One of Pittsburgh's eastern suburbs, Forest Hills lives up to its name in more ways than one. The borough sits among the rolling hills of the Western Allegheny Plateau, where a canopy of mature trees marks the changing seasons as flowering dogwoods bloom in the spring and maple trees shed their crimson leaves in the fall. Forest Hills has been part of the Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA program for nearly 40 years, and the community takes great pleasure in preserving its natural beauty. "There's a lot of pride when it comes to homeownership here," says Andreana Gallagher, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty. "I've found that folks in Forest Hills don't leave Forest Hills. People take care of their homes, and they get involved." In addition to its lush landscapes and sense of community, the borough offers proximity to Pittsburgh, less than 10 miles west. "What's nice about Forest Hills is that it's super close to the city, but you still have that neighborly feel," Gallagher says.
Explore the hillside residence of Forest Hills and see what the community has to offer.
Welcome to Forest Hills a "Tree City, USA" One of the Arbor Day Foundation's oldest programs.
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Forest Hills has everything from Tudor Revival to ranch-style homes
A drive down the borough’s tree-lined streets will reveal an eclectic collection of homes, most built from the 1920s through the ‘60s. Tudor Revivals feature steeply pitched roofs and arched doorways, while midcentury modern homes have oversized windows that bring plenty of natural light inside. Foursquares and bungalows offer spacious front porches, and traditional Colonial Revival, Cape Cod, ranch-style and split-level homes are also common. Most properties sit on quarter-acre lots and have private driveways, attached garages and small backyards. Home prices typically range from $140,000 to $415,000, although fixer-uppers can sell for $50,000 to $95,000. While single-family homes are the norm, there are some properties that have been converted into duplexes and triplexes. The borough’s overall CAP Index crime score is 3 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Tutor Revival homes can be found around the Forest Hills area.
Foursquare homes are up and down the hilly streets of Forest Hills.
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Parks, a public pool and golf courses in Pittsburgh’s eastern suburbs
The borough dedicates nearly a quarter of its land to public parks. Its largest green space is Forest Hills Park, which has a playground, various athletic facilities and scenic nature trails. It’s also home to the Forest Hills Pool, which comes alive each summer as residents relax by the water and kids compete on the Forest Hills Swim Team. In Forest Hill’s eastern half, Koch Park is a quieter spot with a playground, ballfield and pickleball courts. The borough’s municipal complex includes the Forest Hills branch of C.C. Mellor Memorial Library, which offers recreational and educational programs for all ages. Golfers can play a round at Grand View Golf Club, a public 18-hole course about 2 miles from Forest Hills. Residents can also become members of the nearby Edgewood County Club and access an 18-hole golf course, racquet sports complex and outdoor pool.
Take time to enjoy the C.C. Mellor Memorial Library in Forest Hills.
Forest Hills golfers enjoy the best view of the Mon Valley at Grand View Golf Club.
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Woodland Hills High School has a Dual Enrollment Program
The borough is served by the Woodland Hills School District, which earns an overall grade of B-minus from Niche and has an average student-teacher ratio of 13-to-1. The district has three elementary schools, and as space permits, parents can choose which one their child attends. Turtle Creek Elementary STEAM Academy receives a B-minus from Niche, while Edgewood Elementary STEAM Academy and Wilkins Elementary STEAM Academy score a C. Students can continue at the C-rated Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy and B-minus-rated Woodland Hills High School, which has a Dual Enrollment Program allowing juniors and seniors to earn college credit from local colleges and universities. Forest Hills is also home to the Trinity Christian School, a private institution serving kindergarten through 12th grade that earns an A-minus rating.
Woodland Hills Senior High School serves the youth of Forest Hills.
Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy offers Forest Hills students greatness.
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Forest Hills Community Day Celebration is held on the Fourth of July
The borough’s biggest event is the annual Forest Hills Community Day Celebration, which takes place on the Fourth of July and has been a local favorite for nearly 80 years. The festivities begin early in the morning with the Ed Bunyan Memorial Biathlon, Fun Run and Dog Walk, and continue all day long with live music, bingo and a watermelon-eating contest in Forest Hills Park. For just a dollar, residents can enter the rubber duck race and cheer on their pick as it floats down the creek toward the finish line. The Forest Hills Westinghouse Lodge is another popular spot for community events, including the seasonal Forest Hills Farmer Market.
Residents shop for locally grown produce at the Forest Hills Farmers Market.
Enjoy a day out in Forest Hills with your best friend.
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U.S. Route 30 features shopping centers and local restaurants
Shops and restaurants line U.S. Route 30 on the borough’s south side. Residents can run errands at the Ardmore Shopping Center, which features Aldi and Rite Aid. Several hair and nail salons serve the community, including local favorites like City Nails and Shear Elegance Salon. Dining options range from fast-food restaurants such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Taco Bell to family-owned joints like Vincent’s Pizza Park, known for its signature “Vinnie Pie” with generous heaps of toppings loaded on thick, bread-like crust. Roman Bistro serves homemade Italian food, and I Scream Shop is a go-to spot for dessert with more than 30 flavors of ice cream. Forest Hills is also less than 10 miles from the Monroeville Mall, a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment with over 130 stores.
Vincent's Pizza Park in Forest Hills serves up unforgettable pies and great service.
Roman Bistro serves the finest dishes to everyone around the Forest Hills area.
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Transportation includes bus service to downtown Pittsburgh
U.S. Route 30 is the borough’s main thoroughfare. It provides access to Interstate 376, which runs along the northern edge of Forest Hills and offers a direct route to downtown Pittsburgh, less than 10 miles away. "As many Pittsburghers know, life in a surrounding suburb can make traveling to downtown difficult, but it's really convenient to get just about anywhere from Forest Hills,” Gallagher says. Pittsburgh Regional Transit has several bus stops along U.S. Route 30, and commuters can leave their cars at the Forest Hills Park and Ride Lot before taking the bus into the city. For flights, Pittsburgh International Airport is less than 30 miles from Forest Hills. The closest hospital is UPMC East, about 8 miles away.
Written By
Sally Stimpson
Photography Contributed By
Alan Battles
Video By
Brandon Flash Craigie
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Brian Schmidt,
an experienced agent in this area.
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Nestled on a double lot in Forest Hills Boro, 528 Halsey Avenue is a delightful single-family residence that masterfully blends vintage character with modern comfort. Recently updated, the kitchen combines modern finishes with functionality. Enjoy brand-new stainless steel appliances, a gas range, built-in microwave, custom cabinetry, butcher block counters, and a sleek tile backsplash. A
Welcome to your dream home! Nestled on a peaceful street, this cozy, light filled home is the perfect blend of character and comfort. Step inside to find hardwood floors throughout the main living areas and a layout that maximizes natural light, giving the entire space an airy, uplifting feel. The updated bathroom is a true sanctuary, featuring heated floors and a luxurious steam shower that
Fantastic 4-Unit Investment Opportunity in Forest Hills, PA. A Well-maintained 4-unit apartment building ideally situated in the quiet, residential community of Forest Hills. Don't miss this opportunity to own a solid income-producing property in a desirable and accessible location.
Fantastic 3-Unit Investment Opportunity in Forest Hills, PA Well-maintained 3-unit apartment building ideally situated in the quiet, residential community of Forest Hills. Don't miss this opportunity to own a solid income-producing property in a desirable and accessible location.
harming and unique ranch-style home offering a peaceful slice of seclusion! Hardwood floors and natural light flow throughout the main level. The dining room features built-in cabinetry and a bar area—ideal for entertaining. Updated kitchen with white cabinetry and ample storage. Three bedrooms on the main level, including a primary with direct access to the serene, wooded backyard. The fully
Historic home located in Edgewood Acres neighborhood of Forest Hills. Tons of charm with modern upgrades. The first floor features an open layout that seamlessly connects the living room, dining room, and kitchen, perfect for effortless conversation and entertaining. Upstairs, you’ll find three bedrooms, along with an additional third floor that could be transformed into extra living space or
Nice 3BR/2Bath with 2 Car detached garage carport. Kitchen has dishwasher. Back yard, back patio, front yard, and front porch. Stove and refrigerator available depending on need. Has full basement with laundry hook-ups. Forest Hills Municiple park and public swimming pool just few blocks. Public transportation with a few blocks. Within 10 to 45 minutes to Downtown Pittsburgh, Monroeville Mall,
This newly updated house in a little town called Chalfant near Forest Hills with the same suburban feel offers everything you need for a comfortable living experience with fresh paint and new floors throughout. There is a spacious eat-in kitchen, updated bathroom and 3 bedrooms with plenty of storage. Laundry hookups in basement, street parking, and central AC.
Chalfant, just 11 miles from downtown Pittsburgh, is a small suburb where residents know their neighbors and regularly come together during community events. “It’s a very tiny neighborhood that’s mostly residential,” says Sara Leitera, a Realtor at Berkshire Hathaway who’s lived in the Pittsburgh area her whole life. Charles Arthell, who owns the Pike Bar and Grill describes it as a working-class neighborhood that grew around the Westinghouse Atom Smasher, a nuclear research facility that opened in 1937 and has since been demolished. The 65-foot smasher is still at the site, but is laying on its side on the ground despite calls for preservation.
The community offers plenty of gatherings. “They have a fun community day every year in the borough park,” says Leitera. Chalfant Community Day includes a bounce house, raffles, local food vendors and live music under the bright, summer sun. The Chalfant Volunteer Fire Department has annual hoagie sales, stuffed cabbage dinners and the Chalfant Car Cruise. Chalfant Community Center is an indoor venue for private events such as birthday and graduation parties. Popular downtown activities include riverside walks at Point State Park and Pirates games at PNC Park.
Chalfant has a suburban feel with walkable blocks of single-family homes on modest lots. Homes have friendlier prices compared to places closer to downtown, Leitera says. “I sold a home here this year, she says. “You can still find a home for under $200,000.” Prospective buyers can choose from ranch-style houses and Cape Cods with modest porches that range between $80,000 and $250,000. Yards are often decorated with garden beds, bushes or the occasional tree.
The Woodland Hills School District serves children in the area and earns a B-minus from Niche. Kids can attend Wilkins Elementary STEAM Academy, which earns a C, before advancing to Dickson Preparatory STEAM Academy, which also receives a C. The academy offers free online summer courses. Students move on to Woodland Hills Senior High School, which offers a rigorous robotics program and receives a B-minus from Niche. For those who prefer private education, Trinity Christian Academy is just 3 miles away. There are several churches nearby, including Bridge City Church - North Braddock, Calvary United Church of Christ and Presentation of Christ Greek Orthodox Church "Ypapanti.”
Chalfant Park is a multi-purpose green space with two playgrounds, a paved path, and a pavilion area. There’s also a baseball field and a skating rink here. The Woodland Hills Baseball Association has practices and Little League games on the ballfield. People can take their pets to Forest Hills Park — just 2 miles away — since dogs aren’t allowed at Chalfant Park. The nearest golf course is Grand View Golf Club.
The area has an array of casual restaurants such as Tugboat, which serves Italian American comfort foods. Vincent's Pizza Park has the “Vinnie Pie,” named in memory of a beloved pizza maker. The traditional restaurant has a simple interior until decorations light the dining area for the holiday season. The Pike Bar and Grill, a small hometown bar, offers cold drinks and appetizers. Aldi is the nearest grocery store and is less than 2 miles away.
It takes about 30 minutes to reach downtown Pittsburgh by car via Interstate 376. The Pittsburgh International Airport is 12 miles away.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Forest Hills Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,938
Median Age
47
Population Density
5 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.5%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
27.9%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$87,973
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$108,890
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.7%
College Graduates
61.3%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.8%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
41''
Average Winter Low Temperature
23°F
Average Summer High Temperature
83°F
Annual Snowfall
6''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®®
20/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®®
45/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
