Highlands, NJ

Highlands is a small, scenic coastal town tucked into the northern tip of the Jersey Shore along Sandy Hook Bay. Home to roughly 4,600 residents, it blends the charm of a working waterfront with an exceptionally convenient commute. The Seastreak high-speed ferry runs directly from town to Manhattan in about 40 minutes. The hilly terrain also sets Highlands apart from flatter beach communities down the coast, giving many neighborhoods sweeping views of the ocean and the New York skyline.

ATTRJared Kofsky/PlaceNJ.com Media / CC BY-SA 3.0

Living here revolves around the water and easy access to nature. You are right across the bridge from the beaches and bike paths of Sandy Hook, while local marinas and dockside seafood spots give the harbor a lively energy. Nearby Hartshorne Woods Park offers great wooded trails for hiking and mountain biking. For education, local students attend Highlands Elementary before moving on to Henry Hudson Regional for middle and high school. It is a down-to-earth, tight-knit community that offers genuine coastal living within reach of the city.