Forest Hills
November 5, 2023
View Available Listings in Forest Hills
Forest Hills is a historic residential neighborhood located just northwest of downtown Durham, NC. It is bounded by University Drive, Kent Street, Maryland Avenue and the American Tobacco Trail.
Forest Hills was Durham's first automobile suburb, developed starting in the early 1920s as an extension of the Trinity Heights neighborhood.
It was envisioned as an idyllic suburban community for Durham's expanding middle and upper-middle class.
The neighborhood features curvilinear streets following the natural topography. Early residents included local business owners, professionals and faculty associated with Duke University.
Architecture and Character
Forest Hills contains homes built in popular early 20th century styles like Colonial Revival, Craftsman, and Tudor Revival. Brick and stone exteriors, front porches, dormers, and sloped roofs create cohesion.
Mature oak trees line the curving neighborhood streets. Home sizes range from cozy bungalows to larger residences over 3,000 square feet on wooded lots.
The Forest Hills Clubhouse built in 1927 is a neighborhood landmark.
Notable historic homes include the Mary Duke Biddle Estate, designed by renowned architect Horace Trumbauer, and the former home of journalist Mena Webb Grayson.
Neighborhood Amenities
Residents of Forest Hills enjoy close proximity to downtown Durham's vibrant shops, restaurants and arts. Forest Hills Park offers amenities like baseball fields, tennis courts, playgrounds and walking trails.
The neighborhood is also conveniently located near Duke East Campus, the American Tobacco Trail, and shopping/dining options along University Drive.
Major employers like Duke University and Duke Hospital are minutes away.
Distance to RDU Airport
Forest Hills is located approximately 10 miles from Raleigh-Durham International Airport via NC-147. The drive takes around 15-20 minutes.
Real Estate Recommendations
For homebuyers interested in Forest Hills, I recommend connecting with real estate agents familiar with historic Durham neighborhoods. Consultation on pricing trends, listings and home styles can be invaluable.
For sellers, I suggest accentuating historic architectural details like original woodwork in listings.
Pricing competitively based on recent comparable sales is key. Staging to highlight historic charm helps attract buyers who appreciate vintage homes.
The Tim Clarke Team specializes in Durham’s historic real estate markets. Their expertise provides guidance whether you’re buying or selling in Forest Hills.
A Local Realtor's Perspective on Forest Hills
As a Durham native and a real estate professional familiar with Durham’s historic districts, I’ve always admired Forest Hills’ beautiful homes and winding streets.
Its origins as Durham’s first suburb give it special appeal. The neighborhood offers an idyllic setting just minutes from downtown.
For homebuyers who appreciate vintage architecture and neighborhood charm, Forest Hills is hard to beat.
Listings in Forest Hills
**NOTE: If you're not seeing any listings, then currently there are no available homes in this community.**
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