You want the comfort of a quiet beach town with the convenience of nearby city amenities. Highland Beach offers that mix in a refined, low-key way. In this guide, you will see how daily life flows on this slim barrier island, what types of homes you will find, and the practical details that matter before you buy. Let’s dive in.
Where Highland Beach fits on the map
Highland Beach sits on a narrow barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway. You are just minutes from Boca Raton to the south and Delray Beach to the north. The town is compact and linear, which makes water a part of your daily view and routine.
The community is residential by design. You will not find large commercial corridors here. That translates to a quieter pace with lighter local traffic. For bigger nights out, shopping, or a wider range of services, you will make short drives into Boca Raton or Delray Beach.
Daily rhythm by the water
Beach and Intracoastal routines
Life here often starts with the sunrise. Morning walks on the sand, a swim before lunch, or a late-day paddleboard session are common. Many condominium communities have direct beach access, pools, and fitness rooms, which makes it easy to keep an active routine.
On the west side, the Intracoastal frames boating and fishing days. Some properties and communities offer private docks. Larger marina services, fuel, and maintenance are close by in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Public beach facilities exist but are more limited than in larger cities, and many amenities are tied to condo associations.
Getting around and traffic
You will likely drive for most errands and commuting. The street network runs north to south along the coast, and local traffic is often lighter than in surrounding cities. Expect seasonal spikes during winter and holidays. Regional public transit serves the county, but most residents rely on private vehicles or ride services for daily convenience.
Dining, shopping, and culture close by
Highland Beach keeps a minimal commercial profile, which is part of its charm. For groceries, pharmacies, restaurants, boutiques, and entertainment, you will head into Boca Raton or Delray Beach. Art shows, theaters, concerts, and farmers markets are nearby, which makes it easy to pair a quiet home base with active outings.
Fitness and recreation
Many residents use community gyms, pools, and social rooms within their buildings or associations. Nearby parks and green spaces in Boca Raton and Delray Beach add variety. Golf, tennis, and country-club options are abundant across the region, typically through private clubs.
Healthcare and schools
Primary and specialty care is available within a short drive in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and the greater Palm Beach County metro. The Palm Beach County School District administers public schools for Highland Beach. Families often review options in nearby municipalities and consider private or parochial schools across the region. Town and county offices handle municipal services such as trash, utilities, and permitting.
Homes and communities
What you will find
Housing here leans toward waterfront living. You will see oceanfront condominiums, Intracoastal-facing condos with boat access, single-family waterfront homes, and a smaller number of inland single-family properties. Condo buildings range from smaller beach residences to larger luxury towers. Lot sizes are shaped by the island’s narrow footprint, so building forms vary from vertical condos to estate-style properties along the water.
How associations shape daily life
Condo and HOA governance plays a central role. Rules may cover amenities, parking, pets, guest access, and rentals. Fees often include exterior maintenance, common areas, and security. Seasonal residency is common, and rental policies vary by community. Before you buy, review the declaration, bylaws, recent meeting minutes, reserve studies, and any special assessments.
Price drivers to watch
Highland Beach is known for upscale coastal property. Value shifts with location and features. Oceanfront versus Intracoastal position, building age and condition, amenities, private docks, and association fees all matter. If you are tracking the market, pay attention to inventory, days on market, and seasonal pricing patterns. Request current data from a local expert before you make offers.
Who buys here
You will meet retirees who want a serene setting, second-home owners who move with the seasons, empty nesters who want a low-maintenance waterfront life, and professionals who commute to regional hubs. The shared draw is access to the water, privacy, and proximity to Boca Raton and Delray Beach.
Practical considerations before you buy
Flood risk and insurance
As a barrier island, Highland Beach faces coastal storm and tidal risks. Lenders may require flood insurance depending on your flood zone. Review FEMA flood maps and elevation certificates for any property you are considering. Ask for insurance quotes early, and factor hurricane preparedness and evacuation planning into your decision.
Maintenance and monthly costs
Salt air, wind, and water exposure increase maintenance needs. For condos, association fees often cover exterior care, but budgets and reserves vary. Review building plans for capital projects and recent assessments. If you own a boat, consider dock fees, fuel access, and maintenance logistics.
Utilities and resilience
Confirm utility providers for your address, including water, sewer, trash, and internet. Power interruptions during storms can occur, so many owners install generators or use buildings with backup systems. Ask about the property’s storm shutters, impact glass, roof age, drainage, and flood-mitigation features.
Commuting and parking
Commute times depend on destination and season. Proximity to regional arteries in Boca Raton is important if you drive to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami. In condo communities, parking is often assigned, guest spaces can be limited, and rules are specific. Confirm how many spaces you have and any guest policies before you commit.
Renovation, codes, and long-term planning
Coastal construction standards and local planning affect renovations and rebuilds. Height limits, setbacks, and coastal construction rules will shape what you can do. Pay attention to regional conversations about sea-level rise and long-term coastal management. Check permit histories and speak with the town’s building department about timelines and requirements.
A sample week in Highland Beach
Picture a Monday start with coffee on your balcony and a sunrise walk on the sand. Midweek, you slip a paddleboard into calm water or cross the street for a quick swim. A Thursday evening becomes an easy dinner in Boca Raton or Delray Beach, then back to a quiet shoreline stroll. Saturday is for boating, with a relaxed loop along the Intracoastal and a late lunch with friends. Sunday, you reset by the pool and plan the week ahead. It is a simple, water-first rhythm supported by nearby city access when you want it.
Smart next steps
To explore Highland Beach with confidence, use this checklist:
- Visit in peak season and off-season to experience traffic, vibe, and beach access in different months.
- Ask for recent market data, including inventory, days on market, and comparable sales for your property type.
- Request building and HOA documents early. Review budgets, reserves, insurance coverage, special assessments, rental rules, pet policies, and parking rights.
- Obtain quotes for homeowners and flood insurance. Compare coverage types and deductibles.
- Confirm flood zone and elevation. Review any elevation certificates and ask about prior storm impacts.
- Check age and condition of roofs, windows, balcony systems, and concrete restoration projects in condo buildings.
- Verify dock rights or slip availability if boating is important to you.
- Test your commute at typical times and map routes to airports, healthcare, and daily services.
- Compare oceanfront versus Intracoastal trade-offs, including views, breeze, boat access, and maintenance exposure.
When you are ready to refine your search or prepare a property for market, connect with a local team that pairs white-glove service with proven results. For guidance on the best opportunities in Highland Beach and nearby enclaves, and to Request a Private Home Valuation, reach out to Jennifer Kilpatrick.
FAQs
Is Highland Beach more residential or commercial?
- Highland Beach is a quiet, residential town with limited commercial areas, so you will drive to nearby Boca Raton or Delray Beach for most shopping, dining, and entertainment.
How do residents access groceries and dining near Highland Beach?
- Most residents make short drives to commercial corridors in Boca Raton and Delray Beach for groceries, pharmacies, restaurants, and services.
What types of homes are common in Highland Beach?
- You will find oceanfront and Intracoastal condominiums, single-family waterfront homes with possible dock access, and a smaller number of inland single-family properties.
What should buyers know about HOA and condo fees in Highland Beach?
- Association rules and fees shape daily life. Review budgets, reserves, special assessments, parking rights, pet policies, guest access, and rental rules before you buy.
How risky is flooding in Highland Beach and what insurance is needed?
- As a barrier island, certain areas fall within higher-risk flood zones. Lenders may require flood insurance, so verify the property’s flood zone and obtain quotes early.
What is the commute like from Highland Beach to nearby cities?
- Local errands are quick, but commute times vary by destination and season. Proximity to Boca Raton’s main arteries is useful for reaching West Palm Beach or Miami.
