$632,422Average Value$435Average Price per Sq Ft19Homes For Sale
Leafy Forest Hill is marked by Victorian-era history
North of Downtown Newark by a dozen miles, Forest Hill is largely considered an elegant outlier in the metro area. The reason for this comes down to the area’s history – and in this leafy suburban stretch, history is everything. Developed by a handful of wealthy families from the late 19th century through World War I, this architecturally diverse neighborhood almost features one-of-a-kind housing. On a few occasions, families built matching homes for their married children. Streets like Ballantine Parkway and Heller Parkway are named after these influential dynasties. Tiffany Boulevard pays homage to Louis Comfort Tiffany, the stained glass artist whose family founded Tiffany & Co. in New York.
A sophisticated atmosphere remains, with the Forest Hill Literary Society still running after being founded in 1896. Branch Brook Park also holds cultural events throughout the year, too, and this extensive green space runs the entire length of the west side. But the neighborhood hasn’t forgotten its humble roots. Prior to becoming a Victorian-era enclave, it was a farming community. The Sydenham House, built in 1711, is a testament to that earlier epoch – and holds the title as the oldest house in Newark.
Diverse architectural styles, but most homes tend to be large multi-story dwellings
While million-dollar homes help Forest Hill retain the image of an upscale suburb, there’s actually quite a range of housing available. Plus, with all the changes taking place in the Newark metro area, high-end rentals are starting to trickle in as well, often after an older dwelling has been taken down. “Keep in mind that the majority of people in Newark rent,” says Ted Idhe, a Realtor with Exit Realty. “There’s not one particular type of home that people move here for.” The sheer variety of housing can read like a laundry list of ornate styles: colonial, Tudor, Georgian, Craftsman, Italian Renaissance Revival, Neo-Classical and Beaux Arts homes. Many homes feature stained glass windows that Tiffany popularized. “The homes around Branch Brook Park can be 100 years old,” says Thomas Mosera, a Realtor with Premium One Realty. This is a suburb, so sidewalks, mature trees and driveways are commonplace. However, some homes are pushed back on the lot whereas others meet the sidewalk, reminding residents that they’re just miles from New Jersey’s most populous urban center. Prices range from $400,000 to $1 million.
Charter schools like Robert Treat Academy are an appealing option
Students can start at Ridge Street Elementary, which covers pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The school has a 13-to-1 student-teacher ratio and is rated C by Niche. Charter options are also popular in the area. For example, the Robert Treat Academy Charter School also covers kindergarten through eighth grade, and it scores a 8 out of 10 from Great Schools. Barringer High features specialized tracks of study in law, the arts and STEM. The school earns a C.
Branch Brook Park is a community gathering spot
Branch Brook Park is a defining feature of this neighborhood, not least because of the shape and size. It’s a rectangular strip that spreads across 360 acres on the west side, forming a natural barrier. It’s also the site of events throughout the year, including movie screenings, concerts and a farmers market. The park is said to have the largest collection of cherry trees in America, which it shows off during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival every April. True to the neighborhood’s historic personality, this is also the oldest county park in the nation. The Ballantine Gates, gifted by local Robert Ballantine in 1899, represent a beloved local landmark.
The Passaic River runs near the neighborhood, too, and residents can cross it thanks to the Belleview Turnpike on the north side. That will drop them off at the namesake Passaic Avenue, which quickly leads to Kearny Riverside Park for waterside strolls. There’s even a playground and a dog park about a block away.
Shopping and dining in Forest Hill
Forest Hill is primarily residential, but retail surrounds it on all sides, making it relatively easy to run errands and find a bite to eat. Bloomfield Avenue on the south side presents one of the largest concentrations of eateries. South American cuisine plays an important part in the dining scene, but so do historic standbys like Calandra’s Bakery, a family business which has been open since 1962. Larger amenities like Wells Fargo and CVS are also available on this street. On the north side, residents can take Franklin Street to big-box amenities that are clustered in various plazas. Stop & Shop, Walgreens and Aldi are available for groceries and everyday errands. Fast casual stops like Chipotle dot the landscape, but so do locally owned taquerias. Clara Maass Medical Center is located next to Franklin Square Plaza.
Belleview Turnpike makes for a quick commute to Lower Manhattan
Driving is often recommended for commuters to New York City because of the direct route. Belleview Turnpike gets residents to Lower Manhattan in about 40 minutes.
But there are several Newark Light Rail stops nearby, including the Bloomfield Avenue, Davenport Avenue and Branch Brook Park stations. The latter can be reached by simply walking through the namesake park. These will drop commuters off at Newark Penn Station. New Jersey Transit buses that serve the neighborhood include buses 27, 74 and 99, which can take riders to nearby neighborhoods like University Heights or even cities like Paterson.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lauren Goodwyn,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Branch Brook Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Bike Trails
Branch Brook Park
Althea Gibson Tennis Courts
Tennis
Trails
Cherry Blossom Welcome Center
Baseball/Softball
Playground
Parking Lot
Essex County Branch Brook Park Dog Park
Transit
Airport
Newark Liberty International
14 min drive
Bus
Heller Pkwy & Clifton Ave
Bus
Heller Pkwy & Lake St
Bus
Lake St Loop
Bus
Mt Prospect Ave & Heller Pkwy
Bus
Mt Prospect Ave & East 2nd Ave
Bus
Heller Pkwy & Forest Hill Pkwy
Bus
Bloomfield Ave & Clifton Ave
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Forest Hill
US
Homicide
6
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Forest Hill, Newark sell after 60 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Forest Hill, Newark over the last 12 months is $615,806, up 9% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nestled in the highly sought-after Forest Hills section of Newark, NJ, this timeless Colonial offers the perfect blend of classic charm and incredible potential. With a formal floorplan, the home features a bright and spacious living room, a charming dining room ideal for entertaining, and a kitchen ready for your personal touch. The second floor offers three generously sized bedrooms, a full
Income-Generating 3-Level One-family Home " 7 Beds / 4 Baths " Prime Location!Welcome to this spacious and versatile one-family home featuring 7 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms across three finished levels, each with its own private entrance. The well-distributed floor plan, 3 private entry points, and finished basement provide endless possibilities. Located near parks, hospitals, schools, and
Discover this stunning single-family home in the coveted Forest Hill section of Newark! Sitting on a serene double lot with captivating views of Branch Brook Park, this residence is the epitome of luxury and convenience. Step inside to find a spacious, updated kitchen featuring granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, perfect for culinary enthusiasts. With 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms,
Discover 249 Montclair Avenue a beautifully renovated second-floor rental in Newark's charming Forest Hill neighborhood. This bright, open-concept home offers four spacious bedrooms and two full baths, all thoughtfully updated with modern fixtures and fully renovated. This beautiful apartment has 4 bedrooms and 2 Bathrooms. The house has central air and forced heat, energy efficient. Off-street
!!!NEWLY RENOVATED!!!!! At Forest Hill Terrace, you'll appreciate the spacious apartment homes at surprisingly affordable rents. Location is always important, we're one block from the city subway. Buses to downtown & your walking distance to shopping & schools are close by. You'll have a ball hiking, biking & more in Branch Brook Park. Come visit Forest Hill's finest community!
Do not miss it! Be the first to live in this completely renovated 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathroom apartment, with modern finishes through and brand-new appliances, just waiting for you to move in! Located in the Vailsburg section of Newark near Branchburg Park, in the West Side of Newark, right across the street from transportation to New York Bus, close to park, shopping and essay access to major routes.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lauren Goodwyn,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
15,917
Median Age
40
Population under 18
23%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.1%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$50,904
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$72,265
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
73.6%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
16.5%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
6.7%
% Population in Labor Force
66%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
46''
Average Winter Low Temperature
26°F
Average Summer High Temperature
86°F
Annual Snowfall
2''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
50/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
70/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
68/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
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.
