Introduction
Nestled just east of the bustling US-31 and shaded by mature hardwoods, the Forest Hills neighborhood stands as one of Greenwood’s most cherished communities. For decades, families here have cultivated not only their gardens but also a deep sense of belonging and pride in their surroundings. To understand what makes Forest Hills unique is to walk beneath its leafy canopy, tracing the winding streets and remembering the stories etched into each corner.
Origins and Etymology
The story of Forest Hills begins in the mid-20th century, a period when Greenwood began to evolve from a quiet agricultural township into a thriving suburb of Indianapolis. The neighborhood’s name, "Forest Hills," was chosen with intention—an homage to the dense forests of oak and maple that once blanketed this stretch of Johnson County. Developers and city planners wanted to capture the tranquil atmosphere and rolling hills that gave the area its charm, and the name has endured as a testament to that landscape.
Early Development and Growth
Forest Hills saw its first homes rise in the late 1950s and early 1960s, a time of postwar expansion across the Midwest. Developers were drawn to its gently sloping terrain—particularly evident along Forest Park Drive and Willow Drive—and the towering trees that promised shaded lots and scenic views.
- In 1962, the first plat maps for Forest Hills were filed, marking an important milestone in Greenwood’s suburban expansion.
- Statley ranches and two-story colonial revivals soon lined Broadhurst Street, Ridgetop Drive, and Westridge Drive, forming the architectural backbone of the neighborhood.
- The original stone entry sign, standing proudly at the corner of Smith Valley Road and Forest Park Drive, still welcomes residents and newcomers alike—a symbol of enduring community spirit.
Landmarks and Notable Buildings
Forest Hills is a tapestry stitched with landmarks, some subtle and others more prominent. Perhaps the most beloved is Forest Hills Park, a community green space nestled just off Willow Drive. The park has played host to countless summer picnics, Little League games, and Fourth of July fireworks, cementing its place in local lore.
Other notable features include:
- Forest Hills Elementary School – Built in 1965, this welcoming school became a hub not only for education but also for neighborhood gatherings, school carnivals, and voting on Election Day.
- The Historic Maple Row – A stretch along Westridge Drive where a half-dozen maples, now nearly a century old, create a natural cathedral of shade. Locals fondly recall how these trees have stood sentinel through seasons of both celebration and challenge.
- Johnson County Historical Marker – Located at the east end of the neighborhood, this marker notes the woodland origins of the area and commemorates the first families to settle in Forest Hills.
Community Life and Evolution
As Greenwood blossomed through the 1970s and ‘80s, Forest Hills adapted gracefully, balancing progress with preservation. With each decade, new generations of residents added their voices to the neighborhood’s identity.
- During the 1980s, neighborhood beautification committees formed, ensuring streets like Broadhurst and Ridgetop maintained their signature borders of flowering dogwoods and redbuds.
- In the early 2000s, the rise of Greenwood’s retail corridor along US-31 brought both convenience and a fresh wave of homeowners, many drawn to Forest Hills for its sanctuary-like setting amidst the city’s growth.
- Throughout the years, Forest Hills Civic Association has hosted annual picnic days, Easter egg hunts, and garage sales, fostering a culture of involvement and friendliness that has made the neighborhood feel like an extended family.
Traditions, Stories, and Legends
No history of Forest Hills would be complete without sharing some of its best-loved traditions and stories:
- Halloween in Forest Hills is legendary—families along Broadhurst Street often transform their homes into haunted spectacles, drawing trick-or-treaters from across Greenwood.
- Each spring, a neighborhood garden tour highlights the best blooms along Willow Drive and Westridge, inspiring both novice and veteran gardeners.
- Local lore includes tales of the “Forest Hills Fox,” a clever red fox that’s been spotted darting through backyards—reminding everyone that, even today, the wild spirit of the original forest endures.
Looking to the Future
Today, Forest Hills stands as a vibrant patchwork of old and new. Original houses, lovingly maintained, sit alongside tasteful remodels that respect the proportions and character of the neighborhood. The woods are still alive with birdsong, and Forest Hills Park remains a lively gathering spot for both young families and longtime residents.
City maps show the growth humming all around, from the expanded trails at Freedom Park to the thriving shops on Smith Valley Road and US-31. Yet, Forest Hills remains just a little quieter, a little greener—the kind of place where neighbors still lend a cup of sugar, and children play until the streetlights blink on.
Conclusion
To walk the streets of Forest Hills is to journey through the living history of Greenwood itself—a neighborhood rooted in the past, flourishing in the present, and looking ahead with optimism. Its heritage is seen not just in the stately maples and welcoming homes, but in the shared experience of generations who have called Forest Hills home.
If you find yourself ambling along the shaded lanes of Forest Park Drive or resting on a bench at Forest Hills Park, take a moment to appreciate not just the beauty, but the stories, traditions, and unwavering spirit that have made this neighborhood truly timeless.