Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest Hill, MD
Considering a move to Forest Hill, MD? With a population of about 18,000, this family-friendly suburb offers a median home price around $395,000 and average rents at $1,550. Residents enjoy low crime rates (just 110 violent crimes per 100K), excellent schools, and a high rate of homeownership. Forest Hill features a relaxed pace, strong household incomes, and convenient access to major healthcare and education, all set in a region with four-season weather and over 56% sunny days each year.
Demographics - Forest Hill, MD
Demographics - Forest Hill, MD
Forest Hill is home to approximately 18,000 residents, with a median age of 43.2, reflecting a mature and family-oriented community. The area is predominantly White (85%), with a small but diverse mix of other ethnicities and nearly 8% of residents speaking a language other than English at home.
Population:
18,000
Density:
1,200 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.2%
Black:
7.1%
Asian:
2.6%
Others:
5.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forest Hill, MD?
Forest Hill’s cost of living is moderately above the national average, with a median home value of $395,000 and average rents around $1,550, making it attractive for families seeking suburban comfort. Utilities and groceries are slightly higher than average, but local taxes remain competitive within Maryland.
Median House Value:
$395,000
Gross Rent:
$1,550
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,070
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$700
State Taxes:
Low:
2.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
112.5
Grocery:
108.3
Housing:
115.5
Utilities:
103.9
Transportation:
109.2
Health Care:
107.0
Miscellaneous:
104.7
Crime
Is Forest Hill, MD a safe place to live?
The city boasts a low crime rate, with just 110 violent crimes per 100,000 people and a 1 in 910 chance of being affected, making it a safe choice for families. Property crime is also relatively uncommon, contributing to a secure and peaceful environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
110
Property Crimes Per 100k:
960
Crime Index:
1,070
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 910
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 104
Weather
What is the weather like in Forest Hill, MD year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons in Forest Hill, with warm summers reaching highs of 87°F and cold winters with lows around 23°F. The area enjoys about 56% sunny days annually and receives roughly 45 inches of rainfall, supporting a lush, green landscape.
Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
68°F
Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
87°F
Fall
Min:
45°F
Max:
71°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
45.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Forest Hill neighborhoods feature strong household incomes, with a median household income of $111,000 and a low poverty rate of 4.3%. Education levels are high, and the average commute is about 33 minutes, making it ideal for professionals and families seeking a comfortable lifestyle.
Median Income:
$51,000
Household Income:
$111,000
Family Income:
$123,000
Per Capita Income:
$48,500
Income Male:
$60,000
Income Female:
$51,500
Poverty Rate:
4.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.8%
Rent:
$1,550
Unemployment Rate:
3.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.2%
Commute Time:
33.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
94.1%
Bachelors or More:
46.5%
Education
How are the schools in Forest Hill, MD?
Families benefit from strong public schools like Forest Hill Elementary and North Harford Middle, both offering favorable student-teacher ratios. Private education and higher learning options, such as Harford Community College just six miles away, provide excellent choices for all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Forest Hill Elementary School
Street:
2407 Rocks Rd
Phone:
410-638-4160
Students:
620
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
North Harford Middle School
Street:
112 Pylesville Rd
Phone:
410-638-3658
Students:
800
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.7
Private Schools
Name:
Harford Day School
Street:
715 Moores Mill Rd
Phone:
410-838-4848
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Harford Community College
City:
Bel Air
State:
MD
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
7,200
Name:
Towson University
City:
Towson
State:
MD
Distance:
29 miles
Students:
20,800
Healthcare
Access to healthcare is robust, with the University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center nearby and 2.6 physicians per 1,000 residents. Over 92% of locals have health insurance, ensuring comprehensive care for most families.
Major Hospitals
Name:
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center
Address:
500 Upper Chesapeake Dr, Bel Air, MD 21014
Phone:
(443) 643-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.3%
Health Care Index:
76.5
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forest Hill, MD?
The housing market is stable, marked by a median home price of $395,000 and an 86.7% owner-occupancy rate. Home values have appreciated by 4.6% in the past year, and rental vacancies remain low, making the area appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$395,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,550
Owner Occupied Rate:
86.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
4.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Forest Hill residents are served by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration located in nearby Bel Air, offering a full range of vehicle and licensing services. The office is easily accessible, and additional information can be found on the official Maryland MVA website.
State:
Maryland
Department:
Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration
Address:
501 W MacPhail Rd, Bel Air, MD 21014
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.