Forest Hills in Hayden, ID

Forest Hills is one of the most established gated luxury neighborhoods in Hayden, Idaho, known for custom homes, mature trees, larger lots and an exceptional location near Hayden Lake.

Tucked into the trees near the edge of Hayden Lake, Forest Hills offers something that is increasingly difficult to recreate in North Idaho: an established luxury neighborhood where mature landscaping and custom homes create a completely different feel from newer construction.

The community contains approximately 94 custom-designed homes and is intentionally small, private and residential.

For buyers searching for luxury homes in Hayden, Idaho, particularly those who want trees, privacy and proximity to Hayden Lake without living far outside of town, Forest Hills should absolutely be on the list.

Where Is Forest Hills in Hayden, Idaho?

Forest Hills is located in the Hayden and Hayden Lake area of Kootenai County, east of Highway 95 near Honeysuckle Avenue and Strahorn Road.

The neighborhood has gated access and sits between some of Hayden's most desirable recreational amenities.

One of its biggest advantages is just how close everything is.

Residents are a short distance from:

• Hayden Lake
• Honeysuckle Beach
• Hayden Lake Country Club
• Avondale Golf Club
• Grocery stores and everyday shopping
• Restaurants and coffee shops
• Kootenai County Farmers' Market
• Downtown Coeur d'Alene

The Forest Hills HOA describes both Honeysuckle Beach and Hayden Lake Country Club as a short walk or golf-cart ride away, while groceries, restaurants, the post office, farmers market and numerous local businesses are within approximately two miles.

That location is a major reason Forest Hills remains one of the more desirable established neighborhoods around Hayden Lake.

What Is Forest Hills Like?

The name pretty much tells the story. Trees. Lots of them.

Forest Hills was designed around the existing wooded environment rather than clearing everything and building a traditional subdivision.

Towering mature trees, established landscaping and custom homes give the neighborhood a distinctly North Idaho feel.

Instead of rows of nearly identical houses, Forest Hills contains individually designed homes with a variety of architectural styles.

Depending on the property, buyers may find:

• Custom Northwest-style architecture
• Cedar and stone exteriors
• Large windows overlooking wooded lots
• Vaulted ceilings and exposed beams
• Oversized garages
• RV parking on some properties
• Outdoor living spaces
• Mature landscaping
• Territorial and wooded views
• Main-level living
• Large primary suites
• Bonus rooms and guest accommodations

Because Forest Hills was developed over time, homes vary considerably in age, architecture and design.

That variety is part of its appeal.

How Many Homes Are in Forest Hills?

Forest Hills consists of approximately 94 custom-designed homes.

That makes it a relatively small luxury community compared with many of the larger subdivisions being developed throughout Hayden, Post Falls and Rathdrum.

Because there are fewer than 100 homes, inventory can be extremely limited.

There may only be a handful of Forest Hills homes available for sale at any given time — and sometimes none at all.

For buyers specifically targeting Forest Hills, watching new listings as they hit the market is important.

How Large Are the Lots in Forest Hills?

One of the defining characteristics of Forest Hills is the amount of space between homes.

Many properties are situated on approximately one-half acre to around an acre, although individual parcels vary.

That gives homeowners room for mature landscaping, outdoor entertaining and privacy without requiring the maintenance or distance from town that often comes with buying several acres in rural North Idaho.

The combination of larger lots and mature trees also makes Forest Hills feel much more private than its convenient Hayden location might suggest.

Forest Hills Home Prices

Forest Hills is considered a luxury Hayden, Idaho neighborhood, and home prices reflect the location, larger lots and custom construction.

Pricing varies significantly based on:

• Square footage
• Lot size
• Age of the home
• Renovations
• Architectural style
• Garage space
• Outdoor living areas
• Views
• Quality of finishes

Homes in Forest Hills commonly reach into the $1 million+ range, while larger, extensively updated or particularly well-appointed properties can reach well into the $2 million luxury market.

Because Forest Hills has only 94 homes, there may not be enough sales in any single year to establish a meaningful neighborhood-wide median price.

For that reason, individual property characteristics and recent comparable sales are much more useful than relying on a generic online estimate.

Is Forest Hills a Gated Community?

Yes.

Forest Hills is a gated community in Hayden, Idaho with a homeowners association.

The gated entrances, private residential streets and wooded setting contribute to the quiet atmosphere that attracts many buyers to the neighborhood.

Buyers should always review the current Forest Hills HOA documents, CC&Rs, annual dues and architectural requirements before purchasing because association fees and rules can change.

Is Forest Hills Near Hayden Lake?

Very much so.

This is one of Forest Hills' biggest selling points.

The neighborhood sits close to Hayden Lake and Honeysuckle Beach, making it attractive to buyers who want lake recreation nearby without necessarily purchasing a waterfront property.

Honeysuckle Beach is one of Hayden's most popular public lake access points and provides a sandy beach and access to Hayden Lake.

That means a Forest Hills homeowner can live in a private, wooded neighborhood and still be only minutes from boating, paddleboarding, swimming and summer days at the lake.

Forest Hills and Hayden Lake Country Club

Golf is another major lifestyle advantage of this location.

Forest Hills sits close to Hayden Lake Country Club, while Avondale Golf Club is also nearby.

For buyers who golf regularly, the combination of Hayden Lake, multiple golf courses and a gated wooded neighborhood makes this pocket of Hayden particularly desirable.

It is one of the reasons I often recommend this area to buyers who want a luxury North Idaho lifestyle but don't necessarily need to own waterfront acreage.

Forest Hills vs. Newer Hayden Neighborhoods

Forest Hills feels very different from many newer Hayden developments.

If you're looking for brand-new construction, perfectly uniform streets and smaller low-maintenance lots, Forest Hills may not be your first choice.

But if your wish list sounds more like:

Mature trees.

Custom architecture.

Larger lots.

Privacy.

Gated living.

Close to Hayden Lake.

Then Forest Hills becomes much more interesting.

You simply cannot recreate decades of mature trees and landscaping overnight.

That established character is one of the biggest reasons buyers continue to seek out neighborhoods like Forest Hills.

Living in Forest Hills: Convenience Without Feeling Like You're in Town

One of my favorite things about Forest Hills is the balance between privacy and convenience.

Drive through the gates and you feel surrounded by trees and established custom homes.

But you're not 30 minutes into the mountains.

Hayden's grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, services and shopping are nearby.

Highway 95 is easily accessible for traveling north toward Athol and Sandpoint or south toward Coeur d'Alene.

Downtown Coeur d'Alene is roughly a 15-minute drive depending on traffic and your exact destination.

For relocation buyers, that can be a sweet spot.

You get the North Idaho wooded setting without giving up easy access to everyday life.

Who Should Consider Forest Hills?

Forest Hills tends to make sense for buyers looking for:

• A luxury home in Hayden, Idaho
• A gated North Idaho community
• Custom rather than cookie-cutter construction
• Mature trees and landscaping
• Larger residential lots
• Privacy without rural acreage
• Quick access to Hayden Lake
• Nearby golf
• Proximity to shopping and restaurants
• Easy access to Coeur d'Alene
• An established neighborhood rather than new construction

It's particularly worth exploring for relocation buyers who initially believe they need several acres to get privacy.

Sometimes what they're actually looking for is a larger wooded lot in an established neighborhood — and Forest Hills can provide that without putting them far outside of town.

Forest Hills Homes for Sale in Hayden, Idaho

Because Forest Hills contains only approximately 94 homes, properties don't come onto the market constantly.

If you're interested in Forest Hills homes for sale, I can help you track current listings, recent sales and other Hayden neighborhoods offering a similar combination of custom homes, mature trees and proximity to Hayden Lake.

Whether you're relocating to North Idaho or already live locally, understanding the differences between Hayden, Hayden Lake and the individual neighborhoods surrounding the lake can make a huge difference in finding the right property.

Search current Forest Hills homes for sale below or contact me for available homes in Forest Hills, Hayden Lake and other luxury neighborhoods throughout the Coeur d'Alene and North Idaho area.