Is Forest Hill Safe, Pros and cons of living in Forest Hill
Forest Hills is a neighborhood that offers a blend of suburban tranquility and urban accessibility, situated in the heart of Queens, New York. It is known for its leafy streets and attractive residential architecture, including the historic Forest Hills Gardens district. The area provides a range of housing options, from high-rise apartments to charming Tudor-style homes, catering to diverse preferences. Austin Street serves as the vibrant commercial core, bustling with local shops and eateries, contributing to the neighborhood’s lively atmosphere.
The community boasts excellent access to green spaces, with residents enjoying proximity to Forest Park and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. These expansive parks offer ample opportunities for recreation, from walking trails and sports facilities to simply enjoying the open spaces. This blend of residential comfort, commercial activity, and recreational opportunities makes Forest Hills a desirable place to live for many.
Is it Safe to Live in Forest Hills?
Forest Hills, Queens, exhibits a generally safe environment, with a reported employment rate of 95.25% (according to BestNeighborhood.org). While specific crime rate data for the neighborhood is not detailed in the provided search results, broader statistics for New York City and Queens can offer context. The New York City Police Department is responsible for maintaining safety and order within the borough.
The general perception of safety in urban neighborhoods often depends on various factors, including community engagement and local law enforcement efforts. With a high employment rate, the community likely benefits from a stable economic base, which can correlate with lower crime rates. Residents can stay informed about local safety initiatives through community outreach programs and official city resources.
Housing Costs
Home Prices
The housing market in Forest Hills, NY, presents a range of price points, with a median listing price of $389,000 (according to realtor.com®). More recent data from Zillow indicates a median sale price of $465,833 as of February 2026. Redfin reports a median sale price of $565,000 in March 2026, noting a significant year-over-year decrease of 26.4%.
Properties in Forest Hills, particularly in areas like Forest Hills Gardens, are among the most expensive in Queens. Housing options vary from detached two-story homes to attached townhouses. The median home value in Forest Hills, San Francisco, CA, is considerably higher, standing at $2,671,029 as of March 2026 (Zillow).
Rental Market
The rental market in Forest Hills, NY, is characterized by higher-than-average costs. As of May 2026, the average rent is $2,502 per month, which is 52% higher than the national average (Apartments.com). Specifically, a studio apartment averages $2,012 per month, a one-bedroom is around $2,502, and a two-bedroom can cost approximately $3,745, with three-bedroom rentals potentially exceeding $4,077 per month (Apartments.com).
There has been a slight decrease in average rent over the past year, with a 0.5% drop reported as of May 2026 (Apartments.com). However, other reports indicate a year-over-year increase in median rent of 8.67% (realtor.com®). To comfortably afford the average rent of $2,502 per month, an annual income of approximately $100,080 is recommended (Apartments.com).
Cost of Living
Forest Hills, NY, is recognized as an expensive place to live. The overall cost of living is 59% higher than the national average, largely driven by housing costs, which are 174% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). This makes Forest Hills significantly more expensive than both the New York state average and the national average.
When examining specific expense categories, food costs are 7% higher than the national average, while general sales tax in New York is 22% lower than the national average. However, New York state income tax is 54% higher than the national average (AreaVibes). These figures suggest that while some daily expenses might be comparable, the substantial housing costs heavily influence the overall cost of living.
Job Market and Employment
Employment and Unemployment
The employment rate in Forest Hills, Queens, NY, is currently reported at 95.25%, indicating a strong job market (BestNeighborhood.org). This high employment rate suggests that a significant portion of the working-age population is actively engaged in the workforce. The unemployment rate in Forest Hills is within the 0-5% range, as indicated by green areas on a neighborhood map (BestNeighborhood.org).
This low unemployment rate is a positive indicator for the local economy, suggesting stability and opportunity for residents. The availability of jobs and the general economic health of a community are crucial factors for anyone considering a move.
Major Employers
While specific major employers for Forest Hills, Queens, NY, are not detailed in the provided search results, the neighborhood’s commercial center along Austin Street hosts numerous local businesses and eateries. For broader context, the City of Forest Hill, Texas, lists major employers such as Conatser Construction, MMG Building and Construction Services, Horton Tree Service/NES, Starbucks, Global Signs, J. Wales Enterprises, TAS Environmental, Chase Bank, QT, and Luby’s Cafeteria (City of Forest Hill, TX). In Forest City, Iowa, key employers include Winnebago Outdoor, MOSAIC, Lichtsinn RV, CDI, Solventum, and Gold Eagle Coop, spanning manufacturing, healthcare, and agriculture sectors (Forest City Economic Development).
Climate
Temperatures and Rainfall
Forest Hills, TN, experiences a climate with warm summers and very cold winters. Summer high temperatures are typically in the 70s Fahrenheit, while winter temperatures often fall into the 30s Fahrenheit. The warmest month is July, with average maximum temperatures around 9.99°F, and the coldest is January, with average minimums of 9.99°F. Annual average precipitation is approximately 9.99 inches, with rainfall distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, and March being the wettest month with an average of 5.78 inches (IDcide).
In contrast, Foresthill, California, has a climate with hot, arid summers and long, cold, wet, and partly cloudy winters. Temperatures typically range from 39°F to 87°F. Annual precipitation averages 53 inches, with a significant portion falling in February, which is the wettest month. The dry season extends from April to October (myPerfectWeather).
Demographics
Population and Diversity
Forest Hills, Queens, NY, is home to 71,068 residents, with a gender distribution of 47.3% male and 52.7% female (Point2Homes). The neighborhood is described as upper middle class, with a significant Jewish population, including a notable presence of Bukharin Jews. Historically, it was also predominantly German. Recently, there has been an influx of Filipinos, with Forest Hills having the largest concentration of Filipinos in New York City (Wikipedia).
The racial makeup includes 47.8% Caucasian, 3.8% African American, and 28.5% Asian residents, with 12.2% identifying with two or more races (Point2Homes). Based on 2010 census data, the racial makeup was 58.3% White, 2.5% African American, and 24.2% Asian (Wikipedia). The Asian and Latino populations have experienced the most growth.
Age and Household Composition
The median age in Forest Hills is 44. The population is distributed with 16.2% under 15, 6.4% between 15 and 24, 27.9% between 25 and 44, 28.9% between 45 and 64, and 20.6% over 64 (Point2Homes). Forest Hills has 31,503 households, with an average of two members per household. Of these, 57.3% are families, while 42.7% are individuals living alone or with non-relatives (Point2Homes).
Education
School Ratings
Forest Hills and Rego Park generally have a higher percentage of college-educated residents compared to the rest of New York City. Approximately 62% of residents have a college education or higher. Student achievement in math and reading has shown improvement over time. For example, math proficiency rose from 42% in 2000 to 61% in 2011, and reading achievement increased from 48% to 49% during the same period (Wikipedia).
In Ohio, the Forest Hills Local School District is highly rated, ranking among the top districts in the state for teachers and overall quality (Niche). This district has a student-teacher ratio of 17 to 1, with 80% of students proficient in math and 85% in reading, according to state test scores (Niche).
Pros and Cons of Living in Forest Hills
Pros
Forest Hills offers a desirable living environment with its combination of suburban charm and urban convenience. The neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, attractive architecture, and a strong sense of community. Residents benefit from easy access to large parks like Forest Park and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, providing ample recreational opportunities. The commercial hub along Austin Street offers a variety of shops and dining options, contributing to a lively atmosphere.
The educational landscape in Forest Hills is robust, with a high percentage of college-educated residents and well-regarded school districts in the surrounding areas. This focus on education contributes to a community that values intellectual growth and development. The diverse population brings a rich cultural tapestry to the neighborhood, fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment.
Cons
The primary drawback of living in Forest Hills is the high cost of living, particularly the expensive housing market. Median home prices and rental rates are significantly above the national average, making it challenging for some to afford. The cost of living overall is substantially higher than in many other parts of the country, demanding a higher income to maintain a comfortable lifestyle.
While generally considered safe, like any urban neighborhood, specific crime statistics for Forest Hills are not readily available in the provided data. Potential residents should research local crime reports and safety initiatives to make informed decisions. The high cost of living, especially housing, remains a significant consideration for those planning a move to Forest Hills.