$317,124Average Value$200Average Price per Sq Ft25Homes For Sale
Antique homes, lively neighbors in Forest Park
When Beate Bolen decided to retire and move out of New Jersey, she knew the kind of neighborhood she was looking for. It needed to be a city neighborhood with shops within walking distance and convenient highway access but also quality homes. Bolen found all that when she moved to Forest Park in Springfield in 2012, but she quickly learned she was also becoming part of a sociable community. “When you walk down the street, you got to allow an extra 10 minutes to stop and talk with neighbors,” says Bolen, president of the Forest Park Civic Association. The neighborhood south of downtown Springfield has endured for more than 100 years thanks to its inventory of well-maintained Victorian and Arts and Crafts homes, selection of small businesses and friendly atmosphere. It’s considered one of the Massachusetts city’s most desired neighborhoods. Residents vary from families who have called Forest Park home for four generations to recent transplants from Arkansas. “I have so many buyers who are only looking in Forest Park,” says Erica Swallow, a Realtor and co-lead of the Turnberg Swallow Team at Coldwell Banker who lives in the neighborhood. “It’s that special.”
Owning a piece of Springfield history
Forest Park is known for its stock of large single-family homes, duplexes and occasional three-family properties. Most were built during Springfield’s heyday as an industrial center in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and industrialists and CEOs were among the earliest residents. Queen Anne, Craftsman and Colonial Revival homes offer wraparound porches, second-level balconies and striking paint jobs that pair blue and orange, purple and white or burgundy and green. Most homes are more than a century old, but Bolen says the quality of the construction has endured over the decades. Her 1912 home was 100 years old when she moved in. “As soon as we walked across the threshold, my partner said there’s nothing but minor repairs and cosmetic repairs for this house.” Many homes on the west side are in the Forest Park Heights Historic District, so homeowners there must get approval from the Springfield Historical Commission to modify the exterior of their houses. The small lots average less than a fifth of an acre, but houses commonly have five-plus bedrooms and multiple bathrooms. Swallow says the relative affordability of these large homes often motivates buyers from larger markets to move to Springfield, and cash offers from distant buyers can muddy the waters of an already competitive market. “You can get a 3,000-square-foot home for $350,000 to $400,000 right now, which is incredible compared to Northampton, Boston or upstate New York.” Single-family home prices typically fall between $200,000 and $450,000, with some homes near Forest Park selling in the $500,000s. Multifamily homes with four-plus units cost between $550,000 and $900,000.
A Victorian next to a Georgian styled home in Forest Park.
A stunning Victorian with a path to lead to a lovely walk in Forest Park.
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Room for privacy in Forest Park
Forest Park’s namesake isn’t a typical park. Among 736 acres of white pine forests and lakes, wallabies and bison reside at The Zoo at Forest Park, hockey leagues play on the ice of Cyr Arena and an 1890s carriage house hosts weddings. Forest Park also has baseball fields, tennis courts and nearly 2 miles of trails. Bakers and farmers set up a farmers market on Saturdays. “Forest Park is big, but it’s never really busy,” Swallow says. “It’s the exact experience of Central Park in New York City. You’ll see people playing sports and having picnics, but it’s still quiet.” Winter brings sub-freezing temperatures and snowfall to Western Massachusetts, but the neighborhood is within 2 miles of Springfield Museums. The complex of five art and history museums is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution. There’s indoor entertainment in Forest Park, too. In 2024, 52 Sumner opened inside a 125-year-old church, creating a venue where Latin Fusion acts, Irish country artists and tribute bands take the stage.
Within Forest Park is a Zoo that has 225 species of animals to view.
A stroll across a bridge over a babbling brook in Forest Park.
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Christmas lights and neighborhood block parties
One time of year when Forest Park gets busy is December; thousands of visitors drive through the park to see 700,000 lights in the shapes of dinosaurs, a Victorian village and Dr. Seuss characters. Bright Nights at Forest Park has drawn 7 million people from across the country since 1995. The event is a Springfield tradition, but Bolen says neighborhood residents often associate it with the traffic it creates. “We don’t plan to drive on Sumner Avenue in the evenings for those couple of weeks.” The Forest Park Civic Association organizes other events to bring together as many of the neighborhood’s 25,000 residents as possible. For example, the volunteer-run civic association has put on Illumination Night for more than 30 years. The summertime block party rotates its location annually, bringing live music, games and porch decorating contests to different streets every year.
There is even a bus to take you downtown in Springfield from Forest Park.
A view of development and change is where the X meets in Forest Park, MA.
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Walking to businesses at the X
Most of Forest Park’s retail and restaurant options sit at an intersection known as the X. Straddling Sumner Avenue, Belmont Avenue and Dickinson Street, this wide and walkable district is the community’s go-to for trips to Saigon Market Vietnamese grocer, darts at X Pub and plates of eggs benedict at Cafe Christo. “I’ve never walked in where I didn’t have an interesting conversation with people I didn’t know at all,” Bolen says of Cafe Christo. The X is widely considered Springfield’s most dangerous intersection due to frequent car crashes at the junction, which was laid out before cars were common. The city began a redesign of the X in 2024 that’s meant to make it safer for drivers and pedestrians by adding sidewalks and altering traffic light patterns. “The volume of traffic was something that couldn’t have been envisioned by the designers of that intersection,” Bolen says. “We’re aware there will be disruptions from the renovations. We’ve seen that when construction goes on in the streets, the city plans it well and manages traffic pretty well in the process.” The project is expected to wrap up by 2026. Restaurants in the X and beyond serve a diverse mix of cuisine, with several Vietnamese and Dominican eateries in the neighborhood. Big-box stores and retail chains are found on the eastern outskirts of Forest Park, including Big Y supermarket, HomeGoods and Rocky’s Ace Hardware.
A delicious sandwich can be had plus more at Souper Sweet Sandwich Shop in Forest Park.
A local favorite for comfort food is Christo's Cafe in Forest Park.
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100 years of worship at Trinity United Methodist Church, Temple Beth El
Forest Park has one of Springfield's most varied collections of houses of worship. The stone towers of Trinity United Methodist Church’s Gothic Revival building have stood in the heart of the neighborhood since the 1920s. The church's lawn and parking lot host annual events including a pumpkin patch, trunk-or-treat and a nearly 4-mile walk to raise money for Church World Service, a nonprofit addressing food insecurity worldwide. Synagogues concentrated on the south end of Forest Park include Temple Beth El, the oldest Conservative Jewish congregation in Western Massachusetts. The congregation was formed in 1913, and the synagogue has been the home of Boy Scout Troop 31 since 1924. The neighborhood is also home to Masjid Baitussalam and Winding Path Buddhist Sangha, a temple that follows the Tendai school of Buddhism.
White Street School adds new playground
There are several public schools in Forest Park. White Street School teaches kindergartners through fifth graders, and it added a new playground in 2024. Niche grades White Street School a C, giving nearby Forest Park Middle School a C-minus. Students can apply to attend any Springfield Public Schools high school, including Central High School 3 miles away. The B-minus-rated school emphasizes science, technology, engineering, arts and math education through features such as an aeronautics engineering-focused Air Force JROTC program and a TV studio that hosts digital video production classes.
Next to Interstate 91
A compact development pattern, abundant sidewalks and a wide selection of businesses make many sections of Forest Park walkable or bikeable. It’s still common for residents to own cars, and Interstate 91 connects the neighborhood to downtown Springfield, 2 miles north, and Hartford, 25 miles south. Baystate Medical Center is just off the interstate 4 miles north of Forest Park. I-91 also leads to Bradley International Airport, 20 miles from Forest Park. Pioneer Valley Transit Authority bus stops are located throughout the neighborhood, so residents can reach downtown Springfield’s shops, restaurants and museums in less than half an hour.
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
Are you familiar with the Forest Park neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Forest Park
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
5
4
Assault with Weapon
6
4
Robbery
6
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Forest Park Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Forest Park, Springfield sell after 28 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Forest Park, Springfield over the last 12 months is $295,000, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Fully remodeled and move-in ready, this stunning 4-bedroom, 2-bath home at 85 Grand St in Springfield offers the perfect mix of modern updates and everyday comfort. From the moment you walk in, you’ll notice the bright, inviting layout with new flooring, fresh paint, and clean, updated finishes throughout. The kitchen has been fully redone with sleek cabinetry, stylish countertops, and updated
Welcome to 11 Crown Street, a well-maintained 4-bedroom, 2-bath Colonial located in the desirable Forest Park neighborhood. This single-family home has been recently painted throughout and features updated kitchen and bathrooms. Major updates within the last five years include the roof, siding, windows, insulation, and gas hot water tank. The home is equipped with electric baseboard heating
Welcome to this stunning historic home, a true gem in the heart of Historic Forest Park Heights just short walk to the gorgeous 785-acre Forest Park. Built in 1913, this home boasts 6 bedrooms, 3 baths and a spacious 3,752 square feet of living space. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by the charm and character of a bygone era, with original hardwood floors and intricate moldings. The home
Stop paying rent and start investing in your own home! This versatile property features two apartments — one with four bedrooms and another with one bedroom — offering excellent income or multi-family living potential. The basement has great potential to be finished into an additional apartment or studio. Situated on a wide street in a quiet neighborhood with convenient access to Routes 90, 91,
Immaculate single-family home ideally located between Upper Sumner Ave at the East Forest Park line and the East Longmeadow line! This stately residence offers exceptional curb appeal, a long paved driveway, good-sized garage, and a meticulously maintained fenced yard with a deep backyard perfect for kids & pets. Inside, classic charm meets modern updates with gleaming hardwood floors and a
Great opportunity for investors or contractors looking for their next project. This spacious property offers a flexible layout with 5 bedrooms and multiple living areas, providing excellent potential for renovation and value-add.The first floor features a living room, office, kitchen, and half bathroom. The second floor offers four bedrooms and a full bathroom. The third floor includes a large
This oasis of charm and quiet and sweetness is an unusual mix this close to Forest Park. Upgraded kitchen w/ granite and pretty tile backsplash, sweet cabinets throughout & well enough space for eat-in or an island/breakfast bar. Wonderful wood floors throughout, and ceramic floor kitchen. Formal dining room, ample living room, lovely foyer. Mudroom at rear entry & huge front enclosed front porch
FOR SALE: Unit 302 available at the Sumner Place at Forest Park Condominium, a private and professionally managed condominium building with 48 residential units. 4 floor building with elevator and fully renovated lobby and common area. Key fob entry, washers/dryers on each floor, daily cleaning, snow removal, storage closets. Located in Historic Forest Park Neighborhood. Directly across from
Group showing Friday 12/12 at 2PM. 192 White Street in Springfield presents a prime investment opportunity with this well-maintained 21-unit building featuring a mix of studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. A major advantage for investors is that all utilities are separately metered, keeping operating costs low and boosting overall returns. Many units have already been updated by the current
Rent-to-Own Available — Charming 3-Bed Cape at 132 Carroll St!Here in the heart of Forest Park, a 3-bedroom, 1-bath Cape-style home offering approximately 1,576 sq ft of comfortable living space on a 5,001 sq ft lot awaits. Full of classic charm and long-standing durability, the home features hardwood and tile flooring, a cozy fireplace, and a warm oak kitchen. Enjoy a full basement for storage
Rent to own option — Charming 4-Bed Cape in Forest Park! Lovingly maintained 4-bed, 2-bath Cape-style home offering approx. 1,476sf of living space on a 4,792sf lot. With its longevity, it features hardwood and tile flooring, a cozy fireplace, and an oak kitchen. Full basement, off-street parking, and a fenced yard with a deck—an ideal blend of character and functionality. Don't miss out son your
Rare opportunity to own a spacious and versatile home set on a double lot with a custom fence in a quiet neighborhood. This expansive 4-level property offers incredible flexibility, perfect for multigenerational living or those needing extra space. Featuring 6 bedrooms and an updated kitchen, the home blends functionality with comfort.The main level showcases beautiful picture frame hardwood
FOR SALE: Unit 314 available at the Sumner Place at Forest Park Condominium, a private and professionally managed condominium building with 48 residential units. 4 floor building with elevator and fully renovated lobby and common area. Key fob entry, washers/dryers on each floor, daily cleaning, snow removal, storage closets. Located in Historic Forest Park Neighborhood. Directly across from
Welcome to Park Edge, a residential community featuring Studio, One and Two bedroom apartments in Springfield, MA. Spacious layouts and amenities welcome you home, along with exceptional service and an ideal location within walking distance to shopping, dining and entertainment options. Are you looking for an apt for rent in Springfield, MA? Contact our friendly, professional office staff to
Welcome to your freshly painted new home! This spacious 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom, 2nd floor unit. Freshly painted throughout, and with featuring a private front porch. Centrally located just minutes from parks, houses of worship and shopping, this inviting home is move-in ready. Please note: no pets or smoking allowed. Applicants must have a minimum credit score of 650.
Move in Special! NO SECURITY DEPOSIT REQUIRED.HEAT HOT WATER AND ELECTRICITY INCLUDED!!Quiet, safe community with beautifully remodeled units.New oak cabinets, stone or quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances with all new flooring these spacious units are located in the beautiful forest park area with the convenience of an on-site bus stop, just minutes from downtown
This spacious 3 bedroom home offers 2 levels of living space. Gorgeous hardwood floors and lots of character. There is an eat in kitchen dinning room, living room, foyer, one bedroom, half bath and mud room on the 1st level. Upstairs you'll find two more bedrooms, and a full bath. Tons of closet space throughout and a gorgeous fireplace. A must see! This duplex style home will be available for
Come visit and experience the lifestyle Forest Park Apartments in Springfield, Massachusetts has to offer. Conveniently located just off Route I-91, Forest Park offers all the modern amenities of apartment living you deserve. Located on the edge of the beautiful and historic Forest Park neighborhood, the newly restored apartments have been thoroughly remodeled into the ideal housing for you and
This unit offers a bright and spacious three-bedroom, one-bath layout filled with natural light throughout. Large windows bring in plenty of sunshine, creating a warm and inviting living space. The unit features a functional floor plan with comfortable bedrooms, a well-sized living area, and a practical kitchen setup ideal for everyday living. Located on one of Springfield’s busiest and most
Welcome to 25 Malden St. Unit 2, a spacious second-floor apartment offering comfortable living in the heart of Springfield. This spacious unit features four bedrooms, providing flexible space for sleeping, working from home, or creating a guest room. Located on the second floor, the apartment offers added privacy and a bright, elevated feel. The layout allows you to design the space to fit your
Property Id: 1958530Welcome to this charming 4 bedroom, 1 bathroom unit in Forest Park, Springfield, MA!!! Right at the entrance of the Forest Park. Featuring hardwood floors, washer/dryer, and off-street parking. Pets welcome and utilities included. Don't miss out on this amazing rental opportunity!Section 8 and Wayfinder are welcome!!!
Beautiful second floor apartment with 2100 square feet of living space. Spacious 9 room 4 bedroom apartment with a separate additional walk in closet. Beautifully redone Kitchen and bath. Completely painted with floors being done as well. Separate walk in closet. 2 porches for added outdoor living. A must see!! Must have Fico Score of 680+, make 3 times monthly rent and have references in order
Beautiful and bright 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom apartment offering comfortable living with a practical layout and generous living space. Heat and hot water are included in the rent, helping simplify monthly expenses. The tenant is responsible for electricity.The kitchen comes equipped with a stove and refrigerator, making move in easy. While the unit does not have central air, window AC units are
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