Waterfront dining, live music, marinas and spectacular bay views
By Kelly Zaccaro | Heritage House Sotheby's International Realty
Real estate market data updated October 2026
Highlands is a small waterfront borough in northern Monmouth County, overlooking Sandy Hook Bay, the Shrewsbury River and the Atlantic Ocean beyond Sandy Hook. Known for its waterfront restaurants, lively music scene, marinas, spectacular views and convenient ferry service to Manhattan, Highlands offers a coastal lifestyle that's distinctly different from many neighboring shore communities.
One of the most interesting things about Highlands is its geography. The lower portion of town has a lively waterfront atmosphere, with restaurants, boating facilities and a mix of older and newer homes. Higher elevations offer wooded surroundings, hillside properties and sweeping views of Sandy Hook Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and, from certain locations, the Manhattan skyline.
The borough is also surrounded by some of Monmouth County's most beautiful natural areas, including Hartshorne Woods Park, Mount Mitchill and the beaches of Sandy Hook.
Highlands offers a diverse mix of housing, from traditional shore cottages and bungalows to renovated homes, newer construction, townhouses and condominiums.
The lower sections of town feature older homes, raised residences and newer construction. Some properties have been extensively renovated or rebuilt following Superstorm Sandy. Higher elevations offer homes with expansive decks, terraces and water views, often commanding a premium for their location and setting.
Based on MLS-recorded sales for the 12 months ending October 30, 2026, 35 single-family homes sold in Highlands, with a median sale price of $750,000 and an average of approximately $886,000. Prices ranged from $325,000 to $2.35 million.
Condominiums represent a significant portion of the Highlands market. During the same period, 56 condominiums sold, with a median sale price of $456,500 and an average of approximately $558,000. Prices ranged from $275,000 to $1.64 million.
These differences illustrate why it's important to evaluate single-family homes and condominiums separately. Location, water views, elevation, condition and construction quality can have a substantial impact on value. For condominium buyers, association fees, amenities, reserves and rental restrictions are additional considerations.
For waterfront and lower-elevation properties, flood insurance and building elevation are especially important. Hillside properties may require closer attention to drainage, grading and retaining walls.
For a broader perspective on the local market, see my 2026 Third Quarter Monmouth County Market Update.
Highlands has one of the more interesting restaurant scenes along the northern Jersey Shore. Bay Avenue is the center of town, with a mix of neighborhood restaurants, casual bars, cafés and local businesses.
Waterfront dining is a major attraction, particularly during the warmer months when many restaurants offer outdoor seating and views of Sandy Hook Bay.
Bahrs Landing has been a Highlands institution since 1917. Located near the Sandy Hook bridge, it's known for seafood, lobster, waterfront dining and its adjoining marina.
One Willow is a seafood and raw bar restaurant overlooking Sandy Hook Bay, with indoor and outdoor dining and beautiful views of the water.
Proving Ground Waterfront Dining offers a casual waterfront setting, outdoor seating and live entertainment on select evenings.
For a more intimate dining experience, Porcini is a family-owned BYOB Italian restaurant on Bay Avenue, while Fresh offers contemporary cuisine with an emphasis on seafood and seasonal ingredients.
Chilangos is a longtime local Mexican restaurant known for its extensive menu and margaritas.
Other casual favorites include Off The Hook, The Chubby Pickle, Inlet Cafe and seasonal waterfront dining at Moby's Lobster Deck.
The combination of established restaurants and newer businesses gives Highlands an active dining scene throughout the year, with additional activity during the summer.
For shopping and everyday services, residents also have convenient access to Atlantic Highlands, Middletown and Red Bank.
Highlands has developed a lively music scene, particularly during the warmer months when waterfront bars and restaurants feature local bands and outdoor entertainment. It's one of the things that makes the town such a fun place to spend a summer afternoon or evening.
The Seafarer, located along Sandy Hook Bay, is a popular waterfront beach bar with live music, outdoor seating, fire pits and beautiful sunset views. Its relaxed atmosphere and sandy setting make it a favorite for enjoying local musicians right on the water.
The Sandbox at Seastreak, located next to the Highlands ferry terminal, offers another distinctive outdoor music venue. With its beach setting, picnic tables, cocktails and rotating food trucks, The Sandbox hosts live bands throughout the season, ranging from rock and reggae to popular Jersey Shore performers.
Live music is also part of the atmosphere at Proving Ground, The Chubby Pickle and several other local restaurants and bars. Together, these venues give Highlands an active entertainment scene without having to leave town.
Most outdoor performances are seasonal, so it's worth checking individual venues for current schedules.
Highlands has a longstanding maritime history, and boating remains an important part of the community.
Its location near Sandy Hook Bay and the Atlantic Ocean makes it particularly appealing to boaters and fishing enthusiasts. The borough has several marinas, boat slips and charter fishing operations, along with restaurants that accommodate boaters arriving by water.
Residents enjoy sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, recreational boating and fishing. Charter boats operate from local marinas, providing access to fishing grounds in Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the Atlantic Ocean.
For waterfront property buyers, the ability to keep a boat nearby can be an important advantage. However, dock availability, water depth, tidal conditions and marina access vary by location.
Highlands also provides convenient access to Sandy Hook, part of the Gateway National Recreation Area, with miles of ocean and bay beaches, cycling routes and opportunities for birdwatching and fishing.
Highlands is surrounded by some of the most scenic parks in Monmouth County.
Hartshorne Woods Park is one of the county's most popular destinations for hiking, trail running and mountain biking.
The park features wooded trails, challenging terrain, scenic overlooks and remnants of historic military installations. Certain trails provide views of the Navesink River, Sandy Hook Bay and surrounding coastline.
Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook is one of the most remarkable viewpoints along the New Jersey coast.
Located on one of the highest points along the eastern seaboard south of Maine, the overlook offers expansive views of Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay and the Manhattan skyline.
The site also includes the Monmouth County 9/11 Memorial.
The Twin Lights Historic Site is one of Highlands' most recognizable landmarks.
The historic lighthouse complex sits high above Sandy Hook Bay and offers exhibits about maritime history, lighthouse technology and the area's role in coastal navigation.
Its distinctive twin towers and elevated location make it an important part of the borough's identity.
The Henry Hudson Trail is another popular recreational amenity, providing paved sections for cycling, running and other outdoor activities along the Bay
Kelly Zaccaro has spent 27 years as a top-producing agent in Monmouth County, NJ. She's been the #1 agent at Heritage House Sotheby's International Realty's Rumson office for seven straight years, 2019 through 2025, & a three-time Company Top Producer, most recently in 2025.
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