Forest Highlands Neighborhood Market Intelligence
A Mountain Retreat Within the City
Nestled within the pristine Coconino National Forest just five miles southwest of downtown Flagstaff, Forest Highlands offers an extraordinary blend of luxury living and natural beauty. This master-planned community, developed in the late 1980s, provides residents with the rare opportunity to call a national forest home while maintaining easy access to urban amenities. With towering ponderosa pines as your neighbors and championship golf courses as your backyard, Forest Highlands represents the pinnacle of mountain living in Northern Arizona.
An Outdoor-Centered Lifestyle
Life in Forest Highlands revolves around embracing the great outdoors and fostering genuine community connections. Residents wake up to crisp mountain air and endless recreational opportunities right outside their doors. Whether you're an avid golfer perfecting your swing on The Canyon or The Meadow championship courses, a hiking enthusiast exploring forest trails, or someone who simply appreciates the tranquility of nature, this neighborhood caters to those who value an active, outdoor-focused lifestyle. The community's location within the national forest means wildlife sightings are common, creating a truly immersive natural experience that's increasingly rare in today's world.
Distinctive Mountain Architecture and Real Estate
Forest Highlands showcases primarily single-family homes designed to harmonize with their forested surroundings. The architecture reflects Mountain Contemporary and Southwestern styles, featuring natural materials like wood and stone, expansive windows that frame stunning forest views, and open floor plans perfect for entertaining. With a median home value of $516,200 and a median household income of $73,086, the community attracts a diverse mix of families, professionals, and retirees who appreciate upscale living. The real estate market here is classified as stable and desirable, offering both custom-built homes and developer residences, plus select townhomes and condominiums.
Thoughtfully Planned Amenities
While Forest Highlands itself focuses on preserving its natural setting, residents enjoy access to quality amenities both within and near the community. The neighborhood is served by Flagstaff Unified School District, with schools like Knoles Elementary, Mount Elden Middle School, and Flagstaff High School. The crown jewel amenity is undoubtedly the Forest Highlands Golf Club, featuring two championship courses that challenge golfers of all skill levels. For shopping and dining, residents make quick trips to other areas of Flagstaff, including Milton Road and Route 66 corridors, while the nearby Woodlands Village area provides additional conveniences.
Why Choose Forest Highlands
Forest Highlands offers something truly unique: the chance to live within a national forest while enjoying modern luxuries and community amenities. This neighborhood appeals to those seeking:
- Unparalleled privacy and seclusion without sacrificing accessibility
- Direct access to unlimited outdoor recreation and forest exploration
- A strong, close-knit community atmosphere with upscale living standards
- Championship golf facilities and well-maintained common areas
- Investment in a stable, desirable real estate market
For homebuyers who dream of mountain living without compromising on quality or community, Forest Highlands represents an exceptional opportunity to own a piece of Arizona's natural paradise.
| Market Metric | Value |
|---|
| Median Home Price | $625,000 |
| Median Rent | $1,850/mo |
| Median Household Income | $98,500 |
| Avg. Days on Market | 32 |
| Price per Sq Ft | $285 |
| Average Home Size | 2,190 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 72.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.0% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 22.5% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 3.5% |
| Year-over-Year Change | +3.8% |
| Inventory Level | Low |
| Market Type | Seller's Market |
| Market Tier | Main |
| Primary ZIP | 86005 |
| Mortgage Originations (2023 HMDA) |
| Total Mortgage Originations | 697 |
| VA Loan Originations | 29 |
| VA Loan Share | 4.2% |
| Average VA Loan Amount | $483,966 |
| Conventional Loan Originations | 629 |
| FHA Loan Originations | 39 |
| Source | FFIEC HMDA Data Browser (2023) |
Selected Real Estate Professionals (10)
Arizona has over 220,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 10 agents serving Forest Highlands who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 10 Agents
- Karra Polder (4.9 stars, 110+ reviews, listed)
- Weston Foster (5 stars, 100+ reviews, listed)
- Valerie Caro (4.9 stars, 100+ reviews, listed)
- Blake Cain (5 stars, 90+ reviews, listed)
- Johnathan Mullaney (5 stars, 90+ reviews, listed)
- Billie McGraw (5 stars, 80+ reviews, listed)
- Jason Shafor (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Rosa Leonardis (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Linda Kiehne (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Heidi Mortensen (4.9 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
4.9 stars[2][3]
110+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA647734000[1]
RE/MAX Fine Properties
Contact
Phone: (928) 606-4532
Email: karrapolder@gmail.com
Website: https://www.flagstaffrealestatehomesearch.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/user4900350
12+ years experience[1]
270+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 4.9-star rating across 126 reviews and over 500 transactions since 2013. She stands out with specialized expertise serving out-of-area buyers and investors, ensuring informed, strategic decisions.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
100+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA689135000[1]
Den Group
Contact
Phone: (928) 699-1917
Email: westontfoster@gmail.com
Website: https://dengroupre.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/westontfoster1
5+ years experience[1]
410+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for their 17 years of local expertise and seven years of proven results in a competitive market. They stand out with extensive experience across diverse property types and a commitment to professional development and client relationships.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
100+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #BR031147000[1]
Flagstaff Top Producers Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (928) 220-8106
Email: valerie@flagstaffhouses.com
Website: http://www.flagstaffhouses.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/flagstaffhouses
40+ years experience[1]
660+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $157K to $3.8M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her nearly 40-year track record of excellence, evidenced by a 4.9-star rating from 112 reviews and recognition as a Top Agent and #1 by sales volume. Her advanced credentials (CRS, CPRES) and deep community leadership further distinguish her in the Flagstaff market.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
90+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA638759000[1]
Russ Lyon Sotheby's International Realty
Contact
Phone: (928) 856-9071
Email: blake.cain@russlyon.com
Website: https://www.blakecainrealestate.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/BlakeCain
15+ years experience[1]
270+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for his perfect 5-star rating across 101 reviews and over $22 million in 2022 sales. His expertise is validated by industry features in RealTrends.com and his role as a Panel Expert for the Arizona Real Estate Summit.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
90+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #BR512154000[1]
Village Land Shoppe
Contact
Phone: (928) 963-6205
Email: johnmullaney@hotmail.com
Website: http://www.villagelandshoppe.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/flagstaffrealestate
27+ years experience[1]
650+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $40K to $1.6M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his perfect 5-star rating across 100 reviews and 25 years of expertise, demonstrating exceptional client service. His deep market knowledge, featured on major industry platforms, and active community involvement further distinguish his proven local record.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
80+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #BR655261000[1]
Peak Experience Realty
Contact
Phone: (928) 699-4513
Email: billie@billiemcgraw.com
Website: http://www.billiemcgraw.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/billiemcgraw
5+ years experience[1]
330+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 5-star rating across 92 reviews and 346 transactions since 2020, demonstrating high-volume expertise. She stands out through her community commitment via the Northern Arizona Heroes Club and featured market presence.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
40+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA663935000[1]
RE/MAX Fine Properties
Contact
Phone: (928) 856-0515
Email: jason@soldbyshafor.com
Website: https://www.soldbyshafor.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/jasonshafor
9+ years experience[1]
160+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for his perfect 5-star rating across 56 reviews and over 30 years of combined construction and real estate expertise. His unique background in building homes provides clients with exceptional insight into property value and craftsmanship.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA646837000[1]
da Vinci Realty
Contact
Phone: (928) 779-5966
Email: rosazillow@gmail.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Rosa-Jo-Leonardis
12+ years experience[1]
250+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for her perfect 5-star rating across 40+ reviews and over a decade of market expertise. Her recognized excellence in multiple property sectors and deep community involvement in Northern Arizona set her apart.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #BR656473000[1]
Best Flagstaff Homes Realty
Contact
Phone: (928) 814-8729
Email: kiehneproperties@gmail.com
Website: http://BestFlagstaffHomes.com
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Linda-Kiehne
6+ years experience[1]
110+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for dedicated community service and professional excellence, demonstrated through high-volume performance, completing 125 sales and earning 37 five-star reviews. Her deep 22-year expertise is enhanced by elite credentials like MCNE and RCC, allowing her to expertly navigate transactions from $65,000 to $3.1 million.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #SA647403000[1]
Russ Lyon Sotheby's
Contact
Phone: (928) 714-8013
Email: valerie.core@russlyon.com
Website: http://www.heidimortensenrealtor.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Heidi-Mortensen
0+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for community engagement and exceptional service, reflected in 4.9-star rating across 22 reviews and her affiliation with the Sotheby's network, Heidi Mortensen stands out through her client-focused methodology and comprehensive market insights.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.