$709,305Average Value$472Average Price per Sq Ft14Homes 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
Christopher Walsh,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Highlands, NJ sell after 38 days on the market compared to the national average of 58 days. The median sale price for homes in Highlands, NJ over the last 12 months is $599,000, up 15% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Luxury at the Jersey Shore! Breathtaking views of Sandy Hook from the large balcony on the 4th floor. Only minutes from the SeaStreak Ferry to NYC and tucked high in the hills of Highlands away from the flood zone. This modern and contemporary custom home with approx 3,100+ sqft of living space was re-built from the studs in 2023. The builder used all high-end building materials and finishes
Brian McNamaraHeritage House Sotheby's International Realty
This property is located in the Highlands downtown redevelopment zone. Zoning allows for parking underneath and 4 stories above. Currently a storefront with living space above which can provide income during the approval process.
COMING SOON SHOWINGS START 6/17/2026. Shore living at its finest in Highlands! Just 2 blocks from the beach and only a 45 min commute to NYC! This beautifully 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home is designed for comfort and entertaining. Upstairs, features 3 bedrooms, large primary bedroom with full bathroom. Beautiful deck great for relaxation. Just minutes from the ferry, beaches, and local amenities, this
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
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
Luxury at the Jersey Shore! Breathtaking views of Sandy Hook from the large balcony on the 4th floor. Only minutes from the SeaStreak Ferry to NYC and tucked high in the hills of Highlands away from the flood zone. This modern and contemporary custom home with approx 3,100+ sqft of living space was re-built from the studs in 2023. The builder used all high-end building materials and finishes
Brian McNamaraHeritage House Sotheby's International Realty
Live by the Shore, Minutes from NYC Nestled in the heart of Highlands, this bright and sunny one-bedroom condo at Sandpiper offers the chance to enjoy life near the water with ocean breezes, beaches, and the NYC Seastreak Ferry all just minutes away. Inside, the layout features an open living and dining area, brand new carpeting, freshly painted walls, an updated kitchen with all-new appliances,
Coastal Convenience Meets Beachfront Lifestyle! Welcome to this move-in-ready first-floor retreat offering the perfect blend of comfort and location. Updated flooring, a renovated bath, and abundant storage create a welcoming space that's ready for immediate enjoyment. Sunlight pours into the spacious living area through sliding glass doors leading to a private patio, while the oversized bedroom
Nance StellatoBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Red Bank
This property is located in the Highlands downtown redevelopment zone. Zoning allows for parking underneath and 4 stories above. Currently a storefront with living space above which can provide income during the approval process.
PREPARE TO BE DAZZLED BY THIS SPECTACULARLY RENOVATED VINTAGE COLONIAL WHERE TIMELESS COASTAL CHARACTER MEETS MODERN BEACH-HOUSE GLAMOUR! PERFECTLY POSITIONED IN AN EXCEPTIONAL UPTOWN LOCATION JUST MINUTES TO THE SAND, WITH OCEAN VIEWS, A BUS STOP AT THE CORNER, AND THE FERRY ONLY A FEW BLOCKS AWAY, THIS HOME DELIVERS THE LIFESTYLE BUYERS DREAM ABOUT. STEP INSIDE TO A BRIGHT, OPEN FLOOR PLAN
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
This bright and sunny unit offers 2 bedrooms and 2 full baths, featuring an updated kitchen, a spacious living room, and a large dining area with vinyl flooring throughout. Enjoy the convenience of an in-unit washer and dryer, bike storage in the garage, and designated parking. It has its own dedicated storage unit.Eastpointe's amenities include 24-hour security, a heated pool, gym, tennis
Reinvented, expanded and rebuilt! This is more than a renovation, it is a resurrection! What was once a modest Cape Cod is now a 4-bedroom, 2-full bath showplace with a permitted rear addition newly finished basement, and approx 1/3 acre lot that stops people in their tracks. Every surface is new. The kitchen: espresso Shaker cabinetry, rich granite countertops, stainless appliances, flooded with
Rhea GoldsmithJersey Shore Real Estate Group Associates LLC
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
Bring your imagination and decorator to make this fabulous hillside unit your own. Beautiful views of Monmouth County. Water views of the coastline from the master bedroom and balcony. Spacious unit offers the convenience of your own washer and dryer as well as individual room controls for heating and air conditioning. Enjoy a wonderful Eastpointe lifestyle with an active social committee, heated
ANNUAL Rental. LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION! This adorable 2 bedroom 1 Bath raised cottage is right on the Sandy Hook Bay with your very own beachfront!! Perfect place to call home year round. Open concept living and kitchen overlooking the beautiful waterviews. Cathedral ceiling makes the space feel large and spacious. Central AC. Open storage below the unit. Parking is on the street. No dogs
SHORT TERM or ANNUAL RENTAL! LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION! This adorable 2 bedroom 1 bath raised cottage is right on the Sandy Hook Bay with your very own beach front. Perfect place to spend the summer months or year round living. Open concept living and kitchen overlooking the beautiful waterview. Cathedral ceiling makes the space feel large and spacious. Central air conditioning. Open storage
Nestled at the base of Sandy Hook Bay Marina and One Willow, 3 Willow Street offers a rare opportunity to enjoy coastal living in one of Highlands' most desirable waterfront settings.Perched above Sandy Hook Bay on a quiet and peaceful street, this charming single-family home combines the character of a beach cottage with the convenience of a walkable marina village lifestyle. Enjoy
Amazing Annual Rental...Beautiful,Completely Recently Renovated 2 Family Home.....Rare 2 Level Rental that Feels like a Single Family Home....Main Level Offers Georgeous Gourmet Kitchen with White Cabinets,Quartz Counter Tops,Breakfast Nook; Living Room; Dining Room; Full Bath W/Shower; Lndry. Upper Level has Master Bedroom,Master Bath,Custom Walk-in Closet; 2 Additional Large Bedrooms,w/Custom
The water views are stunning here at this Summer rental high on the hill in Highlands. 12,500 for the month of June, 17,500 for July, 17,500 for August or 45,000 for entire season Memorial day thru Labor Day. 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,
Karin BusichioBerkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach - Rumson
Located in historic Highlands, this bright, spacious home has been completely renovated. Wrought iron gates and beautiful landscaping greet you as you approach the large, covered front porch. Hardwood floors, shiplap accent walls, decorative moldings, and 9ft ceilings are just a few of the 1st floor features. The industrial style design, eat in kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, a
Pack your bags and live the shore lifestyle for the beach season in this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2 and 1/2 bath summer rental featuring magnificent ocean views all the way to the NYC skyline from the home's fabulous roof deck. $13,500 a month for through September. You are perfectly positioned minutes away from the surfing and sunbathing at Sea Bright Beach, the scenic coastal bike paths of Sandy
Whether you're looking for a seasonal shore retreat or a year-round residence, this home offers flexibility to fit your needs. Enjoy everything Highlands has to offer, from boating, beaches, waterfront dining and convenient commuting options. Enjoy coastal living in this inviting 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home. Just minutes from the waterfront, local restaurants, beaches, and ferry service to NY.
Welcome to this charming New York City commuter's dream, just a five-minute walk to the Seastreak Ferry. Thoughtfully updated throughout, this home offers the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. Ideal for commuters, you'll enjoy easy access to NYC while being just moments from Highlands' beautiful beaches, waterfront restaurants, local shops, and all the attractions this vibrant shore town
Weekly Rental, $2000/wk. Enjoy this 3 bedroom/2bath cape for an ideal vacation of both relaxation and adventure! This home is 1 block to Snug Harbor beach with sandy bay beach, tennis, basketball, new skatepark, playgrounds, picnic area. So much more to do & see! 10-15 min drive to visit Twin Lights Lighthouse, Sea Bright, Sandy Hook Beach @ Gateway National Recreation Area. Explore the beautiful
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