Forest Hills, Queens: A Perfect Blend of Suburban Tranquility and Urban Sophistication

Situated in the heart of Queens, Forest Hills is an elegant and distinguished neighborhood that masterfully blends the charm of a tranquil suburb with the convenience and sophistication of city life. Known for its lush greenery, diverse housing stock, and an exceptional sense of community, Forest Hills provides a high quality of life that is highly sought after by professionals and families alike.

A Legacy of Land and English Ideals

From Whitepot to a Modern Garden Community

The history of Forest Hills is a fascinating story of visionary urban planning. Originally known as "Whitepot," the neighborhood's modern identity began to take shape in the early 20th century. In 1906, Cord Meyer bought hundreds of acres and renamed the area, paving the way for one of its most unique sections: Forest Hills Gardens. Designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., this planned community was modeled after the English garden city movement, with winding, tree-lined streets, Tudor and Colonial-style homes, and a stunning central square. The arrival of the LIRR station in 1911, built in the same elegant Tudor style, cemented Forest Hills as a premier residential destination and a world-class commuter hub.

A Community that Cultivates and Connects

Forest Hills exudes a strong, close-knit community feel with a palpable sense of pride. The neighborhood is known for being family-friendly and safe, with a mix of multi-generational residents and a growing number of young professionals. The community is remarkably diverse, with significant Asian, Hispanic, and White populations. This rich cultural tapestry is evident in the area's vibrant atmosphere and is a point of pride for residents who appreciate a neighborhood where people genuinely know their neighbors.

Architectural Consistency and Urban Greenery

The visual appeal of Forest Hills is a harmonious blend of its various parts. The area is known for its classic, red-brick co-op and condo buildings that line its main avenues, while the side streets feature a variety of classic housing styles, including grand single-family homes. The centerpiece of the neighborhood is the stunning Forest Hills Gardens, a showcase of timeless Tudor and Arts and Crafts architecture. The community's greatest natural asset is its location adjacent to the vast Forest Park and its numerous smaller, well-maintained parks, contributing to a tranquil and picturesque environment.

Real Estate in Forest Hills: A Diverse and Competitive Market

The real estate market in Forest Hills offers a wide variety of options, from charming, pre-war co-ops to sprawling single-family homes, catering to a diverse range of buyers.

Character-Filled and Accessible Properties

Forest Hills' housing stock provides an array of choices for both buyers and renters. As of mid-2025, the median sale price for homes in the neighborhood is approximately $430,000. However, this figure is a broad average; single-family homes in the area and in Forest Hills Gardens typically sell for well over $1 million, while co-ops and condos offer a much more accessible entry point into the neighborhood. The market is competitive, with properties often selling at or slightly below the list price.

Properties for Urban Dwellers and Families

The residences in Forest Hills cater to those seeking an authentic urban experience with a suburban feel. The neighborhood's reputation for safety, its high-quality public schools, and its exceptional commute to Manhattan make it a prime location for families, while its vibrant commercial scene appeals to professionals who want a lively, yet peaceful, place to call home.

Amenities and Connectivity

Experience City Life with Central Access

Forest Hills' strategic location provides convenient access to a variety of local commercial hubs, diverse dining, and excellent transportation, placing residents at the nexus of several vibrant Queens areas.

A Thriving Local Scene and Nearby Hotspots

The neighborhood’s commercial life is centered on Austin Street and Queens Boulevard, which offer a high concentration of shops, bars, and restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments. The area is also home to the legendary Forest Hills Stadium, a historic venue that continues to host major concerts and events. The West Side Tennis Club, a former US Open venue, adds to the neighborhood's rich cultural and recreational fabric.

Proximity to Green Spaces and Community Hubs

Forest Hills is bordered by the expansive Forest Park, a massive urban oasis with miles of walking trails, a golf course, and a concert bandshell. Within the neighborhood, residents enjoy local parks and playgrounds that provide a crucial urban escape.

Exceptional Accessibility

Forest Hills is incredibly well-connected by public transportation. The E, M, F, and R subway lines converge at the Forest Hills–71st Avenue station, providing a quick and efficient commute to Manhattan and Brooklyn. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) also has a station in Forest Hills, offering a rapid commute to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison. Numerous express bus routes crisscross the area, enhancing connectivity throughout Queens and the city.

Forest Hills, Queens, offers a truly special opportunity to experience a historic, sophisticated, and community-rich urban lifestyle. It's a place where enduring charm, growing amenities, and convenient access to both urban centers and a vast urban park converge, creating an exceptionally desirable and engaging environment to call home.

HOA: No (There is no neighborhood-wide HOA. However, the Forest Hills Gardens community has its own private homeowners association that enforces the neighborhood's original covenants.)

55+ Community: No