If you’re considering a move to Minnetonka, the Forest Hills neighborhood is undoubtedly a name that should catch your attention. Tucked north of Excelsior Boulevard and gently bordered by Williston Road, Forest Hills is cherished for its sense of community, rolling green spaces, and a lifestyle that offers the best of both suburban tranquility and urban convenience. Whether you’re searching for a safe, family-friendly atmosphere, excellent schools, or just an inviting place to call home, Forest Hills continues to delight its residents—many of whom couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
Community Vibe: Welcoming Neighbors and Lasting Friendships
The first thing that strikes most newcomers to Forest Hills is the friendliness of the residents. Here, it’s not unusual to know your neighbors by name, exchange friendly waves on neighborhood strolls, or get invited to a summer block party. Seasonal gatherings—like the much-anticipated “Forest Hills Night Out”—bring families together and foster a sense of unity and community pride. Neighbors often gather on evenings to relax on their front porches or in shared green spaces, sharing stories and keeping a caring eye on local children.
What’s special about Forest Hills is the balance between privacy and connectedness: you have generous lot sizes, but there’s an unmistakable feeling that you belong to a cohesive and supportive community.
Types of Housing: Variety and Charm
Forest Hills offers a beautiful mix of well-maintained homes. Most houses were built between the 1960s and the 1980s, featuring a blend of classic ramblers, split-levels, and two-story colonials. Strolling down roads like Magnolia Lane and Forest Hills Drive, you’ll notice mature landscaping, big backyards, and homes with character. Many residences have been lovingly updated—with new kitchens, open-plan living areas, and stylish additions—while retaining their mid-century charm.
Recent years have seen a few tasteful new builds and expanded remodels, but Forest Hills is not a “cookie-cutter” development. Every home feels unique, set back on lots that provide both beauty and breathing room, amidst towering trees and leafy cul-de-sacs.
Walkability and Everyday Convenience
While Forest Hills offers a peaceful retreat from the city noise, it’s also surprisingly walkable. Sidewalks meander through much of the neighborhood, making evening walks, stroller jaunts, and bike rides safe and pleasant. Children can often be seen biking down Timber Hill Road or playing hopscotch on Fox Street.
Forest Hills is just a short distance from the scenic Lone Lake Park, and neighbors enjoy easy access to grocery shopping at Ridgedale Center or the unique boutiques and restaurants on Excelsior Boulevard. The neighborhood is also near the intersection with Williston Road, making it simple to get to everyday essentials or a quick coffee run at Caribou.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
One of the stand-out features of Forest Hills is its access to highly-rated public schools in the Minnetonka School District, including Scenic Heights Elementary and Minnetonka Middle School West—both known for their strong academics and extracurricular offerings. Families also appreciate being within a short drive of Hopkins and private school options, depending on their needs.
Children in Forest Hills enjoy riding the school bus with neighborhood friends or walking together to local playgrounds. The quieter streets and family-centric community mean parents often feel comfortable letting kids play outside, ride bikes, or walk the dog after school. Numerous playgrounds and fields in the area add to the family-friendly appeal.
Parks and Green Spaces
Nature lovers will find much to appreciate in Forest Hills. One of the crown jewels is Lone Lake Park, located just a stone’s throw away on Rowland Road. This expansive park offers wooded trails ideal for hiking, paved paths for biking, sports fields, and a peaceful lake perfect for canoeing or a summer picnic.
Closer to home, Forest Hills itself boasts several small community parks and green belts—great spots for children to explore or families to gather for impromptu soccer games. Tall oaks, maples, and evergreens provide shade and a sense of serenity seldom found in newer developments.
In the fall, streets like Forest Hills Drive truly come alive with vibrant colors, making a simple stroll around the neighborhood feel like walking through a postcard.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety is a consistent point of pride in Forest Hills. Residents describe the area as “quiet” and “safe at any hour”—a place where neighbors look out for each other and local law enforcement is proactive and approachable. It’s not uncommon for neighbors to help with shoveling snow or check in on one another during a storm, which adds to the genuine feeling of security.
The neighborhood’s winding streets and minimal through-traffic also mean less congestion and slower speeds, particularly important for families with young children and pets.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
Forest Hills strikes a perfect balance between peaceful living and easy access to city amenities. Commuters appreciate being just a 15–20 minute drive from downtown Minneapolis via Highway 7 or Interstate 394, and even closer to major employers in Minnetonka, Hopkins, and the broader west metro area.
Nearby medical facilities—including Park Nicollet and Methodist Hospital—are within reach, and shopping enthusiasts love the proximity to Ridgedale Center. Weekend adventures to Lake Minnetonka, Wayzata, or the extensive Three Rivers Park District trails are also quick and convenient.
What Residents Love Most
When you ask longtime Forest Hills residents what they treasure most, common themes emerge:
- The strong sense of belonging and community—neighbors help each other, remember birthdays, and celebrate achievements together.
- Mature trees, well-kept lawns, and the neighborhood’s natural beauty.
- Access to outstanding schools and diverse, child-friendly activities.
- Proximity to both nature and city amenities, offering the best of both worlds.
- Peaceful, safe streets perfect for evening strolls or letting kids play outside.
One resident said it best: “Forest Hills feels like a hidden gem—close to everything, but when you’re here, it’s like you have a little sanctuary all your own.”
If you’re looking for a neighborhood where people genuinely look out for each other, where kids can be kids, and where daily life is underscored by beauty, safety, and camaraderie, Forest Hills just might be your perfect Minnetonka destination.