Questions about woods and forests?

Question

I'm writing a story in which I want all details to to be completely accurate. First off, I've lived in the city most of my life. What is the difference between the woods and a forest? Secondly, which of the two (woods or forest) would be most common around or behind a suburban neighborhood in a large acreage? Lastly, taking both previous questions in consideration, what state/city/town in the United States would have those things (suburban area and woods/forest around it) with any mountain(s) in the distance? The mountain(s) should preferably be close, maybe within a 50-mile radius, but anything further can also be acceptable.

Thanks very much!!

Answer 1

How about Lake Placid NY

Answer 2

They are one and the same.

Answer 3

Forest- A dense growth of trees, plants, and underbrush covering a large area.

Woods- A growth of trees over a small area

Woods are more common around a neighborhood or large acreage.

And go to this website to look at different forests in the U.S.

http://usparks.about.com/od/nationalfore...