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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Highland Beach, FL sell after 131 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 $1,000,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Strong Budget! Possible 3% downpayment only for your mortgage! Luxury redefined through timeless design! Enjoy spectacular ocean and Intracoastal views from this fully updated lower penthouse in the boutique Seagate community of Highland Beach. Just minutes from Delray Beach and Boca Raton, this turnkey coastal retreat offers exclusive private beach access and front-row seats to the Holiday Boat
Wake up to the sound of the surf and the shimmer of the Atlantic from every room. This renovated two-story coastal residence offers the rare feel of a private beach house without the maintenance. Floor-to-ceiling impact glass fills the home with light while silencing everything but the waves. Step from your terrace straight onto the sand, no elevators, no crowds, just ocean. Every detail is
Furnished turnkey 2-story ''Beach House'' living inside Parker Highland awaits - with ocean and pool access right outside your door. This Ralph Lauren-designed SW corner unit offers over 4,700 total SF with 5 beds, 5 full baths + Den. Lower level has direct access to pool, BBQ and beach - no lobby or elevator needed. Enjoy ocean views from 2 wraparound balconies and 270 of natural light. Fully
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 full-time living or the perfect seaside
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
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2.5 bath oceanfront condo in the heart of Highland Beach with 2 GARAGE PARKING spots. Positioned on the south west side of the building, natural sunlight fills the room, which opens to a balcony that overlooks the western sky to capture picture-perfect SUNSETS & CITY LIGHTS each evening. And enjoy the OCEAN VIEWS as well, from both the living room, breakfast
Enjoy breathtaking Atlantic Ocean views each morning and unforgettable sunsets over the Intracoastal each evening. This fabulous 2-bed, 2-bath condo delivers exceptional comfort and convenience in a prime beachside location.Beautifully furnished, the unit features a king bed in the primary bedroom, two full-size beds in the second bedroom, and three televisions throughout. Cable, internet, and
Oceanfront South east corner Unit third floor, available for seasonal lease. 90 day minimum. Completely renovated, washer, and dryer in the unit. Watch the sunrise each morning from the east balcony.
Oceanfront Furnished 6 month Seasonal Rental! Annual- $4,500, 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 elegance and serene beachside living. Step inside to a
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