Welcome to Forest Highlands, Flagstaff’s largest and most prestigious private gated golf community, Arizona. If you’re pursuing an elite blend of championship golf, luxurious estates, and ponderosa pine seclusion, this master-planned haven is the ultimate sanctuary for affluent families, retirees, and Phoenix snowbirds. Established in 1987 on 1,100 acres at the base of the San Francisco Peaks, Forest Highlands encompasses 505 custom homes amid the world’s largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest, where elk roam and Peaks vistas inspire. With bundled golf memberships and resort-caliber amenities, the community—home to 1,386 residents—epitomizes “Paradise in the Pines,” attracting those who seek exclusivity, recreation, and a seamless second-home lifestyle in a meticulously maintained enclave.
Nestled 9 miles south of downtown Flagstaff along State Route 89A, Forest Highlands offers effortless high-country access without isolation. Just 6 miles from the I-40/I-17 interchange, it’s a breezy 2-hour drive north from Phoenix, ideal for weekend escapes or full-time relocations. Historic Route 66 beckons 16 miles northeast for retro charm, while Flagstaff Pulliam Airport and Medical Center lie 10 miles northeast—perfect for jet-setters and professionals. Though car-dependent (Walk Score 4/100), the gated perimeter enhances privacy, and internal paths allow golf cart or pedestrian navigation. Surrounded by Coconino National Forest, it’s minutes from Snowbowl Ski Resort (gondola to 11,500 feet) and Fort Tuthill’s trails, balancing seclusion with Sedona’s red rocks just 25 miles south.
Forest Highlands revolves around its world-class Forest Highlands Golf Club, featuring two distinct 18-hole championship courses: the Canyon Course (rolling pines and dramatic elevation, once ranked #5 in America by Golfweek) and the Meadows Course (stream-lined challenges with Peaks views). Bundled memberships—requiring a one-time initiation fee over $100,000, $6,500 transfer, and ~$1,400 monthly dues—grant unlimited access, including two clubhouses with fine dining (tacos to pasta), pro shops, and event spaces.
Beyond the greens, indulge in a fitness center, indoor/outdoor pools, kids’ splash pad, pickleball courts, and childcare services. A 4-mile rugged trail winds through the western end for hiking and mountain biking, connecting to broader forest networks. The community’s private sewer system and on-site fire station ensure self-sufficiency, while lush green belts and wildlife sightings (deer, elk) amplify the natural allure. Non-residents can join provisionally but must purchase within two years, fostering a vibrant mix of social events, from group hikes to holiday galas.
Forest Highlands dazzles with custom-built estates from the late 1980s to early 2000s, showcasing 3,000–5,000 square foot mountain moderns and traditional split-levels with earth-toned siding, steep roofs, and expansive windows framing forested lots up to a half-acre (or 1-acre premiums). Three- to five-bedroom homes often include 3–5 car garages, private spas, in-floor heating, and golf proximity, priced from $1.1 million to $3.65 million. Undeveloped parcels range $250,000–$1.75 million for visionary builds.
The luxury market thrives: Average home value $2,091,257, with median list $2,500,000 and sale $2,477,800 (up 42% year-over-year). At $1,912 per square foot, 67 homes sold in the last 12 months (median single-family $3,505,000), with just 6 active listings and 1.1 months of supply—indicating brisk turnover amid Flagstaff’s stabilizing inventory. As of October 2025, standout properties like a $3,295,000 estate highlight the premium for Peaks-view perfection in this evergreen enclave.
Forest Highlands families access the renowned Flagstaff Unified School District, prioritizing rigorous, culturally rich education with a 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Assigned schools include Manuel DeMiguel Elementary (A- Niche rating, excelling in STEM and outdoor programs), Mount Elden Middle (B, strong academics and diversity), and Flagstaff High (B+, offering AP Spanish, Navajo language classes, and Diné history for cultural depth). The district’s 38.8% White, 29.9% Hispanic student body fosters inclusivity, with foreign languages enhancing global perspectives.
Demographics reflect an educated, prosperous vibe: Median age 38, with 22.4% under 18 and 24.4% over 65. Median household income $88,257 (average $111,491, above national $71,702), paired with exceptional education—99.2% high school graduates, 78.4% college degrees, and 58.6% advanced degrees. A 71.3% labor force participation draws executives and professionals to this predominantly owner-occupied (higher than average) community of upwardly mobile residents and second-home owners.
Forest Highlands captures Flagstaff’s alpine essence, where 300 sunny days, 20 inches of rain, 82°F summers, 17°F winter lows, and 152 inches of snow fuel year-round pursuits. Dawn tee times yield to poolside afternoons or trail treks spotting wildlife; evenings bring clubhouse feasts or stargazing under dark skies. Venture 4 miles west to Fort Tuthill for county fairgrounds hikes, or 9 miles north to downtown’s ghostly history tours and craft brews.
Shopping thrives 7 miles north at Bashas’ or Sprouts for organics, Walmart/Target for essentials, and Flagstaff Mall’s JCPenney (13 miles NE). Savor shredded chicken tacos at Cafe Rio near the interchanges. With a Bike Score of 27/100, embrace e-bikes on unpaved paths or gondola rides at Snowbowl. It’s a symphony of leisure—golf carts humming past pines, families at the splash pad, retirees on pickleball courts—where second homes (prevalent here) mingle with full-time magic in a car-dependent yet enchanted realm.
In a peaks-kissed wonderland celebrated for golf legacy and pine-whispered tranquility, Forest Highlands crowns Flagstaff’s gated elite. More than a neighborhood, it’s a bundled paradise where dual courses converge with custom retreats, and amenities elevate everyday escapes. Treasured by families for DeMiguel’s innovation, retirees for clubhouse serenity, and investors for soaring values, it offers unparalleled prestige in a market of measured growth.
Ready to tee up in Forest Highlands? As your elite Flagstaff real estate confidante, JoAnna Ignace masters gated intricacies and membership maneuvers. Contact JoAnna today at (928)-853-7620 or email her for bespoke listings and an insider tour. Let’s claim your fairway legacy in one of Flagstaff’s timeless treasures!
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