Highland Beach

Given its location between the tranquil waters of the Intracoastal Waterway and the sunny shores of the Atlantic Ocean, you might think pelicans, herons or ospreys would be the most popular avians in Highland Beach. Instead, keep an eye out for the snowbirds who make up most of the population of this peaceful South Florida town.

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.

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, you’ll find 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.

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.

Students in Highland Beach attend Palm Beach County public schools like J.C. Mitchell Elementary, which has clubs for robotics, chess, gardening and more, or the multitude of nearby private options. The entire town is less than 5 miles from Florida Atlantic University, a Final Four contender 2023’s March Madness tournament.

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.

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.