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
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
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 112 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Highland Beach, FL over the last 12 months is $1,050,000, down 2% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rare, direct oceanfront views embrace this beautifully updated two-bedroom, two-and- a-half bath residence with a convertible den/office/sitting area. Trafalgar is located directly on the sand, with optional beach cabanas available during season. Residents enjoy an intimate oceanfront lifestyle with resort-style ammenities including a fittness center with saunas, pool, hot tub, and exclusive
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
Beautiful 1BR/1.5BA condo in the gated Boca Highlands community of Highland Beach, offering stunning marina views and ocean views just across the street. This light-filled residence features a spacious open layout and large private balcony, perfect for enjoying the coastal breeze. A great opportunity to update and create your ideal retreat. Aberdeen Arms offers resort-style amenities including a
Wow! FAB recent comparable sales for this model & building on the Beach!! Same unit 104 sold at $1,444,000; 804 at $1,650,000 & 1004 @ $1.7M! This well priced condo offers a large (1745 sq ft) layout, continuous balcony, Strong Ocean Views, walk to local Latitudes at the Delray Sands Resort. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors flood the space with natural light. Step onto your private balcony, S
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;
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
Wake up to spectacular sunrises and beautiful ocean views from this exceptional and desirable corner residence! Enjoy morning skies from your private Eastern balcony or through floor-to -ceiling impact glass sliding doors and windows that fill the home with natural light. This well-priced condo features two spacious bedroom suites plus a FLEX SPACE ideal for a bedroom, office or den. Renovated
Welcome to your dream coastal retreat. This breathtaking turnkey corner residence offers a spacious split floor plan designed for optimal privacy and comfort. Featuring illuminated stretch membrane ceilings and a sleek modern electric fireplace beneath a wall-mounted flatscreen, the ambiance is both innovative and inviting. Floor-to-ceiling impact windows flood the unit with natural light while
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
Come visit this special residence on the beach. 🏖️ This special 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath residence features both ocean and Intracoastal views, floor to ceiling glass doorwalls and windows, and a deep wrap around balcony accessible from all main rooms of the home! 2 parking spots - one covered carport and one garage. This unit is part of a beautiful beachfront building that looks and
Direct Ocean, outstanding, and renovated 3/3 residence on the sand! Unit offers 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 expands the generous living space. The property is effectively a double corner unit, as it comprises the entire North side
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
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
Beautiful Oceanfront Furnished Annual Rental in Highland Beach! Wake up to the sound of the waves and step into the coastal lifestyle you've been dreaming of. Nestled in one of South Florida's most exclusive beachfront communities The Ambassadors. This stunning furnished residence offers luxury, privacy, and breathtaking ocean views in a beautifully renovated building. Inside, the bright and
Open Parking # 248. Available now for Annual lease only at this time for $3,750.00, Owner may consider a 6 month lease at a different rate of $ 5,750.00 if they don't get an annual lease. Property is available during season-
Beautiful, recently updated residence directly on the beach - available for 4 month seasonal lease. New blinds in the unit- replaced the plantations shutters. 3 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. Available Jan 2, 2027. King size bed in primary bedroom, queen in 2nd bedroom. Full bed in 3rd bedroom with trundle. Watch the sun set from your balcony . This unit faces West, overlooking the pool area.
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
CORNER UNIT! 5TH FLOOR!!! 55+ community- 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
Welcome to this stunning three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath townhouse in the prestigious Bel Lido community of Highland Beach, Florida. Spanning 2,000 square feet across two stories, this waterfront property offers an exceptional living experience with direct water access. The thoughtfully designed layout provides comfortable accommodations with a single-car garage for convenient parking. This
Beautiful waterfront 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath townhome available in desirable Highland Beach. Step into a spacious great room featuring elegant marble flooring and wraparound impact glass sliders that fill the home with natural light and beautiful water views. wraparound patio overlooks the waterway, creating the perfect setting for indoor-outdoor living. The second floor offers two bedrooms, two full
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!
Live the coastal lifestyle in this fully furnished 2-bed, 2.5-bath condo available for seasonal (5 month minimum) or annual lease. Enjoy resort-style living w/ concierge, 24-hour security, valet parking, gym, pool, sauna and tennis court. The private Beach Club is set directly on the ocean, offering easy access to pristine beaches w/ available lounge chairs, party rooms, a library, game room, and
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
Enjoy coastal living in this well-maintained seasonal rental located in a highly respected Intracoastal community in Highland Beach. This bright and inviting unit features open living spaces filled with natural light and ocean breezes. The residence includes a fully equipped kitchen, comfortable bedrooms, and a private balcony.—perfect for relaxing mornings or evenings. Residents have access to
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