Old Hill, Springfield, Massachusetts facts for kids

Old Hill is a special neighborhood in Springfield, Massachusetts. It's one of seventeen neighborhoods in the city. Imagine walking through streets filled with beautiful old buildings, mostly from the Victorian era! Many of these homes look out over Springfield's downtown area, called Metro Center. Old Hill is about one mile east of Metro Center.

Old Hill is one of the smaller neighborhoods in Springfield. It covers about 240 acres of land, plus its streets and railroad areas. Its borders are Walnut Street to the west, State Street to the north, the old Highland Division Railroad to the east, and Watershops Pond to the south.

Discovering Old Hill

Old Hill is known for its unique look. It's almost entirely made up of Victorian buildings. These homes were built a long time ago, during the Victorian era. They often have fancy details and interesting shapes.

What are Victorian Homes?

Victorian homes are a style of house that was popular during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837-1901). They often feature tall windows, towers, turrets, and decorative trim. Many of Old Hill's Victorian homes are being restored. Some are even called "Painted Ladies". These are Victorian houses painted in three or more bright colors. This makes them stand out and look very cheerful!

Bringing Old Hill Back to Life

At the start of the 21st century, Old Hill faced some challenges. There were problems that needed solving, and the neighborhood worked hard to stay strong. But Old Hill had many dedicated people and groups. These included neighborhood organizations, religious groups, and local businesses. Springfield College also helped a lot.

Everyone worked together to make the neighborhood better. Because of their efforts, the area has improved greatly. For example, safety has increased by 50%. Many of the beautiful "Painted Lady" Victorian homes are also being carefully fixed up. This helps Old Hill shine again.