Thinking about a quieter stretch of South Florida coast where your day starts with an ocean walk and ends with sunset over the Intracoastal? If you like low‑key beach living with easy access to Boca Raton and Delray Beach, Highland Beach might be a fit. In this guide, you’ll learn how life flows here, what types of homes you’ll find, practical costs to plan for, and the tradeoffs that matter when you buy on a barrier island. Let’s dive in.
Where Highland Beach sits
Highland Beach is a small, primarily residential town on a narrow barrier island between Boca Raton to the north and Delray Beach to the south. The Atlantic Ocean borders the east side and the Intracoastal Waterway lines the west. A1A, also known as Ocean Boulevard, runs the length of town and connects you to bridges for errands, dining, and larger services on the mainland.
Life here is defined by water, light traffic, and a sense of privacy. You get a coastal setting without the buzz of a big downtown. Most residents rely on nearby cities for shopping, schools, and major healthcare, but enjoy a calm, beach‑centric home base.
Daily rhythm and lifestyle
Highland Beach feels relaxed and residential. Mornings often start with beach walks, paddleboarding, or a workout in a condo fitness center. The town itself has limited nightlife and commercial activity, so evenings tend to shift to Boca Raton’s Mizner Park or Delray Beach’s Atlantic Avenue for dinner, music, and events.
Many buildings host social activities through their HOA or resident committees. You’ll notice population bumps in winter when seasonal owners return. Even then, the vibe stays controlled and neighborly.
Beaches and outdoor life
The oceanfront is the star. Many condo communities offer private or semi‑private beach access, along with pools, grilling areas, and club rooms for casual gatherings. On the west side, the Intracoastal draws boaters and kayakers who enjoy calm water and scenic views.
If you want more structured recreation, Boca Raton and Delray Beach offer parks, tennis and pickleball facilities, golf options, cultural venues, and regular event programming. You can live the quiet beach life in Highland Beach and still reach larger amenities within minutes by car.
Housing and building types
Condominiums dominate the landscape. You’ll find mid‑ and high‑rise towers on the ocean side, along with low‑rise buildings and townhomes. On the Intracoastal, you’ll see a mix that includes a smaller number of single‑family homes, some with docks and water views.
Buildings range from mid‑century to newer luxury towers. Many offer amenities like pools, fitness centers, doorman or security, covered parking, and managed beach access. HOA rules, reserves, and assessments are a central part of ownership here, so due diligence on each association is essential.
What to look for in a building
- HOA and master insurance details, including reserve studies and coverage
- Structural history, roof age, elevator and concrete restoration timelines
- Any pending or recent special assessments and litigation
- Parking rules, guest policies, and storage availability
- Rental rules, pet policies, and move‑in procedures
- Inspection and recertification status, especially in older towers
Ownership costs to plan for
Highland Beach properties typically trade above broader county medians due to direct ocean access and limited supply. While exact pricing trends change month to month, you should plan for the unique cost profile of coastal condo ownership.
- HOA fees. Expect higher fees in buildings with full amenities and beach services. Understand what the monthly carries include, such as reserves, cable, internet, insurance portions, or staff.
- Insurance. Coastal homes usually require wind/hurricane coverage, and flood insurance may be required based on a property’s flood zone. Work with your lender and insurance agent early to model realistic premiums.
- Property taxes. Taxes are levied through Palm Beach County. Review current assessed values and any homestead considerations for your situation.
- Utilities and services. Many condos include some utilities, but you should still budget for electric, internet, cleaning, and any HOA application or move‑in fees.
Financing for condos can be more detailed than for single‑family homes because lenders review the association’s financial health, insurance, reserves, and owner‑occupancy levels. Get your lender aligned with the building’s documentation before you make an offer.
Insurance, storms, and safety planning
As a coastal town at low elevation, Highland Beach is exposed to hurricanes, storm surge, and flooding. Local building codes and newer construction methods help improve wind resistance, but every building and stack is different. Older towers may be in various stages of concrete restoration, window and door upgrades, or electrical and elevator modernization.
When you evaluate a specific property, confirm flood zone and elevation data, check the association’s insurance coverages, and request recent engineering reports or recertification documents if applicable. During hurricane season, it also helps to map your preferred bridge route off the island, know where you’ll go if you evacuate, and plan for supply needs.
Getting around and commute access
A1A is the main north‑south route through Highland Beach. Bridges connect to the mainland for errands, dining, and commuting to Boca Raton, Delray Beach, West Palm Beach, or Fort Lauderdale. Regional rail and airports are in nearby cities, and drive times vary with season and time of day.
Public transit on the island itself is limited, so most residents rely on cars or rideshares. If you plan to commute daily, factor in bridge timing and peak traffic windows.
Nearby dining, culture, and healthcare
On‑island retail and dining are minimal, which is part of the quiet appeal. For a broader mix, you’ll drive a few minutes to:
- Boca Raton. Mizner Park for shopping, dining, and events, plus cultural venues and services.
- Delray Beach. Atlantic Avenue for restaurants, galleries, and a lively downtown scene.
- Healthcare. Major hospitals and specialty care are close by in Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Urgent care centers and medical offices are common along mainland corridors.
Schools and services
Highland Beach falls within Palm Beach County’s public school system. School assignments, magnet programs, and transportation routes change over time, so check current district resources for details. Private and parochial schools operate in nearby cities. Because daily errands often require a short drive, it helps to map your routine stops for groceries, prescriptions, and appointments before you buy.
Who Highland Beach fits
Buyers who choose Highland Beach tend to want a quieter oceanfront setting with quick access to upscale amenities in Boca and Delray. Many are seasonal residents, retirees, or second‑home owners who value managed condo living and beach access. You will also find full‑time professionals and entrepreneurs who appreciate the privacy and waterfront views.
Buyers who decide against Highland Beach usually prefer a downtown lifestyle with walk‑to‑everything convenience, larger single‑family lots, or lower carrying costs. If you want a private yard for pets or play and a robust retail core on your doorstep, other nearby neighborhoods may fit better.
Smart steps before you buy
Use this checklist to focus your due diligence:
- Building and HOA
- Request budget, reserve study, master insurance, recent board minutes, and any engineering or recertification reports.
- Confirm special assessments, litigation, rental caps, pet policies, and guest parking rules.
- Property specifics
- Review flood zone and elevation, window and door ratings, roof age, and balcony or concrete restoration history.
- Confirm parking assignments, storage, and any unique maintenance items for your stack or exposure.
- Financial planning
- Ask for current HOA fees and what they include. Model realistic insurance quotes for homeowners, wind, and flood.
- Review recent tax history and confirm lender requirements for the building.
- Lifestyle fit
- Test drive routes to groceries, healthcare, and your favorite restaurants at different times of day.
- Visit morning and evening to gauge noise, traffic, and beach access patterns.
- Regulations
- Review town rules on short‑term rentals and confirm any HOA restrictions. Policies can vary widely by building.
Is Highland Beach right for you?
If your ideal day includes sunrise beach walks, coffee on a balcony with ocean air, and quick trips to Boca or Delray for dinner and culture, Highland Beach delivers a refined and relaxed version of coastal living. The market is condo‑heavy, which suits buyers who want managed amenities and low‑maintenance ownership. The tradeoffs to weigh are higher HOA and insurance costs, limited on‑island retail, and the realities of storm planning.
As a senior advisor focused on South Florida waterfront, I help you balance beauty and practicality. That means reading engineering reports, pressure‑testing HOA budgets, modeling true monthly costs, and matching you with the right building and stack for natural light, views, and long‑term value. When you are ready to explore specific opportunities, connect with Alan Abramson for tailored guidance and a calm, detail‑driven search.
FAQs
Is Highland Beach walkable for daily errands?
- You can walk comfortably for beach and recreation, but most errands, dining, and shopping require short drives to Boca Raton or Delray Beach.
How does beach access work for residents and guests?
- Many buildings provide private or semi‑private beach paths for owners and registered guests; confirm building‑specific rules, hours, and guest procedures before you buy.
What condo fees should I expect in Highland Beach?
- Fees vary by building and amenities; review the current budget, reserves, and what utilities or services are included to understand your true monthly carry.
How do insurance costs compare to inland areas?
- Coastal homes usually require wind and often flood coverage, which can raise premiums; get property‑specific quotes early to avoid surprises.
Are short‑term rentals permitted in Highland Beach?
- Town policies and HOA rules both apply; verify current ordinances and your building’s restrictions, minimum lease terms, and application process.
What are typical commute options from Highland Beach?
- A1A connects to bridges for access to Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and regional highways; plan for variable drive times based on season and peak hours.
What healthcare options are near Highland Beach?
- Major hospitals, specialty practices, and urgent care centers are located in nearby Boca Raton and Delray Beach within a short drive.
Who usually buys in Highland Beach?
- Many buyers are seasonal owners, retirees, and second‑home seekers who want a quiet beach environment with fast access to the amenities of Boca Raton and Delray Beach.
