5 Reasons to Live in Forest Hill, Richmond
If you're looking for a neighborhood that blends historic charm, green spaces, great food, and easy access to the city, Forest Hill should be high on your list.
Located just across the river from downtown Richmond, Forest Hill offers a little bit of everything: beautiful old homes, a beloved city park, and a lively stretch of local restaurants and coffee shops. Whether you're drawn to the quiet, tree-lined streets or the weekend farmers market, this neighborhood has plenty to love. To help you get to know the area better, the team at West End Kitchen Company has put together five great reasons why Forest Hill is a special place to live.
Reasons to live in Forest Hill, Richmond:
Historic Homes with Charm
Forest Hill Park
Easy Access to Downtown Richmond
Local Restaurants, Bars, and Farmer’s Market
Richmond’s Vibrant Art Scene
Historic Homes with Charm
One of the main attractions of Forest Hill is its stunning collection of historic homes.
Developed in the early 20th century, this residential area grew as one of Richmond’s first "streetcar suburbs," where the use of streetcars heavily influenced its development. The homes here reflect a variety of architectural styles popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Colonials, Cape Cods, American Foursquares, Bungalows, Tudor Revival, and Victorians.
However, many of these older homes can benefit from modern updates, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Over time, appliances have become larger and more sophisticated, and the way we use kitchens has evolved.
If you're living in an older home, you might find that walls need to be modified to accommodate modern appliances or to make spaces more functional. If you're considering a remodel, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We're here to help bring your home up to date while preserving its original charm.
Forest Hill Park
Forest Hill Park, covering about 100 acres, offers easy access to the James River Park system, providing opportunities for kayaking and white-water rafting practice on the river’s rapids. The park features a 3.3-mile mountain biking loop that’s popular among cyclists.
For those seeking a more leisurely pace, the park offers hiking trails, pickleball courts, and the seasonal Music in the Park series. Whether you’re looking to explore the outdoors or just enjoy a relaxing picnic, Forest Hill Park has something for everyone.
Easy Access to Downtown Richmond
Forest Hill combines the best of both worlds with quick access to downtown Richmond while maintaining a tranquil, residential atmosphere. The Manchester Bridge offers a fast route into Broad and Main Streets in about 10 minutes.
Alternatively, the picturesque Nickel Bridge will take you to Carytown in the same amount of time. Even though you're close to the city's energy, Forest Hill remains a peaceful neighborhood where you can escape the hustle and bustle when needed.
Local Restaurants, Bars, and Farmer’s Market
Forest Hill boasts its own local bar and restaurant scene, all within a one-mile stretch along Forest Hill Avenue. For Italian fare, head to Maldini’s Ristorante Pizzeria for authentic cuisine and brick-oven pizza. Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream has been a long-standing favorite, offering more than just ice cream and coffee. You’ll also find lox bagels, breakfast burritos, and more.
For nightlife, Little Nickel, an eclectic tiki bar, is a local gem named after the Nickel Bridge, which got its name from the original five-cent toll. Thirsty’s Gay Bar offers Bayou-inspired dishes like shrimp po-boys and jambalaya, along with a welcoming atmosphere for everyone. Friday nights bring even more energy, with bustling karaoke that draws a colorful crowd.
Finally, on Sundays, don't miss the South of the James Market in Forest Hill Park, a year-round, open-air market featuring locally grown produce and handmade goods.
Richmond’s Vibrant Art Scene
One of the best things about living in Forest Hill is easy access to Richmond’s vibrant art scene. The peaceful neighborhood offers a quick escape to the city’s creative energy. Richmond is renowned for its murals, with hundreds displayed throughout neighborhoods like Jackson Ward and The Fan, thanks to the Richmond Mural Project. Local galleries, including 1708 Gallery and Quirk, feature rotating exhibits from both emerging and established artists. Art Works doubles as a gallery and creative studio space, while the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, with free admission, brings major national and international exhibitions to the city.
Living in Forest Hill means you don’t have to choose between a quiet neighborhood and easy access to Richmond’s cultural highlights.
Forest Hill offers the perfect mix of old and new. With its historic homes, lively local scene, and convenient access to Richmond, it's easy to see why so many people are drawn to the neighborhood. If your home could use an update, West End Kitchen Company is here to help. Whether you’re modernizing a vintage bathroom or giving new life to a well-loved kitchen, we’re ready to help you create a space that works for your lifestyle while preserving the charm that makes Forest Hill unique.
Author:
Aaron Randolph