Forest Hills

Welcome to Forest Hills, an aptly named borough in Pennsylvania's Allegheny County.

Less than 10 miles east of Downtown Pittsburgh, this suburb is a great neighborhood for commuters, thanks to the proximity of Interstate 376 and Ardmore Boulevard, which is dotted by several Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus stops. "What's nice about Forest Hills is that it's super close to the city — really, it's convenient to get just about anywhere — but you still have that neighborly, community-type feel," says Andreana Gallagher, a local Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty who has quite a few friends in the Forest Hills community. "As a lot of Pittsburghers know, life in a surrounding suburb can make traveling downtown difficult."

The streets of this borough wind through the rolling hills Pennsylvania is known for, with pocket forests and open green space breaking up the dense housing. In fact, this neighborhood is designated as a Tree City by the Arbor Day Foundation, so it's no wonder that mature greenery like oaks and maples shade nearly every yard. So, while one's backyard could be a foray into nature in and of itself, there are parks and natural areas also utilized for enjoying the sunshine. The borough's namesake park, Forest Hills Park, has a 2-mile trail through the valley, athletic facilities and even a community swimming pool. Of all the neighborhood parks, this one is the most loaded with recreational amenities, which lines up with its popularity. For a less crowded playground or a quieter visit overall, Koch Park is another option, tucked right at the end of a residential street, surrounded by towering pines. Hillside Garden, managed by the Garden Club of Forest Hills, and the local Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary site are two other lush enclaves where you can take in the fresh air and peacefully observe the community's flora and fauna.

Most of the homes in Forest Hills are Colonial Revivals but don't make the mistake of thinking any two homes are exactly alike. This isn't a cookie-cutter community by any means; however, Colonial Foursquares featuring large front porches comprise most of what you'll see, aside from the occasional ranch- or prairie-style abode. Bi- and split-level residences are also popular on the streets characterized by dramatic hills, like Woodside Road. Forest Hills' average sales price of $224,000 has the potential to land you a three-bedroom, two-bathroom home. Overall, listing prices range between $92,000 and $595,000. While this is predominantly a neighborhood of single-family homes, you can also find some properties that have been converted into duplexes and triplexes.

Forest Hills is served by the Woodland Hills School District, so students living in this borough can start their academic journey in the township next door at Wilkins Elementary STEAM Academy, rated with a C on Niche, before attending Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy, also rated with a C on Niche. And for the last stop on this K-12 pipeline, students can graduate down the street from home at Woodland Hills Senior High, which lies outside the borough's north side. This high school boasts a B-minus on Niche. It has an array of extracurriculars to enrich the school day, such as varsity sports like cross country. It also boasts a strong art department, with annual art shows hosted at the Carnegie Museum of Art.

As for running errands, there are some locally owned businesses on the borough's south side in Sumner Avenue Shops. Still, for the most part, folks head over to the commercial strips off Ardmore Boulevard, where there's an Aldi, a Giant Eagle Supermarket, some fast-food chains and various local eateries, such as Jodi B's Restaurant, a diner with friendly staff and a menu of tried-and-true staples. Tucked right into the neighborhood is another delectable hub, Roll Up Food Truck. From their hearty lunch items to seasonal coffee beverages, this local shop most likely has something right up your alley.

"I've found that folks in Forest Hills don't leave Forest Hills," Gallagher says. "There's a lot of pride when it comes to homeownership here. People take care of their homes; they get involved. It's a loved community."

Written By

Micaela Willoughby

Photography Contributed By

Alan Battles

Video By

Victoria Sharpe