Forest Hill

Newark, NJ

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$531,593 (as of Feb 2025)
Median Home Price
70–75 (car recommended for errands, but walkable to parks and some shops)
Walkability Score
Public schools are average to below average (ratings 4–6/10); some charter and private options offer higher performance.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Forest Hill is located in the North Ward of Newark, generally bounded by Branch Brook Park to the west, Mt. Prospect Avenue to the east, Heller Parkway to the north, and Bloomfield Avenue to the south.

Zip Codes

07104

Market Data Summary

Price Range$400,000–$900,000+ depending on size, condition, and location within Forest Hill
Price per Sq Ft$250–$350 (varies by property type and renovation level)
Inventory Levels29 homes for sale in June 2025, up 31.8% from May 2025, reflecting increased seller activity and more choices for buyers.[2]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesTownhomesCondos (limited supply)Historic mansions

Architectural Styles

VictorianColonial RevivalTudorCraftsmanPre-war apartment buildings

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.1–0.3 acres (larger for historic mansions)
Home Age RangeMost homes built 1890–1930, with some mid-century and modern infill.
Construction QualityGenerally high, with many homes featuring original details, hardwood floors, and solid masonry; some properties require renovation due to age.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of long-term residents, professionals, and families; significant Hispanic and African-American populations.

Community Vibe

Historic, quiet, and residential with a strong sense of neighborhood pride and preservation.

Typical Residents

  • Families
  • Young professionals
  • Retirees
  • Commuters to NYC

Family Friendly

Yes—tree-lined streets, proximity to Branch Brook Park, and community events attract families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • Branch Brook Park (noted for cherry blossoms, trails, playgrounds)
  • Nearby community gardens

Dining Options

  • Local pizzerias
  • Latin American restaurants
  • Casual eateries

Shopping Centers

  • Small plazas on Mt. Prospect Ave and Bloomfield Ave; larger shopping in downtown Newark

Local Businesses

  • Independent cafes
  • Boutique shops
  • Pharmacies
  • Dry cleaners

Education & Schools

Public schools are average to below average (ratings 4–6/10); some charter and private options offer higher performance.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • Elliott Street School
  • First Avenue School

Middle Schools

  • First Avenue School

High Schools

  • Barringer High School

Private Schools

  • St. Michael School (Catholic)
  • North Star Academy

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • NJ Transit Light Rail (Branch Brook Park Station)
  • Bus lines on Bloomfield Ave and Mt. Prospect Ave

Major Roads

  • Bloomfield Ave
  • Mt. Prospect Ave
  • Heller Parkway

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times20–35 minutes to Manhattan via NJ Transit; 10–15 minutes to downtown Newark by car or light rail.
WalkabilityModerate—walkable to parks and some amenities, but car needed for most errands.
ParkingOn-street parking is generally available; some homes have driveways or garages.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Families seeking space and parks
  • NYC commuters
  • Buyers interested in historic homes
  • Investors in multifamily properties

Key Selling Points

  • Historic homes with character
  • Access to Branch Brook Park
  • Quiet, tree-lined streets
  • Commuter-friendly location

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively based on recent sales and condition; renovated homes command a premium.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: Older homes may need costly repairs or updates.

Response Strategy:

Provide inspection reports, highlight recent upgrades, and connect buyers with local contractors for estimates.

Objection: Property taxes are high.

Response Strategy:

Compare taxes to similar historic neighborhoods in North Jersey and highlight value for size and location.

Objection: Public schools are average.

Response Strategy:

Point out charter/private options and proximity to cultural/educational resources in Newark and NYC.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Solid, with 4.5% annual growth in 2024–2025 and strong demand for historic homes.[3]

Rental Demand

Moderate to high, especially for renovated units and multifamily properties.

Buyer Competition

Less intense than 2022–2023, but well-priced homes still attract multiple offers.

Best For

  • Move-up buyers
  • NYC commuters
  • Buyers seeking historic charm
  • Investors in value-add properties

Potential Concerns

  • Older homes may require significant maintenance or upgrades
  • Property taxes are high relative to NJ average

Professional Recommendations

1

Emphasize Forest Hill’s unique historic value and park access in all marketing.

2

Educate buyers on renovation costs and connect them with local specialists.

3

Leverage professional photography to highlight architectural details.

4

Network with local preservation groups and neighborhood associations.

5

Monitor inventory closely to identify value opportunities for clients.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Forest Hill vs. Weequahic (more affordable, less historic)
  • Forest Hill vs. Ironbound (more urban, higher density, stronger dining scene)
  • Forest Hill vs. Montclair (higher prices, similar historic stock)

Market Positioning

Forest Hill is Newark’s premier historic residential enclave, offering a unique blend of charm, space, and city access.

Competitive Advantages

  • Historic architecture
  • Proximity to major park
  • Lower crime than most Newark neighborhoods

Price Comparison

Priced above most Newark neighborhoods, but below Montclair and other North Jersey historic districts.

Investment Metrics

5–6% for well-maintained multifamily properties (2025)
Cap Rates
4–5% gross yield for single-family rentals; higher for value-add multifamily
Rental Yields
17–20 (reflecting strong home values and moderate rents)
Price-to-Rent
Positive for multifamily and renovated rentals; break-even or negative for high-end single-family homes unless purchased below market.
Cash Flow
3–5% annual appreciation expected through 2026, barring major economic shifts.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to price point and renovation needs, but possible with condos or smaller homes.

Move-Up Buyers

Ideal for those seeking more space, historic charm, and a stable community.

Downsizers

Some options in condos or smaller homes, but limited compared to other markets.

Investors

Attractive for value-add and rental properties, especially multifamily.

Relocators

Appealing for NYC transplants seeking space, character, and access to transit.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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