Forest Hill, Toronto, is one of the city’s most prestigious and storied neighbourhoods. Located just north of downtown, it offers a balance that appeals to families, professionals, and investors alike. For many, living in Forest Hill means enjoying the best of both worlds: luxurious privacy in a village-like setting, with the city’s cultural and business hubs only minutes away. This neighbourhood guide breaks down what it’s like to call Forest Hill home.
Where Is Forest Hill, Toronto?
Forest Hill is a neighbourhood in midtown Toronto, bounded by Eglinton Avenue to the north, Bathurst Street to the west, Upper Canada College and Avenue Road to the east, and Lonsdale to the south. The area is surrounded by equally desirable Toronto neighbourhoods, including Cedarvale, Casa Loma, The Annex, and Yonge–Eglinton.
The neighbourhood is divided into Forest Hill North and Forest Hill South. Forest Hill North offers a quieter, more residential feel with larger lots and a family-focused atmosphere, while Forest Hill South is closer to St. Clair and Forest Hill Village, where cafés, boutiques, and daily conveniences thrive.
Transit is a major perk. The St. Clair West and Eglinton West subway stations, along with several bus and streetcar routes, provide seamless connections for residents to downtown and beyond. By car, the Financial District is about a 15–20 minute drive, while the Beltline Trail and bike-friendly streets offer options for cyclists.
Is Forest Hill a Good Place to Live in Toronto?
When people talk about Forest Hill real estate, they often mean luxury. This is one of Toronto’s premier addresses, where properties are as much about lifestyle as they are about square footage.
The neighbourhood offers a mix of architectural treasures and new custom builds. You’ll find stately Tudor and Georgian-style homes with gabled roofs, heritage stone mansions, and modern homes that blend clean lines with traditional influences. Many sit on large, landscaped lots with private driveways, manicured gardens, and mature trees.
For those seeking a lower-maintenance lifestyle, the area also offers high-end condos and townhomes, many of which deliver luxury finishes and city views.
Here’s how the market breaks down between Forest Hill South and North.
Forest Hill South (Toronto C03)
Forest Hill South, closest to Forest Hill Village and St. Clair Avenue, is known for its historic mansions and tree-lined streets. In Q1 2025, the area recorded a total sales dollar volume of $37.2 million, with an average home price of $2.87 million and a median price of $2.7 million.
Detached homes dominate this part of the market, with an average selling price of $4.38 million. Condos also made a mark, with five sales averaging $1.23 million, reflecting the growing appeal of high-end, low-maintenance living.
Homes in this area tend to stay on the market longer compared to Forest Hill North, averaging 29 days for detached properties and 34 days for condos, with sellers typically achieving 93–94% of the list price. This reflects the prestige market: properties are unique, highly priced, and appeal to a select group of buyers.
Forest Hill North (Toronto C04)
Further north, closer to Eglinton Avenue, Forest Hill North offers a slightly more accessible entry point while still commanding luxury-level pricing. In Q1 2025, the neighbourhood saw $23.4 million in total sales, with an average home price of $2.6 million and a median of $2.26 million.
Detached homes again led the market, with nine sales averaging $2.6 million. Compared to Forest Hill South, properties here move faster, averaging 30 days on market with a stronger 95% sale-to-list price ratio. The sales-to-new listings ratio stood at 56%, pointing to healthier absorption and stronger demand.
Condo and townhouse options are more limited in Forest Hill North, but there were a handful of new listings in Q1, hinting at opportunities for buyers seeking alternatives to detached homes.
School and Education
Education is a cornerstone of the Forest Hill neighbourhood’s appeal. Families move here with confidence, knowing their children will have access to some of the best schools.
Public schools, such as Forest Hill Collegiate Institute and Forest Hill Junior and Senior Public School, consistently perform well, offering strong academic programs alongside a range of extracurricular activities. Private institutions are also a major draw. Upper Canada College (UCC), one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious all-boys schools, sits right in the neighbourhood. Just nearby, Bishop Strachan School (BSS) provides top-tier education for girls.
The proximity of schools to residential areas makes for safe, walkable commutes, while the family-oriented character of the neighbourhood provides peace of mind for parents. For many buyers, the promise of excellent education is a key factor in deciding to live in Forest Hill.
Local Lifestyle, Shops & Dining
Life in Forest Hill has a refined yet relaxed quality. The heart of the neighbourhood is Forest Hill Village, a stretch along Spadina Road that feels like a small-town main street. Here, residents run errands, meet friends for coffee, or browse boutiques. Cafés like What A Bagel serve up fresh pastries and coffee, while restaurants such as Mashu Mashu and EDO offer upscale yet approachable dining. Specialty grocers and independent retailers provide everything from gourmet food to curated gifts, making the village a self-sufficient hub.
Beyond shopping and dining, wellness is a big part of local life. Boutique fitness studios, yoga spaces, and spas are scattered throughout the area, ensuring convenience for residents with busy lifestyles. The overall vibe is understated luxury: sophisticated, neighbourly, and serene.
Parks, Trails & Community Spaces
For a neighbourhood so central, Forest Hill offers a surprising amount of green space. Cedarvale Park, a large community park with trails, sports fields, and off-leash areas, is a favourite for families and dog owners. The Beltline Trail, a linear path built on a former railway line, runs through the neighbourhood.
Smaller parks like Suydam Park provide quiet escapes, while Sir Winston Churchill Park offers tennis courts, a playground, and open lawns. Together, these spaces foster a strong sense of community.
Transit & Accessibility
In Forest Hill South, the Walk Score of 70 highlights its pedestrian-friendly nature, particularly around Forest Hill Village. With a Transit Score of 80, residents enjoy strong TTC access via St. Clair West Station, streetcars, and buses. Its Bike Score of 74 reflects well-connected trails and bike-friendly streets, ideal for casual riders or those linking to the Beltline Trail.
In Forest Hill North, the vibe is slightly more residential but still highly accessible. With a Walk Score of 67, daily errands are possible on foot, especially closer to Eglinton Avenue. Transit remains strong here, with a Transit Score of 78, anchored by Eglinton West Station and frequent bus routes. Interestingly, North edges out the South when it comes to cycling, with a Bike Score of 76, thanks to quieter residential streets and access to midtown trails.
Looking ahead, the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will further improve accessibility, connecting both Forest Hill South and North to more parts of Toronto with faster east–west transit service.
Is Forest Hill the Right Neighbourhood for You?
Whether you’re a young professional, growing family, or seasoned investor, Forest Hill, Toronto, offers a rare mix of prestige and accessibility. With its beautiful homes, vibrant village core, and reliable market, it remains one of the city’s most desirable neighbourhoods to call home. Considering a move to Forest Hill? Discover available homes with Zoocasa. Start your search today.
