Neighborhood Overview

Forest Hills is an affluent residential neighborhood in central Queens, known for the Tudor-style Forest Hills Gardens (a planned community designed by Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.), the West Side Tennis Club (former US Open venue), and a thriving commercial district along Austin Street and Metropolitan Avenue.

Common Property Types

Tudor and Colonial-style detached homes in Forest Hills Gardens, co-op apartment buildings along the boulevards, attached row houses, and some newer condos. The housing stock is well-maintained and predominantly owner-occupied.

Typical Building Ages

Forest Hills Gardens homes from the 1910s-1930s. Co-op apartment buildings from the 1940s-1960s along Queens Boulevard. Row houses from the 1920s-1940s. Limited new construction.

Common Violations

Construction without permits (particularly in Forest Hills Gardens where private restrictions apply), facade maintenance on older buildings, fire safety violations in walk-ups, and illegal conversion violations.

Property Tax Information

Higher assessed values than most Queens neighborhoods. Forest Hills Gardens properties in Tax Class 1 with premium values. Co-ops in Tax Class 2. Property taxes are moderate to high by Queens standards.

Zoning Information

R3-2 and R4 in Forest Hills Gardens (low density), R6 and R7 along the boulevards. Forest Hills Gardens is privately managed with deed restrictions that supplement zoning. Commercial overlays on Austin Street and Metropolitan Avenue.

Notable Developments

Forest Hills is largely built out. The most significant changes involve co-op and condo conversions along Queens Boulevard and continued investment in the Austin Street commercial district.