Is Forest Hills (Queens) safe?
Queens, New York · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Forest Hills (Queens) as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Forest Hills (Queens)
“Go. Forest Hills is one of the safest, most stable, and most affluent residential neighborhoods in Queens, making it an exceptionally comfortable destination for visitors. While standard urban awareness is sensible along busy commercial corridors late at night, violent crime is exceedingly rare.”
About the area
Forest Hills blends historic suburban charm with classic New York City urbanity, highlighted by the private, Tudor-style enclaves of Forest Hills Gardens and the bustling dining strip along Austin Street. It offers a relaxed, family-oriented environment featuring upscale shops, lush green spaces, and renowned concert venues.
- Historic / Tree-Lined
- Family-Friendly
- Walkable Dining Hub
- Quiet Residential
Walking and biking in Forest Hills (Queens)
Walk score: 93/100 · Bike score: 68/100
Citi Bike docks are distributed along Queens Boulevard and Austin Street, with easy access to protected bike lanes on Queens Boulevard connecting toward Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- One of the lowest violent crime rates across New York City (patrolled by the 112th Precinct)
- Affluent economic profile with high median household incomes and very low poverty rates
- Extremely well-maintained residential architecture and cooperative housing communities
- Vibrant, highly pedestrianized commercial corridor along Austin Street with extensive dining options
Cons
- Occasional property crimes such as package theft, shoplifting, and catalytic converter theft
- Heavy traffic congestion and aggressive driving along Queens Boulevard and Union Turnpike
- Severe street parking constraints and strict parking enforcement in private enclave zones
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is minimal in Forest Hills, with occasional individuals panhandling near high-traffic subway entrances along Queens Boulevard and 71st Avenue, but encampments are not a notable presence.
What Forest Hills (Queens) is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and bustling with commuters and joggers walking to transit or local cafes in complete safety.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Lively and welcoming, with Austin Street filled with shoppers, students, and families.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Active dinner and social scene along commercial strips, remaining very safe and well-lit.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Calm and quiet on residential streets, though basic awareness is recommended around subway stations.
Transit, parking and getting around
MTA subway service is excellent via the E, F, M, and R trains at Forest Hills-71st Avenue, alongside the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Forest Hills station providing direct 15-minute trips to Grand Central and Penn Station, plus local buses like the Q23 and Q60.
Street parking is notoriously difficult and heavily metered around Austin Street and Queens Boulevard, while Forest Hills Gardens strictly requires private resident permits; paid municipal and commercial parking garages are available for $15-$30 per day.
Things to do in Forest Hills (Queens)
- Catch a world-class summer concert at the historic Forest Hills Stadium
- Stroll the picturesque, cobblestone-lined streets of historic Forest Hills Gardens
- Dine and browse independent boutiques along Austin Street
Local favorites
- Nick's Pizza · Pizza Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Beloved neighborhood staple serving crisp thin-crust brick-oven pies and classic cannoli.
- Eddie's Sweet Shop · Ice Cream Shop · 4.6★ (2300)Historic, century-old soda fountain scooping homemade ice cream with vintage ambiance.
- 5 Burro Cafe · Mexican Restaurant · 4.5★ (1850)Lively Austin Street cantina known for robust margaritas, fajitas, and festive energy.
Neighborhoods near Forest Hills (Queens)
Common questions about Forest Hills (Queens)
Is Forest Hills (Queens) safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Forest Hills (Queens) a good place to live?
On safety, Forest Hills (Queens) scores 89/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Forest Hills (Queens)?
Walk score 93/100 and bike score 68/100. Most errands can be done on foot.
Which areas near Forest Hills (Queens) are safer?
Forest Hills (Queens) scores as high as or higher than its closest neighbors.
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