Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Highlands, NJ
Considering a move to Highlands, NJ? This picturesque coastal community of 4,687 residents offers affordable living with a median home price around $388,000 and average rents of $1,650. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle, low crime rates (just 125 violent crimes per 100k), and a scenic climate with 56% sunny days each year. The area features highly-rated small schools, convenient access to healthcare, and an average commute time of 36 minutes—ideal for those seeking a vibrant yet peaceful Jersey Shore experience.
Demographics - Highlands, NJ
Demographics - Highlands, NJ
Highlands, NJ is home to about 4,700 residents with a median age of 46, reflecting a mature and diverse community. The population is predominantly White, with a moderate presence of other ethnicities and 12% speaking a language other than English at home. Its compact size and density foster a close-knit, walkable environment.
Population:
4,687
Density:
6,500 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.1
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
12.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
86.7%
Black:
3.5%
Asian:
2.1%
Others:
7.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Highlands, NJ?
Highlands offers a cost of living above the national average, with a median home value of $388,000 and average rents around $1,650 per month. Utilities and transportation costs are slightly higher than average, while state tax rates range from 1.4% to 10.75%. The area appeals to those seeking coastal living with manageable but above-average expenses.
Median House Value:
$388,000
Gross Rent:
$1,650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,750
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$2,130
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$645
State Taxes:
Low:
1.4%
|
High:
10.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
122.6
Grocery:
117.5
Housing:
129.0
Utilities:
110.8
Transportation:
119.3
Health Care:
109.5
Miscellaneous:
108.2
Crime
Is Highlands, NJ a safe place to live?
Residents enjoy a relatively safe environment, with violent crime rates at just 125 per 100,000 and property crime at 1,150 per 100,000 people. The odds of experiencing violent crime are low, about 1 in 800, making Highlands a reassuring choice for families and individuals alike. Overall, crime rates are well below many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
125
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,150
Crime Index:
1,275
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 87
Weather
What is the weather like in Highlands, NJ year-round?
Highlands experiences all four seasons, with mild summers reaching up to 83°F and winters averaging lows of 27°F. The area sees nearly 48 inches of rain annually and about 56% sunny days, offering a pleasant coastal climate ideal for outdoor activities. Spring and fall bring comfortable temperatures, perfect for enjoying local parks and waterfronts.
Winter
Min:
27°F
Max:
40°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
66°F
Max:
83°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
47.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
The community is characterized by a median household income of $74,200 and a relatively low poverty rate of 8.4%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is about 36 minutes, reflecting a mix of local and regional employment. Public transportation is available, though most people drive to work.
Median Income:
$47,800
Household Income:
$74,200
Family Income:
$92,000
Per Capita Income:
$45,900
Income Male:
$52,500
Income Female:
$41,200
Poverty Rate:
8.4%
Non English Speakers:
12.3%
Rent:
$1,650
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
7.5%
Commute Time:
36.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
92.5%
Bachelors or More:
36.1%
Education
How are the schools in Highlands, NJ?
Families in Highlands have access to small, well-rated public schools, including Highlands Elementary and Henry Hudson Regional, offering low student-teacher ratios for personalized attention. Private schooling options and nearby colleges, such as Brookdale Community College and Monmouth University, offer additional educational opportunities. The community values education, with over 92% of adults holding a high school diploma.
Public Schools
Name:
Highlands Elementary School
Street:
360 Navesink Ave
Phone:
732-872-1476
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.5
Name:
Henry Hudson Regional School
Street:
1 Grand Tour
Phone:
732-872-0900
Students:
350
Student Teacher Ratio:
10.3
Private Schools
Name:
St. Agnes School
Street:
132 South Ave, Atlantic Highlands, NJ
Phone:
732-291-5459
Students:
160
Colleges
Name:
Brookdale Community College
City:
Lincroft
State:
NJ
Distance:
8 miles
Students:
10,000
Name:
Monmouth University
City:
West Long Branch
State:
NJ
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
6,400
Healthcare
Highlands residents benefit from convenient access to major hospitals like Riverview Medical Center and Monmouth Medical Center, both offering emergency services nearby. With about 2.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 93% health insurance coverage, the area provides solid healthcare resources. The local healthcare index indicates good overall care quality for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Riverview Medical Center
Address:
1 Riverview Plaza, Red Bank, NJ 07701
Phone:
(732) 741-2700
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Monmouth Medical Center
Address:
300 Second Ave, Long Branch, NJ 07740
Phone:
(732) 222-5200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
73.9
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Highlands, NJ?
The housing market in Highlands features a median home price of $388,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $1,650, making it accessible for both buyers and renters. Approximately 59% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has seen a healthy 6.2% appreciation in home values over the past year. Rental vacancies and foreclosure rates remain low, reflecting stable demand.
Median Home Price:
$388,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,650
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.9%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Vehicle registration, licensing, and inspections for Highlands residents are handled by the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, located in Trenton. Services can be accessed both in person and online, providing flexibility for drivers. For more information or to schedule appointments, residents can visit the official NJ MVC website.
State:
New Jersey
Department:
New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission
Address:
225 E. State Street, Trenton, NJ 08666
Phone:
1-609-292-6500
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.