Queens

Forest Hills, Queens Neighborhood

Forest Hills Gardens offers a diverse mix of housing, including large apartment buildings, single detached homes, and townhouses, with many properties showcasing charming mid-20th century architecture. The neighborhood’s extensive cycling network enhances eco-friendly transportation options for getting around. A host of public transit routes connect the area, providing easy access to multiple branches of rail service and nearby bus lines. The community features numerous parks and tree-lined streets, delivering ample greenery and serene outdoor spaces. With over 30 restaurants and cafes nearby, a variety of dining choices are just moments away. Convenient shopping options include both general and specialty grocery stores. Overall, Forest Hills Gardens combines a peaceful atmosphere with vibrant, easily accessible amenities.

Forest Hills Gardens is a "jack-of-all-trades" when it comes to the ambience of this part of the city. Finding things to do is very easy in this neighborhood. Although the nightlife is quiet, the streets are almost always busy with people. Continental Avenue is among the most animated streets in this neighborhood. Forest Hills Gardens is good for those who need a quiet atmosphere, as the streets are generally quite peaceful. There is a very large amount of greenery in this part of New York as a lot of streets have wonderful tree coverage. Public green spaces are very easy to access since there are a few of them nearby for residents to relax in.

Highlights of Forest Hills

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌳 Forest Park

Stretching along Park Lane South, Forest Park offers over 500 acres of lush woods, winding trails, playgrounds, a golf course, and a beloved carousel, serving as the green heart and recreational hub of Forest Hills.

🏫 Forest Hills High School

Situated on 67th Avenue, Forest Hills High School is a renowned public school known for its historical architecture and strong academic and arts programs, drawing diverse students from across Queens.

🍽️ Austin Street Dining & Shops

Austin Street is the neighborhood’s vibrant commercial strip, lined with popular eateries like Nick's Pizza, The Reef, and a variety of coffee shops and boutiques, making it the central spot for both locals and visitors.

🛒 Queens Boulevard Shopping District

Queens Boulevard near 71st Avenue is home to a range of shops, including major retailers, indie stores, and bakeries—offering convenient urban shopping while maintaining a local neighborhood feel.

🚴 Metropolitan Avenue Bike Path

Running parallel to Forest Park along Metropolitan Avenue, this bike path attracts cyclists and joggers who appreciate its shade, access to nature, and easy route connecting Forest Hills to other western and central Queens neighborhoods.

Forest Hills

This October in Forest Hills

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

October 1, 2026

Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band

Forest Hills Stadium • 5:30 PM

Forest Hills residents can enjoy a major live-music evening without leaving the neighborhood. Ringo Starr’s All-Starr Band brings an especially appealing mix of classic rock nostalgia and concert spectacle to the historic stadium, making it a convenient option for an October night out.

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October 8, 2026

Remembering October 7th with Speaker Ira Kohler

Commonpoint Central Queens • 6:30 PM

This local cultural and Jewish-heritage program offers Forest Hills residents an opportunity for reflection, conversation, and community connection close to home. Hosted at Commonpoint’s Central Queens location, it is a useful neighborhood option for residents seeking a thoughtful weekday evening program.

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October 17, 2026

Glow Cultural Center Fall Festival

Glow Cultural Center, Flushing • 12:00 PM–5:00 PM

This free Flushing festival is a worthwhile Queens outing for Forest Hills families, with live performances, cultural experiences, games, food, and community booths. Its Mid-Autumn theme and all-ages format make it an engaging way to spend a fall Saturday exploring another nearby Queens neighborhood.

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October 18, 2026

71st Avenue Forest Hills Fair

71st Avenue between Queens Boulevard and Austin Street • 8:00 AM–8:00 PM

This is one of the most convenient October events for Forest Hills residents because it takes place directly in the neighborhood. The street fair provides a lively local day of shopping, food, and community activity while supporting nearby businesses along a familiar central corridor.

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October 18, 2026

October Family Day: Artmaking Workshops and Woody Guthrie Performance

Queens Museum • 1:00 PM–4:00 PM

Families from Forest Hills can make an easy Queens day trip to enjoy drop-in artmaking followed by an interactive children’s theater performance. The program is particularly well suited to younger children, while the museum setting offers additional exhibits and indoor activities if the weather is unsettled.

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October 28, 2026

Renew Queens Fall Festival

Wellspring Church and Renew Queens Community Center

Although it is in Long Island City, this family-focused fall festival is a reasonable regional choice for Forest Hills residents looking for a late-October Halloween-season activity. Children can enjoy games, face painting, prizes, snacks, costumes, and neighborhood connections in a festive community setting.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Forest Hills

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Forest Hills

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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