About Our City

Our Community

The City of Forest Hill, Texas is located in south central Tarrant County between Fort Worth and Arlington on the highly traveled I-20 corridor. Bordered by Anglin Street on the east and Wichita Street on the west, the city is home to 13,000 residents and more than 300 businesses. The City was incorporated on March 16, 1946.

A city on the move, Forest Hill is one of the fastest growing communities in North Texas. Economic development thrives in the community; new home construction is up and the crime rate is down. Major employers include:

  • Conatser Construction
  • MMG Building & Construction Services
  • Horton Tree Service/NES
  • Starbucks
  • Global Signs
  • J. Wales Enterprises
  • TAS Environmental
  • Chase Bank
  • QT
  • Luby’s Cafeteria

The Forest Hill Police Department has received numerous awards, including several for the “National Night Out” crime prevention campaign; our Fire Department is recognized as a leader in fire rescue. Using “RESCUE 23,” this heavy duty rescue vehicle is considered a state homeland security asset and is one of only four in Texas. It utilizes a specially trained team and can be called out for use across the country.

Building a positive image is a priority of our City Council and staff. Forest Hill looks to provide quality family living, a thriving economic base for local businesses and a broad range of events and functions for our citizens.

Our History

Forest Hill has been in existence since approximately 1860. It started as a farming community, gradually becoming a village and has grown to a thriving, diverse mix of more than 13,000 residents.

It was originally known as Brambleton Station, and then Forest Hill Village. Settlers found the land attractive with its meadows and woods and the area began to grow. By 1905, there were two streets in town - Old Mansfield Road and Forest Hill Drive.  An electric interurban street car ran from Cleburne through Forest Hill and on into Fort Worth hourly in the 1900’s.

Around 1912, citizens felt the need for a city water supply and thus drilled what was called a “crooked hole well.” This was the first private water system and was used until the early 1940’s. By 1944, the Trentman Company and the Johnson Campbell Company began building homes. These developments forced the owners of the private water system to realize the need for a more adequate water supply. Thus, the system was sold to the Texas Water Company.

Our city was incorporated as the “City of Forest Hill” on March 16, 1946; George H. Wright was elected the first Mayor and served that year. He died in office and S.E. Bostick was voted into office in January, 1947.

By 1954, the Volunteer Fire Department, the Police Department and the Corporation Court had been created. The population continued to increase and the need for expansion of the water system was great. In 1955, the City Council engaged the services of engineers and plans began to take form to improve these facilities. A bond election was held and the City of Forest Hill was authorized by the people to sell bonds and purchase the water system from the Texas Water Company and install its own sewer system, build a disposal plant and install transmission mains and lines so that all septic tanks could be phased out.

The city grew in the 60’s and by the early 70’s, the Forest Hill Home Rule Charter was approved giving the City the power to annex adjoining land and to better govern itself. Since that time, with careful planning and management, the City has become financially stable and continues to be a major player along the I-20 corridor.

As residents, businesses and city government work together to build positive relationships, economic and residential growth will flourish now and into the next century. And as we continue making and executing those plans, we will strive to focus on innovation and integrity and make improvements that will increase the City of Forest Hill’s opportunities for growth and drive economic stability.

Our Vision Statement

In our on-going commitment to the citizens and businesses in the City of Forest Hill, we will endeavor each day to be fiscally responsible, knowing that we are held accountable for our actions, to move the city in a forward progression of economic development, to provide the best customer service to those who live, work and play within our city limits, and to be fair and honest in all that we do. With passion, integrity and professionalism, from within City Hall to our elected officials, we will be the leader of the Community Driven spirit that will guide the success of Forest Hill into the future.