Centrally located on Fredericton’s south side, the Hill has remained a popular residential neighbourhood in the capital city.
The Hill neighbourhood was primarily built up after WWII due to high demand for homes from the many soldiers and veterans returning. The Hill neighbourhood in Fredericton is well known locally for a style of home known as a “Dobie” house. Although first built on the north side of Fredericton, the Dobie, a cosy 1.5-storey home with a unique local history, is numerous in the area close to Regent Street. You will find approximately 200 Dobie homes around Kings College Road and Albert Street. The typical Dobie has 2 bedrooms upstairs and 1 on the main floor, although there are some larger ones with extensions added over the years.
The South East area of “The Hill” neighbourhood is home to the campuses of Fredericton’s two major universities…
… the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and St Thomas University (STU). Due to the presence of these universities situated in this south-east area of The Hill neighbourhood, one will find many of the single-family homes on the east side of Regent have been converted into student rentals. Although there is a mix of owner occupied and rentals, it is an extremely popular area for property investors, specifically south of King’s College Road. For homebuyers looking for a single family home, “The Hill” area east of Regent offers some of the most economic options for a first-time homebuyer searching for a South Side home.
As well as being a university neighbourhood, it is also the location of Fredericton’s Hospital – Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital (DECH). Together, the universities and the DECH create ample job opportunities, making the Hill a desirable neighbourhood for employees of these institutions.
In the area north of King’s College and south of Montgomery the city has recently designated new zoning with the newly created “College Hill Secondary Municipal Plan” with no multi units nor basement apartments permitted. This is to encourage the more single family units in the area designated as Policy Area 1.
Executives homes in the Hill neighbourhood
Additionally, on The Hill, in the area west of Regent Street you will find larger single-family as well as some executive homes and fewer homes converted to student rentals. Homes west of Regent typically sell for higher prices, as they tend to be larger and primarily owner-occupied. This west side of the Hill neighbourhood is also home to several parks.
Most notable is the beautiful and treasured 400+ acre Odell Park, The park at Odell has an abundance of trails, a beautiful botanic garden and an arboretum, and as well a community centre. As Odell Park is located in the heart of the city many homes surround the border. Homes bordering the park are very desirable and, when available for purchase, they garner plenty of interest.
For families with children looking to purchase in The Hill area, there are a number of schools. The Hill neighbourhood is desirable for its proximity these schools, universities, the hospital, and its generally walkability.
Schools:
École des Bâtisseurs
École Sainte-Anne
Montgomery Street School
Connaught Street School
Priestman Street School
George Street Middle School
Fredericton High School
Dining:
Claudine’s Eatery
The Happy Baker
Simply Fresh
Yassou Souvlaki and Donair
The Coffee Mill
Resources:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/dobie-houses-history-devon-fredericton-1.6123676
