Jackson Heights vs Forest Hills
Jackson Heights (Queens) and Forest Hills (Queens), compared across the nine signals we score for families. Jackson Heights scores higher on Families and Neighborhood Character; Forest Hills leads on Schools and Safety. Overall they're 82% similar on family fit.
How they compare
| Metric | Jackson Heights | Forest Hills |
|---|---|---|
| Family Fit | 61/100 | 71/100 (leads) |
| Families | 89/100 (leads) | 67/100 |
| Affordability | 45/100 | 53/100 (leads) |
| Schools | 50/100 | 92/100 (leads) |
| Neighborhood Character | 93/100 (leads) | 85/100 |
| Transit | 86/100 (leads) | 80/100 |
| Safety | 41/100 | 63/100 (leads) |
| Health | 62/100 | 69/100 (leads) |
| Activities | 70/100 (leads) | 68/100 |
Weekday-morning commute
| Metric | Jackson Heights | Forest Hills |
|---|---|---|
| To Midtown | 35–36 min (leads) | 37–39 min |
| To Lower Manhattan | 49–50 min (leads) | 51–52 min |
| To Hudson Yards | 44–45 min (leads) | 47–48 min |
| To Union Square / Flatiron | 43–45 min (leads) | 46–47 min |
| To Upper East Side medical corridor | 45–46 min (leads) | 47–48 min |
| To Downtown Brooklyn | 52–53 min (leads) | 54–55 min |
| To Long Island City | 25–26 min (leads) | 27–28 min |
| To Jamaica | 36–37 min | 27–28 min (leads) |
| To Flushing | 23–24 min (leads) | 32–33 min |
| To Fordham | 63–66 min (leads) | 65–69 min |
Typical transit and walking time, leaving between 7:30 and 9:00 a.m. on a weekday, from each neighborhood's population center; the shorter trip leads. From MTA, NYC DOT and NYC Ferry schedules, so no delays or crowding. Streets © OpenStreetMap contributors.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Jackson Heights or Forest Hills better for families?
- Jackson Heights and Forest Hills each suit different families. Jackson Heights leads on Families, Neighborhood Character, and Transit, while Forest Hills leads on Schools, Safety, and Family Fit. What's "better" depends on what you prioritize — safety, schools, affordability, or transit. Our neighborhood search can rank them by your own weights.
- How do Jackson Heights and Forest Hills compare on safety and schools?
- Jackson Heights: 41/100 safety, 50/100 schools. Forest Hills: 63/100 safety, 92/100 schools.
- Are Jackson Heights and Forest Hills similar neighborhoods?
- They're 82% similar across the nine signals we score. Jackson Heights stands out on Families, Neighborhood Character, and Transit.
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