Homes for sale in Highlands, NJ — current 07732 listings, median sale prices near $625K, the SeaStreak ferry terminal to Manhattan (40 min), the 1862 Twin Lights of Navesink, the new Henry Hudson Regional School District (formed July 2024 with Atlantic Highlands), Hartshorne Woods Park, and substantial post-Sandy elevated construction.
If you're searching for homes for sale in Highlands, NJ, you're looking at the small Bayshore borough that hosts the original SeaStreak ferry terminal — a 0.74-square-mile Monmouth County borough of 4,621 residents (2020) with substantial bay-fronting single-family inventory, the iconic Twin Lights of Navesink atop a 200-foot bluff, the post-2024 consolidated Henry Hudson Regional School District (PreK-12, shared with Atlantic Highlands), and direct walking access to the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge connecting to the Sea Bright barrier peninsula. Highlands real estate trades at a median sale price near $437,000-$725,000, with the seasonal SeaStreak ferry reaching Pier 11 (Wall Street) and East 35th Street (Midtown Manhattan) in approximately 40 minutes. Highlands is one of the most affordable Bayshore primary-residence corridors — meaningful flood-zone disclosure applies as much of the borough sits at low elevation along Sandy Hook Bay.
Highlands is the rare Bayshore borough whose entire identity is built around the SeaStreak ferry terminal (the primary East Coast commuter ferry to Manhattan), the iconic Twin Lights of Navesink (the 1862 lighthouse perched atop a 200-foot bluff overlooking the borough), and a walkable downtown along Bay Avenue and Shore Drive with substantial year-round restaurants and bars (Bahrs Landing, The Chubby Pickle, Dock Donuts). The borough sits 6,244.6 residents per square mile — making it the 85th-densest of 565 New Jersey municipalities and 8th-densest of 53 Monmouth municipalities. Highlands derives its name from its views — both the borough's name and the famous Navesink Twin Lights atop the adjacent bluff. The borough has historically been a working-class beach town, distinguished from neighboring Atlantic Highlands (more upscale, with substantial Victorian inventory) by its lower-elevation Bayshore footprint and more accessible historical pricing. Median household income runs $86,618; per capita $71,425; cost of living index 120.3 (vs. 100 US average). The borough's substantial flood exposure — much of Highlands sits at low elevation in FEMA flood zones, and Superstorm Sandy destroyed 1,400 homes and most downtown businesses in 2012 — defines both the buying calculus and the long-term redevelopment momentum.
As of July 1, 2024, the former Highlands School District and Atlantic Highlands School District were consolidated into the new Henry Hudson Regional School District — a PreK-12 district serving both boroughs. The new district has 725 students (2024-25), 86.7 FTE faculty, 8.4:1 ratio, and is classified DFG "DE." Superintendent: Tara Beams. The district operates 3 schools: Atlantic Highlands Elementary School (140 First Avenue), Highlands Elementary School (360 Navesink Avenue, K-6), and Henry Hudson Regional School (1 Grand Tour, Highlands, grades 7-12). The district website is www.tridistrict.org.
The SeaStreak ferry terminal at 326 Shore Drive in Highlands is one of the most-used East Coast commuter ferry terminals. Direct daily commuter service to Pier 11 (Wall Street, Lower Manhattan) and East 35th Street (Midtown Manhattan) in approximately 40 minutes. Seasonal additional routes to Martha's Vineyard, Nantucket, and other Northeast destinations. The ferry runs year-round; commuters frequently make use of a ferryboat to reach New York jobs (Highlands has notably high ferry usage rates for commuter purposes). Almost Home is located inside the ferry terminal.
The Twin Lights of Navesink — a unique side-by-side dual lighthouse complex on the bluff above Highlands at 2 Light House Road — was constructed in 1862 to replace an 1828 facility. The Twin Lights served as the primary East Coast lighthouse for ships approaching New York Harbor. Today the Twin Lights are operated by the Twin Light Historical Society. Hartshorne Woods Park (300 Navesink Avenue) anchors the borough's adjacent outdoor recreation (former WWII military training site, now a substantial wooded park with hiking trails). The Henry Hudson Trail — a 24-mile rail-trail — terminates in Highlands. Sandy Hook (Gateway National Recreation Area) sits across the Sandy Hook Bay via the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge.
Highlands's housing stock concentrates in three categories — substantial pre-Sandy beach bungalow and Dutch Colonial inventory (much rebuilt as elevated post-Sandy construction), condo and townhouse developments along the Bay Avenue corridor, and exclusive multimillion-dollar single-family residences in the Monmouth Hills enclave on the bluff above the borough. Median sale prices vary significantly by elevation and flood-zone status: city-data 2023 median home value $437,660 (mean prices: detached houses $770,066, townhouses $566,347); recent Homes.com active range $385K to substantial bluff-top luxury inventory above $1.5M. The 53.68% of adult Highlands residents holding 4-year college degrees, masters, MD, law, or PhD — significantly above the national average of 21.84% — reflects the substantial New York commuter demographic.
Despite the borough's name, much of Highlands sits at low elevation along Sandy Hook Bay and is at elevated FEMA flood-zone risk. Superstorm Sandy in October 2012 destroyed approximately 1,400 homes and most of the downtown businesses in the borough. According to flood-risk analysis, the majority of Highlands is at extreme risk for flooding within the next 30 years. The borough recently received a $12 million federal grant for green infrastructure and stormwater mitigation projects. Many post-Sandy rebuilds have been elevated to mitigate future flooding. Critical: if a Flood Insurance Policy lapses for any reason (sale, cancellation, etc.), any new policy will be based on the current rating system and will not be "Grandfathered." Buyers should verify FEMA flood zone status, current property elevation, and Base Flood Elevation compliance before contract. Note that the bluff-top Monmouth Hills enclave (elevated above the floodplain) is excluded from the bay-level flood-zone designation.
Studio, one-, and two-bedroom condo units in the Bay Avenue and Shore Drive corridors, townhomes (mean ~$566,347 per city-data 2023), and pre-Sandy beach bungalows. The most accessible Bayshore primary-residence entry point — first-time buyers and ferry-to-train commuters compete on well-priced inventory. Active range starts from approximately $300,000 for condo and townhouse units.
Three- and four-bedroom Dutch Colonial single-family residences, post-Sandy elevated singles with FEMA-compliant Base Flood Elevation, restored Cape Cods (mean detached house ~$770,066 per city-data 2023), and the borough's primary commuter-family inventory. The largest segment by transaction volume — ferry commuters to Wall Street and Midtown anchor demand.
The exclusive Monmouth Hills enclave on the bluff above Highlands — elevated above the FEMA floodplain, with substantial Manhattan-skyline-view single-family inventory. Multi-million dollar properties with unobstructed panoramic views from Sandy Hook to Sea Bright encompassing Lower New York Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Recent listing example: 1.5-acre lot backing up to 700+-acre Hartshorne Woods Park, "high above the coast in the exclusive enclave of Monmouth Hills."
Highlands's compact 0.74-square-mile land footprint segments dramatically by elevation — the bay-level downtown and waterfront vs. the bluff-top Monmouth Hills enclave create two distinct submarkets.
The borough's commercial spine along Bay Avenue and Shore Drive — anchored by the SeaStreak ferry terminal at 326 Shore Drive, Bahrs Landing (the historic Bayshore seafood restaurant), The Chubby Pickle, Dock Donuts, and the borough's substantial year-round restaurant and bar scene. Walking distance to Huddy Park (the borough's primary downtown park) and the ferry. Substantial mixed-use buildings and the borough's primary entry-tier inventory.
The bluff section above the borough — anchored by the iconic 1862 Twin Lights of Navesink (2 Light House Road, operated by Twin Light Historical Society) and Navesink Avenue. Substantial restored single-family Colonial and Cape Cod inventory at elevated terrain (above the floodplain), with Manhattan-skyline views from many parcels. Highlands Elementary School (360 Navesink Avenue, K-6) anchors the section.
The exclusive Monmouth Hills enclave high above the coast — multi-million dollar single-family residences with unobstructed Manhattan-skyline, Sandy Hook, and Atlantic Ocean views. Substantial lot sizes (1+ acre common), direct access to 700+-acre Hartshorne Woods Park, and elevated terrain placing properties above the FEMA floodplain. Among the most exclusive residential pockets anywhere in central Monmouth.
The eastern Highlands section along the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge — Highlands Beach (a public access beach), Miller Beach, and Snug Harbor Beach are all walkable or bikeable. The Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge connects across the Shrewsbury River to Sea Bright and Sandy Hook (Gateway National Recreation Area) with the historic Fort Hancock site, batteries, and the Spermaceti Cove Visitor Center.
The western Highlands section adjacent to Hartshorne Woods Park (300 Navesink Avenue, 794+-acre county park with substantial hiking trails on a former WWII military training site) and the Henry Hudson Trail (24-mile rail-trail). Substantial single-family inventory at elevated terrain with direct walking-distance access to one of the largest outdoor recreation corridors in central Monmouth.
"Highlands is the rare Bayshore borough that combines a 40-minute SeaStreak ferry to Wall Street with the most affordable primary-residence pricing on the Monmouth Bayshore corridor. The 2024 Henry Hudson Regional school district consolidation, the substantial post-Sandy rebuild momentum, and the bluff-top Monmouth Hills luxury enclave create three distinct buyer demographics in a single 0.74-square-mile borough."
Highlands cross-shops most directly with Atlantic Highlands (immediately west, shared Henry Hudson Regional School District, higher pricing, more upscale hillside Victorian inventory), Sea Bright (across Sandy Hook Bay via the Highlands-Sea Bright Bridge, barrier peninsula, significantly higher pricing), Middletown Township (much larger neighbor, similar-to-higher pricing, single-family suburban character), and Keansburg (the much smaller Bayshore borough to the west, lower pricing, similar working-class profile).
| Town | Median Sale | Avg. Tax | NYC Commute |
|---|---|---|---|
| Highlands ★ | $625,000 | $7,400 | Ferry (Terminus) |
| Atlantic Highlands | $925,000 | $8,709 | Ferry (40 min) |
| Sea Bright | $1,400,000 | $11,800 | Ferry (via Highlands) |
| Middletown Township | $790,000 | $10,117 | Train + Ferry |
| Keansburg | $320,000 | $5,800 | Ferry (via Belford) |
★ Subject town. Sources: Monmouth County Board of Taxation (2025 certified data), city-data 2023 median home value $437,660 / detached houses $770,066, NeighborhoodScout per capita income $73,460 (52nd-highest 4-year+ college degree share in US), 53.68% adult population holds 4-year+ college degrees. Highlands monmouth Hills luxury enclave trades substantially higher — verify section-specific pricing with The Prodigy Team before contract.
Borough History. Highlands sits in northern Monmouth County along Sandy Hook Bay — the borough derives its name from the substantial elevation changes within its 0.74-square-mile land footprint (the bluff above the bay reaches over 200 feet, with the Twin Lights of Navesink standing at the highest point). The Borough Hall sits at 42 Shore Drive (temporary location). The borough has historically been a working-class beach town distinguishable from neighboring more-upscale Atlantic Highlands by its lower-elevation footprint and accessible pricing. As of the 2020 census, the borough's population was 4,621 (-7.7% from 2010's 5,005, est. 4,329 in 2023) — reflecting both substantial Sandy-driven displacement and the post-Sandy rebuilding period.
Twin Lights of Navesink. The Twin Lights of Navesink — a side-by-side dual lighthouse complex at 2 Light House Road — was constructed in 1862 to replace the 1828 original Navesink Light. The Twin Lights are unique in American lighthouse architecture for housing two side-by-side towers (one octagonal, one square) within a single fortress-like building. The Twin Lights served as the primary East Coast lighthouse for ships approaching New York Harbor for over a century. The complex is now operated by the Twin Light Historical Society as a museum. The Twin Lights sit atop the bluff above Highlands at approximately 200 feet elevation — the highest natural elevation on the U.S. Atlantic Coast south of the Mount Desert Island area in Maine (shared honor with neighboring Atlantic Highlands).
Superstorm Sandy & Post-2012 Rebuilding. Highlands was one of the most-impacted Monmouth municipalities by Superstorm Sandy in October 2012 — approximately 1,400 homes were destroyed, and most downtown businesses were destroyed or substantially damaged. The borough has rebuilt with substantial post-Sandy elevated construction (FEMA-compliant Base Flood Elevation). The borough recently received a $12 million federal grant for green infrastructure and stormwater mitigation projects. Risk Factor analysis indicates the majority of Highlands is at extreme risk for flooding within the next 30 years. The Highlands Business Partnership manages the borough's ongoing redevelopment and event programming including the Annual Highlands Seaport Craft Show (May), Annual Clam Fest, Pride Fest, and St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
2024 Henry Hudson Regional Consolidation. Effective July 1, 2024, the former Highlands School District and Atlantic Highlands School District were consolidated into the new Henry Hudson Regional School District — a PreK-12 regional district. The new district has 725 students (2024-25), 8.4:1 ratio, DFG "DE." The district operates 3 schools, including Highlands Elementary School at 360 Navesink Avenue (K-6) and Henry Hudson Regional School at 1 Grand Tour, Highlands (grades 7-12). Superintendent: Tara Beams. The consolidation reflects substantial economies of scale and the shared geography of the two boroughs.
SeaStreak Ferry & Restaurants. The SeaStreak ferry terminal at 326 Shore Drive is one of the most-used East Coast commuter ferry terminals, providing direct daily service to Pier 11 (Wall Street) and East 35th Street (Midtown Manhattan) in approximately 40 minutes. The terminal also serves substantial recreational programming including whale-watching cruises, fall foliage Hudson River cruises, NYC fireworks viewing cruises, and roundtrip Manhattan skyline night cruises. The borough's restaurant scene is anchored by Bahrs Landing (one of the longest continuously operating seafood restaurants in New Jersey), The Chubby Pickle, and Dock Donuts — all on Shore Drive or Bay Avenue.
The median sale price in Highlands tracks at approximately $625,000, with city-data 2023 reporting median home value at $437,660. Mean prices in 2023: detached houses $770,066; townhouses $566,347; 2-unit structures $868,669; 3-4 unit structures $665,022. Prices range from approximately $300,000 for entry-tier condo and townhouse units to over $3.5 million for the exclusive Monmouth Hills bluff-top enclave residences with Manhattan-skyline views. The bluff-top pricing reflects elevated terrain above the FEMA floodplain; bay-level pricing reflects flood-zone status.
As of July 1, 2024, Highlands students attend the newly-consolidated Henry Hudson Regional School District — a PreK-12 district formed from the merger of the former Highlands School District and Atlantic Highlands School District. The new district has 725 students (2024-25), 8.4:1 ratio, DFG "DE." Superintendent: Tara Beams. The district operates 3 schools, including Highlands Elementary School (360 Navesink Avenue, K-6) and Henry Hudson Regional School (1 Grand Tour, Highlands, grades 7-12). Students may also apply to the Monmouth County Vocational School District's five nationally-ranked academies.
The SeaStreak ferry from the Highlands terminal at 326 Shore Drive reaches Pier 11 (Wall Street, Lower Manhattan) and East 35th Street (Midtown Manhattan) in approximately 40 minutes. The ferry runs daily commuter service year-round, with additional seasonal routes including whale-watching cruises (July-September), fall foliage Hudson River cruises (October-November), NYC 4th of July fireworks viewing cruises, and roundtrip Manhattan skyline night cruises. The terminal is one of the most-used East Coast commuter ferry terminals.
Yes — for the vast majority of Highlands properties (excluding the elevated Monmouth Hills bluff-top enclave). Much of Highlands sits at low elevation along Sandy Hook Bay and is in FEMA flood-zone designations. Superstorm Sandy destroyed approximately 1,400 homes and most downtown businesses in the borough in October 2012. The majority of Highlands is at extreme risk for flooding within the next 30 years per Risk Factor analysis. Federal regulations require flood insurance for any property with a federally-backed mortgage in a designated flood zone. Critical: if a Flood Insurance Policy lapses for any reason, any new policy will be based on the current rating system and will not be "Grandfathered." Buyers should verify FEMA flood zone status, current property elevation, and Base Flood Elevation compliance before contract.
The Prodigy Team works the Highlands Bay Avenue / Shore Drive downtown, the Twin Lights / Navesink Avenue bluff, the exclusive Monmouth Hills luxury enclave, the Highlands Beach & Sandy Hook adjacency, and the Hartshorne Park / Henry Hudson Trail corridor every week. Cinematic 4K aerial drone marketing — particularly valuable for Highlands' SeaStreak ferry-adjacent inventory, bluff-top Monmouth Hills, and post-Sandy elevated construction — NYS/NJ broker representation, and 20+ years of Monmouth County transactional experience.
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