Hidden amongst a canopy of greenery just 10 miles away on the outskirts of Nashville, Forest Hills is an independent city that draws nature lovers and privacy seekers. “In Forest Hills, rolling hills and large, private lots are the status quo,” says Richard Courtney, broker at Fridrich & Clark Realty, LLC, who has over 45 years of experience in the real estate industry. Home to one of Nashville’s first suburbs, the area has been described as a community of country estates. The city of Forest Hills was owned by the Compton and Scrugg families during the 19th century, whose beautiful and historic homes still stand in Forest Hills today. Unsurprisingly, those looking for beautiful homes, spacious yards and secluded streets make their way to Forest Hills.
Multimillion-dollar homes on over an acre
Forest Hills’ architectural styles are diverse, ranging from modern to traditional. Luxurious country estates line the neighborhood’s heavily wooded streets, along with updated, midcentury ranch-style homes. “New and custom builds are cropping up, often replacing what were once small ranch homes,” Courtney says. The median sales price for a single-family home hovers around $2,287,500, boasting large private lawns, with median lot sizes around 1.25 acres. A classic colonial can go for $870,000, while a modest Split-Level on almost 3 acres can go for $1.2 million. Homebuyers can score anywhere from a 5,000-square-foot traditional build to a historic 1783 log cabin in the $2 million range. Multimillion-dollar custom homes are standard, reaching as high as $32 million for 20,000 square foot estate spanning over 50 acres.
Forest Hills is a growing neighborhood with new residential developments.
Well-manicured lawns are a frequent sight in Forest Hills.
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B-rated schools in Forest Hills
Although Forest Hills is an independent city, it is still part of the Metro Nashville Public Schools district. Students in the area may attend Percy Priest or Julia Green Elementary School, both scoring B-plus ratings on Niche. Students then move on to John Trotwood Moore Middle School, achieving a B-rating, and Hillsboro Comprehensive High School, scoring a B. Hillsboro High claims distinction as an International Baccalaureate World School and offering career academies in health and science and international business.
Hillsboro High School provides a public education to students in the Green Hills neighborhood.
Percy Priest Elementary School is located in Forrest Hills.
John Trotwood Moore Middle School opened in September 1969.
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Recreation at Richland Country Club
Locals can head to Bison Meadow, a 2 acre prairie with rare wildflowers and natural grasses, for a breath of fresh air or head out along the John C. Lovell Bikeway, which leads to Percy Priest Park, a children’s playground with walking trails. Edwin and Percy Warner Parks are just west of Forest Hills, and Radnor Lake State Park is east of the neighborhood. Both have well-kept hiking trails, special events and visitor centers. The 170-acre Richland Country Club in Forest Hills offers a beautiful golf course on the former Battle of Nashville site. Forest Hills residents often gather at Richland Country Club or Sequoia Swim & Tennis Club for recreation, community events and private parties.
People walking on the wooded trails of Percy Warner Park in the Harpeth Valley Park Neighborhood.
Residents can enjoy many types of trees and plants at Bison Meadow Park in Forest Hills.
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Dining out in neighboring Green Hills
While Forest Hills is mainly residential, neighboring Green Hills is full of fun local restaurants, boutiques, shops, and The Mall at Green Hills. Residents flock to Santo for fresh Mediterranean eats, while Doughbird is known for its house-made pizza and rotisserie chicken. Greenhouse Bar offers a unique ambiance for cocktails before heading to Char Restaurant for an intimate date night. The Bluebird Café, showcasing Nashville’s best and upcoming songwriters, and the Nashville Public Library are also in Green Hills. Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Kroger are clustered around the mall, while The Hill Center Brentwood offers major retailer chains like Nordstrom Rack and REI nearby.
The Mall at Green Hills is heavily visited by residents in Forest Hills.
Residents in Forest Hills can visit Bluebird Cafe for their photo needs.
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Live music at Belle Meade Winery
Nearby attractions include the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory off Granny White Pike, which hosts concerts, tours and astronomy talks, and the nearby Belle Meade Mansion and Winery. Besides tours, the mansion holds wine and bourbon tastings throughout the year and features live performances in their wine garden every weekend throughout spring and summer. Locals can always head to Nashville proper for annual festivals and events, like the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival and the Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival.
Commutes along Hillsboro Pike
Commuting to work in Nashville or any part of Middle Tennessee is a breeze from Forest Hills, a car-dependent city 10 miles from downtown. US Route 431, also known as Hillsboro Pike, runs straight through the community, while US Route 254, or Old Hickory Boulevard, is nearby. Interstate 65 is also easily accessible from the neighborhood. Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West is the nearest hospital, while Nashville International Airport is about 12 miles away.
Written By
John Lowery
Photography Contributed By
Andrew Nelson
Video By
Scott Wiggins
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Jeff Matlock,
an experienced agent in this area.
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A rare offering in Green Hills, this custom-designed home by Manuel Zeitlin is quietly positioned on a cul-de-sac backing to protected, wooded green space—ensuring lasting privacy. Zoned for Percy Priest Elementary, the location combines convenience with one of Nashville’s most sought-after school districts. The home has been thoughtfully updated with fresh paint, refinished hardwoods, new
Lease/purchase option* Enjoy your slice of Green Hills serenity on your 1.3 acres* 10' ceilings* Solid 8' doors* Impressive, vaulted entry foyer* Walnut wood floors* Cypress ceiling beams* Large open Great Room* Center island kitchen features New SubZero refrigerator(2023), Thermador dishwasher, Wolf 5-eye gas cooktop, Dacor double ovens, Dacor warming drawer + GE Profile microwave & Scotsman ice
Beautifully appointed* Custom built by Castle Homes Builders w/tasteful, exquisite finishes* No detail has been overlooked* Over 1 Acre with views of sought-after Forest Hills* Expansive kitchen filled with natural light from its wall of windows* Thermador appliances include double oven, 6-eye gas cooktop w/griddle+grill, drawer microwave & furniture paneled refrigerator & freezer* 2 pantries*
Positioned atop 1.64 acres in one of Nashville’s most exclusive hilltop enclaves, this striking modern estate blends architectural distinction with sweeping skyline views. Spanning 6,222 square feet, the residence was honored as a 2022 Home of Distinction and showcases clean lines, curated finishes, and an effortless indoor-outdoor flow. Inside, five spacious bedrooms and five-and-a-half baths
Enjoy over 8200 square feet in this 6 bedroom 9 bathroom home, conveniently located on a quiet street in Green Hills. Exceptionally maintained single-owner home located on a private 1.1 acre flat lot. Newly added two-level nanny or in-law suite with separate entrance completed 2025 with 1800 square feet includes a spacious bedroom, kitchen, one and a half baths, gym, large living and dining room
You will be impressed! Over 2 Acres in Forest Hills* Impeccably maintained* 10' ceilings* Beautiful Chef worthy granite large center island kitchen~ Frigidaire Professional column refrigerator & freezer, GE Profile microwave, GE Monogram appliances include: double ovens w/convection, 6-eye gas cooktop w/griddle & dishwasher* 2 story Great room w/ FP & built-in bookcases* 2 main level bedrooms
Conveniently located in the gated-community of Balleroy, this stunning 5 bedroom/5.5 bath home sits on a private 2.22 acres in the heart of Brentwood. Another quality built home by Hammond Brandt. Beautifully updated throughout and ready for a new owner, this is a rare buying opportunity. Renovations include all hardwood floors refinished, remodeled half bath on main level, remodeled primary bath
Nestled at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on more than an acre, along the coveted border of Forest Hills and Brentwood, this exceptional residence offers a rare blend of privacy, elegance, and convenience. Perched gracefully on a hillside with western exposure, the home captures stunning sunset views that can be enjoyed from both the main level and the expansive second-story balcony. Located just
Tucked away on over three private acres in coveted Forest Hills, this reimagined rustic contemporary estate offers a rare blend of seclusion, style, and location. It is minutes from Nashville's premier dining, shopping, and music venues. A tree lined drive leads to an elevated retreat where oversized iron windows and doors flood the home with natural light and frame sweeping treetop views. Fresh
Nestled on Laurel Ridge on a cul-de-sac in a private neighborhood overlooking Nashville, this unique Robert Anderson stone and Eastern cedar dazzles visitors with a 21+ foot high entrance, three story spiral staircase, and spectacular views of forest, soaring birds, and larger Nashville, lit with warm sunrises and quiet sunsets, all viewed from majestic floor to ceiling windows. A sautillo tiled
Serene Forest Hills Retreat on nearly 2 Acres. Discover a rare opportunity in one of Nashville's most sought-after neighborhoods - Forest Hills. Nestled high on nearly 2 Acres of lush, tree-filled land, this property offers unmatched privacy, natural beauty, and endless potential. Whether you're looking to renovate, build your dream home, or invest in prime real estate, this is your chance to own
Nestled in the sought-after Forest Hills area, 2004 Otter Creek Road offers a private, tree-lined setting with just under 4 acres just minutes from Green Hills, Brentwood, and Radnor Lake. Situated on a scenic stretch of Otter Creek Road, the property combines convenience with a peaceful residential atmosphere. You have an open canvas to build your very own dream home on one of the most desirable
Welcome to an extraordinary opportunity in one of Nashville's most coveted neighborhoods. This privately situated home on Sunset Hills Terrace offers the rare combination of a premier Forest Hills address and remarkable renovation potential- a true canvas for creating your dream residence. The mostly one-level layout delivers effortless living, with light-filled rooms that invite warmth and
Enjoy your slice of Green Hills serenity on your 1.3 acres* 10' ceilings* Solid 8' doors* Impressive, vaulted entry foyer* Walnut wood floors* Cypress ceiling beams* Large open Great Room* Center island kitchen features New SubZero refrigerator(2023), Thermador dishwasher, Wolf 5-eye gas cooktop, Dacor double ovens, Dacor warming drawer + GE Profile microwave & Scotsman ice maker* Main level
This beautifully renovated 3,692 sq ft home offers four spacious bedrooms and four elegant bathrooms, designed with comfort and style in mind. The expansive living area features a cozy fireplace, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Situated on a generous 1.66-acre lot, the home welcomes you with a stunning wraparound deck—spanning the entire front and side—ideal for enjoying panoramic views or
Welcome to a rare and exceptional lease opportunity in the heart of Forest Hills/Brentwood, where privacy, space, and refined living come together effortlessly. Set on a stunning 1.22-acre private lot surrounded by mature trees, this estate-style home offers over 3,000 square feet above grade plus a fully finished basement, creating a sense of retreat just minutes from the city. Inside, the home
Sean FitzgeraldGemstone Solutions Property Management and Realty
Lovely EXECUTIVE RENTAL in wonderful location! Home renovated & partially furnished (new furniture). Primary on main level, hardwood floors throughout. 5 BR suites, SO spacious...immaculate & move-in ready! Screened in porch in the back just off the kitchen. 3-car garage.
Quiet, winding backroads and leafy seclusion give Otter Creek a rural atmosphere. And those seeking the pulse of Music City take advantage of the 10-mile cruise that leads right into the heart of Broadway. Sprawling estates with impressive architecture sit atop hills, and renovated ranch homes are settled far enough apart to enjoy the yard space but close enough to nod to the neighbor. Situated in Davidson County, this Forest Hills suburb offers residents access to both nature and Nashville and is ranked the No. 2 best place to raise a family, according to Niche. “People love this area because its centrally located by the natural beauty of Radnor Lake, between plenty of shopping and eateries in Green Hills and Brentwood,” says Rebecca Norris DiNapoli, a Realtor at Compass with more than 30 years of experience in both the music industry and real estate in Nashville.
Homes in Otter Creek flow with the green hills of the Tennessee terrain, where some areas are especially steep and dense with trees. Properties have been well-constructed to handle the environment, as huge stone estates and towering colonial homes are set upon several acres on the hillsides. “Eddy Arnold owns land here, where he hired only developers that would maintain the land’s natural aesthetic. They cut down very few trees, keeping it nature-friendly and very desirable—developers and builders are following suit because they love how beautiful this area is,” says DiNapoli. Classic mid-century brick ranch homes, vintage cottages and colonials that range in size from 2,000 to about 3,000 square feet are rarely found for under $1 million. Contemporary homes with traditional architecture, Craftsman or Farmhouse influences typically range between 4,000 and 8,000 square feet. These estates, many shaded by maple and oak trees with picket fences outlining the property, sell between $1.5 million to upwards of $10 million.
Davidson County is recognized as one of the best places to live in Tennessee with the best school districts in the Metro Nashville area. Younger students living in Otter Creek can begin with a 14-1 student-teacher ratio at Percy Priest Elementary School, which Niche grades a B-plus and ranks as the No. 3 best elementary school in the county. As they progress, learners can attend J.T. Moore Middle School, which receives a B Niche grade. Hillsboro High School, which Niche also grades a B and ranks as the No. 5 best magnet high school in Nashville, serves the area’s older students. Parents might opt to send their children to a nearby private school: Brentwood Academy, Franklin Road Academy, Currey Ingram Academy and St. Paul Christian Academy are all close by.
On the east side of Otter Creek, locals take in the scenic views at Radnor Lake State Park. With 1,400 acres of wooded trails around Radnor Lake, this park offers opportunities to exercise while viewing wildlife. "There are some trails you can’t even run on because they don’t want you to scare the owls or otters,” DiNapoli adds. In the southern part of town, the self-guided trails at Deerwood Arboretum educate on more than 60 species of trees, birds and other local wildlife.
A 5-mile drive east along Old Hickory Boulevard leads to a popular retail section in Brentwood with a variety of restaurants, shops and grocers. "Mere Bulles is a longstanding steakhouse, and people love margaritas and Tex-Mex at Uncle Julio’s," says Mandy Smith, a Nashville native on DiNapoli’s team. Locals can mark items off their grocery lists at Publix or Fresh Market. Another 5-mile jaunt north along Hillsboro Pike leads to The Mall at Green Hills, where there are several medical suites and more grocery options at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. “Across from Trader Joe’s, Santo’s serves fresh Mediterranean cuisine,” Smith adds.
Old Hickory Boulevard and Hillsboro Pike are the main thoroughfares in and out of Otter Creek, the latter leading straight into downtown Nashville. A bit further east, residents can hop onto Interstate 65 for further travel destinations.
The Richland Country Club is on Otter Creek’s east side. Open since 1901, this grandeur clubhouse sits on 170 acres of Tennessee landscape, complete with a premium golf course. Members also enjoy community events, an outdoor swimming pool and top-notch dining experiences.
Property Mix - Square Feet
Forest Hills Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
4,466
Median Age
49
Population under 18
23.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
25.1%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$222,847
Significantly above the national average
$79,601
Average Household Income
$219,008
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
98.1%
College Graduates
78.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
35.7%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
62.6%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
51''
Average Winter Low Temperature
30°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
14''
Area Factors
Somewhat friendly
Bike Score®®
30/ 100
Not friendly
Walk Score®®
10/ 100
Not friendly
Transit Score®®
0/ 100
Source: Local Logic
Sources: Local Logic
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
