$692,686Average Value$462Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
Year-round beach community that moves at a slower pace
The Highlands is a year-round coastal community that hugs Sandy Hook Bay. This small enclave is literally minutes from some of New Jersey’s best beaches, while also offering high-speed NYC commuter ferries.
This Monmouth County borough has long been a working-class beach town, with 4,600 residents living within 1.4 miles.
Despite its name, much of the Highlands is in a flood zone and Superstorm Sandy destroyed 1,400 homes and most of the downtown businesses in 2012. But the tight-knit community has since rebuilt, and homes have been steadily increasing in price through the years. Despite the flood risk, Susan Natale, an experienced agent with Coldwell Banker who raised her family nearby, has noticed an influx of transplants from the NYC area. “People can work from home and have the flexibility of being near beaches, while having easy access to ferries and NYC,” she says.
Commuters can take a short Ferry ride from the Highlands to New York City.
The Highlands is surrounded by beautiful beaches such as Sea Bright.
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Multiple beaches including Miller Beach, plus the Henry Hudson Rail Trail
Beaches are the main attraction here, and the Highlands is home to a number within walking and biking distance. Snug Harbor Beach is small, but features soft white sand, calm bay water and a new skate park. Miller Beach draws families since it offers bathrooms, showers and lifeguards. It’s also popular with anglers and surfers. Highlands Beach in Sea Bright is located on a narrow strip along Sandy Hook Bay, a local favorite since not only is it less crowded, but it’s also free. There are a handful of marinas in town too.
Sandy Hook Gateway National Recreation Area is just over the causeway and includes pristine, protected beaches as part of a National Park. Nearby Sea Bright offers private beach clubs.
Huddy Park is the town gathering spot, a small green space with a gazebo and playground. It’s also the backdrop for community events. There are plans to open a new Overlook Park on Navesink Avenue.
The Henry Hudson Trail is a popular 24-mile rail trail that starts in the Highlands. The wide stretch follows former railroad tracks past scenic stretches of wetlands, streams and more.
Hartshorne Woods spans part of the Highlands and offers 812 hilly acres with hiking and biking trails overlooking the Navesink River.
Secluded Snug Harbor Beach is a little get away in the heart of the Highlands.
The Highlands own Huddy Park provides a gathering space in the middle of town.
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Newer construction, smaller lots and water views
Due to Highland’s compact size homes are on small lots. It’s highly walkable with sidewalks and views of Raritan Bay. Many homes within the town’s flood zone have been rebuilt, with the first floor lifted on top of a garage to mitigate future flooding. Flood insurance is required for many homes.
Natale describes this as a beach bungalow town, but new styles are also a mix of Dutch colonials and cape cods with dormer windows. There are a sizable number of condos and townhomes, starting around $300,000 for a one-bedroom condo and going for as much as $1.6 million for a two-bedroom waterfront townhome. Small single-family homes on equally small lots start around $400,000. Water views can start around $380,000 for a one-bedroom condo and $750,000 for a roomy three bedroom.
The median price is $590,000.
Raised Bungalows on small lots dot the Highlands neighborhoods.
The Highlands has waterfront condos throughout the borough.
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Clam Fest and year-round events
Highlands has hosted the Annual Clam Fest for almost 30 years. This weekend-long celebration is held at Huddy Park, complete with live music, kids' activities and all things clams. Fireworks at Snug Harbor Beach cap the festivities. Year-round events include Pride Fest, Seaport Craft Show, Taste of Highlands, St. Patrick’s Day and Howl-O-Ween.
Local waterfront restaurants and nearby shopping
A small number of restaurants line Bay Avenue like The Chubby Pickle, a popular dive bar for burgers, fried pickles, trivia and live music. Bahrs Landing is a waterfront institution dating back to 1917 and known for its fresh seafood and laid-back atmosphere. Dock Donuts serves homemade doughnuts along with cold brew and frozen lemonade by the water.
For basics, Super Foodtown is next door in Atlantic Highlands, along with additional shopping along First Avenue and Route 36. Additional supermarkets and big box chains are 15 minutes away in Middletown.
Highland's residents and visitors can stop by Dock Donuts for a little treat near the beach.
The Chubby Pickle is a popular dive bar located in the Highlands.
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Henry Hudson Regional School serves 7th to 12th graders in the community
The district is small, with an eight-to-one student/teacher ratio for all grades. Public school students attend Highlands Elementary School, rated a B-minus from Niche, for kindergarten through sixth grades. They continue to Henry Hudson Regional School for seventh through 12th grades, which Niche rates a B plus.
Henry Hudson Regional High School
Aerial view of Highlands Elementary School.
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NYC commuter ferries
The Seastreak ferry provides 40-minute ferry rides to Lower Manhattan, along with scenic views and an onboard bar. Route 36 is a main corridor, but shore traffic gets very heavy in the summer.
Commuter ferries leave from the Highlands taking an easy ride to Manhattan,
Ferries provide a scenic ride to start the commuters day.
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Flooding is a major concern
According to the site Risk Factor, the majority of the Highlands is at extreme risk for flooding within the next 30 years. The borough recently received a $12 million federal grant that will go toward green infrastructure and stormwater mitigation projects.
Video By
Kellan Beaver
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Eric Hoffman,
an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Highlands, NJ sell after 41 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Highlands, NJ over the last 12 months is $549,900, up 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
3-levels with unobstructed panoramic views of the NYC skyline, stretching from Sandy Hook to Sea Bright and encompassing the Lower New York Bay and Atlantic Ocean. Nestled between Hartshorne Park and the Twin Lights, this home stands proudly among multi-million dollar properties. The exterior offers a charming rocking chair front porch and a serene rear yard. Inside, the main level features an
Luxury Waterfront Living at Its Finest! Located in the highly sought-after Harborside at Hudson's Ferry in the vibrant and rapidly growing town of Highlands, this exceptional townhome offers the perfect blend of coastal elegance and modern convenience. Enjoy breathtaking water views, marina access, sandy beaches, and the SeaStreak Ferry just moments away- ideal for commuters and coastal lifestyle
On top of the world — and in a world of your own.High above the coast in the exclusive enclave of Monmouth Hills, this 1.5-acre lot offers the ultimate in seclusion and sophistication. Backing up to more than 700 acres of Hartshorne Woods Park, it feels like a private estate, yet it's just minutes from ocean beaches, the high-speed ferry to NYC, and some of the Shore's top dining spots. Approved
ALL UTILITIES & private high-speed WiFi INCLUDED! Enjoy this private beach cottage with stunning views of Sandy Hook Beach and the NYC skyline. Newly renovated and fully furnished, this stylish retreat features fresh, beachy décor and plenty of natural light. Located in a friendly community with spacious outdoor areas and just blocks from the Seastreak Ferry, downtown dining, hiking/biking
Christine Morford
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Rumson
Welcome to your new home in the charming district of Highlands, NJ! This inviting property boasts a perfect blend of comfort and convenience, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a great living experience. The residence features spacious bedrooms and well-appointed bathrooms, ensuring ample room for relaxation. With central heating and air conditioning, you'll stay comfortable
WATERFRONT WINTER Rental offering sweeping, panoramic views of the Ocean, Sandy Hook, the bay and NYC from 4 decks! Beautiful finishes in the large custom kitchen, along with an open floor plan and hardwood floors throughout. Large decks offer plenty of space for entertaining, and a third floor loft area can be used for gathering family and friends while enjoying the magnificent water views.
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