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

Midtown / Design District

Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami (ICA Miami) — Contemporary art museum in the Miami Design District offering exhibitions, installations, educational programming, and free general admission.

Miami Design District luxury retail — Major concentration of designer boutiques including Dior, Cartier, Hermès, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and other international brands.

Design District dining — Restaurants range from chef-driven fine dining to cafés and casual concepts, including destinations such as COTE Miami and Mandolin Aegean Bistro.

Public art & architecture — Installations, galleries, showrooms, distinctive architecture, and landscaped public spaces throughout the district.

Midtown Miami (nearby) — Shopping, restaurants, cafés, fitness studios, services, and mixed-use public spaces immediately south of the Design District.

Wynwood (nearby) — Murals, galleries, restaurants, shops, nightlife, and cultural venues within a short distance.

SoLé Mia, North Miami

SoLé Mia lagoon & recreational amenities — Large lagoon with beach areas, paddling, swimming, and other recreation, with access subject to current property, membership, guest, and operating policies.

UHealth medical facilities — Healthcare services and medical facilities form part of the broader SoLé Mia development and surrounding North Miami area.

SoLé Mia dining & retail — Restaurants, cafés, shops, services, and other commercial components are being introduced as the multi-phase development evolves.

Oleta River State Park (nearby) — Kayaking, paddleboarding, mountain biking, camping, fishing, picnicking, and access to mangrove and Biscayne Bay environments.

Aventura Mall — Major luxury shopping, dining, entertainment, and public-art destination north of SoLé Mia.

FIU Biscayne Bay Campus — Florida International University campus offering academic, cultural, recreational, and bayfront facilities nearby.

Sunrise / Metropica District

Sawgrass Mills — Major regional shopping and entertainment destination with outlet stores, luxury retailers, restaurants, and services.

Amerant Bank Arena — Home of the Florida Panthers and a major venue for concerts, shows, and other entertainment events.

Metropica commercial areas — Restaurants, cafés, wellness, retail, and other mixed-use components form part of the broader master-planned development, with individual openings and future phases subject to current project status.

Markham Park & Target Range — Large regional park offering mountain biking, boating, camping, trails, sports facilities, model-aircraft activities, and other recreation.

Sunrise Civic Center & cultural facilities — Performing arts, exhibitions, recreation, civic programming, and community events.

Nearby destinations — Weston, Plantation, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Lauderdale Beach provide additional restaurants, shopping, entertainment, parks, business districts, and cultural attractions within the broader area.

Golden Beach

Golden Beach shoreline — Atlantic beachfront within the town, with access governed by municipal and property-specific rules.

Golden Beach parks & community facilities — Municipal green spaces, recreation areas, and community amenities within the town.

Aventura Mall (nearby) — Major luxury shopping, dining, entertainment, and public-art destination west of Golden Beach.

Bal Harbour Shops — Open-air luxury shopping and dining destination south of Golden Beach.

Sunny Isles Beach — Nearby restaurants, hotels, marinas, beach access, and high-rise waterfront destinations.

Haulover Park & Marina — Beach, boating, fishing, marina facilities, kite-flying areas, and inlet views south of Golden Beach.

Wynwood

Wynwood Walls — Outdoor museum and mural destination featuring large-scale works by international street and contemporary artists.

Wynwood galleries & public art — Galleries, studios, murals, exhibitions, and creative spaces throughout the neighborhood.

Wynwood dining & cafés — Restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, bakeries, food halls, and hospitality concepts throughout the district.

1-800-Lucky — Asian food hall and entertainment venue with multiple dining concepts.

Wynwood Marketplace — Outdoor venue for food, drinks, shopping, entertainment, and events, subject to current programming and operating schedules.

Zak the Baker — Kosher bakery and café located in Wynwood.

Rubell Museum (nearby Allapattah) — Contemporary art museum west of Wynwood featuring an extensive private collection and rotating exhibitions.

Singer Island

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park — Coastal state park with kayaking, paddling, snorkeling, trails, beaches, environmental education, and protected natural habitats.

Peanut Island Park — Intracoastal island park offering snorkeling, paddling, boating access, picnic areas, camping, and historic sites.

Sailfish Marina Resort — Marina, fishing charters, waterfront dining, boating services, and recurring events on Singer Island.

Ocean Reef Park — Oceanfront park with beach access, picnic facilities, playground areas, and coastal recreation.

Phil Foster Park & Blue Heron Bridge — Waterfront park recognized for snorkeling and scuba diving, including an underwater trail.

Singer Island resorts & beachfront dining — Hotels and resorts along the island provide restaurants, spa services, beach access, and hospitality amenities subject to individual property policies.

Hollywood Beach

Hollywood Beach Broadwalk — Oceanfront promenade with cafés, restaurants, bike rentals, walking, beach access, and Atlantic Ocean views.

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort — Beachfront resort with restaurants, live entertainment, pools, and rooftop venues.

The Diplomat Beach Resort — Major oceanfront resort with restaurants, spa, pools, and event facilities.

Charnow Park — Oceanfront public park with playground areas, interactive water features, recreation, and direct Broadwalk access.

Anne Kolb Nature Center — Coastal nature preserve with mangrove waterways, paddling, trails, exhibits, and an observation tower.

Hollywood Beach Theatre — Outdoor entertainment venue on the Broadwalk offering live music and public programming.

Downtown Hollywood (nearby) — ArtsPark at Young Circle, murals, restaurants, galleries, cafés, and nightlife west of the beach.

Downtown West Palm Beach

Clematis Street — Downtown West Palm Beach corridor with restaurants, nightlife, shops, waterfront access, and recurring community events.

CityPlace — Major mixed-use destination with restaurants, shopping, entertainment, public spaces, residences, offices, and seasonal programming.

West Palm Beach GreenMarket — Seasonal waterfront market featuring produce, prepared foods, local vendors, and specialty products.

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts — Broadway productions, concerts, dance, comedy, and other live performances.

Norton Museum of Art — Major Palm Beach County art museum with American, European, Chinese, contemporary, and photography collections.

Palm Beach International Boat Show — Major annual marine event held along the Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront.

Palm Beach — Worth Avenue shopping, restaurants, galleries, resorts, cultural destinations, and Atlantic beaches across the Intracoastal.