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.
Photography Contributed By
David Dunn
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Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Highland Beach, FL sell after 109 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Highland Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $995,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Unobstructed Ocean Views from this totally redesigned turnkey Lower Penthouse residence! This beautiful South East corner 2-Bed, 2-Bath, 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 balconies for an outdoor retreat showcasing
Villa Magna is a crown jewel in Highland Beach—an ultra-luxury, fully renovated oceanfront residence offering direct, unobstructed ocean views and over 2,500 sq ft of refined living. This 3-bed, 3-bath unit features expansive balconies, serene Intracoastal views, and elegant interiors. Located on the 4th floor, it provides panoramic vistas of both sunrise and sunset. Residents enjoy resort-style
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
Experience breathtaking intracoastal waterway views from the floor to ceiling impact windows in every room of this stunning corner residence in the sought-after Aberdeen Arms at Boca Highlands Beach Club. Nestled perfectly between the Ocean & the Intracoastal, this exceptional community offers its residents an exclusive full-service private beach club with beach access, a heated pool, remodeled
Coastal luxury meets rare privacy in this exceptional Boca Cove townhouse offering PRIVATE DEEDED BEACH access. Situated on the largest lot in the community and uniquely positioned as the only standalone residence among neighboring townhomes, this property offers a level of space and privacy rarely found in Highland Beach. LOW HOA and priced under $1 million, it presents outstanding value in an
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
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.
Perfect sunsets and fantastic long intracoastal views await the new owner of this special residence! This updated one bedroom, 1.5 bath furnished condo features phenomenal intracoastal and city views, as well as ocean views and beach access! Large balcony space with hurricane impact glass (telescoping) sliding glass door walls can be used as outdoor or indoor space, depending on the weather! It
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
Rarely available 3-bedroom corner home with triple exposure (E-S-W), filled with natural light and generous spaces. Two expansive primary suites plus a flexible 3rd bedroom/den—perfect for a home office or guest suite. Luxury touches include marble, granite, and custom cabinetry. Impact windows/doors plus shutters for peace of mind. Great quality & craftsmanship in everything. Lightly used by
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
BRAND NEW A/C !! Directly on the Ocean! With breathtaking unobstructed ocean views and stunning sunsets over the intracoastal, this meticulously maintained 2BR/2BA condo is available move in ready, furnished and turnkey for immediate enjoyment or as the perfect canvas to create your custom coastal retreat. The desirable split floor plan, natural light, and ocean backdrop, make it ideal for
Dream oceanfront rental offered Furnished or Unfurnished! ANNUAL OR SEASONAL! Annual- $4,500, 6 month- $7,450, 4 month- $8,000. Live the Beachfront Dream! Welcome to your new coastal escape in the highly sought-after Highland Beach community! This beautifully furnished oceanfront condo is located in a recently renovated building with refreshed grounds, offering the perfect blend of modern
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.
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!
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.
AVAILABLE FOR LONG-TERM RENT (minimum 4 months). Spectacular fully renovated spacious 2 bedrooms + den (set up as a bedroom), 2 full bathrooms and 1 half bath condo in a prestigious Villa Magna in Highland Beach. Floor to ceiling glass, spectacular unobstructed views of the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal. Tremendous balcony space. Enjoy spectacular sunrises and sunsets! Very desirable
Spend the winter in sunny S. Florida in this beautiful condo in the much sought-after Dalton Building in Boca Highland. Clean, clean, clean, and well maintained with a full-sized washer and dryer in the unit. All impact glass throughout! It has a gorgeous renovated lobby and its own pool-staffed Beach Club with an oceanfront pool and sun deck, umbrellas & chairs in the sand, a great clubhouse,
Wake up to Intracoastal views and walk to your private beach from this beautifully renovated 3BR/3BA waterfront townhome in the coveted Highland Beach Club. This light-filled residence offers an open layout with stylish driftwood plank floors and a modern kitchen with white cabinetry and SS appliances--perfect for entertaining or relaxed coastal living. A first-floor bedroom and full bath provide
Beautiful waterfront 3 three bedroom 3 & 1 half bath townhome for annual rental. step into a large great room featuring marble flooring and wrap around impact glass sliders overlooking a massive wrap around patio overlooking the the dock and waterway! 2 guest bedrooms 2 baths and a large family room on the 2nd floor all offering water views from walls of windows. the entire third floor makes up
Wake up to Intracoastal views and walk to your private beach from this beautifully renovated 3BR/3BA waterfront townhome in the coveted Highland Beach Club. This light-filled residence offers an open layout with stylish driftwood plank floors and a modern kitchen with white cabinetry and SS appliances--perfect for entertaining or relaxed coastal living. A first-floor bedroom and full bath provide
Highland Beach - 45 Ocean, gated community, private beach access, heated oceanfront pool, BBQ grills, a fitness center and garage parking. Updated and furnished 2 bedroom 2 bath oceanfront condo, available for annual rent at $4,500. Washer/dryer and appliances all new 2025.
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