Overview
Forest Hills is a small incorporated city of roughly 5,000 residents situated in Davidson County, Tennessee, immediately southwest of Nashville. It occupies a hilly, heavily wooded corridor between the Green Hills and Belle Meade neighborhoods, giving it a distinctly suburban and residential character that stands apart from the bustle of downtown Nashville just a few miles to the northeast.
The city is largely composed of single-family homes, mature tree canopy, and winding roads that follow the natural contours of the land. There are no large commercial districts or tourist attractions within Forest Hills itself, but its location makes it a convenient and calm base for visitors who prefer quieter surroundings while remaining within easy reach of Nashville's cultural, dining, and entertainment offerings.
Because Forest Hills is a residential municipality rather than a tourist destination, travelers typically experience it as part of a broader Nashville visit — passing through on the way to Radnor Lake State Park, or staying in the area for its peaceful character and straightforward highway access.
Getting There
By Air
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the nearest major airport, located roughly 20–25 minutes from Forest Hills depending on traffic. Car rental counters are available at the airport, and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) operate from the terminal.
By Car
Forest Hills is most easily reached by car. Interstate 440 and US-70S (Harding Pike) are the primary routes connecting it to central Nashville and surrounding areas. Having your own vehicle is strongly recommended, as local transit options are limited.
By Bus
Metro Nashville's WeGo Public Transit serves the broader Nashville area, with some routes running along nearby arterials. Coverage within Forest Hills itself is minimal; verify current routes and stops at wegotransit.com before relying on bus travel.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rideshare is the most practical way to get around Forest Hills and the surrounding area. The city has no walkable commercial core, and sidewalks are intermittent on residential roads.
Rideshare services (Uber and Lyft) are widely available and reliable in this part of the Nashville metro. Response times are generally short due to proximity to Green Hills and Belle Meade, which have higher demand.
Cycling is possible on some quieter residential streets, but the hilly terrain and lack of dedicated bike lanes mean it is best suited to confident cyclists. Verify locally whether any greenway connections exist near your specific accommodation.
Where to Stay
Forest Hills has no hotels within its municipal boundaries. Accommodation options fall into two categories for visitors to this area.
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo, and similar platforms) list homes and guesthouses within Forest Hills and are the most common way travelers stay in the city proper. This can be an attractive option for those wanting a residential experience or traveling in groups.
Hotels in adjacent areas — Green Hills, Belle Meade, and West Nashville all have hotel options within a short drive. National and boutique brands operate in these corridors; verify current availability and rates through standard booking platforms. Downtown Nashville hotels are also a viable base if you plan to spend significant time in the city center.
Things to See & Do
Radnor Lake State Park
The main draw for visitors near Forest Hills is Radnor Lake State Natural Area, located directly adjacent to the city's southern boundary. This 1,332-acre preserve is one of the most visited natural areas in Tennessee and offers several miles of hiking trails through forest and around a serene lake. Wildlife including deer, waterfowl, and occasionally coyotes and beavers is commonly spotted. Trails range from easy lakeside paths to moderately strenuous ridge hikes. Check the Tennessee State Parks website for current hours, parking conditions, and any seasonal closures before your visit.
Green Hills and Belle Meade
The neighboring communities of Green Hills and Belle Meade sit just minutes away and offer the retail, dining, and cultural options that Forest Hills itself does not have. The Belle Meade Historic Site and Winery (verify current admission fees and hours at their official site) is a popular attraction that preserves an antebellum plantation estate and includes a working winery and museum.
Day Trips into Nashville
Downtown Nashville — with its live music venues, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Ryman Auditorium, and the Honky Tonk Highway — is roughly 8–12 miles northeast depending on your exact starting point. Most major Nashville attractions are accessible within a 20–30 minute drive under normal traffic conditions.
Food & Drink
Forest Hills has no restaurants or bars within its own boundaries. All dining options are found in immediately adjacent neighborhoods.
Green Hills
The Green Hills area, centered around the Mall at Green Hills, has a dense concentration of restaurants ranging from casual chains to locally owned sit-down dining. The area is a practical and short drive or rideshare from any Forest Hills address.
Belle Meade
Harding Pike (US-70S) running through Belle Meade has a number of well-regarded local restaurants and cafes. Options vary from breakfast spots to upscale dinner venues. Specific recommendations change frequently; checking a current review platform (Google Maps, Yelp) before your visit will give the most accurate picture of what is open.
Grocery and Provisions
Several grocery chains operate in nearby Green Hills and Belle Meade if you are staying in a rental property and prefer to self-cater. Verify locations and hours locally.
Practical Information
Visas and Entry
Forest Hills is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website (cbp.gov). Requirements vary significantly by nationality.
Currency and Payments
The US Dollar is the only currency in use. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost universally in the Nashville metro area. ATMs are available in nearby Green Hills and Belle Meade.
Emergency Services
For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. Forest Hills contracts with Davidson County and Metro Nashville for fire, police, and emergency medical services.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage from major US carriers (AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile) is reliable throughout Forest Hills and the Nashville metro. Wi-Fi is available in most rental properties and at cafes in neighboring areas.
Tipping
Standard US tipping customs apply: 18–20% at sit-down restaurants, $1–2 per drink at bars, and customary amounts for rideshare drivers. Verify current norms if traveling from a country where tipping is uncommon.
Safety
Forest Hills is a low-crime residential city by most available measures. Normal urban precautions apply: lock vehicles, do not leave valuables visible, and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in parking areas at popular trailheads like Radnor Lake, where vehicle break-ins have been reported periodically.
The hilly, winding roads can be narrow in places. Exercise caution when driving, particularly at night or in wet conditions, as some residential streets have limited lighting and sharp curves.
For the most current safety information, consult local Nashville media or the Metro Nashville Police Department's public communications.
