Is Forest Hills safe?
Columbia, South Carolina · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Forest Hills as “Go”.
Gogo's take on Forest Hills
“Go. Forest Hills is an established, affluent historic residential enclave in Columbia with very low violent crime and an active neighborhood watch. Visitors can stroll through its leafy, undulating streets with ease during daylight and evening hours.”
About the area
Forest Hills is a picturesque mid-century and historic neighborhood located just east of downtown Columbia. It features sprawling landscaped lawns, mature canopy trees, and distinctive brick and Tudor-style homes adjacent to the Gervais Street corridor.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Quiet & Residential
- Affluent Enclave
- Suburban Feel
Walking and biking in Forest Hills
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 48/100
There are no dedicated cycle tracks within the interior streets, though low-speed neighborhood traffic allows for comfortable cycling; bike-share stations are primarily located further west near the University of South Carolina campus.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Significantly lower violent crime rates compared to Columbia citywide averages
- High household median incomes and high homeownership rates exceeding 85%
- Active neighborhood association and well-maintained public infrastructure
Cons
- Isolated incidents of opportunistic property theft and vehicle break-ins along perimeter corridors
- Poor pedestrian connectivity across busy thoroughfares like Gervais Street and Forest Drive
- Predominantly residential with limited commercial services directly within neighborhood boundaries
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is practically non-existent within the interior residential streets, though occasional unhoused individuals may be seen passing along the commercial strips on Gervais Street or Forest Drive.
What Forest Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with frequent dog walkers, joggers, and minimal vehicular traffic.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Calm and safe with residents out gardening and school traffic navigating major bounding roads.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Quiet and well-lit by street lamps and residential lanterns, remaining safe for a twilight walk.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Subdued with almost no foot traffic; standard residential situational awareness is sufficient.
Transit, parking and getting around
The COMET provides local bus service along bordering Gervais Street and Forest Drive via routes like Route 88 and Route 701, though service within the interior neighborhood is virtually non-existent.
Free on-street parking is generally unrestricted on most residential roads, and driveways accommodate most resident vehicles without congestion.
Things to do in Forest Hills
- Take a self-guided architectural walking tour through the Forest Hills Historic District
- Visit the adjacent historic Greenview Park or neighborhood pocket parks for a quiet walk
- Stroll toward nearby Gervais Street and Devine Street shopping and dining hubs
Local favorites
- Il Giorgione Pizzeria & Wine Bar · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (540)Cozy neighborhood spot serving authentic thin-crust pizza, pasta, and curated Italian wines.
- DiPrato's Delicatessen · Deli / Cafe · 4.7★ (1150)Famed local deli known for signature pimento cheese, pita chips, and hearty sandwiches.
- Henry's Restaurant & Bar · American Grill · 4.4★ (1280)Casual neighborhood gathering place featuring classic pub fare, burgers, and outdoor seating.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.
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