park hosts frequent events, including a yearly Caribbean Festival. Celebrations kick off at 6:00 a.m. and feature dancing, music, an afternoon parade and plenty of food. “There are a lot people who go out and enjoy that as part of their Boston experience,” Nichols says.

Condos, historic rowhouses, brownstones and single-family homes

“The way that I look at Roxbury, and this is a broad stroke for Highland Park as well, we are one of the closest neighborhoods to the center of Boston where you can find detached houses with yards and parking, which I think says a lot about the overall appeal,” Moreau says. Single-family homes aren’t incredibly common here, but they start at $700,000 for a fixer-upper and can climb to $2 million. Rowhouses and condominiums are more common. Cedar Street’s marble row houses, built in 1871 in Second Empire Style, are stunning three-story buildings that can fetch between $300,000 and $500,000 per unit. Boston Brownstones from the late 1800s and converted colonial properties make up a large portion of Morley Street and Highland Avenue. Most condos cost between $300,000 and $800,000, but some can go for as much as $1 million. According to Nichols, people really value Fort Hill’s historic homes, and the neighborhood’s most expensive properties usually have unique features. “It’s not uncommon to see 12-to-15-foot ceilings on the main level,” he says. “A lot of original wainscoting, oversized stairwells with expansive views, sometimes to the top of the building. There’s some really uniquely designed properties from that era, and they’ve maintained them well.” Higher price points can also net homebuyers small yards or patios to entertain on and a parking spot — features that lower price points usually lack. “I’d say that it’s probably the best value in the city,” Nichols says. “If you’re looking for historic homes that are in great condition, that are very convenient to downtown Boston but you’re not paying a South End price point, it’s very similar to the South End without paying a South End price point. It’s kind of like a hidden gem.”

Homes in Fort Hill include brownstone townhomes with street parking.
Homes in Fort Hill include brownstone townhomes with street parking.
Homes in Fort Hill include multifamily homes with shared yards and driveways.
Homes in Fort Hill include multifamily homes with shared yards and driveways.
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Easy commutes with Route 28, Roxbury Crossing Station

Columbus Avenue runs alongside Fort Hill, so it’s easy to hop on the major road. Bus stops run on its bigger streets, including Washington Street, Centre Street and Malcolm X Boulevard, and the closest T station is Roxbury Crossing Station, just at the bottom of the hill. The orange line runs through the station, taking commuters to South Station in just 20 minutes. There are four hospitals less than 2 miles from home: Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, New England Baptist Hospital and Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center. Boston Logan International Airport is less than 7 miles away.

Trains passing by in Roxbury Crossing Train station in Fort Hill
Trains passing by in Roxbury Crossing Train station in Fort Hill
You can find many residents of Fort Hill walking, biking or using the MBTA.
You can find many residents of Fort Hill walking, biking or using the MBTA.
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Lottery system and exams to enter O’Bryant School of Math and Science

Boston Public Schools gets a B from Niche. Children in Fort Hill can attend Nathan Hale Elementary School from pre-kindergarten through sixth grade. Niche also gives this school a B and lists it among the top 15 public elementary schools in Suffolk County. The school partners with CitySprouts to teach children about food and the environment through hands-on lessons in its garden. Children who enter the lottery or pass enrollment exams can then attend the A-rated O’Bryant School of Math and Science, one of Boston’s three exam schools, from seventh through 12th grade. Roxbury Community College is also located right in the neighborhood. The college, which has 24 associate degree programs, was recognized as a Predominantly Black Institution by the Department of Education in 2021; it’s the only community college in the northeast to earn the distinction.

James P Timilty Middle School in Roxbury, MA.
James P Timilty Middle School in Roxbury, MA.
Students in Fort Hill have access to the Roxbury Community College campus.
Students in Fort Hill have access to the Roxbury Community College campus.
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Boston history on every corner

John Elliot Square, which is home to the First Church of Roxbury, was designated as a historic and cultural district. The church is Boston’s oldest surviving wooden meeting house and the sixth church built by early English settlers; though it’s been rebuilt four times, it dates back to 1632. Fort Hill is home to several other historic buildings, including the Greek-Revival style Alvah Kittredge House, once home to a prominent Boston real estate developer, which was fully restored and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. Nearby, the Spooner-Lambert House was built in 1782, making it the third-oldest building in Roxbury.

The First Church of Roxbury in Fort Hill has been around since 1632.
The First Church of Roxbury in Fort Hill has been around since 1632.
Spooner Lambert House in Fort Hill is the third oldest building in Roxbury built in 1782.
Spooner Lambert House in Fort Hill is the third oldest building in Roxbury built in 1782.
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Christina Norwood
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Christina Norwood
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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 Simon Gray, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

13 min drive

Subway

Roxbury Crossing Station

Bus

42A John Eliot Sq

Bus

Columbus Ave & Heath St

Bus

Centre St & Cedar St

Bus

Columbus Ave & New Cedar St

Bus

Washington St & Marcella St

Bus

Washington St & Bartlett St

Bus

Washington St & Oakland St

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$695,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,040,000
Median Townhouse Price
$920,000
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$550,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$491
Number of Homes for Sale
2
Last 12 months Home Sales
18
Months of Supply
1.30
Median List Price
$688,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
2%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
18%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
805
Median Year Built
1905
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,027
On par with the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,555
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,056
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
753
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
473
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,267

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12:30 - 2pm

    156-160 Highland St Unit 156, Boston, MA 02119

    $925,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,635 Sq Ft
    • 156-160 Highland St
    • Unit 156
    • New 1 day ago

    Sustainable style meets city living! This LEED-certified, energy-efficient Fort Hill 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom offers a single-family vibe with windows on all sides, skyline views, southwest light & forever-protected wooded scenery. Love JP? Fort Hill delivers the same charm, plus more space & value! Entertain with ease in the open layout, host dinners in the large dining room, unwind in the cozy

    O'Connor & Highland Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro | Back Bay

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    11:30am - 1:30pm

    5 Lambert St Unit 5, Roxbury, MA 02119

    $564,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 1.5 Baths
    • 1,396 Sq Ft
    • 5 Lambert St
    • Unit 5
    • New 1 day ago

    Experience effortless city living in this beautiful 3-bedroom, 1.5-bath home just minutes from Downtown Boston. Spanning 1,396 sq ft, the bright interior is enhanced by stylish finishes, including a modern kitchen with beautiful countertops, ceramic tile backsplash, dishwasher, microwave, range/oven, refrigerator. The contemporary full bath features an elegant tile shower, designed for comfort

    Team ROVI Real Broker MA, LLC

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    12 - 1:30pm

    27 Dudley St, Roxbury, MA 02119

    $3,700,000

    • 14 Beds
    • 11 Baths
    • 6,509 Sq Ft
    • 27 Dudley St

    27 Dudley Street | Roxbury’s Fort Hill | 7-Unit | 14 Beds | 11 Baths | $24,250/Month Income | 7.2% Cap Rate Projected by 9/1/25. Step into a high-performing investment with historic flair. Once home to Maurice Starr—where New Kids on the Block and New Edition recorded—27 Dudley Street blends cultural legacy with cash flow in Roxbury’s Fort Hill.This fully renovated seven-unit property is

    Eric Johnson Compass

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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 Simon Gray, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,919
Median Age
35
Population Density
30 ppl/acre
Population under 18
21.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$45,568
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$75,322

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.1%
College Graduates
39.3%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
15.1%
% Population in Labor Force
62.4%
On par with the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
43''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
12''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

65 / 100

Somewhat Walkable

Walk Score®

69 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

80 / 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
Fort Hill