Forest Hills Area

Forest Hills at a glance

Forest Hills is located in the Upper Highway Area, a suburban area that encompasses the towns of Hillcrest, Kloof, and Gillitts, and is known for its natural beauty and scenic views. The neighbourhood is situated on the edge of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve and is surrounded by rolling hills, indigenous forests, and lush vegetation, which make it a popular location for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Forest Hills offers a mix of residential properties, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. The area is known for its quiet, peaceful atmosphere and its close-knit community, making it a popular choice for families and retirees. Forest Hills is a sought-after neighbourhood in Hillcrest due to its natural beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and close proximity to amenities.

A brief history of the area

The origin of Hillcrest and Forest Hills dates back to the late 1800s when British settlers arrived in the area. At that time, it was primarily used for agriculture and farming, being famous for its rolling hills, verdant vegetation, and abundant natural resources. In the early 1900s, Hillcrest and its surroundings witnessed rapid expansion and growth, as people moved to the region in pursuit of a higher quality of life. The establishment of a railway in the area made transportation easier, both to and from Hillcrest, thus fueling even more growth and advancement.

Climate

The climate in Forest Hills is characterised by moderate temperatures, with summers being warm and winters being mild. The temperature can reach the late 20s to early 30s Celsius during the hottest months, which fall between December and March. Despite the heat during the day, the evenings in summer are pleasantly cooler, with temperatures dropping to the late teens to early 20s. During winter, the days are typically mild, reaching the late teens to early 20s, with much cooler evenings.

Schools in the area

Forest View Primary School is located centrally in Forest Hills. The school was established in 1973, with its first principal and 6 teachers, as well as 124 students. It offers education to students from Grade R to Grade 7, with experienced teachers providing instruction to an average of 25 students per class. 

In addition to Forest View Primary School, there are several other educational institutions in close proximity to Forest Hills, such as Curro School Hillcrest High, Kloof Junior Primary School, Kloof Pre-Primary, Kloof High School, Thomas More College, Hillcrest High School, Kearsney College, Highbury Preparatory, and Waterfall College.

Healthcare in the area

Forest Hills is a mere 16-minute drive away from the Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital. There are also other nearby medical facilities, including the Highway Sub-acute and Rehabilitation Hospital and Medicross Hillcrest.

Shopping centres

Forest Hills is a 6-minute drive away from the convenient Watercrest Mall. The mall offers a plethora of shopping and dining options, with over 130 stores, including well-known brands such as Woolworths, Spar, Checkers, Game, and Dischem. It also features modern Ster-Kinekor cinemas for entertainment. 

In addition to Watercrest Mall, residents in the area can also enjoy shopping at other popular centres like Kloof Village Mall, Link Hills Shopping Centre, Christians Village Shopping Centre, and Hillcrest Corner.

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)

Forest Hills is located 51 km from King Shaka International Airport, which can be reached by car in approximately 55 minutes via the N2 and M13 roads.

Restaurants

The Forest Hills area offers a plethora of dining choices, catering to all preferences and budgets. Whether you're searching for a quick snack or a more leisurely dining experience, you'll find a restaurant that fits your needs. Some of the highly rated restaurants in the area include Friend House Chinese and Sushi Take Away, Stoker's Arms, Bellevue Cafe, Tommy's Sushi Shop, The Kitchen at Cotswold, and The Hussar Grill Kloof, where residents can savour top-notch cuisine.

Special attractions

Forest Hills places a strong emphasis on community engagement and offers many activities and attractions that the whole family can participate in. One of the main community hubs is the Forest Hills Sports Club, which serves as a social and sports centre for the area. While parents relax, children can engage in outdoor sports like running, tennis, cricket, soccer, rugby, and more. The club features a licensed bar and four televisions for sports enthusiasts.

Additionally, the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, established by the Natal Parks Board in 1950, is a popular destination for those who love nature and the outdoors. The 532-hectare reserve boasts a rich abundance of flora and fauna, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and over 1500 plant species. With its dense forests and lush vegetation, the reserve offers stunning views of the Molweni River and the well-forested gorge it has carved out. Ideal for hiking, bird watching, and nature lovers, the reserve features rolling hills and breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

Make Forest Hills your home. Let it be your story.

Forest Hills is the ideal community for anyone seeking to raise a family or simply experience life's greatest pleasures. Contact Seeff Hillcrest & Kloof today to discover how we can assist you in making your dream home a reality.