Forest Hills, Queens, NY: Zip Code & Neighborhood Guide

# Forest Hills, Queens, NY: A Complete Guide to the 11375 Zip Code

Forest Hills, a charming neighborhood in the borough of Queens, New York City, is known for its leafy streets, Tudor-style houses, and vibrant commercial areas. If you're looking to explore this desirable community, understanding its zip code, 11375, is a great starting point. This comprehensive guide will delve into everything you need to know about Forest Hills, from its real estate market and schools to its attractions and transportation options.

## What is the Zip Code for Forest Hills, Queens?

The zip code for Forest Hills, Queens, is **11375**. This single zip code encompasses the majority of the neighborhood, making it relatively easy to identify properties and addresses within Forest Hills.

## Exploring Forest Hills: Neighborhood Highlights

Forest Hills offers a unique blend of urban convenience and suburban tranquility. Here are some key highlights that make this neighborhood so appealing:

*   **Architectural Charm:** Forest Hills boasts a distinctive architectural style, particularly the Tudor-style homes in the Forest Hills Gardens section. These meticulously designed houses contribute to the neighborhood's overall aesthetic appeal.
*   **Shopping and Dining:** Austin Street is the main commercial thoroughfare in Forest Hills, offering a diverse array of shops, restaurants, and cafes. From upscale boutiques to family-owned eateries, there's something for everyone.
*   **Parks and Recreation:** Forest Hills is home to several parks and green spaces, including Forest Park, a sprawling 500-acre park with hiking trails, bridle paths, and a golf course. These parks provide residents with ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
*   **Excellent Schools:** Forest Hills is known for its top-rated schools, making it a popular choice for families with children. The neighborhood's public schools consistently rank among the best in the city.
*   **Transportation Access:** Forest Hills offers excellent transportation options, with easy access to the E, F, M, and R subway lines. This allows residents to commute to Manhattan and other parts of the city with ease.

## Real Estate in Forest Hills: What to Expect

The real estate market in Forest Hills is competitive, reflecting the neighborhood's desirability. You'll find a mix of housing options, including:

*   **Tudor-style Houses:** These iconic homes are a hallmark of Forest Hills, particularly in the Forest Hills Gardens area. They offer a unique blend of charm and character.
*   **Apartment Buildings:** Forest Hills also has a variety of apartment buildings, ranging from pre-war co-ops to modern condominiums.
*   **Single-Family Homes:** In addition to Tudor-style houses, you'll find other styles of single-family homes throughout the neighborhood.

### Current Market Trends:

*   **Median Home Price:** The median home price in Forest Hills is typically higher than the average for Queens, reflecting the neighborhood's desirability.
*   **Inventory:** Inventory levels can fluctuate, but Forest Hills generally experiences a competitive market with strong demand.
*   **Rental Rates:** Rental rates in Forest Hills are also relatively high, due to the neighborhood's convenient location and amenities.

## Schools in Forest Hills: A Major Draw

Forest Hills is renowned for its excellent schools, which are a major draw for families. Some of the top-rated schools in the area include:

*   **P.S. 196 Grand Central Parkway:** A highly regarded elementary school known for its strong academic programs.
*   **P.S. 101 School in the Gardens:** Another top-rated elementary school with a focus on arts and culture.
*   **Forest Hills High School:** A large and diverse high school offering a wide range of academic and extracurricular activities.

## Getting Around Forest Hills: Transportation Options

Forest Hills offers excellent transportation options, making it easy to get around the neighborhood and the city:

*   **Subway:** The E, F, M, and R subway lines all serve Forest Hills, providing direct access to Manhattan and other parts of Queens.
*   **Buses:** Several bus routes operate in Forest Hills, connecting the neighborhood to surrounding areas.
*   **Long Island Rail Road (LIRR):** The LIRR also has a station in Forest Hills, offering service to Long Island and Penn Station in Manhattan.
*   **Driving:** While parking can be challenging in some areas, Forest Hills is accessible by car via the Long Island Expressway and other major roadways.

## Things to Do in Forest Hills: Attractions and Activities

Forest Hills offers a variety of attractions and activities for residents and visitors alike:

*   **Forest Park:** This expansive park is a major draw, offering hiking trails, bridle paths, a golf course, and other recreational facilities. (Cite: NYC Parks Department - [https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/forest-park](https://www.nycgovparks.org/parks/forest-park))
*   **Austin Street:** The neighborhood's main commercial thoroughfare, with a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and cafes.
*   **Forest Hills Stadium:** A historic stadium that hosts concerts and other events. (Cite: Forest Hills Stadium Website - example [https://www.foresthillsstadium.com/](https://www.foresthillsstadium.com/))
*   **West Side Tennis Club:** A private tennis club that was once the home of the US Open. (Cite: West Side Tennis Club Website - example [https://www.westsidetennisclub.com/](https://www.westsidetennisclub.com/))
*   **Local Restaurants:** Forest Hills boasts a diverse culinary scene, with options ranging from classic diners to international cuisine.

## Living in Forest Hills: Community and Lifestyle

Forest Hills offers a high quality of life, with a strong sense of community and a variety of amenities. Residents appreciate the neighborhood's:

*   **Safe Streets:** Forest Hills is known for its low crime rates, making it a safe and family-friendly community.
*   **Tree-Lined Streets:** The neighborhood's leafy streets and green spaces contribute to its tranquil atmosphere.
*   **Community Events:** Forest Hills hosts a variety of community events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of belonging.
*   **Proximity to Manhattan:** Forest Hills offers easy access to Manhattan, while still maintaining a suburban feel.

## Pros and Cons of Living in Forest Hills

Like any neighborhood, Forest Hills has its pros and cons. Here's a balanced perspective:

**Pros:**

*   Excellent schools
*   Safe streets
*   Beautiful architecture
*   Convenient transportation options
*   Abundant parks and green spaces

**Cons:**

*   High cost of living
*   Competitive real estate market
*   Limited parking in some areas

## Demographics of Forest Hills

Understanding the demographics of Forest Hills can provide further insights into the community. According to recent data:

*   **Population:** Forest Hills has a diverse population, with a mix of ethnicities and backgrounds.
*   **Age:** The neighborhood has a significant population of families with children, as well as older adults.
*   **Income:** The median household income in Forest Hills is higher than the average for Queens.

(Cite reputable source for demographic data, e.g., U.S. Census Bureau - [https://www.census.gov/](https://www.census.gov/))

## Conclusion: Is Forest Hills the Right Neighborhood for You?

Forest Hills offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with excellent schools, safe streets, and a strong sense of community. While the cost of living is relatively high, many residents find that the benefits of living in Forest Hills outweigh the costs. If you're looking for a vibrant and family-friendly neighborhood in Queens, Forest Hills is definitely worth considering.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Forest Hills

**1. What is the zip code of Forest Hills, Queens?**

The zip code for Forest Hills, Queens, is 11375. This zip code covers the majority of the neighborhood and is essential for postal services and identifying properties within the area.

**2. What are the best schools in Forest Hills?**

Forest Hills is known for its excellent schools. Some of the top-rated schools include P.S. 196 Grand Central Parkway, P.S. 101 School in the Gardens, and Forest Hills High School. These schools consistently rank high in city and state assessments, making Forest Hills a popular choice for families.

**3. How is the commute from Forest Hills to Manhattan?**

The commute from Forest Hills to Manhattan is relatively convenient, thanks to the E, F, M, and R subway lines. The subway ride to Midtown Manhattan typically takes 30-40 minutes, depending on the specific destination. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) also provides service to Penn Station in Manhattan.

**4. What are some things to do in Forest Hills?**

Forest Hills offers a variety of attractions and activities. Forest Park is a major draw, with hiking trails, bridle paths, and a golf course. Austin Street is the neighborhood's main commercial hub, offering a wide range of shops and restaurants. Forest Hills Stadium hosts concerts and other events, and the West Side Tennis Club has a rich history.

**5. Is Forest Hills a safe neighborhood?**

Yes, Forest Hills is generally considered a safe neighborhood. It has lower crime rates compared to some other areas of New York City. This contributes to the neighborhood's appeal for families and individuals seeking a secure environment.

**6. What is the real estate market like in Forest Hills?**

The real estate market in Forest Hills is competitive, with a mix of housing options, including Tudor-style houses, apartment buildings, and single-family homes. The median home price is typically higher than the average for Queens, reflecting the neighborhood's desirability. Rental rates are also relatively high.

**7. What are some of the pros and cons of living in Forest Hills?**

Some of the pros of living in Forest Hills include excellent schools, safe streets, beautiful architecture, convenient transportation, and abundant parks. Some cons include a high cost of living, a competitive real estate market, and limited parking in some areas.