Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest Heights, MD
Thinking of moving to Forest Heights, MD? This small community of about 2,450 residents offers affordable living with median home prices at $293,000 and average rents around $1,520. Residents enjoy a high rate of homeownership, convenient access to the DC metro area with a 33-minute average commute, and a strong sense of community. While crime is higher than average, Forest Heights boasts local schools, nearby healthcare, and a climate with mild winters and warm summers—making it a practical choice for those seeking suburban life near the nation's capital.
Demographics - Forest Heights, MD
Demographics - Forest Heights, MD
Forest Heights is home to approximately 2,450 residents, with a population density of 5,800 per square mile and a median age of 42.1 years. The community is predominantly Black, making up nearly 88% of the population, and about 6.5% of residents primarily speak a language other than English. The area offers a balanced gender ratio and a mature, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
2,450
Density:
5,800 per sq mi
Median Age:
42.1
Gender Ratio:
88 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
6.2%
Black:
87.7%
Asian:
1.3%
Others:
4.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forest Heights, MD?
With a cost of living index of 117.6, Forest Heights is moderately above the national average, largely due to housing and transportation costs. The median home value stands at $293,000, and average rents are around $1,520, making the area relatively affordable compared to nearby cities. Residents also benefit from manageable utility costs and state tax rates ranging from 2% to 5.75%.
Median House Value:
$293,000
Gross Rent:
$1,520
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$135
Auto Insurance:
$1,950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,820
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$600
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
117.6
Grocery:
112.8
Housing:
120.5
Utilities:
108.4
Transportation:
116.2
Health Care:
106.9
Miscellaneous:
105.5
Crime
Is Forest Heights, MD a safe place to live?
Forest Heights experiences higher-than-average crime rates, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 48 and violent crime at 1 in 278. While the crime index is notable, many residents find that taking common-sense precautions helps maintain a sense of safety. Community engagement and local policing efforts are present to address these concerns.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
360
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,460
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 278
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in Forest Heights, MD year-round?
The climate in Forest Heights features mild winters with lows around 28°F, warm summers reaching up to 88°F, and an average annual rainfall of 43.5 inches. Residents enjoy about 57% sunny days each year, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Seasonal changes are distinct, offering a classic four-season experience.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
44°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
69°F
Summer
Min:
68°F
Max:
88°F
Fall
Min:
49°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
43.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
57%
Neighbors
Forest Heights offers a diverse and welcoming community with a median household income of $81,700 and a poverty rate of 10.6%. About 88% of adults have at least a high school diploma, and the area is known for its strong sense of community and active public transport use. The average commute is just over 33 minutes, with a variety of employment and educational backgrounds represented.
Median Income:
$38,750
Household Income:
$81,700
Family Income:
$85,900
Per Capita Income:
$32,200
Income Male:
$43,500
Income Female:
$39,600
Poverty Rate:
10.6%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$1,520
Unemployment Rate:
5.6%
Public Transport Usage:
16.2%
Commute Time:
33.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
88.2%
Bachelors or More:
18.4%
Education
How are the schools in Forest Heights, MD?
Forest Heights offers access to local public schools such as Forest Heights Elementary and Oxon Hill High, both featuring favorable student-teacher ratios. Families can also consider private education nearby, and higher education options are available within a short drive, including Prince George’s Community College and the University of Maryland. The area supports educational attainment, with nearly 90% of adults holding a high school diploma or higher.
Public Schools
Name:
Forest Heights Elementary School
Street:
200 Talbert Dr
Phone:
301-749-4220
Students:
320
Student Teacher Ratio:
13:1
Name:
Oxon Hill High School
Street:
6701 Leyte Dr, Oxon Hill, MD
Phone:
301-749-4300
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
15:1
Private Schools
Name:
St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School
Street:
5414 Henderson Way, Camp Springs, MD
Phone:
301-423-4740
Students:
215
Colleges
Name:
Prince George’s Community College
City:
Largo
State:
MD
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
10,500
Name:
University of Maryland - College Park
City:
College Park
State:
MD
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
41,000
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to major healthcare facilities such as MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center and United Medical Center, both offering comprehensive services and emergency care. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents and over 91% health insurance coverage, Forest Heights ensures quality healthcare options are accessible. The local healthcare index reflects a solid level of service for a community of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center
Address:
7503 Surratts Rd, Clinton, MD 20735
Phone:
(301) 868-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
United Medical Center
Address:
1310 Southern Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032
Phone:
(202) 574-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forest Heights, MD?
The housing market in Forest Heights is marked by a median home price of $293,000 and a high owner-occupancy rate of 76.5%. Home values have appreciated by 4% over the past year, and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,520. The area offers a stable mix of ownership and rental options with low foreclosure and vacancy rates.
Median Home Price:
$293,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,520
Owner Occupied Rate:
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle and licensing services for Forest Heights residents are managed by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration, located in Glen Burnie. The MVA provides a range of services, including registration, licensing, and title processing, with up-to-date information available on their official website. Access to the MVA is straightforward and essential for new residents bringing vehicles to Maryland.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
6601 Ritchie Highway NE, Glen Burnie, MD 21062
Phone:
1-410-768-7000
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.