$254,733Average Value$207Average Price per Sq Ft1Home 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:
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
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Old Hill
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
7
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Old Hill Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Old Hill, Springfield sell after 35 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Old Hill, Springfield over the last 12 months is $245,000, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Don’t miss this excellent investment opportunity! This spacious three-family property features large 3-bedroom units with functional layouts and strong rental potential. The first and third floors will be delivered vacant, making this ideal for owner-occupants or investors looking to maximize rental income. The property offers many cosmetic updates, a newer roof, and generous living space
DON’T MISS THIS INCREDIBLE OWNER-OCCUPANT OR INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY! Spacious vinyl-sided 3-family with separate utilities, separate meters, and functional layouts. Ideal for investors or owner-occupants looking to offset their mortgage with rental income. Conveniently located near local amenities, shopping, restaurants, and major routes. Each unit offers 2 bedrooms, with potential for 3-bedroom
A wonderful opportunity awaits at 540-542 Union St in Springfield, MA presenting an inviting home that is ready for immediate enjoyment. This two family residence offers three bedrooms on each floor. The first floor apartment has been extensively remodeled with new replacement windows, new mini split systems offering air conditioning, and the kitchen and bath are newly redecorated and move in
A chance to own a modern duplex (built in 1988) featuring three bedrooms and 1.5 baths on each side with gas heat and hot water, public water and sewer, and full separate basements on each side. Vinyl sided exterior and a flat lot with150 ft deep back yard with plenty of room for parking and room for gardening or recreation. Both units need cosmetics and redecorating, but with a little elbow
Freshly updated and full of potential with single floor living at its best. This two bedroom ranch has been completely updated and offers a fresh, move in ready feel from the moment you walk in. Recent updates include new roof, newer windows, updated kitchen and bathroom, new flooring, fresh paint, and updated electrical and plumbing, giving peace of mind throughout. The boiler is over 10 years
This massive property on Eastern Ave offers an impressive 9 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms across spacious units, making it ideal for both owner-occupants and savvy investors alike. The property also features an additional 3 finished rooms and a full bathroom in the basement, presenting endless possibilities for expansion, extended living space, home office setup, or creative use.The vacant
Picture Yourself Here--Welcome to 529 Union Street, Unit 1R, a well-maintained first-floor apartment ideally located near Springfield’s Old Hill neighborhood. This unit offers spacious living areas and a comfortable layout designed for everyday ease and functionality.Inside, you’ll find a bright and inviting living room with plenty of space to relax or entertain. The newer eat-in kitchen features
This spacious duplex is sure to please! Newer construction (early 2000's). Plenty of room to roam over two light-filled floors! Offering a kitchen stocked with appliances, 1.5 bathrooms, laundry area, large basement, and a beautiful deck and backyard space to enjoy! Perfect for entertaining! Utilities are not included (gas heat). Grass mowing is included! Tenant responsible for snow. Ample
Bright, newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in Springfield, MA. The unit features a new kitchen and spacious living areas with good natural lighting throughout. Located in a great location with convenient access to local shops and services, this apartment combines modern updates with comfortable, open living space.Amenities: New Kitchen, Newly renovated, spacious, great location,
Located in Springfield, this spacious 2nd-floor unit spans the 2nd and 3rd levels and offers 5 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. The home features brand-new flooring, updated kitchen cabinets, a new stove, refreshed bathtub and Off street parking. Conveniently located near shopping and public transportation, this unit offers both space and accessibility. More Pictures coming soon. Background and
Bright, newly renovated 2-bedroom, 1-bath apartment in Springfield, MA. The unit features a new kitchen and spacious living areas with good natural lighting throughout. Located in a great location with convenient access to local shops and services, this apartment combines modern updates with a comfortable, open living space.
ABSOLUTELY NO PETS. Nice open floor plan welcomes you in the well cared for Colonial with completely fenced yard. Kitchen has dinette area. Tenant to supply their own applicances. No basement access. Tenant can store some items in garage. Included in the rent is lawn maintenance, water and trash removal. Rental application is behind the listing.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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