Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Forest Park, GA
Thinking about moving to Forest Park, GA? This diverse city of about 20,000 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $152,000 and average rent near $1,180. The cost of living is well below the national average, though crime rates are higher than typical. Commute times average under 30 minutes, and the area enjoys a mild, sunny climate with over 60% sunny days. While educational attainment is modest, there are nearby colleges and local schools, making Forest Park a budget-friendly choice close to Atlanta’s amenities.
Demographics - Forest Park, GA
Demographics - Forest Park, GA
Forest Park, GA, is home to nearly 20,000 residents with a median age of 32.6, reflecting a young and diverse population. The city has a strong Black community making up about 70% of residents, and over 23% of locals speak a language other than English at home. With a balanced gender ratio and a dense urban feel, Forest Park offers a vibrant cultural mix.
Population:
19,932
Density:
2,700 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.6
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
23.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
13.6%
Black:
69.9%
Asian:
7.4%
Others:
9.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Forest Park, GA?
Forest Park boasts a cost of living index of 88.6, making it more affordable than the national average. Median home values are low at $152,000, and average rent hovers around $1,180, making it an attractive option for budget-minded movers. Utility and transportation costs also remain below national norms, further enhancing affordability.
Median House Value:
$152,000
Gross Rent:
$1,180
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,540
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$420
State Taxes:
Low:
1%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
88.6
Grocery:
95.1
Housing:
69.3
Utilities:
93.2
Transportation:
92.4
Health Care:
92.5
Miscellaneous:
98.7
Crime
Is Forest Park, GA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Forest Park are higher than average, with a violent crime rate of 736 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 4,420 per 100,000 residents. Residents face a 1 in 136 chance of experiencing violent crime and a 1 in 23 chance of property crime. Newcomers should be mindful of safety and consider neighborhood options accordingly.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
736
Property Crimes Per 100k:
4,420
Crime Index:
5,156
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 136
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 23
Weather
What is the weather like in Forest Park, GA year-round?
Forest Park experiences a mild climate with comfortable seasonal temperatures, ranging from winter lows in the mid-30s to summer highs near 90°F. The city enjoys 62% sunny days annually and receives about 51 inches of rainfall, supporting lush greenery. Overall, the weather is favorable for outdoor activities most of the year.
Winter
Min:
34°F
Max:
54°F
Spring
Min:
49°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
71°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
53°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
50.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
62%
Neighbors
The typical household in Forest Park earns around $43,000, with a poverty rate of 25.3% and an unemployment rate under 6%. Educational attainment is modest, with just over 72% attaining a high school diploma or higher, and about 10% holding a bachelor's degree. Commute times average about 30 minutes, and public transit is available but not widely used.
Median Income:
$42,800
Household Income:
$43,000
Family Income:
$47,100
Per Capita Income:
$19,700
Income Male:
$32,000
Income Female:
$28,000
Poverty Rate:
25.3%
Non English Speakers:
23.3%
Rent:
$1,180
Unemployment Rate:
5.7%
Public Transport Usage:
6.9%
Commute Time:
29.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
72.1%
Bachelors or More:
10.4%
Education
How are the schools in Forest Park, GA?
Forest Park offers several local public schools, including Forest Park High School and Fountain Elementary, with student-to-teacher ratios around 15–19. Private and charter options are also available, and higher education is easily accessible at nearby Clayton State University and Georgia State University. The area provides a range of educational opportunities for families and students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Forest Park High School
Street:
5452 Phillips Dr
Phone:
770-473-2775
Students:
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.1
Name:
Fountain Elementary School
Street:
5215 West St
Phone:
770-473-2855
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Private Schools
Name:
International Charter Academy of Georgia
Street:
3705 Market Walk
Phone:
770-604-0007
Students:
350
Colleges
Name:
Clayton State University
City:
Morrow
State:
GA
Distance:
5 miles
Students:
7,100
Name:
Georgia State University
City:
Atlanta
State:
GA
Distance:
10 miles
Students:
53,000
Healthcare
Residents have access to major hospitals like Southern Regional Medical Center and Grady Memorial Hospital, both offering emergency and general care. With 2.3 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 73% of residents insured, healthcare services are accessible. The healthcare index of 69.3 indicates moderate overall quality and affordability.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Southern Regional Medical Center
Address:
11 Upper Riverdale Rd SW, Riverdale, GA 30274
Phone:
(770) 991-8000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Grady Memorial Hospital
Address:
80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
Phone:
(404) 616-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
72.8%
Health Care Index:
69.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Forest Park, GA?
Forest Park’s housing market is characterized by affordable options, with a median home price of $152,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $1,180. Homeownership is less common, with just over 40% of homes owner-occupied, and the area sees a healthy 3.7% annual appreciation. Rental vacancies are moderate, providing flexibility for renters and buyers alike.
Median Home Price:
$152,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,180
Owner Occupied Rate:
40.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.7%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Driver services for Forest Park residents are managed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, located in Conyers. The department provides licensing, registration, and other DMV needs, with more information available on the official state website. Access to these services is straightforward for new and existing residents.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
2206 East View Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013
Phone:
678-413-8400
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.