Forest Hill

Forest Hill is a historic residential district in Cleveland Heights featuring over 650 buildings displaying French Norman and Late 19th and 20th Century Revival architectural styles. Tree-lined streets and well-maintained lawns create a cohesive neighborhood where the housing stock ranges from grand estates to smaller family homes.

John D. Rockefeller Jr. acquired the property in 1923 and worked with architect Andrew J. Thomas to create an upscale residential community. The bulk of construction occurred between 1909 and 1941, a period of economic growth that left the neighborhood with a cohesive architectural character.

Residents view their homes as part of a shared architectural heritage that shapes how the neighborhood functions and feels. People regularly walk the tree-lined streets and gather at local spaces, treating the area as a living community rather than a museum.

Walking the neighborhood is best during late afternoon or early morning when you can see the architecture clearly and move at a comfortable pace. The district is fully accessible on foot, with wide sidewalks throughout that make it easy to explore the different blocks and observe the varied home styles.

The neighborhood gained official protection status in 1987 when a preservation society was founded to safeguard its architectural character. This organized effort has allowed many homes to retain their original design and materials, making the district feel cohesive even today.