Newark

Forest Hill, Newark Neighborhood

Forest Hill

Forest Hill offers excellent access to multiple public transportation options, including three nearby light rail stations and around ten bus lines, making commuting convenient. Its compact layout allows for easily completing errands at numerous nearby shops, restaurants, and cafes, particularly along Bloomfield Avenue. The neighborhood features a diverse selection of housing sizes, from lofts to larger residences, fitting various preferences. Education options are within close proximity, with accessible primary and secondary schools. Residents benefit from calm surroundings and several well-distributed green spaces like Branch Brook Park, providing a peaceful environment. Cycling infrastructure adds to alternative transit possibilities in this community.

People who prefer a slower-paced atmosphere will enjoy Forest Hill. Greenery is not prominent in this neighborhood; however, there are a few green spaces nearby for residents to explore, like Branch Brook Park, and they are very well-located, making them very easy to access. This area is also very good for those who enjoy a quiet atmosphere, as the streets are generally very tranquil.

Highlights of Forest Hill

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

🏛️ Forest Hill Historic District

Celebrated for its stunning early 20th-century homes and scenic streets like Ballantine Parkway, the Forest Hill Historic District offers a unique glimpse into Newark's gilded-age past, drawing in architecture enthusiasts and history buffs with its grandeur and preservation efforts.

🌳 Branch Brook Park North

Stretching along the eastern edge of Forest Hill, Branch Brook Park North features iconic cherry blossom trees, expansive walking paths, and picturesque lakes, making it a beloved green space for neighborhood residents and visitors throughout the year.

🏫 First Avenue School

Located within Forest Hill, First Avenue School is known for serving a diverse student body and being a longstanding educational anchor in the community, fostering neighborhood cohesion and pride with its highly involved families.

🛕 Sacred Heart Cathedral Basilica

Standing majestically at 89 Ridge Street, this iconic French Gothic cathedral is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and architectural landmark admired for its vibrant stained glass and regular concerts open to the public.

🍝 Deluca's Italian Restaurant

Situated right at the northern border of Forest Hill on Bloomfield Avenue, Deluca's is a longtime neighborhood favorite, well-known for its classic Italian comfort food and welcoming atmosphere perfect for family outings or casual gatherings.

Forest Hill

This October in Forest Hill

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

October 3, 2026

Free Forest Hill Trolley Tours

Forest Hill Historic District • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM or 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

This neighborhood-focused trolley tour is especially convenient for Forest Hill residents and offers a relaxed way to learn about the area’s historic homes, streetscapes, and landmarks. It is a strong choice for families, visitors, and longtime Newark residents who want to discover more about their own community.

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October 7–11, 2026

Newark Arts Festival

Multiple venues throughout Newark • Various times

Newark residents can enjoy a citywide celebration of visual art, music, comedy, film, workshops, open studios, and family programming. The festival includes events at Branch Brook Park and downtown venues, making it one of the most accessible ways for Forest Hill neighbors to experience Newark’s creative community close to home.

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October 10, 2026

Branch Brook Park Fest

Branch Brook Park • 11:00 AM–5:00 PM

Located near Forest Hill, Branch Brook Park Fest provides a convenient outdoor day of arts, community activities, and seasonal enjoyment in one of Newark’s best-known parks. It is well suited to families and neighbors looking for a local, walkable or short-drive event rather than a downtown-only activity.

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October 15–17, 2026

Dodge Poetry Festival

New Jersey Performing Arts Center and downtown Newark • Various times

This major Newark literary festival brings poetry, spoken word, hip-hop, workshops, readings, and family programming to downtown. Forest Hill residents can attend a single program or make a full weekend of it, with highlights including a free Family Fun Day, an open mic, and performances by nationally recognized poets.

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October 25, 2026

Journey: Final Frontier Tour 2026

Prudential Center • 7:30 PM

For a major concert night close to home, Forest Hill residents can see Journey at Newark’s Prudential Center without traveling into Manhattan. The arena is easily reachable from North Newark, and the event offers a familiar classic-rock experience for couples, groups of friends, and music-loving families with older children.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Forest Hill

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Forest Hill

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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