Forsyth offers quiet living around Hickory Point Mall
A bedroom community along Decatur's city limits, the village of Forsyth offers residents a little extra space and tranquility, with access to major shopping centers and highways. The community's subdivisions feel less dense than many Decatur neighborhoods, and homes are around the corner from Hickory Point Mall, a major shopping area. Local school districts are well-rated and sought after. Recreation is abundant between the village's central park and expansive golf course, which hosts one of the community's biggest annual events. Forsyth has a CAP Index Crime Score of 1 out of 10, less than the national average of 4.
Wide streets, waterways and lawns frame homes from the 1950s to today
Neighborhood roads are wide, and sidewalks are typically available in most subdivisions. Mature trees dot sprawling grass lawns occasionally enclosed by low-lying fences. Cars park along driveways in front of two-car garages. The village has a range of homes from the 1950s through the 2020s. Ranch-style houses and split-level homes commonly cost between $115,000 and $335,000, while New Traditional and custom homes often sell between $345,000 and $535,000. Pricing heavily depends on a property's square footage and age.
According to First Street, homes near Stevens Creek are at moderate risk from flooding. However, greenery along the waterway helps to buffer most overflows.
Hickory Point Mall anchors major shopping in the Decatur metro area
Forsyth is home to Hickory Point Mall, which has about 33 retailers and restaurants. "It's the only place we really have with a lot of big brands since downtown Decatur mainly has smaller boutiques," says Brittany Lamb, Realtor at Brinkoetter Realtors with experience in the area. Surrounding the mall are many nationally and regionally recognized chain businesses, like Texas Roadhouse, Krekel's Custard, Lowe's Home Improvement and Best Buy. Other commercial options are along different parts of Highway 51. Sam's Club and Walmart Supercenter are the closest supermarkets, roughly 2 miles from the mall.
Ratings range from A-minus to B-plus inside the main school district
Most students attend Maroa-Forsyth School District, which has an A-minus rating from Niche. A small portion of Forsyth is zoned for Warrensburg-Latham Community Unit District No. 11, which has a B-minus. In the Maroa-Forsyth district, kids attend Maroa-Forsyth Grade, Middle and High schools. The grade school has an A-minus score, while the middle and high schools have B-plus ratings.
Pocket parks and Hickory Point Golf Course help connect neighbors
The community's central gathering space is Forsyth Park, or Village Park. It has various athletic facilities, from pickleball and tennis courts to multiple ball fields and a disc golf course. Several pocket parks are sprinkled around the village. "A lot of families like the small neighborhood parks because each helps connect neighbors and establish a feeling of community without people having to go far from home or crossing busy streets," Lamb says. Forsyth is also home to Hickory Point Golf Course. Its fairways are open to the public, and the venue hosts many public and private events.
Seasonal events include Rudolph’s Market and Trees on the Tees
Forsyth Fest is one of the village's biggest celebrations. This three-day event has everything from inflatables and foam machines to a cornhole tournament, petting zoo and beer garden. The festival ends with a fireworks display. Forsyth Park's disc golf course hosts the annual Forsyth Open, while Hickory Point Golf Course is known for Trees on the Tees. "A bunch of local companies, including the office I work for, decorate trees throughout the course, and it's just a big light show," Lamb says. "They have golf cart and walking passes, so you can explore the event in multiple ways." Another popular winter event is Rudolph's Village Market, which includes a festive golf cart parade, live reindeer interactions and pictures with Santa Claus.
Golf carts, Highway 51 and buses help residents get around
In Forsyth's neighborhoods, people can travel in licensed golf carts or by bike, as trails connect parts of the local parks system. A few Decatur Public Transit System bus stops are near the mall. Cars travel along Highway 51, the village's core artery. It intersects with Interstate 72 and creates a direct path into downtown Decatur, about 6 miles away. Most major employers are in Decatur. Residents are about 12 miles from Decatur Airport and 5 miles from Decatur Memorial Hospital.
