Thinking about putting down roots in Forest Hills? You want great schools, green space close by, and an easy day-to-day routine without giving up access to Grand Rapids. This guide walks you through what life looks like here so you can feel confident about your next move. You will learn how the area is defined, how to research schools, where to find parks and trails, and what to expect for commuting and daily amenities. Let’s dive in.

What we mean by Forest Hills

“Forest Hills” typically refers to the suburban area east of Grand Rapids served by Forest Hills Public Schools. It spans parts of Ada Township, Cascade Township, and nearby areas of Kent County. The area is not one single city. Services and taxes are handled by the townships, county, and the city where applicable.

For clarity, this guide uses the Forest Hills Public Schools service area as the frame. If you are comparing taxes, utilities, or zoning, confirm the specific township and parcel details for any property on your list.

Schools at a glance

Forest Hills has a strong identity around its public schools and a wide mix of activities. You will find neighborhood elementary schools, multiple middle schools, and three comprehensive high schools.

Forest Hills Public Schools

Forest Hills Public Schools (FHPS) includes three high schools commonly known as Forest Hills Central, Northern, and Eastern, plus several middle and elementary schools. The district is well known in the region for academics, arts, and athletics. Explore school listings, programs, enrollment information, and boundary details on the Forest Hills Public Schools website.

Attendance boundaries can change as enrollment shifts. Before you make an offer, review current boundary maps and confirm with FHPS whether a specific address is assigned to your desired school.

Other education options

The Grand Rapids area offers private and charter options that may be within a practical commute from many Forest Hills neighborhoods. Admission, tuition, and transportation vary by school. If you are exploring alternatives, contact schools directly to confirm current policies and availability.

How to research schools

You can verify performance, programs, and graduation rates through official sources:

• Visit the Michigan Department of Education for statewide accountability and policy updates.
• Use the searchable MI School Data portal for school report cards, assessment results, and comparisons.
• Tour schools, attend open houses, and reach out to principals or parent groups to learn about school culture, electives, and extracurriculars.

Parks and trails

Living in Forest Hills means you are close to neighborhood parks, township preserves, and larger county recreation areas. The landscape includes mature trees, river corridors, and a growing network of trails.

Township parks and preserves

Ada Township and Cascade Township operate several local parks with playgrounds, sports fields, walking paths, and seasonal programs. Check current park lists, rentals, and event calendars on the Ada Township Parks and Recreation page and the Cascade Township Parks and Recreation page.

These township pages are useful for finding youth sports sign-ups, pavilion rentals, and up-to-date park hours. Trails and winter maintenance can vary by park, so confirm details before you go.

County parks and trails

Kent County maintains a wide network of regional parks, nature areas, and multi-use trails that many Forest Hills residents use on weekends. Explore park maps, trail connections, and project updates through the Kent County Parks Commission. You will find options for biking, hiking, picnicking, and nature education across the county.

Seasonal recreation

Four seasons shape outdoor life here. Spring and summer bring soccer, baseball, and park programs. Fall offers colorful trail walks and cross-country training at local fields. Winter brings snowshoeing or casual sledding at open spaces, along with indoor recreation through township programs and area facilities.

Getting around

Most residents drive for work and errands, with public transit options available in parts of the area. Sidewalks and bike infrastructure vary by street and township.

Driving and road access

Automobile commuting is dominant in Forest Hills, and many daily trips involve short drives to schools, parks, and shopping nodes. Use the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Kent County Road Commission for construction notices and traffic updates when planning your route. If you are timing a commute to downtown Grand Rapids or a medical campus, check typical peak-hour travel times and parking options in advance.

Public transit options

The Rapid provides bus service in the Grand Rapids region, with coverage and frequency that vary by route. Some parts of Forest Hills have limited direct service, so many riders drive to park-and-ride lots or transfer points. Review route maps and schedules on The Rapid’s official site to see what works for your schedule.

Biking and walking

Short local trips by bike or on foot are common near neighborhood parks, schools, and small shopping areas. Infrastructure differs by township and street. When biking to regional trails, plan your connector routes and confirm shoulder widths and crossings.

Daily life and amenities

Day to day, you can expect easy access to groceries, services, and dining close by, with the larger Grand Rapids hub just a short drive away.

Shopping and dining

Residents rely on a mix of neighborhood shopping nodes in Ada and Cascade, plus larger retail corridors nearby. Dining options range from casual local spots to downtown Grand Rapids restaurants for nights out. If walkability is a priority, look for homes near established commercial corners or trail links that connect to shops and cafes.

Healthcare and libraries

Major hospitals and specialty care are based in Grand Rapids, with primary care and urgent care clinics in surrounding suburbs. For library services, programs, and events, the Kent District Library system serves the area with multiple branches and robust family programming.

Public safety and services

Police and fire services are provided by township departments and the Kent County Sheriff where applicable. Utility providers and trash or recycling services vary by address. When you are serious about a property, confirm providers and service schedules through the specific township and utility companies.

Neighborhood feel and housing

Forest Hills features primarily suburban residential neighborhoods with mid-20th-century homes alongside newer construction. You will find many single-family homes on moderate to larger lots, plus select townhome and condo communities. Buyers often value the area for its schools and proximity to Grand Rapids employment centers.

If you are comparing neighborhoods, pay attention to differences in township taxes, HOA rules, and future development plans. Township planning pages and meeting agendas are helpful resources when you want to understand what may change near a specific property over time.

Plan your move with local help

Choosing the right home in Forest Hills starts with clear goals and on-the-ground expertise. Whether you need guidance on school boundaries, a walk-through of township differences, or a strategy for timing your sale and purchase, you deserve a partner who knows the details and communicates clearly.

If you are ready to explore homes or have questions about a street, school boundary, or commute, reach out to Polaris Real Estate. Ask us anything, and let’s map out a plan that fits your life.

FAQs

What is Forest Hills, MI, and where is it?

• Forest Hills commonly refers to the area east of Grand Rapids served by Forest Hills Public Schools, spanning parts of Ada and Cascade Townships in Kent County.

Which public schools serve Forest Hills, MI?

• Forest Hills Public Schools operates multiple elementary and middle schools and three high schools; find current listings and boundary details on the FHPS website.

How can I verify school performance in Forest Hills, MI?

• Review official data on the MI School Data portal and the Michigan Department of Education, then visit schools to learn about programs.

Are there parks and trails near homes in Forest Hills, MI?

• Yes. Check township options via Ada Township Parks and Recreation and Cascade Township Parks and Recreation, plus regional sites through the Kent County Parks Commission.

How do people commute from Forest Hills to Grand Rapids?

• Most residents drive; public transit is available on select routes through The Rapid. Confirm routes and road work with MDOT.

Where can I find library branches serving Forest Hills, MI?

• Visit the Kent District Library to find nearby branches, events, and services that cover the Forest Hills area.