Nestled on Cincinnati’s northern half, Forest Park is a planned community in Ohio’s Hamilton County, known for its motto of “Positioned for Progress”. The city was initially founded in 1956 by two private developers named Marvin Warner and Joseph Kanter, having bought land from a failed Depression-era project to build affordable housing. The area was developed through the 1960s, becoming a village and then eventually achieving city status in 1968. Forest Park was notable back in the day for purposely becoming an “open city”, meaning the city made resolutions and ordinances to accept all people regardless of race or creed. These decisions are the reason for Forest Park’s large African-American population today.
As a planned community, Forest Park is perfectly set up for a nice living environment, with an easy commute to Cincinnati proper. There’s a lot to love in Forest Park!
Forest Park, OH Population & Demographics
Forest Park has a population of 18,657 distributed over 6.4 miles at a population density of about 2,900 people per square mile. The median age here is 32.7, which is 20% younger than the Ohio average of 39.4. The median household income in Forest Park is $55,694, which is marginally less than the average household income for the state of Ohio, being $56,602.
The demographics of Forest Park’s population are primarily African-American, of whom consist of 56% of Forest Park’s population. Forest Park’s second largest population is Whites, who make up 20% of the population. There are also small Asian and Hispanic communities. Forest Park’s gender ratio is skewed towards women, at 51%. Forest Park’s time zone is Eastern Daylight Time, and sits at an elevation of 837’.
Forest Park’s singular zip code is 45240, while the area code is 513. Forest Park is nestled in Cincinnati’s northern urban area, so you’ll find commutes to Cincinnati’s center nice and easy, with the average drive being around 30 minutes, covering 25 miles. Forest Park’s police department is the Forest Park Police Department, with a little less than 45 active duty officers.
Cost of Living in Forest Park, OH
Forest Park’s biggest draw, arguably, is its affordability, especially when compared with most of the Cincinnati area. Generally speaking, Forest Park will be lighter than most places in the U.S. on your wallet, with the cost of living here being 17% lower than most places in the United States, according to Bestplaces. Homes in Forest Park will cost you around $112,400, which is about 25% lower than the average Ohio home price of $145,700, as well as 33% lower than the average for the Cincinnati metropolitan area. If you choose to move to Forest Park, you’ll find that you’ll be paying less for things like transportation, groceries, and utilities, going in line with this city’s general trend of being very affordable. The prices of rent in Forest Park will not harbor any surprises, also being very affordable, with a low average of $936 per month for all units.
In just about every way, Forest Park is an affordable community that will go easy on your wallet. If you’re looking to get away from rapidly inflating housing prices, Forest Park will be a great place for you!
Best Neighborhoods in Forest Park, OH
Forest Park isn’t particularly large or populous, and you would be forgiven for thinking it was just a neighborhood of Cincinnati. Although this may be true, you’ll still have plenty of options for tailoring your community to you. Check out some of your neighborhood options below:
The most expensive area is in it’s north-west, near Pleasant Run Road, which is referred to as Kemper Road. The most affordable area in Forest Park is the “city center” area, located just next to the Greenhills residential area. Both the city center area, as well as Hanover Road would be good places to buy property if you’re interested in being as close to Cincinnati as possible.
If you want to make yourself a part of any of these communities, you should check out the latest listings for homes for sale in Forest Park, OH.
If you want to know where things are, check out this map of Forest Park.
Forest Park, OH Climate & Weather
Forest Park’s climate is nothing unusual for the Midwest. Fairly humid, owing to relative proximity to the Great Lakes and other bodies of water, and fairly rainy for the same reason. However, this area receives less snow than other areas. You can expect lows of 21 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months, and highs of 86 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months. Forest Park experiences more than the average amount of rainfall when compared with the rest of the United States, with 44 inches per year as compared to 38 inches. Meanwhile, Forest Park experiences less snow than the national average, with only 17 inches as compared to 28. The best times to visit Forest Park, in terms of comfort rating, are May and September.
View this post on Instagram
Things to Do in Forest Park, OH
Forest Park isn’t as big as Cincinnati itself, but it still has everything you need within its confines! Whether it’s shopping or fun attractions for the whole family, Forest Park has got you covered! Check out shopping centers nearby like the Forest Park Square and Promenade Plaza for all your shopping needs! You should also check out some of the best things to do in Forest Park, OH below:
Winton Woods
Just south of Forest Park is Winton Woods, an all-in-one stop for any sort of outdoor activity you can imagine! With facilities for hiking, camping, boating, and even golfing, Winton Woods draws in people from all over Cincinnati looking to spend the day — and sometimes, night — out.
10245 Winton Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45231, +15135217275
Neusole Glassworks
One of the more unique attractions in Forest Park is Neusole Glassworks, a local company that specializes in creating glass-blown objects of astounding beauty. They regularly allow visitors, and will even host demonstrations of how they create their pieces.
11925 Kemper Springs Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45240, +15137513292
Forest Park, OH Additional Attractions:
The city of Forest Park’s parks & rec department operates many parks within city limits for residents to enjoy. See all of Forest Park’s parks at the Forest Park parks & recreation site.
Places to Eat in Forest Park, OH
Alongside its host of things to do, Forest Park is also home to plenty of great eats! Check out some below:
Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Grill
What good would any city be without a good Mexican place? Not very good at all, but thankfully, Cancun has Forest Park residents covered! With excellent dishes from Central America, Cancun is sure to scratch that Mexican food itch!
11997 Chase Plaza Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45240, +15136747100
Izzy’s
Need a good sandwich? For Forest Park natives, they’ll choose nowhere else except Izzy’s! Known for their excellent reuben sandwiches, Izzy’s is the perfect place for a sandwich fan!
1198 Smiley Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45240, +15138253888
Forest Park, OH Schools & Colleges
Forest Park is served by the Winton Woods City School District. Some highlights in terms of local schools include the Winton Woods Elementary, Winton Woods Middle, and Winton Woods High. You can rest easy knowing your child will be in good hands during your stay in Forest Park!
Jobs in Forest Park, OH
Those planning on making a living in Forest Park should know that wages and cost of living have generally been static, according to DataUSA. Around 50% of Forest Park’s workers are employed in Leisure & Hospitality sectors, making this the most popular sector for workers in the city by far. The average salary for a worker in Forest Park is $55k a year, while the average hourly wage is $12.
Forest Park has plenty of opportunities within its city limits, but also has lots more opportunities in nearby Cincinnati! Check out the latest listings for jobs in Forest Park, OH here.
Moving to Forest Park, OH Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Affordable property
- Plenty to do in terms of attractions
- Easy commute to Cincinnati
Cons:
- Limited schooling options
Ready to take that last step and start your journey to making Forest Park your new home? Give Bell Moving a call at 513-942-755! Our crew of highly-trained professional Forest Park movers will ensure your move is a stress-free process at affordable rates! Call now or fill out our online form for a free quote!
