Nestled in the western corner of Somerville, the Hillside neighborhood is a special enclave shaped by generations of students, workers, and families. Tucked between bustling Powder House Square and the Medford line, and bordered by College Avenue and North Street, Hillside’s history offers a fascinating window into Somerville’s vibrant evolution. As a longtime resident, I find there’s something magical in its tree-lined streets and classic homes—a sense of deep-rooted community that continues to grow and change.
The Origins of Hillside
The origins of the Hillside neighborhood stretch back to the 19th century. This area was once part of the larger West Somerville section, which was primarily farmland and country estates. With its slightly elevated terrain—compared to the flats near Magoun Square or Winter Hill—Hillside got its name for the gentle slopes that move north toward Medford and east toward the heart of Somerville. The hills here are subtle but, in earlier decades, were striking enough to set the area apart.
In the early 1800s, the area that is now Hillside was crisscrossed by cart paths and stone walls. It wasn’t until the coming of the railroads and streetcar lines in the late 19th century that real development began, especially as people sought quieter neighborhoods within commuting distance of Boston.
How Hillside Got Its Name
Hillside’s name is simply descriptive but deeply fitting. Today, if you take a stroll on Kidder Avenue or Hillsdale Road, you’ll notice the gentle incline—just enough to reward you with lovely views of treetops and sunrise. The Somerville Board of Aldermen first recorded the “Hillside” name in the late 1800s as house lots were carved from older estates and farmland, especially with the rise of streetcar suburbs. This period also saw the growth of nearby Tufts College (now Tufts University), which would have a major influence on Hillside’s identity.
Key Historical Milestones
- Arrival of Tufts College (1852): Tufts, perched on the crest of Walnut Hill, just over the border in Medford, has always had a significant presence in Hillside. In the early years, professors, students, and staff found homes on streets like Whitfield Road and College Avenue.
- Development Boom (1880s–1920s): With access to Boston’s jobs via the Medford Branch Railroad and then electric streetcars down College Avenue, Hillside’s farms gave way to blocks of stylish Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and two-family homes. By the 1920s, the neighborhood had much of its present character: a patchwork of single- and two-family houses, with several small apartment buildings.
- Immigrant Influences: Like the rest of Somerville, Hillside welcomed waves of Irish, Italian, and later Portuguese immigrants, who helped build the homes and filled the nearby churches and social halls.
- Modernization and Transit Changes (1950s–1970s): The decline of the streetcar and rise of the automobile led to broader changes. Several large homes near Tufts were converted to student housing, giving Hillside its signature blend of families, young renters, and college energy.
Notable Landmarks and Buildings
One of the joys of Hillside is its quiet charm—there are few grand landmarks, yet so many buildings brimming with character and stories to tell.
- Curtis Hall (474 Boston Avenue): Built in 1894, this stately red-brick building served as Tufts’ first gymnasium, but has since had many academic uses. A Hillside fixture, its turrets hint at the grandeur of early campus life.
- Hillside Hardware (315 Boston Avenue): Doing business since 1925, this beloved local hardware store feels like stepping back in time. Generations of residents have stopped in for everything from paint to snow shovels.
- College Avenue and Powder House Park: While technically just outside Hillside’s border, the Powder House (built 1704) was an important landmark for anyone in the neighborhood and played a key role in the Revolutionary War, making it a historic touchstone for the area.
Wandering down Winthrop Street or Dearborn Road, one passes houses with ornate brackets, stained glass, and gardens that have survived more than a century, all testament to Hillside’s enduring character.
The Tapestry of Streets, Parks, and Community
Hillside is threaded with peaceful residential streets—names like Bromfield Road, Kidder Avenue, and Leonard Street invoke the memory of local landowners and early city leaders. These roads, lined with old elms and oaks, are perfect for evening strolls or chatting with neighbors on front porches.
In true Somerville fashion, community ties are strong. Residents enjoy the proximity to Nathan Tufts Park, with its grassy slopes perfect for sledding in the winter and picnics in the summer. The bike path along the old railroad corridor draws cyclists from all over, yet for many, simple pleasures such as backyard gardens and block parties are what make life here special.
Evolution Over the Decades
From the mid-20th century on, Hillside has continually reinvented itself. What was once an enclave of first- or second-generation immigrant families and Tufts faculty gradually grew more diverse.
- Student Presence: Today, Tufts students still rent apartments throughout the neighborhood, sharing space with longtime homeowners and new arrivals attracted by the area’s central location and leafy, walkable streets.
- Small Businesses: New cafes and restaurants—like Tamper Café and Renee’s Café along Boston Avenue—have joined classic staples such as Hillside Hardware, making the area feel both lively and anchored in tradition.
- Preservation and Change: Hillside’s mix of architectural styles now attracts buyers who appreciate history and character. Local efforts to preserve historic homes, while accommodating new growth, help keep the neighborhood’s distinctive charm even as property values rise and new faces move in.
Why Hillside Still Feels Special
Ask anyone who lives in Hillside what keeps them here, and the answers may vary: the welcome scent of morning coffee from nearby bakeries, students cycling past Victorian homes, neighbors lending a hand with shoveling during snowy winters, or the collective spirit at the annual neighborhood yard sale. It’s the mixture of old and new, the stories embedded in each front step, and the constant but gentle evolution that make Hillside more than just a place—it’s a living community with deep roots.
Whether you’re passing along the old carriage paths that have become today’s streets, enjoying a picnic in Powder House Park, or simply watching the world go by from a sunny porch, Hillside offers a sense of belonging that’s rare in the city. It’s a neighborhood that remembers its past while embracing its future—welcoming all who are lucky enough to call it home.