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 July in Forest Hill

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

July 10, 2026

AfroBeats Festival – Day 1

Military Park, Newark, NJ • 5:00 PM–10:00 PM

A vibrant AfroBeats music festival in Military Park offers Forest Hill residents easy walking distance access to rhythmic performances and community energy, perfect for a summer evening outdoors.

View event details →
July 11, 2026

Cosmic Storytime at the Constellation Bench

Mulberry Commons, Newark, NJ • 1:00 PM–2:00 PM

This child-friendly astrophysics storytelling session brings families in Forest Hill together for an engaging educational experience right downtown, blending local literacy and science under the summer sky.

View event details →
July 8–August 5, 2026

52nd Newark Black Film Festival

Newark Museum of Art, Newark, NJ

A free, reservation‑required film festival showcasing Black cinema and family‑friendly programming, offering Forest Hill residents access to cultural enrichment and meaningful community dialogue all month long.

July 13–19, 2026

21st Annual Newark Pride Festival

Various locations across Newark, NJ

A week‑long LGBTQ+ community festival with performances, a parade, and social programs; this celebrates diversity and inclusivity and is highly accessible to Forest Hill neighbors looking for city‑wide cultural events.

View event details →
Fridays, July 10–October 9, 2026

Branch Brook Park Farmers Market

Branch Brook Park (Lake Street Meadow north of Ballentine Gates), Newark, NJ • 8:00 AM–1:00 PM

A convenient weekly farmers market right next to Forest Hill where residents can pick up fresh produce, local specialties, and crafts during summer Fridays.

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

The Art of Listening Summer Intensive

Express Newark, 4th Floor, Newark, NJ • 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

A free, week‑long performance and lecture series geared to teens and adults; Forest Hill participants can deepen their appreciation of music and storytelling in a local creative hub.

View event details →

From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Forest Hill

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Forest Hill

Neighborhood Characteristics

Full Guide →

Demographics

Full View →