Highland Beach

Highland Beach is a small coastal town between Boca Raton and Delray Beach, offering oceanfront, Intracoastal, and waterfront residential properties in a predominantly residential setting. Housing ranges from condominiums and townhomes to single-family residences and luxury estates, with beaches and boating forming a central part of the area’s character. With limited commercial development within the town itself, nearby Boca Raton and Delray Beach provide extensive dining, shopping, entertainment, and services. Prices: typically $1.5M–$10M+, with exceptional oceanfront and waterfront properties reaching significantly higher.

Palm Beach County

Explore Highland Beach condos and waterfront homes for sale, including boutique oceanfront towers, Intracoastal estates, and luxury townhomes. Nestled between Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Highland Beach offers a quiet coastal setting with direct beach access, yacht-friendly waterways, and proximity to two of South Florida’s most dynamic downtowns.

Interesting Facts

Small coastal town: Highland Beach occupies a compact stretch of Palm Beach County between Boca Raton and Delray Beach.
Ocean-to-Intracoastal setting: The town extends between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, with many residences offering water views, beach access, or boating access.
Coastal environment: Highland Beach’s shoreline provides important sea turtle nesting habitat, reflecting the environmental significance of this section of Florida’s coast.
Limited commercial development: Highland Beach is primarily residential, with shopping, restaurants, and major commercial districts located nearby in Boca Raton and Delray Beach.
Library by the sea: The Highland Beach Library provides a distinctive community amenity close to the Intracoastal and oceanfront.
Luxury real estate: Housing includes oceanfront and Intracoastal condominiums, waterfront estates, and other high-value coastal residences.
Residential amenities: Many condominium communities offer pools, fitness facilities, beach access, club spaces, and other resort-style amenities within a quieter coastal setting.

History

Incorporated in 1949, Highland Beach developed along the narrow barrier island between Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Residential growth accelerated during the second half of the 20th century, particularly with the construction of oceanfront and Intracoastal condominium buildings during the 1970s and 1980s. Waterfront single-family homes and properties along canals added another dimension to the town’s coastal residential landscape. Highland Beach has remained primarily residential, with limited commercial development and no major hotel or entertainment district. Today, its low-density character, Atlantic beaches, Intracoastal frontage, waterfront residences, and proximity to both Boca Raton and Delray Beach continue to define the town.

Lifestyle Snapshot

Highland Beach offers resort-style amenities within a predominantly residential coastal setting. Days might include beach walks, boating, cycling along A1A, swimming at an oceanfront condominium pool, or heading onto the Intracoastal from a waterfront dock. The town itself remains quiet and low-key, while restaurants, shopping, arts, and entertainment are readily accessible in nearby Delray Beach and Boca Raton. The atmosphere is secluded and residential, combining Atlantic Ocean frontage, Intracoastal access, luxury residences, and limited commercial development.

Why Live in Highland Beach

Highland Beach offers a predominantly residential coastal setting with extensive Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal frontage. Many condominiums are positioned directly along the ocean, while waterfront homes and residences provide access to boating and expansive water views. With limited commercial development within the town, the atmosphere remains quiet and low-density, while restaurants, shopping, arts, and entertainment are readily available in nearby Boca Raton and Delray Beach. For buyers exploring Highland Beach real estate, the area combines beachfront living, privacy, waterfront views, luxury residences, and convenient access to neighboring coastal destinations.

Why Buyers Choose Highland Beach

Ocean-to-Intracoastal living

Highland Beach’s narrow barrier-island setting places many residences between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, with expansive water views and direct coastal access.

Luxury amenities

Oceanfront condominiums commonly feature beach access, pools, fitness centers, concierge services, and other resort-style amenities.

Boating lifestyle

Intracoastal and canal-front properties provide opportunities for private docks and convenient access to nearby inlets.

Municipal services

Highland Beach provides dedicated municipal services within its compact coastal boundaries.

Residential coastal setting

The predominantly residential town offers a low-density coastal environment with convenient access to Boca Raton, Delray Beach, I-95, and regional transportation.

Limited coastal inventory

Highland Beach’s compact geography and extensive waterfront create a finite collection of oceanfront, Intracoastal, and coastal residential properties.

What to Consider

Limited walkable retail

Highland Beach is predominantly residential, so most restaurants, shopping, and everyday services require travel to neighboring Boca Raton, Delray Beach, or surrounding areas.

HOA costs

Full-service oceanfront condominium towers can carry substantial monthly fees reflecting amenities, staffing, insurance, reserves, and coastal maintenance.

Limited commercial development

Local land-use patterns maintain a predominantly residential environment but also limit the number of shops, restaurants, and other commercial conveniences within town boundaries.

Coastal due diligence

Oceanfront properties should be evaluated for impact protection, flood and wind exposure, insurance requirements, master-policy coverage, deductibles, reserves, and building maintenance.

Market comparisons

Buyers considering Highland Beach may also evaluate oceanfront properties in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and other nearby coastal communities, making building condition, amenities, fees, views, and location important comparison factors.

Car-oriented daily life

Although A1A provides direct coastal access, many everyday errands and destinations require driving.

New Construction & Pre-Construction

New construction in Highland Beach is limited by the town’s compact geography and established residential development, so opportunities generally consist of boutique oceanfront residences, smaller condominium projects, waterfront townhomes, and redevelopment of existing properties. Newer residences typically emphasize expansive terraces, ocean or Intracoastal views, pools, fitness and wellness facilities, concierge services, private elevators, and other luxury amenities. Waterfront single-family properties may also be rebuilt as contemporary estates with private docks and indoor-outdoor living. Nearby coastal development in Delray Beach and Boca Raton provides additional new-construction options. Buyers should verify current project location, municipal boundaries, development status, inventory, pricing, association structure, and delivery information rather than assuming nearby projects are located within Highland Beach itself.

Places to Go & Things to Do

Highland Beach shoreline

Atlantic beachfront with dune crossovers and beach access governed by public, municipal, association, and property-specific rules depending on location.

Intracoastal Waterway

Boating, waterfront views, and access toward Boca Raton and Boynton Beach inlets.

Spanish River Park (nearby Boca Raton)

Beachfront park with nature areas, walking paths, picnic facilities, and Atlantic Ocean access.

Atlantic Avenue (Delray Beach)

Restaurants, boutiques, galleries, nightlife, and community events north of Highland Beach.

Mizner Park (Boca Raton)

Restaurants, shopping, Boca Raton Museum of Art, public spaces, and cultural programming south of Highland Beach.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (Boca Raton)

Coastal environmental center with boardwalks, marine education, conservation programs, and natural habitats.

Places to Go & Things to Do

Highland Beach shoreline — Atlantic beachfront with dune crossovers and beach access governed by public, municipal, association, and property-specific rules depending on location.

Intracoastal Waterway — Boating, waterfront views, and access toward Boca Raton and Boynton Beach inlets.

Spanish River Park (nearby Boca Raton) — Beachfront park with nature areas, walking paths, picnic facilities, and Atlantic Ocean access.

Atlantic Avenue (Delray Beach) — Restaurants, boutiques, galleries, nightlife, and community events north of Highland Beach.

Mizner Park (Boca Raton) — Restaurants, shopping, Boca Raton Museum of Art, public spaces, and cultural programming south of Highland Beach.

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center (Boca Raton) — Coastal environmental center with boardwalks, marine education, conservation programs, and natural habitats.

Practical Tips

Transportation & daily needs— Highland Beach is primarily residential, so restaurants, major shopping, and many everyday services may require short drives to Delray Beach, Boca Raton, or surrounding areas; compare distances from the specific property.
Rental rules— Minimum lease terms, rental frequency, tenant approvals, and short-term rental eligibility vary by condominium, association, and applicable regulations; verify current requirements individually.
Pricing— Oceanfront, Intracoastal, and other Highland Beach properties can differ substantially from inland Boca Raton and Delray Beach in price per square foot; compare recent property-specific sales rather than relying on a fixed premium.
Insurance & condominium due diligence— Review wind and flood coverage, association master policies, deductibles, reserves, assessments, structural reports, and applicable inspection requirements.
Location & activity— Highland Beach has limited commercial development within the town; evaluate proximity to restaurants, nightlife, beaches, recreation, and surrounding destinations based on your individual property and routine.

Top Nearby Schools

Public Schools

J.C. Mitchell Elementary (Boca Raton)

8/10

Boca Raton Community Middle

7/10

Boca Raton Community High

9/10

Private Schools

Saint Andrew’s School (PK-12, Boca Raton)

A+

Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale)

A+

American Heritage (Delray Campus)

A+

Proximity

Airports

Palm Beach Intl (PBI) ~20 mi; Fort Lauderdale (FLL) ~25 mi.

Rail

Brightline Boca Raton (~7 mi).

Beaches

Direct beachfront throughout Highland Beach.

Key hubs

Delray Beach ~5 min N; Boca Raton ~5 min S; Palm Beach ~25 min N; Fort Lauderdale ~30 min S.

Compare Nearby Neighborhoods

Not sure about Highland Beach? Compare with: Delray Beach (Downtown): Walkable nightlife + arts scene. Boca Raton Oceanfront: Larger city with more luxury high-rises. Gulf Stream: Ultra-exclusive, small-town luxury just north. Palm Beach Island: Iconic, historic luxury further north.

FAQ

Which celebrities have homes or have lived in Highland Beach?

Highland Beach has had residential connections with prominent figures from sports and entertainment, including Jeff Gordon, Mariah Carey, and Oprah Winfrey.

What is the typical price range for luxury real estate in Highland Beach?

Condos can start around $1M–$1.5M, with luxury residences reaching approximately $3M–$6M and exceptional oceanfront and ocean-to-Intracoastal estates reaching $10M–$25M or more.

Pricing varies significantly by property type, building, size, condition, view, water frontage, amenities, and current inventory.

Is Highland Beach walkable?

Highland Beach's A1A corridor provides access for walking and cycling, while the beach is accessible from many residential properties.

Restaurants, shopping, and many everyday services are concentrated outside the town, so driving or rideshare is useful for most errands and regional travel.

Do condos here allow short-term rentals?

Rental policies vary by condominium and property.

Minimum lease terms, rental frequency, tenant approvals, licensing requirements, and other restrictions should be verified through current association documents and applicable regulations for the specific property.

How do prices compare to Boca Raton or Delray Beach?

Highland Beach has a limited coastal housing supply dominated by condominiums and waterfront residences, while Boca Raton and Delray Beach offer larger and more varied housing markets.

Current pricing should be compared using similar property types, locations, water frontage, condition, amenities, and recent comparable sales.

What’s the lifestyle setting?

Highland Beach is a small coastal municipality located between Boca Raton and Delray Beach, with Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal frontage, condominium communities, waterfront residences, beach access, and limited commercial development within the town itself.

Are there single-family homes?

Yes. Highland Beach includes single-family residences as well as condominiums and townhomes, with select properties offering oceanfront, Intracoastal, canal, or dock access.

Location

Similar neighborhoods

Bal Harbour

Bal Harbour Shops — Landmark open-air luxury shopping destination with designer boutiques, landscaped courtyards, and restaurants including Makoto, Carpaccio, Avenue 31 Café, and Café en 3.

Bal Harbour Beach & Beach Walk — Oceanfront paths and public beach access for walking, cycling, and enjoying the Atlantic shoreline.

The Surf Club (nearby Surfside) — Historic oceanfront resort and dining destination immediately south of Bal Harbour.

Haulover Park & Inlet — Beach, marina, fishing, boating, kite-flying areas, and waterfront views just north of Bal Harbour.

Oleta River State Park — Nearby destination for kayaking, paddleboarding, canoeing, mountain biking, picnicking, and exploring mangrove waterways.

Miami Design District & Wynwood — Galleries, public art, design showrooms, restaurants, and shopping within a drive south of Bal Harbour.

Coconut Grove

Coconut Grove Arts Festival — Major annual arts event featuring visual artists, food, live entertainment, and community programming.

Vizcaya Museum & Gardens — Historic bayfront estate with formal gardens, architecture, art, and cultural programming.

The Barnacle Historic State Park — Historic waterfront property with green space, walking areas, and Biscayne Bay views.

Dinner Key Marina — Major boating and sailing destination with extensive marina facilities and nearby waterfront dining.

CocoWalk — Open-air shopping, dining, entertainment, and office destination in central Coconut Grove.

Peacock Park & David T. Kennedy Park — Waterfront and neighborhood green spaces for recreation, sports, walking, and community events.

Regatta Grove — Waterfront dining and entertainment venue overlooking Biscayne Bay.

Fisher Island

Fisher Island Club — Private club facilities that include golf, tennis, spa and wellness amenities, dining, pools, beach facilities, and marina services.

Vanderbilt Mansion — Historic former Vanderbilt estate that remains an architectural centerpiece of Fisher Island Club.

Beach Club — Private Atlantic beachfront facilities with cabanas, dining, pools, and beach services for eligible members and guests.

Fisher Island Marina — Deep-water marina offering dockage and boating access with slip availability and vessel requirements subject to current marina policies.

Golf, tennis & wellness — Golf course, racquet facilities, fitness, spa, pools, and other recreational amenities available through the club.

Fisher Island Day School — Private educational institution located on the island; enrollment and admissions are separate from residential property ownership.

Flagler Village, Fort Lauderdale

FATVillage — Arts and entertainment district with galleries, creative businesses, restaurants, public art, events, and ongoing mixed-use redevelopment.

Flagler Village cafés & restaurants — Independent coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, and neighborhood businesses throughout the district.

Sistrunk Boulevard & surrounding districts — Dining, cultural destinations, entertainment, and local businesses west of Flagler Village.

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale — Modern and contemporary art exhibitions and cultural programming just south of the neighborhood.

MASS District — Nearby creative district with art, design, events, restaurants, and independent businesses.

Holiday Park — Large nearby recreation area with sports facilities, walking areas, green space, and community amenities.

Las Olas & Riverwalk — Downtown restaurants, galleries, entertainment, waterfront paths, and cultural destinations within easy reach.

Riviera Beach

Peanut Island Park — Intracoastal island park offering snorkeling, paddling, boating access, picnic areas, camping, and historic sites, including structures associated with the Kennedy era; access to individual historic facilities should be verified before visiting.

Riviera Beach Marina Village — Waterfront marina district with boating services, restaurants, events, public spaces, and commercial activity.

Phil Foster Park & Blue Heron Bridge — Waterfront park and internationally recognized snorkeling and scuba-diving location with an underwater trail.

Riviera Beach Marina — Launch point for fishing charters, dive trips, recreational boating, and other marine activities.

Port of Palm Beach — Major working port serving cruise, cargo, marine, and commercial operations.

Riviera Beach events — Seasonal music, food, cultural, waterfront, and community festivals take place throughout the year.

Homestead

Everglades National Park — Nearby access to South Florida’s Everglades ecosystem through trails, wildlife viewing, paddling, ranger programs, and visitor facilities including the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center.

Biscayne National Park — Boating, snorkeling, diving, islands, mangrove shoreline, and coral-reef experiences east of Homestead.

Coral Castle Museum — Historic limestone landmark created by Edward Leedskalnin.

Fruit & Spice Park (Redland) — Tropical botanical park featuring hundreds of varieties of fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, and other plants.

Homestead-Miami Speedway — Major motorsports venue hosting racing and automotive events.

Historic Downtown Homestead — Restaurants, shops, public spaces, events, and the historic Seminole Theatre.

Florida Keys — Key Largo and the Upper Keys provide additional boating, diving, dining, and island destinations south of Homestead.

Edgewater

Margaret Pace Park — Bayfront park with walking and jogging paths, tennis, volleyball, fitness areas, a dog park, and waterfront recreation.

Wynwood Arts District — Nearby destination for murals, galleries, restaurants, nightlife, shops, and cultural events.

Miami Design District — Luxury shopping, restaurants, galleries, architecture, and design showrooms north of Edgewater.

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts — Major venue for Broadway productions, ballet, opera, concerts, and other performances.

Pérez Art Museum Miami & Frost Museum of Science — Major art and science destinations along Biscayne Bay.

Midtown Miami — Nearby restaurants, cafés, shopping, services, and mixed-use public spaces.

Biscayne Bay recreation — Boating, paddleboarding, kayaking, and other waterfront activities are available through local marinas and water-access providers.

Key Biscayne

Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park — Historic Cape Florida Lighthouse, Atlantic beaches, biking, paddling, fishing, trails, and waterfront recreation.

Crandon Park — Extensive beach park with tennis facilities, golf nearby, nature areas, picnic spaces, and Atlantic Ocean access.

Virginia Key (nearby) — Beaches, parks, biking, paddling, waterfront recreation, and natural areas accessible along the Rickenbacker Causeway.

Village Green — Central Key Biscayne public park with open fields, walking paths, recreation, playground facilities, and community programming.

Key Biscayne Yacht Club — Private boating, sailing, dining, and club facilities with access subject to membership and guest policies.

Rickenbacker Causeway — Scenic connection between mainland Miami, Virginia Key, and Key Biscayne, with cycling and waterfront recreation along the corridor.

Local dining — Restaurants and cafés throughout Key Biscayne range from casual neighborhood venues to waterfront and upscale dining.