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 130 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Highland Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $1,020,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Besides Favorable FL tax advantages and warm climate this home is "JUST AN ELEVATOR RIDE DOWN TO THE BEACH!'' & a walk on the sand from home to the local restaurant! Your Corner unit sees both sunrise and sunset views from floor-to-ceiling sliding glass windows. Effortless luxury Right on the Beach with a wrap-around balcony from the 4th floor. Dining and shopping are nearby. Plan Both your own
This Building is completing a beautiful exterior restoration! Beautiful wrap around balconies and striking ocean and Intracoastal views await! Make this generously proportioned, full 3 bedroom 3 bathroom residence your new coastal retreat! Floor to ceiling glass and newly installed shutters around the entire home. Enjoy Beach/Ocean access, beach storage & restroom, security, fitness, pool, hot
Nestled in the exclusive coastal enclave of Highland Beach, own an impeccably updated townhouse steps from the ocean. Perfectly positioned for boating enthusiasts, with a deeded private dock and ocean access. This light-filled 4-bedroom, 4-bath home (3,084 sq ft) boasts an open-concept living area with soaring ceilings, a gourmet kitchen, a spacious primary suite with a walk-in closet and
Coastal Luxury Meets Rare Privacy in Highland Beach! Discover this exceptional Boca Cove residence with PRIVATE DEEDED BEACH ACCESS! The largest lot in the community and the only standalone home surrounded by a neighborhood of narrow townhomes. With a LOW HOA and priced under $1M, it offers unmatched value in a location where neighboring properties sell for $1.5M to $1.7M. Step inside to a
Stunning oceanfront 2BR/2BA corner unit in Highland Beach with a rare wrap-around balcony and panoramic views of the Atlantic. This 9th-floor residence features floor to ceiling windows, an updated kitchen, spacious split floor plan, and endless natural light. Enjoy direct beach access, oceanfront pool, fitness center, and on-site security. Minutes to Boca Raton and Delray Beach dining and shops.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SEASONAL RENTALThis completely remodeled waterfront estate offers luxurious living with modern high-end finishes and top-tier appliances. Situated on a private deep-water canal with a width of 150 feet, the home boasts 50 feet of uninterrupted views of the Intracoastal. Spanning 4,222 square feet, the residence features 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, all within a spacious layout
This is a 55+ community available for an annual unfurnished lease. 2 bed/ 2 bath 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.
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
