$698,071Average Value$493Average Price per Sq Ft17Homes 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.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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On average, homes in Highlands, NJ sell after 45 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Highlands, NJ over the last 12 months is $615,000, up 23% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
LAND! Bulid your oasis! 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 & some of the Shore's top
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
Location, location, location and Not in a Flood Zone! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath Colonial is just steps from the beach, offering stunning water and city skyline views. Perfectly situated near the sea streak ferry quick ride to NYC, top-rated restaurants, major highways, shopping, and more making commuting a breeze. Step inside to a completely renovated interior featuring a
Welcome to ''The Hedges'', a stunning 1906 Colonial Revival designed by Frederick P. Hill. This stately 4+ bedrooms, 3.5 bath updated home offers expansive double porches with grand turrets & a panoramic view of Sandy Hook Bay, the ocean & NYC skyline. The details are exquisite with beamed ceilings, french doors, diamond-paned windows, stained glass & multiple fireplaces. While the water views
25 Shrewsbury Avenue offers magical water views paired with timeless coastal charm. Completely renovated and restored, this home blends classic character with modern comfort. Thoughtfully selected finishes, appointments, and décor create an elevated yet relaxed atmosphere throughout. Its welcoming layout and signature style make it equally suited for everyday living or coastal entertaining.
Stephen SmithBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Rumson
Welcome to this charming 3-bedroom, 2 Baths Ranch tucked away on a peaceful dead-end street in the desirable Hills of Highlands-no Flood Insurance needed. Filled with natural light from skylights, this home features beautiful hardwood floors throughout and a cozy gas fireplace in the living area. Sliding glass doors lead to a spacious deck--perfect for entertaining or relaxing outdoors. Enjoy
Perched atop the highest point along the Atlantic Coast in Highlands, this beautifully updated coastal home offers unobstructed panoramic views of Sandy Hook, the Manhattan skyline, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The main residence features 3 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, with an open-concept layout, refinished wood floors, a fully renovated kitchen with KitchenAid Profile appliances, updated
Spend your summer in the heart of downtown Highlands! This charming Craftsman-style home is filled with natural light and offers an inviting, open feel throughout. Enjoy outdoor living on the shaded back deck or in the side yard--perfect for relaxing or entertaining.The versatile under-home area adds great space for storage, a workshop, or summer get-togethers. Just a short walk (approx. 0.5
Joely CarasiaHeritage House Sotheby's International Realty
Excellent opportunity to live in one unit and cash flow on the other!! Experience elevated craftsmanship and contemporary luxury in this brand-new two-unit home, offering roughly 1,700 square feet of impeccably finished living space, including a full walk-out basement. Rebuilt from the ground up, every detail reflects refined architecture and modern sophistication. This exceptional two-bedroom,
This beautiful home is four years young , has pretty water views and offers 6 bedrooms and 3 full baths. The remaining six years of the new home warranty is transferable to new owners! The ground level door opens to a mud room with built in coat storage & large closet with access to an oversized one car garage with yard access. Head upstairs to find a well appointed kitchen with stainless
Opportunity in Highlands. Fully renovated 3 bedroom home on a quiet street set on a rare double-wide lot with dual frontage. Oversized driveway provides ample off-street parking, complemented by a fully fenced-in yard offering privacy and functionality. Covered front porch adds curb appeal, while the enclosed foundation allows for excellent storage. Elevated construction with solar panels and an
Lovely lower-level 1-bedroom, 1-bath condo in the desirable Bayview complex, offering the best of the Jersey Shore lifestyle in Highlands. This well-maintained unit features ample storage, including a walk-in closet, and sliding doors leading to a patio--perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Enjoy the convenience of an assigned parking space directly in front of the unit. Ideally located just
ANNUAL Rental Updated and move-in ready! Enjoy a spacious, living room and bedroom with plush carpet. The renovated kitchen features butcher block countertops, updated cabinetry, and engineered flooring. The dining area features a new slider door that leads to a private patio, offering ocean breezes. Generous bedroom with a double closet and an updated tiled bath. Includes washer, dryer, and lots
ANNUAL Rental *** This charming Studio rental offers everything you need for a rental. Nestled amidst picturesque walking trails, and steps from the NYC Bay and Snug Harbor Beach. You experience nature's beauty at your doorstep. With nearby Hudson Trail and Pompamora Point. Take the fast ferry to NYC for the day and enjoy the best of both worlds. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity.
Melina BradleyKeller Williams Realty West Monmouth
Wake up each day to sweeping water views and a peaceful, scenic setting in this inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath rental. This home offers a bright and airy atmosphere where natural light and the surrounding landscape take center stage. Both bedrooms provide a cozy retreat, The convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer makes everyday living easy and stress-free. Living room with fireplace and bay
Great location in the hills of Highlands, the complex has amazing views of the ocean. Interior of the unit has been freshly painted with new flooring throughout, recessed lighting and ceiling fan in the bedroom. In unit laundry and storage. Convenient to the Seastreak Ferry.
The water views are stunning here at this furnished rental high on the hill in Highlands. Designer decorated with gourmet kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors, 3 new baths, and beautiful multi tiered property. Very close to all beaches including Sea Bright and Sandy Hook. Marinas, shopping and great restaurants located in town. For the hiking and biking enthusiast there is Hartshorne Woods park and
Karin BusichioBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Rumson
Available in two ways: $3,400/month unfurnished, or $3,600/month furnished with brand-new furniture. This one is seriously a hidden gem. Welcome to 1 Scenic Dr, Highlands, NJ. This bright 2-bedroom, 2-bath corner unit offers a beautiful ocean view, a private balcony, an updated kitchen, a spacious living area, and an in-unit washer/dryer. Excellent building amenities, including pool, gym,
Wake up to serene water and skyline views in this lower-level 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom condo in the highly desirable Bayview complex, offering the perfect blend of coastal living and everyday convenience. Step inside to an open-concept layout with hardwood floors throughout. The living room is filled with natural light and features sliding glass doors that lead to your private patio with stunning
Experience elevated coastal living in this stunning water view single family home in Highlands, just one block from the beach. This fully furnished 3-bedroom 3 bath residence offers a seamless blend of style and comfort, featuring sunlit living spaces, hardwood floors, and an open concept kitchen ideal for everyday living and entertaining. The primary suite provides a spa like bath, while outdoor
$26k for entire Summer or June 8k, July 9k, August, 9k. Enjoy the perfect Jersey Shore getaway in this beautiful 3-BR/ 2.5 Bath summer rental in Highlands. Ideally located just minutes from the beach, marina, and local restaurants, this home offers the perfect balance of relaxation and coastal fun. The bright and comfortable interior features a spacious living area, fully equipped kitchen, and
Brand new, beautiful and spacious colonial for rent in downtown Highlands! This lovely home features 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, 2 large decks and hardwood floor throughout. Just 5 minutes to the NYC fast ferry and local beaches. Call today!!
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