Forest Hill Neighborhood

Forest Hill neighborhood with its distinctive architecture is one of the wealthiest and most elite neighborhoods in Toronto. Forest Hill is located just under Eglinton Ave West in the north, to Lonsdale in the south which has some of the best private and public schools in Toronto.

History of Forest Hill

Forest Hill village was built in and around the early 1920s. You can still find the hill there, but there is no sign of the forest anymore! It has been replaced by new  houses and residences. Unfortunately, these renovated buildings in Forest Hill have few similarities with the Forest Hill Village in Norman Rockwell’s painting.

There are still old buildings dating back to the 1920’s and 1930’s with one tree planted at the front of each property which make the Forest Hill’s architect more unique. The combination of these majestic trees and new mansions in brick and stone creates the new Forest Hill.

Demography of Forest Hill

The Forest Hill neighborhood has approximately 12,913 residents. The median age of its population is 32 years which includes 54% female and 46% male residents. 5,385 residents are in working age.

Forest Hill is a mixed neighborhood with different ages and stages. The strong presence of Jewish population can be felt in the area. Lots of couples and families with and without children live in the Forest Hill. It is a safe and quiet high-end neighborhood. Many prominent celebrities and entrepreneurs are living in the Forest Hill.

Architecture of Forest Hill

The ‘neo-traditional’ architecture of Forest Hill shows the history of the village. The spectacular design of old mansions and new homes is noble. In Upper Village you can find many huge houses with neo-classical architecture. The architectural style of the area reimagines the concept of the urban houses.

One of the notable buildings in the Forest Hill neighborhood is the Timothy Eaton Memorial Church. This English Gothic style architecture with stained glasses was built in 1914. The vaulted ceilings and upper balcony inspires the spiritual environment. Five generations of stained glass masters have made indescribable stained glass windows and turned this church to “The Light of the World”.

The Eglinton Theatre is another old building in the Forest Hill neighborhood with a very rich history. Its art deco design is decorated by marvelous wainscoting using mahogany, ebony and elegant marble.  The Kaplan & Sprachman architectural firm was awarded for their design of the theatre in 1937.

It was a movie theatre until 2003 (for 67 years), then it was converted to an event venue with a spectacular ballroom. Its Gallery Room with the capacity of 225 guests can be used for different ceremonies.

Best Schools in Forest Hill

For families with children, Forest Hill neighborhood offers the best educational options. Two best rated private schools in the country are located in the Forest Hill: Upper Canada College for boys and Bishop Strachan School for girls.

There are also some Public schools in the area, including Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, Forest Hill Junior and Senior Public School, West Preparatory Public School and North Preparatory Public School. Some of them are amongst the Top Toronto Elementary Schools.

Upper Canada College is one of the oldest secondary schools in the area. Sir John Colborne founded Upper Canada College in 1829. It was modelled based on the public schools of Britain.

This college with a special board and alumni is the home for children of many famous people in Canada. UCC has Norval outdoor school, after school programs, advising and home programs.

Recreation in Forest Hill

Forest Hill neighborhood has a good greenspace, excellent walkability and a very good public transit. There are many kid-friendly parks in this quiet neighborhood: Forest Hill Road Park, Larratt Parkette, Larry Grossman Forest Hill Memorial Arena, Shallmar Parkette and Suydam Park.

Suydam Park has a lovely environment and most of the time musicians are playing there. You can bring your snack, sit on the new designed benches and enjoy the free and open to all music in the neighborhood.

Forest Hill Public Library also has a quiet environment and very friendly staff. You can study all morning and evening on the single seat booth and study tables. It is a decent one story building with interesting graffiti. It is a cozy place for study in the Forest Hill. It is located near the Forest Hill Collegiate Institute, so there are many students there.

Read More : Top Condos in Forest Hill Neighborhood

Where to get fit in Forest Hill

There are many fitness clubs and centers in the neighborhood. Coreset Fitness at Eglinton Ave. has excellent instructors. They use new and innovative techniques to strengthen the core part of your body. Coreset Fitness has very different programs including hypopressive training, pre- and postnatal fitness and speed walking.

eMbody Fitness is another option to get fit in Forest Hill neighborhood. They have a professional and dedicated team of fitness trainers. They also offer clinical services including nutrition, muscle activation techniques and muscle system care.

Where to eat in Forest Hill

If you are a sushi lover person, Sushi & Sushi can be a good choice around the Forest Hill neighborhood. It has a very friendly staff and best quality Japanese food in the area. The customer service is great and the prices are reasonable.

Marron Bistro Restaurant serves kosher French dishes, burgers and steak. This restaurant has a pleasant environment and professional chefs. Their rich and varied menu will make you satisfied.

You have many other options for different tastes in Forest Hill neighborhood. For example, Ferraro 502 restaurant has famous wood-fired pizzas, The Great Maratha has tasty meat and vegan Indian foods. You can also enjoy the taste of Persian foods at Sina Persian Cuisine.

There is Aroma Espresso bar which serves coffee, tea, breakfast, sandwiches and soup. The Forest Hill neighborhood has also two Starbucks coffee shops at Eglinton Ave. and Spadina Rd.

Things to do in Forest Hill

In addition to going to the Public Library and The Eglinton Theatre, there are other suggestions to do in your free time at Forest Hill neighborhood.

Petroff Gallery has presented the works of visual and contemporary art of Canadian artists since 1982. They have gifts shops, art galleries and art Museums. You can also enjoy the ceramics, wood, glass, jewelry and tableware sales at the Petroff Gallery.

The best place to relax in this neighborhood would be the Natural Healing Health Center & Spa. They offer various services including acupuncture, massage, spa and gym classes. They use natural products to keep your body healthy and your soul gratified.

There is also the Family Food Fair Convenience store at Elington Ave. that you can buy your grocery. It is a great little corner store with kind owners. The owners are a lovely couple who have been working in this neighborhood for 25 years. It is very cozy but friendly and helpful.

But if you are looking for fresh fruits and vegetables, Parkway Fine Food can be a useful choice in the Forest Hill neighborhood. They always have fresh groceries with a fair price.

Best Places to Shop in the Forest Hill Neighbourhood in Toronto

Forest Hill, one of Toronto’s most prestigious and affluent neighborhoods, is renowned for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and a vibrant shopping scene. For those looking to explore some of the best shopping destinations in the area, Forest Hill offers a range of boutique stores, specialty shops, and gourmet markets that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences. Here are some of the top places to shop in the Forest Hill neighbourhood.

1. Forest Hill Village

Location: Spanning Spadina Road between Lonsdale Road and Montclair Avenue

Forest Hill Village is the heart of shopping in the Forest Hill neighbourhood. This charming area features a collection of boutique shops, cafes, and specialty stores that offer a unique shopping experience. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, exquisite jewelry, or luxury home decor, Forest Hill Village has something to offer. The relaxed, community-oriented atmosphere makes it a perfect spot for a leisurely shopping day.

Key Shops:

• The Paper Place: A specialty store offering an array of stationery, greeting cards, and unique gift items.
• Petite Thuet: A French patisserie and bakery known for its artisanal bread, pastries, and gourmet sandwiches.
• Hats on Spadina: A boutique specializing in handcrafted hats and accessories, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any outfit.

2. Yonge and Eglinton

Location: Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue

While technically just outside the immediate Forest Hill neighbourhood, Yonge and Eglinton is a bustling shopping district that residents frequently visit. This area is known for its mix of trendy boutiques, major retail chains, and a variety of dining options. It’s a great place to shop for fashion-forward clothing, home goods, and electronics.

Key Shops:

• Indigo: A large bookstore offering a wide selection of books, gifts, and home decor items.
• Lululemon Athletica: Popular for activewear and yoga apparel, Lululemon is a favorite among locals for its quality products and stylish designs.
• The Body Shop: A globally recognized store that offers ethically produced skincare, haircare, and beauty products.

3. Avenue Road Shops

Location: Along Avenue Road, between St. Clair Avenue West and Eglinton Avenue West

Avenue Road is lined with a variety of specialty stores and boutiques that cater to diverse shopping needs. From luxury home furnishings to gourmet foods and designer clothing, this stretch offers an array of options for discerning shoppers. It’s a great area to find unique pieces for your home or wardrobe.

Key Shops:

• Oliver Jewellery: A high-end store known for its selection of fine jewelry, watches, and luxury handbags.
• Courage My Love: A unique vintage clothing and accessories shop that offers one-of-a-kind finds from around the world.
• Pisac Peruvian Bistro: While primarily a dining spot, this bistro also offers a selection of Peruvian artisanal goods and specialty foods.

4. St. Clair Avenue West

Location: Between Avenue Road and Bathurst Street

St. Clair Avenue West is a vibrant shopping area known for its eclectic mix of independent boutiques, vintage stores, and specialty food markets. It’s an excellent destination for those looking to discover unique items or support local businesses.

Key Shops:

• Arts Market: A community-driven market featuring local artisans and creators, offering handmade crafts, art, and home goods.
• Wychwood Barns Farmers’ Market: A popular spot for fresh produce, organic foods, and handmade crafts, perfect for a weekend shopping trip.
• Vaughan Jewellers: A family-owned jewelry store specializing in custom designs, repairs, and fine jewelry.

Conclusion

Based on what we discussed about this area, Forest Hill neighborhood would be a proper place to live, especially for families. As a Toronto real estate agent we can offer you to live in one of the old stone mansions with rich history or in an elegant modern Condo, equipped with high end amenities. Forest Hill has some of the best schools, many beautiful parks and green spaces, great access to highway and TTC station and a very charm community.