Moving To Nashville Tenn: Discover the Hidden Luxury of Forest Hills & Oak Hill

If you’re dreaming of treelined streets, private estates, and easy access to Nashville, Brentwood, and the surrounding areas, but crave the peaceful feeling of being miles away from the city buzz, then discovering Forest Hills and Oak Hill should be at the top of your list. These two exclusive suburbs, nestled in southwest Davidson County, offer an unparalleled luxury lifestyle just minutes from downtown Nashville. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a fresh start, understanding the lifestyle, home options, and unique charms of Forest Hills and Oak Hill will help you find your perfect sanctuary near Nashville.

As a lifelong Nashville resident and expert in the local real estate market, I’ll guide you through the ins and outs of these two coveted communities. From lot sizes and home styles to amenities and zoning rules, this comprehensive guide will give you the knowledge you need to decide if Forest Hills or Oak Hill is your ideal new home. So, let’s dive into what makes these neighborhoods truly special and why they’re often compared to other luxury areas like West Meade, Hillwood, and Belle Meade.

Location and Proximity: The Perfect Balance of Convenience and Privacy

Both Forest Hills and Oak Hill are located less than 15 minutes from downtown Nashville, making them ideal for those who want quick access to the city without sacrificing a quiet, suburban lifestyle. Situated in the southwest part of Davidson County, Forest Hills stretches along the hillsides near Granny White Pike and Hillsboro Road, west of Radnor Lake. Oak Hill lies just southeast of Forest Hills, curving around the northern and eastern edges of Radnor Lake.

Both communities are bordered by Green Hills, Brentwood, and Creve Coeur, placing you close to premier shopping, dining, and major transportation corridors. Whether you’re commuting to downtown Nashville, the Green Hills area, or heading south to Brentwood and Franklin, the accessibility is fantastic. While some residents might occasionally hop on Interstate 65, most rely on Hillsboro Road and Granny White Pike to navigate their daily routes.

This proximity combined with the secluded feel is one of the reasons these neighborhoods are so coveted. You get the best of both worlds — the city’s amenities just a short drive away, with the peace and privacy of estate living.

Lot Sizes and Home Styles: From Classic Estates to Modern Luxury

One of the hallmark differences between Forest Hills and Oak Hill lies in the lot sizes and the style of homes you’ll find. Forest Hills is renowned for its massive lots, often ranging from 1 to 5 acres. These properties typically feature long, winding driveways and homes nestled behind mature trees, offering tremendous privacy and a true wooded retreat feel.

Oak Hill’s lots tend to be slightly smaller on average, generally between 1 and 3 acres, but many still offer significant space and privacy. The terrain here features gentle rolling hills and open lawns, creating a more varied topography than Forest Hills’ typically flatter expanses.

Both communities boast a mix of custom-built luxury homes, classic southern estates, and mid-century ranch houses originally built in the 1950s. In recent years, many older ranch homes have been sold, torn down, and replaced with new luxury constructions that maintain the estate-sized lots. This blend of historic charm and contemporary design creates a unique architectural landscape.

Unlike many parts of Nashville where new builds cluster on smaller lots, here the new construction is custom and spacious. You won’t find volume builders developing cookie-cutter subdivisions. Instead, expect homes priced anywhere from $1.5 million to $8 million or more, depending on the size, location, and level of renovation.

It’s common to see a $1 million ranch home sitting right beside a $5 million estate-style new build, reflecting the dynamic real estate market and high demand for these exclusive neighborhoods.

History and Governance: Cities Designed to Preserve Green Space

Understanding the history of Forest Hills and Oak Hill is essential to appreciating their character. Oak Hill was incorporated first in 1952, followed closely by Forest Hills in 1957. Both cities were established with the explicit purpose of preserving residential zoning and controlling urban growth outside Nashville’s core.

Today, Forest Hills and Oak Hill operate as independent cities within Davidson County. They each have their own mayors and city commissions but rely on Metro Nashville for essential services like police, fire protection, and public schools.

This early foresight to create city governments focused on maintaining green spaces and controlling development has ensured these neighborhoods remain tranquil, wooded, and low-density. The residents’ commitment to preserving the natural environment and preventing urban sprawl is a defining feature of both communities.

If you’re considering purchasing a property here and planning to renovate, add on, or build new, be aware that both cities have rigorous planning commission approvals that go beyond Metro Nashville’s permitting process. These include strict zoning regulations, minimum lot sizes, road frontage requirements, and permeable surface standards to protect the environment and community aesthetics.

This means if you find a lot that looks perfect, you’ll want to research the local codes thoroughly. Some properties may have limitations on the type or size of structures you can build, which could impact your investment and lifestyle plans.

Living the Lifestyle: Amenities, Nature, and Community

While Forest Hills and Oak Hill don’t have the commercial development or bustling shopping centers you might find elsewhere, they more than make up for it with natural beauty and exclusive amenities. Both communities are purely residential, with no strip malls, Starbucks, or laundromats within city limits.

The crown jewel for outdoor lovers is Radnor Lake State Park, located within Oak Hill’s borders. This nature preserve offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing, and stunning lake vistas. The park is vehicle-free, providing a peaceful environment where you can immerse yourself in nature. Whether you enjoy bird watching, spotting deer, or simply soaking in serene water views, Radnor Lake is a treasure for residents.

Just a short 10-15 minute drive away, the expansive Percy Warner and Edwin Warner Parks provide even more outdoor recreation options. These parks offer horseback riding, mountain biking, hiking, and picnic areas that host weddings and large family gatherings. The Warner Parks are a beloved local resource, adding to the outdoor lifestyle appeal of Forest Hills and Oak Hill.

For those who enjoy country club amenities, both Richland Country Club and Brentwood Country Club are nearby, offering premier golf courses, dining, and social events. If golf isn’t your thing, neighborhood swim clubs like Seven Hills and Sequoia provide casual swimming and dining experiences perfect for summer socializing.

Neither Forest Hills nor Oak Hill have community pools, gyms, or recreation centers within city limits. The focus is on natural surroundings and exclusivity rather than urban-style amenities.

Education and Schools: Access to Top Private and Public Options

Families relocating to Forest Hills and Oak Hill benefit from proximity to some of the best private schools in the Nashville area. Nearby options include:

• Father Ryan High School (off Franklin Road)
• Franklin Road Academy
• Oak Hill Academy
• Montgomery Bell Academy (MBA)
• Harper’s Point and Harding Academy

Additionally, children in these communities have access to Davidson County public schools, which include several highly rated options. This makes Forest Hills and Oak Hill attractive for families seeking quality education alongside a serene living environment.

Who Lives Here? The Community Profile

Residents of Forest Hills and Oak Hill tend to be high-net-worth individuals, including executives, doctors, lawyers, and professionals who appreciate the privacy, convenience, and prestige of these neighborhoods. Many families have lived in these areas for generations, with estates passed down through inheritance rather than sold.

In many cases, the land itself is worth more than the original home, especially for properties dating back 50-60 years. This has created a competitive market where developers and buyers seek to purchase lots to build new multi-million-dollar homes.

What unites residents is a love for peace, quiet, and natural beauty. The sound of birdsong replaces city noise, and the carefully maintained properties reflect a strong pride of ownership. Unlike many other luxury neighborhoods, Forest Hills and Oak Hill typically do not have Homeowners Associations dictating aesthetic choices like paint colors. Instead, the city planning commissions ensure that any new construction or major renovations meet the community’s high standards.

Who Should Consider Forest Hills vs. Oak Hill?

Choosing between Forest Hills and Oak Hill depends on your preferences for lot size, topography, and lifestyle:

• Forest Hills: If you want the largest lots, extensive privacy, and a more wooded, retreat-like atmosphere with less varied terrain, Forest Hills is an excellent choice. Expect acreage ranging from 1 to 5 acres with long driveways and homes hidden among mature trees.
• Oak Hill: If you prefer gently rolling hills, a bit more elevation change, and the possibility of a full basement or home style that works with varied topography, Oak Hill may suit you better. Lots here tend to be slightly smaller but still offer plenty of space and privacy.

Both neighborhoods offer fantastic proximity to Green Hills and Brentwood, combining luxury, legacy, and location without the hustle and bustle of downtown living.

Who Might Not Find These Neighborhoods Ideal?

Forest Hills and Oak Hill are not for everyone. If you’re looking for sidewalk-lined streets, streetlights, or the ability to walk to grocery stores like Trader Joe’s or Costco, these neighborhoods won’t meet those needs. The areas are dark at night, quiet, and peaceful by design, with no plans to install sidewalks or underground utilities.

If you want newer construction communities with extensive amenities like gyms, pools, or neighborhood block parties, you might be happier in Brentwood, Belle Meade Highlands, or Whitland West End, which offer more of those lifestyle features.

Home maintenance is another consideration. Large lots mean significant upkeep for lawns, driveways, and older homes often have unique systems requiring attention or modernization. If you prefer a low-maintenance lifestyle or the convenience of walking to daily errands, these communities may not be the best fit.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Pocket of Paradise Near Nashville

Forest Hills and Oak Hill are two of Nashville’s best-kept secrets for those seeking luxury homes with privacy, nature, and convenience. They offer a lifestyle steeped in tradition and natural beauty, with easy access to the city’s best amenities without the noise and traffic.

Whether you’re drawn to the expansive wooded lots of Forest Hills or the rolling hills and elegant estates of Oak Hill, these neighborhoods provide a peaceful retreat and a strong sense of community for discerning buyers.

If you have questions about specific homes, neighborhoods, or want to explore off-market properties in Forest Hills or Oak Hill, I’m here to help. Having lived in Nashville my entire life, I understand the nuances of each neighborhood and can guide you to the perfect fit for your lifestyle and needs.

Start your journey toward moving to Nashville Tenn with confidence by exploring these hidden gems—you might just find that your dream home is waiting in one of these tranquil, luxurious suburbs.

Feel free to reach out for personalized advice or to schedule a private tour. Your peaceful pocket of paradise near Nashville awaits!