Let the numbers do the talking.
Forest Hills, NY vs Upper West Side, NY
Forest Hills, NY vs Upper West Side, NY: What the data shows
Forest Hills, NY is in Forest Hills, NY while Upper West Side, NY is in Upper West Side, NY — both in the same state. On home prices, Forest Hills, NY is the more affordable option at $559,400 median — $1,184,300 less than Upper West Side, NY's $1,743,700. WYLT rates Forest Hills, NY as “Good for now” — a solid choice worth serious consideration — and Upper West Side, NY as “Hard pass” — a neighborhood WYLT does not recommend.
Both neighborhoods have similar safety profiles. Forest Hills, NY has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. Upper West Side, NY has Moderate violent crime and Moderate property crime. On environmental risk, Forest Hills, NY has Low flood risk and Upper West Side, NY has Low flood risk.
The two neighborhoods are similarly walkable. Forest Hills, NY scores 98/100 (exceptionally walkable) versus Upper West Side, NY's 98/100 (exceptionally walkable). For families weighing school quality, Forest Hills, NY has the higher school rating — Forest Hills, NY rates 7.4/10 and Upper West Side, NY rates 7.3/10.
| Category | Forest Hills, NY | Upper West Side, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | ||
| Verdict | Good for now | Hard pass |
| Median Price | $559K ✓ Lower price | $1.74M |
| Median Rent | $2K ✓ Lower rent | $3K |
| Median Income | $104K | $167K ✓ Higher income |
| Price Volatility | Moderate | Moderate |
| Getting Around | ||
| Walk Score | 98/100 | 98/100 |
| Transit Score | 75/100 | 79/100 ✓ Better transit |
| Bike Score | 80/100 ✓ More bikeable | 70/100 |
| Commute | 20 min | 10 min ✓ Shorter commute |
| Safety & Environment | ||
| Safety Grade | D+ | D+ |
| Violent Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Property Crime | Moderate | Moderate |
| Flood Risk | Low | Low |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good ✓ Cleaner air |
| Community | ||
| Schools | 7.4/10 ✓ Better schools | 7.3/10 |
| Best for | Families with kidsYoung professionalsRetirees seeking convenience | Young professionals who can afford the high costCultural enthusiasts looking for restaurants, theaters, and galleriesFamilies seeking quality schools and green space |
Bottom line
Both neighborhoods have distinct trade-offs — review the data above to find your best fit.
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