Quiet coastal town with no traffic lights and few businesses
Tucked into the southern side of Palm Beach County, Highland Beach is famous for its quiet, relaxed atmosphere. With almost no commercial elements beyond a single four-star resort, which hosts the community’s only restaurant, Latitudes, residents have to head to nearby areas like Delray Beach or Boca Raton for shopping, dining and nightlife, but the tradeoff is small-town tranquility. Despite sporting its own police department, Highland Beach is so small it doesn’t even have a single traffic light. A popular location for snowbirds and seasonal residents, Highland Beach has a population of just over 4,000 most of the year, but that number more than doubles during the winter months. According to the town’s website, roughly 80% of the town’s population is retirees, with the remaining 20% employed in town or the surrounding area. “The people that live here, they go to Europe in the summer, back up to New York, but a lot of them make Florida their home,” says Catherine McGlennon, a real estate advisor with Engel & Voelkers.
Bird's eye view of the Intracoastal Waterway in Highland Beach, FL.
Highland Beach, FL, residents enjoy letting their dogs be dogs at Bark Dog Beach.
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Oceanfront homes can reach $30 million or more
Homes here show a strong Spanish and Mediterranean influence, with classic clay roof tiles and ornamental arches worked into the balconies and bay windows characteristic of beachfront architecture. While much less common, there are newer developments sporting the clean lines and angular construction of modern designs. Freestanding homes in Highland Beach are highly sought after, with properties on the Intracoastal selling for $5 million to $10 million while oceanfront houses sporting six or seven bedrooms climb to upward of $15 million or even $30 million.
Much of the real estate available in Highland Beach is condominiums, with large complexes dotted along the oceanfront or waterway. Most two-bed, two-bath condo units list from the mid-$500,000s to nearly $2 million. For many condo buildings, there’s plenty included in that price tag: a private pool, tennis or pickleball courts, and the crown jewel, private beach access. Highland Beach is unique in that there’s no public beach access within the town, leading to a quiet and more exclusive beachfront experience reserved for residents.
Miles of beach and coastline along the Atlantic Ocean in Highland Beach, FL.
Spanish influenced estates offer amazing water views in Highland Beach, FL.
An oceanfront modern style home along the beach in Highland Beach, FL.
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Intracoastal Waterway offers fishing, boating and wildlife views
Highland Beach is separated from the Florida mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway. A popular spot for fishing and boating, the waterway runs the length of the state’s eastern coast and serves as an important habitat for native wildlife, from shorebirds and sea turtles to manatees and dolphins. Some waterfront properties even feature their own private dock.
Boating fun on the Intracoastal Waterway in Highland Beach, FL.
Luxurious homes on the Intracoastal Waterway in Highland Beach, FL.
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Library hosts free movies, art shows and book discussions
Highland Beach Library hosts regular community events and performances, like free movie nights, book discussion groups and local art exhibitions. They even offer children’s programs like story time or special crafts, depending on age.
Public and private school options are nearby for families
Students in Highland Beach attend Palm Beach County public schools like J.C. Mitchell Elementary, which earns a B-plus grade from Niche and has clubs for robotics, chess, gardening and more, or the multitude of nearby private options. Students then advance to Boca Raton Community Middle School, which receives a B-plus, prior to the A-plus-rated Boca Raton High School.
The entire town is less than 5 miles from Florida Atlantic University, a Final Four contender in the 2023 March Madness tournament.
Signage for Florida Atlantic University marks downtown Boca Raton near Highland Beach.
Front entrance of Boca Raton Community Middle School.
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A1A offers scenic drives through Florida’s beach towns
For a road trip vacation, residents can easily jump on the A1A Scenic and Historic Coastal Byway, which runs through the center of town. Considered the heart of beach culture in the U.S., this iconic two-lane roadway passes through most of Florida’s beachfront towns and spring break destinations, stretching south all the way to Miami Beach and the Keys.
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David Dunn
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On average, homes in Highland Beach, FL sell after 107 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Highland Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $1,000,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Stunning 2BR/2BA residence in the sought-after Seagate of Highland Beach, offered at $729,000. Located in the desirable A Building, this beautifully renovated condo is filled with abundant natural light and offers spectacular sunset views, creating a warm and inviting coastal retreat. Enjoy private beach access and the serenity of oceanfront living. Seagate has recently completed an extensive,
Welcome home to this meticulously maintained and beautifully remodeled 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome with 1,398 sq ft in the safe, gated community of Boca Quay. Step into the elegantly updated kitchen featuring waterfall quartz countertops, white shaker cabinetry, high hat lighting, and matching Samsung appliances including a brand-new refrigerator. Enjoy tile flooring downstairs and real wood
Fabulous value! 2-bedroom, 2-bath residence on the Intracoastal with deeded beach access, where lounge chairs await your arrival! This home offers the convenience of a ground floor home, with walkable access to the beach, newly renovated Clubhouse with a full kitchen, fitness center, game room, billiards, two heated pools, a new BBQ area, private marina, putting green, bocce and shuffleboard.
Unobstructed Ocean Views from this totally redesigned turnkey Lower Penthouse residence! This beautiful South East corner 2-Bed, 2-Bath and a flex space to use as a bedroom, office or den. Features an open light-filled floor plan with high ceilings and water views from every room, open kitchen island, S/S appliances, all impact sliding doors and windows, walk in closets, expansive private covered
On the Beach!! Nestled in a charming boutique building, this 3rd-floor oceanfront condo offers a large split floor plan, multiple balconies and strong views of the Atlantic, & is only a short walk to Latitudes at the Delray Sands Resort. With only a handful of residences in the building, you'll enjoy a quiet beach atmosphere. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors flood the space with natural
Mesmerizing sunrises await! Watch the sunrise 🌅 on your Eastern Balcony, or through large floor to ceiling impact glass sliding doors/windows. This well priced condo features two bedroom suites and a flex space to use as a bedroom, office or den. 2 balconies. Corner unit. Renovated boutique style building with newly renovated volume lobby, 24 hour security, tennis, pickle ball, social
Rarely available corner 1,433 SqFt 2BR/2BA Penthouse ( "Captain" model) featuring breathtaking, panoramic Intracoastal views from every room! This bright, split-plan residence boasts updated bathrooms and a modern kitchen with custom cabinetry, granite counters, 30X60 Ceramic floors and Stainless steel appliances. Plenty of storage space throughout the unit & the bedroom closets feature built in
Visit a True Penthouse in a fabulous building, with the most direct and private Ocean & Intracoastal views possible; a tremendous, private rooftop terrace, and private cabana/bar in addition to fantastic balconies facing both ocean and Intracoastal; offered with multiple large storage rooms for exterior furniture and party supplies; Approx 9ft interior ceilings throughout the large residence;
Visit this outstanding and renovated 3/3 residence on the sand, offering long ocean and coastline views, as well as twinkling city lights and intracoastal views, emphasized by the floor to ceiling glass windows/doors and glass balcony railings. The wrap around balcony encircles and expands the generous living space. The property is effectively a double corner unit, as it comprises the entire
Enjoy seaside living in this beautiful Ocean Front Building! Admire sweeping ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows, seamlessly blending indoor living with outdoor large balcony space. With 2 bedrooms & 2 bathrooms, spacious balcony, this residence offers a perfect balance of comfort and elegance. Set within a boutique-style building, enjoy upgraded amenities including an oceanfront pool
Outstanding views! Large two bedroom with multiple balconies! This unit features a large, flexible floorplan. It is a corner condo with dramatic Eastern, northern and Southern exposures sweeping down the beach. The building is renovated throughout and additional new amenities are currently being added to the common areas, making this the perfect time to buy into the beautiful Clarendon! The condo
Find your place in the sun! this two bedroom, two bathroom corner condominium sits right on the sand! This cute beachfront condo offers 2 balconies to enjoy both sunrise and sunsets. It also offers garage parking, 2 pools, convenient beach access, security guards, recently updated lobbies and hallways, billiards, fitness rooms, dockage, 3 social rooms flush to the ocean, saunas, and outstanding
This is truly a special, oceanfront, SE, rooftop Penthouse featuring long views of the Ocean, coastline, beach and sandbars.... With walls of floor to ceiling impact glass windows overlooking the sparkling Atlantic Ocean, three spacious private terraces, two levels with grand staircase or private elevator, double lining room, bright white updated kitchen and 3.5 updated bathrooms, 3 spacious
Sunlight pours into this third-floor, south-facing 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo, filling the open plan living area with warm, direct light most of the day. A large balcony runs the length of the main rooms, offering broad beach/streetscape views and excellent indoor outdoor flow — ideal for morning coffee and evenings enjoying the sun set views. Large rooms and great storage in the unit. Separate room
Enjoy the beach & waterfront lifestyle in this active 55+ community. Too many clubs and activities to mention! 2 pools, clubhouse, boat docks, beach access and so much more. Management on site.
This is a 55+ community available for an annual unfurnished lease. 2 bed/ 2 bath freshly painted, renovated unit with huge balcony with waterfront views. Live here while you build your dream home, or search for your new place. Seagate is across the street from the beach. Credit score of 700 required.
Owner prefers annual lease! Will consider shorter term at different rate. This is a 55+ community. Live here all year and feel as though you are living on a cruise! Watch the sun set as the boats go by. This corner unit walks right out to the grounds area. Minimum of 4 months per association. Common laundry. 4 months = $6,500 + tourist tax, 6 months = $4,500 + tourist tax
CORNER UNIT! 5TH FLOOR!!! AVAILABLE OFF SEASON ONLY. Watch the sunset every night or relax and listen to the boats as you look north or south down the intracoastal. This 5th floor CORNER UNIT is directly on the Intracoastal and offers nightly sunset views from the balcony with impact sliders. This corner also overlooks the docks and pool area to enjoy the night lights across the water. Two huge
This beautiful 3 bedroom condo is available furnished/turnkey. Landlord will consider emotional support dog! Bright & sunny corner unit, just steps from the beach! Luxury building with amazing amenities- resort heated pool & jacuzzi, tennis, business center, fitness center, billiards, clubhouse, boardwalk off intracoastal to enjoy relaxing! Walk to ocean front dining Latitudes Delray Sands!
There is very few matches that can compare to a true resort type condominium on the ocean with its own private beach club directly on the ocean and eery possible amenity...including private gyms, party rooms theaters, library, card room and pool room..tennis courts, private pool and eating area and eating and party room in building and on ocean for weddings and affairs if need be..IT IS THE BEST
LOVELY SEASONAL RENTAL AVAILABLE JANUARY 1ST-MARCH 31.2027. STUNNING OCEAN VIEWS FROM PRIVATE BALCONY. (2) POOLS WITH DIRECT BEACH ACCESS,GYM,ACTIVITIES AND MORE. GREAT LOCATION EASY ACCESS TO SHOPPING RESTAURANTS & NIGHTLIFE. RENT,SECURITY DEPOSIT(S),TAX,FEES DUE IN ADVANCE. MINIMUM CREDIT SCORE 700-ASSOCIATION APPROVAL.GARAGE PARKING.
Completely renovated condominium on the sand in Highland Beach, Florida. This unit has new walls, floors, ceiling, cabnets, countertops and appliances. The unit has a master bedroom with a king size bed and private bathroom. The guest room has 2 fold down "Murphy" beds that fold up into the wall for added space. Each bedrom has its own flat screen tv, as does the living room. The kitchen has all
Florida's best kept secret. 45 OCEAN is nestled between the mansions of HIGHLAND BEACH, DIRECT OCEANFRONT living. Offered completely renovated, AVAILABLE FOR ANNUAL RENTAL FURNISHED, TURNKEY. Enjoy OCEAN VIEWS and spectacular SUNRISES and SUNSETS! Having the feel of a beach cottage. IMPACT GLASS HURRICAINE SLIDERS AND WINDOWS! Just a few short steps to the sand, relax with morning coffee in hand
Enjoy Partial Ocean and partial intercostal views from this NORTH facing condo at the fabulous Highland Beach Club. Desirable freshly painted 2 BR/2 BA split floor plan condo upgraded with smooth 8 foot ceilings. This light and bright contemporary modern condo features a large kitchen with granite counters and SS appliances which opens to your spacious living room and dining area. Plenty of
WELCOME TO 2909 S. OCEAN BLVD. #6A, AN EXCEPTIONAL DIRECT OCEAN FRONT RESIDENCE IN HIGHLAND BEACH. FROM THE MOMENT YOU ENTER, THE VIEWS TAKE YOU OVER, SIGNALING YOU HAVE ARRIVED. THIS CONDO OFFERS GENEROUSLY SIZED LIVING SPACES, A SPLIT-BEDROOM LAYOUT, AND A SEAMLESS BLEND OF COMFORT & COASTAL ELEGANCE. THE PRIMARY SUITE IS POSITIONED TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF THE OCEAN SETTING. ADDITIONAL
Coastal living done right—where the Intracoastal is your backyard!! Bright, corner 2 BR, 2 Ba updated residence with beautiful direct intracoastal views and partial ocean views. Filled with natural light from corner exposure and expansive windows, this inviting condo features wood floors throughout the main living areas and comfortable carpet in the bedrooms. Gorgeous kitchen with SS appliances
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