Discover the charm of Forest Hills, a scenic residential area in KwaZulu-Natal’s Upper Highway Area, close to Hillcrest, Kloof, and Gillitts.
Location & Natural Beauty
Forest Hills is nestled on the edge of the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, surrounded by indigenous forests, rolling hills, and lush vegetation. This suburb is a haven for nature lovers, bird watchers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Situated in the Upper Highway Area, Forest Hills offers a tranquil lifestyle while remaining close to urban amenities in Hillcrest and Kloof.
Real Estate & Lifestyle in Forest Hills
Forest Hills real estate features a mix of single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Known for its peaceful atmosphere and close-knit community, the suburb appeals to families and retirees alike.
This sought-after neighborhood in Hillcrest is known for its natural surroundings, low noise levels, and easy access to essential services and schools.
History of Forest Hills & Hillcrest
The history of Hillcrest and Forest Hills dates back to the late 1800s when British settlers arrived. Originally used for agriculture, the area gained popularity due to its verdant landscape and quality of life.
Development accelerated with the establishment of a railway in the early 1900s, promoting further growth in the Upper Highway Area.
Climate of Forest Hills, KZN
Forest Hills enjoys a moderate climate, with warm summers and mild winters. Daytime temperatures range from the late 20s to early 30s Celsius in summer, while winter days are typically in the high teens to low 20s Celsius.
Schools Near Forest Hills
Forest View Primary School, established in 1973, offers Grade R to Grade 7 education with an average of 25 students per class.
Nearby educational institutions include:
- Curro Hillcrest
- Hillcrest High School
- Kloof High School
- Kloof Pre-Primary and Junior Primary
- Thomas More College
- Kearsney College
- Highbury Preparatory
- Waterfall College
Healthcare Facilities
Forest Hills is located just 16 minutes from Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital.
Other nearby healthcare centers include:
- Highway Sub-Acute and Rehabilitation Hospital
- Medicross Hillcrest
Shopping Centres Near Forest Hills
The area is just 6 minutes from Watercrest Mall, which offers over 130 stores, including Woolworths, Checkers, Spar, Game, Dischem, and Ster-Kinekor cinemas.
Other shopping options nearby:
- Kloof Village Mall
- Link Hills Shopping Centre
- Christians Village Shopping Centre
- Hillcrest Corner
Dining in Forest Hills and Hillcrest
Forest Hills offers a range of dining experiences for all tastes. Popular restaurants include:
- Friend House Chinese and Sushi Take Away
- Stoker's Arms
- Bellevue Café
- Tommy's Sushi Shop
- The Kitchen at Cotswold
- The Hussar Grill Kloof
Accessibility & Commute
Forest Hills is located approximately 51 km from King Shaka International Airport, accessible via the N2 and M13 in under an hour.
Attractions & Community Engagement
The Forest Hills Sports Club serves as a hub for sports and social activities. It offers tennis, cricket, soccer, rugby, a licensed bar, and viewing screens for sporting events.
Krantzkloof Nature Reserve
Established in 1950, the Krantzkloof Nature Reserve spans 532 hectares of dense forest and deep gorges carved by the Molweni River.
It’s home to:
- Over 1500 plant species
- Diverse bird species
- Small mammals and reptiles
This area is perfect for hiking, photography, and eco-tourism in the Upper Highway Area.