$317,137Average Value$200Average Price per Sq Ft24Homes 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
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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 29 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 $294,900, up 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Forest Park spacious two family ideal for investors and owner occupants alike. Set your own rents or live in one and lease the other. The second floor unit is vacant, & the first floor unit will be delivered vacant May 1st. The first floor features 4 bedrooms & 1 full bath. The newly updated second unit spans two levels w/ 3 bedrooms on the main level & a finished walk up third floor w/ two
Perfect for the Owner-occupier, this beautiful 2 family home in the heart of the Historic District is a unique opportunity to own a beautiful home and have a tenant pay your mortgage. Both units are large and roomy with hardwood floors throughout and a fireplace in each unit. The first unit spans the 1st and 2nd floor and offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Its living room provides an environment
Welcome to this charming and fully renovated home, where character meets modern comfort. This property boasts beautifully preserved details with contemporary updates, including quartz countertops, modern fixtures, newer windows, and more. The first floor features a fully updated kitchen, a formal dining room that flows into the living room with a fire place, a convenient 1/2 bath and a generous
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,
Spring is here and if you are looking for a beautiful, carefree home and lifestyle then this is the place for you. Enjoy the many amenities including 2 pools, tennis courts, playground and the clubhouse (additional fee) ! Move in ready townhouse style unit offer on the first floor a large living room which flows to the kitchen with all appliances and stackable laundry as well as large dining area
236-240 Locust St contains sixteen (16) total units comprised of eight (8) 2-Bedroom/1-Bathroom units and eight (8) 1-Bedroom/1-Bathroom units with 12,989 square feet of gross living area in 16,207 square feet of gross area. The Property is situated upon a 0.23-acre parcel and features on-street parking. The Property is well-positioned in the urban core of Springfield, offering strong access to
Make your home in the beautifully stewarded H.N. Clark House at 66 Fairfield Street. Built in 1904, this Colonial Revival residence with a full-width front porch offers 6 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a 2-car garage, and a sunroom overlooking the fenced backyard. Inside, a remarkable array of preserved historic details includes a Dutch entry door, pocket doors, leaded glass, hardwood floors with inlaid
Welcome to 115 Pasadena St — an exceptional value in Springfield's beloved Forest Park neighborhood! This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home delivers 1406 square feet of thoughtfully updated living space at a price point that's hard to beat. Step inside through the enclosed front porch, perfect for relaxing year-round, and discover a beautifully remodeled kitchen and refreshed bathrooms that
Welcome to this charming home nestled on a spacious corner lot in the heart of the vibrant neighborhood. This two-story beauty boasts 3 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms, and a generous 1,772 square feet of living space. Step inside and be greeted by the character and charm of yesteryear, with original hardwood floors, crown molding, and a cozy fireplace in the living room. The kitchen features modern
Beautifully maintained 2008 home featuring 4 bedrooms—all on the second floor—including a spacious primary suite with private bath & walk-in closet, an additional full bath and first-floor half bath. Enjoy the convenience of second-floor laundry, central air, and forced air gas heat with a brand-new furnace (Feb 2025). The main living area offers a cozy gas fireplace (line replaced 2025), while
This beautifully detailed Chalet-inspired Craftsman home with refined Alpine influence, set in sought-after Forest Park, blends timeless architecture with generous living space. Offering 5 bedrooms and 1.5 baths across 2,000+ sqft, the home also features a second full bath in the basement laundry (2.5 total), a versatile second-floor office or sitting room, a sun-filled first-floor sunroom, and a
Welcome to this beautifully updated single-family home in the desirable Forest Park area of Springfield! This spacious home features 4 bedrooms with new wall-to-wall carpeting and fresh paint throughout, creating a bright and move-in-ready space.The home offers 2 fully remodeled full bathrooms and a versatile first-floor office that can easily function as a 5th bedroom, providing excellent
A unique residential leasing opportunity is presented at 240 Locust Street U:4L, Springfield, MA, residing within a structure from the year 1900. Spanning 800 square feet of living area, the interior of this residence is thoughtfully configured for harmonious daily routines. It encompasses two distinct bedrooms, each providing a dedicated space for tranquility and personal comfort. . This unit is
ParkEdge Apartments brings calm, comfort, and connection together in one welcomingaddress. Located in a serene area of Springfield, MA, our apartments place youbeside Forest Park while keeping the city within easy reach. Choose fromstudio, one, and two-bedroom homes designed for the way you move through yourday, with layouts that are open, practical, and easy to settle into.
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
Spacious 2-Bedroom Townhouse-Style Condo for Rent...Available June 1!Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath townhouse-style condo offering comfort, space, and convenience. Enter into a bright and inviting main level featuring an nice living room which opens up to the kitchen offers ample cabinet space and modern appliances; combo washer/dryer, beautiful dining area with brick
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
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.
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!!!
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
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: 2430026Welcome 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
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