Forest Hill - Newark, NJ

Development of Forest Hill began in the late 19th century by wealthy Newark entrepreneurs whose names became street names in the neighborhood: Ballantine Parkway and Heller Parkway. Forest Hill became synonymous with elegance within Newark with large houses and mansions mirroring European architectural styles. Walking tours of historic areas occur throughout the year.

The fifth-largest cathedral in North America, Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart just south of Forest Hill brings tourists from around the world to its steps. The French-Gothic styled cathedral was visited by Pope John Paul II and holds concerts open to the public throughout the year. In University Heights, Newark Museum and Planetarium's worldwide exhibits, shows, and activities for all ages create an atmosphere of exploration and learning.

Mt. Prospect Avenue's dining options rarely require a trip out of Forest Hill for a great meal. Melanie's Restaurant changes its Cuban-inspired menu every day but always dishes out heaping portions of oxtail, stewed pork ribs, rice, and beans. Make sure to order a fruit shake with your meal (mango and passion fruit blend mixtures of fruity and sugary sweet).

Within a minute of Melanie's Restaurant, Omar's Cafe also specializes in Cuban cuisine. While Melanie's' enormous portions aren't to be missed, Omar's Cafe stands out for its specialty sandwiches. Overstuffed Cuban, Spanish chorizo, and grilled marinated chicken sandwiches for $5 keep the counter area packed with customers during lunch rushes. After a hefty sandwich, make sure to unwind with a cup of Omar's Spanish coffee made espresso-style with steamed milk. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Omar's convenient location on Mt. Prospect Avenue is perfect for a morning cup of coffee or a late afternoon sandwich.

After eating, belt out Latin hits at El Bachatipico Restaurant. Thursday night karaoke fills the bar area quickly, so be sure to get there early. Afterwards, check out misuero.com's social media feeds to see pictures of you and your friends singing and laughing throughout the night. Daily drink specials, a full dinner menu, and much quieter atmosphere during the week make El Bachatipico a great experience for Forest Hill residents no matter the day.

Residents in Forest Hill commute to work, but bus stops to areas of Newark, Irvington, and Belleville are readily available on Mt. Prospect Avenue within walking distance of most residences in the neighborhood. Daily errands in Forest Hill can be done on foot but larger shopping experiences require transportation. Forest Hill has many Uber drivers with reasonable rates within the city or to Newark International Airport. Taxi services in the greater Newark area are available 24 hours a day with in-city rates. Light rail services, available from neighboring Upper Roseville, connect to Jersey City and Penn Station. Forest Hill cares for its bikers with protected bike lanes along Mt. Prospect Avenue and within Branch Brook Park, granting safe passage for all methods of transportation. Parking is always available and free in residential Forest Hill but can be troublesome on larger roads like Mt. Prospect Avenue.

Route 280, south of Forest Hill, extends into Route 80 and takes commuters westward through New Jersey. Route 21 saddles next to the Passaic River with local stops to Lyndhurst and Nutley, merging with Route 46 and Route 20 when traveling northbound. Forest Hill commuters benefit from these options, leading throughout New Jersey and to New York City and state.

The largest park in Newark divides Upper Roseville and Forest Hill, a few minutes' walk away from residences. The sprawling 360-acre Branch Brook Park delights locals and visitors alike with streams, running and walking paths, ball fields, playgrounds, and the country's largest collection of cherry blossoms. Spend days strolling through trails, over unique bridges, or watching wildlife in the 24-acre Branch Brook Park Lake.

Branch Brook Park's welcoming and attractive environment is great for children. Activities in the park include movie nights, an annual cherry blossom festival drawing over 10,000 visitors, family nights out, and concerts. There's always something to do at Branch Brook Park for every family member--including your dog.

Forest Hill homes sell for 20 percent higher rates compared to neighboring Upper Roseville. The average cost of renting an apartment in Forest Hill is about average in Newark, starting around $1,100 for a one-bedroom. Buses to University Heights and downtown Newark cost $1.50 from Mt. Prospect Avenue stops. Beers in Forest Hill cost $6, though many local bars offer daily and weekend happy hour specials. Newark gas prices ease commutes with nine percent lower rates than the national average.

Shoppers from Forest Hill trek down to University Heights for major shopping needs. A Barnes & Noble, V.I.M., and specialty shops line Broad Street within minutes of Rutgers University.

Locals head to Dr. Jay's for great deals on fashions for men, women, and children. With three floors filled with brand-name merchandise, this large one-stop shop makes it easy to find everything you need and is replete with footwear, accessories, and makeup to complete any outfit you pick.

MH302 Boutique, located on Halsey Street in University Heights, also sells Marco Hall's designer and ready-to-wear couture at affordable prices. The atmosphere inside MH302 Boutique rivals New York City boutiques, with display items adorning walls and attentive salespeople ready to outfit you for your next event.

For shorter trips to the market, Forest Hill offers specialty stores, including Caballo Blanco Supermarket and Melo Deli Grocery, selling South American perishable and non-perishable goods. Super Supermarket across Branch Brook Park in Upper Roseville is another great grocery shopping location. K & M Farmers Market is a 15-minute drive south in University Heights and has competitively priced fresh produce.