Forest Hill's housing stock is largely single-family and owner-occupied, with a mix of older homes from the city's mid-century growth years and newer construction in subdivisions such as Rose Crest Estates. The city has an established, residential character, with neighborhoods on both sides of I-20. Housing is oriented toward families and working households seeking proximity to Fort Worth. The freeway frontage has drawn retail and commercial uses, while residential streets retain a quieter, suburban feel.

Forest Hill's neighborhoods include long-established subdivisions along Forest Hill Drive and Old Mansfield Road, along with newer pockets such as Rose Crest Estates, often cited as one of the city's more desirable areas. Because the city is split between two school districts, neighborhood identity often follows the Everman or Fort Worth ISD boundary. The I-20 corridor divides the city and carries most commercial activity, while the surrounding residential streets make up the bulk of Forest Hill's housing.

Life in Forest Hill is suburban and Fort Worth-oriented. Residents commute to jobs across Tarrant County, and downtown Fort Worth, Arlington, and the metroplex's attractions are a short drive away. The city has worked to add retail and dining along its I-20 frontage to keep more daily spending local. With parks, schools, and established neighborhoods, the lifestyle is family-centered and practical, defined by convenience to the freeway and proximity to the region's larger cities.

Public education in Forest Hill is divided between two districts. Students in the Everman Independent School District portion attend Everman schools, while other parts of the city fall within the Fort Worth Independent School District, with schools such as Glencrest 6th Grade, Forest Oak Middle, and O.D. Wyatt High School. The split reflects the city's growth across historic district boundaries. Families should confirm school assignment by specific address when considering a home.

Forest Hill sits directly on Interstate 20, with the I-820 loop intersecting nearby, placing the city about fifteen minutes from downtown Fort Worth and within easy reach of Arlington and the wider metroplex. Local arterials such as Forest Hill Drive and Old Mansfield Road provide surface connections through the city. There is no local rail service, so travel is by car, and the heavy freeway traffic through the city underscores its role as a gateway between Fort Worth and points south and east.

Recreation in Forest Hill centers on city parks and the proximity of Fort Worth's larger amenities. Residents are minutes from Fort Worth's cultural district, the Fort Worth Zoo, and Arlington's entertainment venues, while local parks provide playgrounds and green space for families. Tarrant County College's South Campus is nearby, and the broader metroplex offers lakes, trails, and sports facilities within an easy drive. The city's freeway access makes regional recreation readily available.