Living in Forest Hills, TN: Nashville's Most Exclusive Enclave in 2026

Forest Hills is one of those rare Nashville neighborhoods where you can hear nothing but birdsong on a weekday morning — and still be downtown in 20 minutes. This small incorporated city in southwest Davidson County is home to about 5,038 residents spread across rolling, wooded terrain that feels more like rural Tennessee than a suburb of a booming metro area.

But don't let the quiet fool you. Forest Hills is one of the most expensive zip codes in the entire state, with a median home value of approximately $1.84 million as of early 2026 (Zillow), and recent median sales exceeding $2.8 million (Realtor.com). This isn't just a wealthy neighborhood — it's a lifestyle choice that prioritizes privacy, nature, and space above almost everything else.

Tracy King, CEO of Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty — Kings of Real Estate, has worked with buyers and sellers in Forest Hills for years. "People who buy in Forest Hills aren't just buying a house," Tracy says. "They're buying distance from noise, acreage, and the kind of privacy you can't get anywhere else this close to Nashville."

Where Exactly Is Forest Hills?

Forest Hills sits in southwest Davidson County, bordered by the neighborhoods of Green Hills, Oak Hill, and Brentwood. It's roughly 11 miles south of downtown Nashville, accessible via Hillsboro Pike, Granny White Pike, and Franklin Pike — all scenic, two-lane corridors lined with mature hardwoods. The drive to downtown takes 20–25 minutes outside of rush hour, and 30–40 minutes during peak traffic.

The city is small — just over 5 square miles — and there's no commercial district. You won't find restaurants, gas stations, or retail here. That's by design. Forest Hills incorporated specifically to maintain its residential character and prevent commercial development. Residents head to Green Hills Mall, Hillsboro Village, or 12South for shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Real Estate: What Does $1.8 Million Buy You?

Forest Hills homes are overwhelmingly single-family estates on large lots. Many properties sit on 1–5 acres, some even larger, with long driveways, mature tree canopies, and significant setbacks from the road. The architectural style ranges from mid-century ranches to Colonial Revival, Georgian, and contemporary custom builds.

Here's a snapshot of the current market (early 2026):

The sale-to-list price ratio sits around 94%, meaning most buyers negotiate below asking — unusual in a broader Nashville market where bidding wars remain common. This reflects the ultra-luxury segment: these aren't starter homes, and buyers at this price point take their time.

If you're considering selling a high-value property in Forest Hills, understanding the luxury market dynamics is critical. Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty specializes in pricing strategies that account for the longer days-on-market typical of the $1M+ segment — call (865) 365-2280 for a confidential home valuation.

Schools Serving Forest Hills

Forest Hills is served by Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS), the county-wide district covering all of Davidson County. The specific schools zoned for Forest Hills include:

• Percy Priest Elementary School — Located within Forest Hills, this is the neighborhood's primary elementary school. It's well-regarded for its academic programs and engaged parent community.
• John Trotwood Moore Middle School — Serving Forest Hills families for grades 5–8, Moore offers strong core academics plus extracurricular activities including athletics and arts.
• Hillsboro High School — One of Nashville's most established high schools, Hillsboro serves Forest Hills students for grades 9–12. It offers International Baccalaureate (IB) programming, advanced placement courses, and a wide range of athletics.

Many Forest Hills families also utilize private school options in the Nashville area, including Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA), Harpeth Hall, Ensworth School, and University School of Nashville — all within a 15-minute drive.

Radnor Lake: Forest Hills' Greatest Asset

Radnor Lake State Park is the crown jewel of the area and one of the primary reasons people choose Forest Hills over other affluent Nashville neighborhoods. This 1,368-acre natural area sits on the southern edge of the community and offers:

• 6 hiking trails ranging from easy lakeside strolls to moderate ridge hikes
• 85-acre lake with no boating or swimming — preservation-only
• Abundant wildlife including great blue herons, bald eagles, deer, otters, and wild turkeys
• Year-round ranger-led programs and educational events
• No commercial activity — the park is managed strictly for conservation and passive recreation

For many residents, Radnor Lake isn't just a park — it's the reason they live in Forest Hills. The ability to walk from your driveway to a pristine natural area that feels like the Smoky Mountains — while being 11 miles from Broadway — is an experience you can't replicate anywhere else in Nashville.

The Forest Hills Lifestyle

Living in Forest Hills means embracing a particular kind of quiet luxury. There are no sidewalks, no streetlights on most roads, and no HOA governing your landscaping choices. The community operates under a city manager–commission charter, with its own municipal government that keeps property taxes reasonable and development minimal.

Day-to-day, residents typically:

• Commute to Nashville for work (many in healthcare at Vanderbilt, finance on Music Row, or entertainment industry)
• Shop in Green Hills — the nearest retail hub with Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, boutique shopping, and restaurants
• Dine in 12South or Hillsboro Village — Nashville's walkable restaurant districts are 10–15 minutes north
• Exercise at Radnor Lake — the trails are the community's informal gathering place
• Host at home — with estate-sized lots, Forest Hills is built for private entertaining

Property Taxes in Forest Hills

Forest Hills residents pay Davidson County property taxes administered by the Metropolitan Nashville government. The combined tax rate for Davidson County is approximately $3.254 per $100 of assessed value (the rate can change with each Metro budget cycle). Residential property in Tennessee is assessed at 25% of appraised value.

For a home appraised at $2 million, that means:

• Assessed value: $2,000,000 × 25% = $500,000
• Annual property tax: $500,000 ÷ 100 × $3.254 = approximately $16,270

While this is significant in absolute terms, Tennessee has no state income tax on wages — a major advantage for high-income earners relocating from states like California, New York, or Illinois. Many Forest Hills buyers report that the overall tax burden is lower in Tennessee despite higher property taxes.

Who Should Consider Forest Hills?

Forest Hills is ideal for:

• Executives and professionals who want a private retreat close to Nashville's business core
• Families who value acreage, nature access, and proximity to top private schools
• Out-of-state relocators from high-cost metros seeking Nashville's growth without the density
• Empty nesters who don't want to downsize on lot size even if the house itself is smaller
• Nature enthusiasts who consider Radnor Lake a non-negotiable daily amenity

It's not the right fit if you want walkable retail, nightlife within walking distance, or a dense community feel with block parties and neighborhood pools. Forest Hills trades all of that for space and serenity.

Nearby Neighborhoods to Compare

If Forest Hills interests you but the price point doesn't fit — or you want a slightly different lifestyle — consider these nearby Davidson County options:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Forest Hills, TN

What is the average home price in Forest Hills, TN?

The median home value in Forest Hills is approximately $1.84 million (Zillow, 2026), with recent median sales around $2.8 million. Forest Hills is one of the most expensive residential areas in Tennessee.

Is Forest Hills a good place to raise a family?

Yes. Forest Hills offers large lots, low traffic, proximity to Radnor Lake State Park, and access to strong schools including Percy Priest Elementary and Hillsboro High School's IB program. Many top Nashville private schools are within a 15-minute drive.

How far is Forest Hills from downtown Nashville?

Forest Hills is approximately 11 miles south of downtown Nashville, with a typical commute of 20–25 minutes outside of rush hour. Major access routes include Hillsboro Pike, Granny White Pike, and Franklin Pike.

Does Forest Hills have its own government?

Yes. Forest Hills is an incorporated city within Davidson County, operating under a city manager–commission charter. The city maintains its own municipal government specifically to preserve the residential character of the area and prevent commercial development.

What are property taxes like in Forest Hills?

Forest Hills property taxes follow Davidson County's rate of approximately $3.254 per $100 of assessed value. Tennessee assesses residential property at 25% of appraised value. There is no state income tax on wages in Tennessee.

*Tracy and seller must agree on price and possession date