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Ten Hills

Ten Hills

Urban Core Neighborhood in Somerville, Massachusetts

Middlesex County 02145

$920,275 Average Value
$609 Average Price per Sq Ft
4 Homes For Sale

Neighborhood that maintains its charm in ever-evolving Somerville

With its triple-decker houses, closely packed streets and cracked sidewalks, Ten Hills is a typical turn of the 20th century urban neighborhood in New England. Snow piles on roadsides in the winter, while the summer brings waterfront recreation. Bordering the Mystic River, Ten Hills is home to the shoreside Blessing of the Bay Park, where walking paths weave by the water, and a boathouse offers rowing and paddle sports opportunities. But just across Route 28 is the new Somerville, with multiplexes, beer gardens, Orange Line stations and the ever-expanding Assembly Row, a sprawling mixed-use development. “The whole city continues to grow and evolve,” says Rich Whelan, Somerville local and Program Director of Gentle Giant Rowing, a rowing club in Ten Hills. “With that, some original folks have been pushed out with rising real estate prices. But there’s still a culture to the city. The community feel is still there.”

The village of Ten Hill is located in Somerville just outside of Boston.
The village of Ten Hill is located in Somerville just outside of Boston.
The village of Ten Hill makes up the town of Somerville in Boston.
The village of Ten Hill makes up the town of Somerville in Boston.
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Rowing along the Mystic River at Blessing of the Bay Park

Along the Mystic River sits Blessing of the Bay Park. At the waterfront green space, visitors can relax on a bench, wander a walkway or rent paddleboards, kayaks and canoes from Paddle Boston, a program allowing folks to paddle the 7-mile Mystic, taking in views of the skyline as they go. Plus, Whelan notes that the area has seen an influx of activity. “Over the last 20 years, there’s been an increase in people walking past the boathouse,” he says. “There has been a lot of investment in the shoreside path and the park itself. The city has set aside a lot of money to improve bike lanes and views of the water.” Whelan’s organization, Gentle Giant Rowing, is also located in Ten Hills. This not-for-profit club introduces and nurtures the sport of rowing to anyone regardless of age, socio-economic status or capability. When asked why Ten Hills was chosen as Gentle Giant’s location, Whelan explained, “When we were established in 2002, our founders were looking for a body of water that wasn’t the Charles River, where a lot of rowers flock. They were looking for a community underserved by the sport of rowing, and there wasn’t a lot of activity at Blessing of the Bay despite 3 miles of rowable water, a dock, a boathouse and a convenient location to [Interstate] 93.” Away from the water, Grimmons Park offers a family-friendly outdoor experience. In the summer, kids hit the splash pad while their parents watch from benches. At all times of year, children run around the fenced-in play area that includes a climbing structure and a swing set. The neighborhood’s Foss Park on Fellsway West is the city’s second largest public park. It has an outdoor pool, tennis courts, youth and adult baseball diamonds, walking trails and a lot of open green space. Sports leagues, like Somerville Youth Soccer, are held at Foss Park. The President Barack Obama Rose Garden at 365 Broadway marks where Obama lived while attending Harvard Law School. From his small, one-bedroom apartment, the future president commuted 3 miles to class in Cambridge, as many Somerville residents continue to do.

Blessing of the Bay in Ten Hill offers rowing rentals for residents.
Blessing of the Bay in Ten Hill offers rowing rentals for residents.
Enjoy a day at Grimmons Park with all the activity it offers in Ten Hill.
Enjoy a day at Grimmons Park with all the activity it offers in Ten Hill.
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Mystic River water quality

Like many urban rivers, the water quality of the Mystic has shown notable improvements, with organizations like the Mystic River Watershed Association leading cleanup operations, though challenges still remain. Recent data indicates that the river’s water quality varies, with some sections achieving grades that meet boating or fishing standards while others face issues related to pollutants. In Ten Hills, residents can boat and fish on the river; however, due to contaminants trapped in the soil people should fish for sport and not consumption.

Ten Hill has a lot of wildlife due to the nearby Mystic River.
Ten Hill has a lot of wildlife due to the nearby Mystic River.
The village of Ten Hill gives small boat life vibes in the big city.
The village of Ten Hill gives small boat life vibes in the big city.
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Walking to Assembly Row and local eateries along Broadway

Ten Hills is across Route 28 from Somerville’s Assembly Row, a massive mixed-use development built in pieces for about a decade. Residents can walk to it using the pedestrian path beneath the Route 28 bridge. Upon arrival, they’ll find retailers like Lululemon, Banana Republic Factory Store or Coach and trendy restaurants at their eye level. But, if they look up, they’ll see luxury, high-rise condos with large windows and balconies reaching for the sky. Popular spots to eat at Assembly Row include Fuji at Assembly, a Japanese restaurant with a wide sushi selection; Ernesto’s Pizza, a second location of Boston’s North End dive; and River Bar, where visitors sip local brews by fire pits until 1 a.m.. A Trader Joe’s grocery store, The Home Depot and the CHA Union Square Family Health general practitioner are also at Assembly Row. While Assembly Row broke ground in 2012 and opened in 2014, giving part of the city a modern feel, Somerville maintains its charm. Here in Ten Hills, local eateries in modest, stand-alone buildings line Broadway. Winter Hill Brewing Company is popular in the morning and evening. Both a café and a brewery, the spot serves pancakes and coffee at 8 a.m. and chicken sandwiches and craft beer and 8 p.m.. Nearby Leone’s Subs & Pizza is a takeout go-to, offering Italian cuisine from a casual brick corner building.

Assembly Row near Ten Hill offers a large plaza with different shopping store options.
Assembly Row near Ten Hill offers a large plaza with different shopping store options.
Winter Hill Brewing Company offers breakfast in the morning and beer in the evening in Ten Hill.
Winter Hill Brewing Company offers breakfast in the morning and beer in the evening in Ten Hill.
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Somerville’s triple-deckers and Ten Hills’s housing

As the name suggests, Ten Hills’s streets are a bit sloped – but just along one large hill, not ten. Properties built in the early 20th century are packed right next to each other, including Somerville’s signature triple-deckers that make this the most densely populated municipality in New England. Investors looking to purchase one of these multifamily homes can find one for between $1 million and $2.5 million. Some of the neighborhood’s properties show their age, with faded vinyl siding and architectural choices that have fallen out of fashion, and many have back decks, balconies or small fenced-in backyards. Almost half the residents in the area rent, and apartments are popular housing options. Condos are also common, starting around $500,000 for a historic one-bedroom property and costing up to $1 million for an updated luxury unit. Townhouses and single-family homes are few and far between; however, homebuyers can find the former for around $650,000 to $840,000 and the latter costing $710,000 to $1.2 million.

Other home options in Ten Hill include colonial single family homes with double garage.
Other home options in Ten Hill include colonial single family homes with double garage.
The neighborhood of Ten Hill is very family oriented with single family homes.
The neighborhood of Ten Hill is very family oriented with single family homes.
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Somerville school choice

Students are zoned for Somerville Public Schools. The district, which earns a B-plus from Niche, offers school choice, meaning parents can decide which of the eight kindergarten to eighth-grade schools they’d like to send their child to. The closest school to Ten Hills is Arthur D. Healey, which serves students from kindergarten to eighth grade. It gets a B-minus from Niche and focuses on arts integration, emphasizing project-based learning. After finishing at Healey, kids move on to Somerville High School, which earns an A-minus from Niche and offers Career and Technical Education programs.

Benjamin G Brown school signage
Benjamin G Brown school signage
Large glass windows brings natural light to the main entrance of the Somerville High School.
Large glass windows brings natural light to the main entrance of the Somerville High School.
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4 miles to Boston

Ten Hills is conveniently located at the crux of several major roadways. Route 28, which separates the neighborhood from Assembly Row, runs 2 miles north to Medford and 4 miles south to Boston’s West End. U.S. Interstate 93 will take drivers north to the New Hampshire border and down to the South Shore. Along Broadway, Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority bus routes 89 and 101 run. It’s also about a 15-minute walk to the Assembly station, which leads into downtown Boston and as far south as Jamaica Plain on the Orange Line. Plus, Whelan notes that the city is taking great strides to improve walkability and bike-ability, particularly in Ten Hills’s shoreside area, with a pedestrian path that leads to Assembly Square that he says, “Has proven to be very popular.” Due to the path’s popularity, the city plans to construct bike lanes by the water.

Commuters in Ten Hill use the bus and the orange line train to get around.
Commuters in Ten Hill use the bus and the orange line train to get around.
Get ready to call East Somerville your new slice of paradise.
Get ready to call East Somerville your new slice of paradise.
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Adreanna DeMarino
Written By
Adreanna DeMarino
Anhella Sanchez
Photography Contributed By
Anhella Sanchez
Edward Pokoj
Video By
Edward Pokoj

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 Roy Mazraani, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

General Edward Lawrence Logan International

13 min drive

Bus

Mystic Ave & Moreland St

Bus

Mystic Ave & Shore Dr

Bus

Mystic Ave Opp Shore Dr

Bus

Mystic Ave & Wheatland St

Bus

Mystic Ave & Temple Rd

Bus

Broadway & Temple St

Bus

Main St & Moreland St

Crime and Safety

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

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$750,000
Median Single Family Price
$750,000
Median Townhouse Price
$987,450
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$710,000
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$510,500
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$609
Number of Homes for Sale
4
Last 12 months Home Sales
27
Months of Supply
1.80
Median List Price
$729,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
1%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-8%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
802
Median Year Built
1910
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,624
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
2,640
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,127
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
748
Average Studio Size Sq Ft
577
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
3,484

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    10:30am - 12pm

    58 Governor Winthrop Rd, Somerville, MA 02145

    $699,900

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,058 Sq Ft
    • 58 Governor Winthrop Rd
    • New 4 days ago

    Somerville living redefined! Recently renovated in 2021, this thoughtfully updated home features two comfortable bedrooms offering peaceful retreats and a well-appointed bathroom. This unit boasts a bright open layout, seamlessly connecting the living, dining, and kitchen areas – perfect for hosting friends and family. Modern convenience is key with integrated smart home technology, including

    Hudson Santana Keller Williams Realty Boston Northwest

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    3 - 4pm

    102 Grant St Unit 102, Somerville, MA 02145

    $639,999

    • 2 Beds
    • 1 Bath
    • 1,133 Sq Ft
    • 102 Grant St
    • Unit 102
    • New 11 days ago

    Welcome to the nexus of Winter Hill, Ten Hills & Assembly Sq where modern comfort meets classic charm. With two spacious bedrooms, a bonus room/bedroom awaiting your imagination, and one well-appointed bathroom, this residence offers a perfect blend of style and functionality across five inviting rooms. Hardwood floors flow throughout the space, enhancing the condo's warm and welcoming ambiance.

    The Movement Group Compass

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    12 - 2:30pm

    37 Governor Winthrop Rd Unit 2, Somerville, MA 02145

    $1,489,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 4.5 Baths
    • 2,881 Sq Ft
    • 37 Governor Winthrop Rd
    • Unit 2
    • New 20 days ago

    Nestled on a quiet, tree-lined street in desirable Ten Hills, this exquisitely renovated 2,881 sq ft penthouse condo spans two levels of spacious living, featuring beautiful white oak hardwood floors and custom millwork throughout. The sun-drenched open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area boasts high ceilings, a dry bar, and an oversized Juliet balcony. The chef’s kitchen is outfitted with

    The Denman Group 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 Roy Mazraani, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
7,062
Median Age
34
Population Density
140 ppl/acre
Population under 18
22.7%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.5%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$77,470
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$106,449

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
83.2%
College Graduates
43.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
19.6%
% Population in Labor Force
71.4%
Above 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

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

85 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

89 / 100

Excellent Transit

Transit Score®

73 / 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
Ten Hills