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With breathtaking views of New Jersey’s prominent Bayshore region, Atlantic Highlands offers a small-town warmth that’s hard to miss even on a first visit. Life in this coastal borough was shaped by its long history of maritime shipping. Atlantic Highlands lies between Sandy Hook Peninsula, where ships anchored before they set sail to New York in the 1700s, and the Navesink Twin Lights, the castle-like complex that held the distinction of being the brightest lighthouse in the US in the late 1800s.
Today, water still figures in community activities, notwithstanding the lack of traditional sandy beaches. Instead, residents and visitors take to their boats, walk along the marina, and dine oceanside. Those who work in New York City can hop into a ferry for a 50-minute ride.
At its essence, Atlantic Highlands is a haven for those looking for a family-friendly and easy-going community. Whether you’re looking to distance yourself from the bustle of urban life or planning to raise a family in a welcoming environment, you’ll feel right at home.
If you’re looking for homes for sale in Atlantic Highlands, here’s what you need to know about this fantastic coastal gem.
Atlantic Highlands is situated in Monmouth County’s northern shore. Zooming out, the area is part of New Jersey’s eastern coastline. To the borough’s north is Raritan Bay and the glitzy Manhattan skyline. To the south lies verdant woods and the scenic and historically significant Navesink River. New Jersey Highway 36 is the major thoroughfare connecting Atlantic Highlands to other parts of the region and beyond (further into Newark and New York City).
With a humid subtropical climate, Atlantic Highlands enjoys warm and typically comfortable summers and mild winters. The borough gets over 200 days of sunshine and 26 inches of snow per year on average.
Temperatures can hit 90 degrees in July. Some of the most comfortable months are from May to June and September to August. The area receives more rain than usual (approximately 47 inches of rain or 9 inches more than the national average), especially during spring and summer.
Turning points. The Lenape people inhabited the area for hundreds of years before Europeans explorers arrived and named it Portland Pointe. This early community witnessed several key moments during the Revolutionary War, including the retreat of English troops following the Battle of Monmouth.
Breaking away. For a time, Portland Pointe was a part of Middletown Township until early investors and church groups in the area began advocating for a separate community during the late 1800s. After the formation of the Atlantic Highlands Association, several community projects were undertaken like an amphitheater and indoor auditorium to house first-time visitors from nearby New York City.
Transformation. After its incorporation in 1887, Atlantic Highlands went through a major transformative phase. Hotels, residential properties, and multi-tenant houses sprung up to accommodate vacationers and transplants from nearby communities. Roadways, as well as water and sewage systems, were built to accommodate a burgeoning population.
A key hub in maritime travel and shipping. By the 1890s, rail service made the community more accessible to other parts of the country. In 1940, the municipal harbor was completed and became a key hub in maritime travel and shipping. To this day, it is still one of the largest harbors along the East Coast.
An idyllic community. Today, Atlantic Highlands is a lovely residential community surrounded by historical gems, great bars and restaurants, eclectic local shops, and distinct natural attractions.
- Atlantic Highlands occupies a total of 4,56 square miles (1.29 square miles of land and 3.29 square miles of water).
- There were 4,414 residents in 2021.
- At 266 feet, the Mount Mitchell Overlook is the highest natural elevation in the Atlantic coastal plain.
- 4 nearby communities worth exploring include:
The Sandy Hook Peninsula (6.1 miles away)
is a vast recreational area jointly managed by the National Park Service and the Gateway National Recreation Area. Here you’ll find ocean-facing public beaches which are considered some of the best in New Jersey during the warmer months.
Navesink (2 miles)
lies between two verdant forests and has direct access to the Navesink River, which played a crucial role in the region’s overall development. The community is beloved for its calm atmosphere and proximity to nature.
Leonardo (2 miles)
is an unincorporated community that was once the site of a US military base which housed a discontinued missile program.
Highlands (2.7 miles)
is a separate borough to the southeast of Atlantic Highlands. Known for its beautiful Colonials and charming local community, this town is directly adjacent to the lush Hartshorne Woods Park.
Buyers will love the borough’s waterfront location and the generously sized lots that can accommodate a wide array of outdoor amenities.
Buyers will also love the variety of architectural styles, like Colonial, Ranch, and Traditional, when they search for homes for sale in Atlantic Highlands. There are properties that date back to 1913, alongside newer builds from the 2000s and 2010, and a growing number of new construction homes.
Best of all, homes for sale in Atlantic Highlands come in both affordable and higher-end price points. You can buy a starter condo or opt for a waterfront estate. The housing inventory is mostly composed of single-family homes, with a small selection of mid-rise condos and townhomes. There are also lots and land for sale if you want to build from the ground up.
To get more in-depth real estate information on Atlantic Highlands real estate, it’s best to consult a local real estate agent. Their expertise and professional advice will allow you to make informed buying decisions when the time comes.
Living in Atlantic Highlands can be best described as relaxed and easy-going. Dining by the beach, playing golf, taking leisurely walks in vast nature reserves, or being a part of the events and activities organized by the community.
What’s more, everything is close by. “Literally, everything is ‘two blocks away!’ Coffee, the harbor, art gallery, bay beach, first-run cinema, library, post office, shops, restaurants, school, places of worship, senior center, you name it!” a resident wrote on Niche.com. “The best part, though, is our neighbors. We feel so lucky to live in this town.”
If this sounds like your kind of community, read on for more of what awaits you.
Buyers with school-age children will love Atlantic Highlands for the excellent institutions served by both the Atlantic Highlands School District and the Middletown Township School District. Families send their kids to schools like:
- Gateway National Recreation Area. This 27,000-acre area encompasses beaches, sports fields, and scenic marinas. It also straddles two states: Sandy Hook Peninsula in New Jersey and Breezy Point in New York. For starters, check out Sandy Hook Beach, South Beach, and New Jersey Beach.
- Lenape Woods Nature Preserve. Venture to the eastern side of Atlantic Highlands to explore more than 50 acres of pristine forests and wetlands. Lenape Woods is just minutes away from any point in the borough and provides quick access to outdoor activities like bird watching, hiking, trail running, and cross-country skiing.
- Beacon Hill Country Club. Nestled amidst wooded slopes, Beacon Hill is a prestigious member-owned country club boasting some of the best views of New Jersey’s north shore. With captivating vistas of the New York City skyline and Sandy Hook Bay, playing a game of golf has never been as awe-inspiring. Additionally, top-of-the-line amenities await you at the 40,000-square-foot clubhouse.
- Hartshorne Woods Park. Enveloped in dense foliage and site of a military installation that was operational from World War II to the Cold War, the 790-acre Hartshorne Woods Park is now a recreational haven along the picturesque Navesink River. Just seven minutes from Atlantic Highlands, this beloved park allows guests to hike, bike, ride horses, and go skiing. Remnants of its military past have been preserved, including World War II-era bunkers and gun batteries.
- Huber Woods Park. Located on the opposite bank of the Navesink, Huber Woods boasts 360 acres of lush meadows, verdant forest, and multi-use trails. Founded in 1974, the park owes its existence to the initial donation of 118 acres by the descendants of Joseph Huber, a German businessman who made pigments for inks. Huber moved to America in 1883 to expand his business. Later, the family donated the land in order to protect their beloved vacation home and surrounding woods. The area has since been transformed into a relaxing natural sanctuary.
- Navesink Twin Lights. For nearly a hundred years, this historic lighthouse played a key role in guiding sailors and merchant ships to and from New York Harbor. The Navesink Twin Lights became a museum upon its acquisition by New Jersey in 1962. Today, guests can enjoy a panoramic view of New York City and the Jersey Shore, interactive exhibits, and have site historians explain the early technological innovations the lighthouse introduced.
- Strauss Mansion Museum. This historic 1893 mansion is a repository of Victorian-era displays and artifacts. The 21-room Queen Anne-style cottage was built by New York merchant, Adolph Strauss, and offers panoramic views of New York City, the harbor, and Sandy Hook. The museum also houses the Atlantic Highlands Historical Society.
- Smodcastle Cinemas. This long-standing cinema screens everything from new movies to timeless classics. It also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year like film festivals and auctions for coveted movie memorabilia like props, costumes, and signed items by celebrities – a real treat for pop culture aficionados and serious movie fans.
- Battery Lewis and the Navesink Military Reservation. A visit to these World War II-era landmarks in Hartshorne Woods Park is a must for history buffs. The larger and more imposing of the pair, known as Battery Lewis, once housed formidable 16-inch guns. The smaller counterpart is named Battery 219. Decommissioned after the war, both gun batteries were a testament to the military defense strategies at the time.
- Mount Mitchell Scenic Overlook provides gorgeous views of Raritan Bay, Sandy Hook, and the New York skyline, with benches well worn from countless visitors. At 266 feet, it is the highest point in the Atlantic coastal plains, according to the Visit Monmouth website. It is also where you’ll find Monmouth County’s 9/11 memorial to honor the 147 residents who died during the attacks.
- On The Deck is a vibrant restaurant beside Raritan Bay. Aside from its brilliant take on American cuisine (ribeye sandwiches, generous helpings of shrimp scampi), you’re also treated to great views of the iconic NYC skyline.
- Harborside Grill features classic Italian dishes and American staples served in a dark, hunter’s lodge-like setting brimming with camaraderie. Check out their live bands, singles night, Sunday brunches, and special events. Some of the best seats in the house are in the open porch area so make sure to book a table in advance.
- Christine’s is a white-tablecloth restaurant that hits many of its patrons’ sweet spots – . whether they’re cravings for fresh seafood, the finest pasta, or a fine dining experience. The menu is a mix of cherished classics and inventive twists, highlighted by daily specials that are always worth checking out.
- Strada proudly embodies what an osteria should be. While that means having the owner personally host patrons, Strada successfully takes on the vibe with wood-fired pizza, thoughtfully curated antipasti, and an impressive cocktail and wine selection to match.
- Kunya Siam is one of the Bayshore area’s top-notch Asian restaurants. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, Kunya Siam has been inundated by repeat visits from guests who can’t get enough of their Thai food – from grilled satay, to fresh rolls and dumplings, to the all-time favorite, noodle tom yum.
- Carton Brewing was founded by two brothers with a passion for flavorful and handcrafted beer. Offering a great variety of brews (they accept home deliveries throughout New Jersey), this character-filled local brewery is located in a turn-of-the-century red brick warehouse in the heart of the Atlantic Highlands.
There’s plenty more to see and experience in the Atlantic Highlands. With Mario Venancio as your professional real estate agent, you’ll be prepared to navigate the home buying market and close the deal without any hassle.
As the top Realtor in Monmouth County for more than 13 years, Mario has generated $1.9 billion in total sales. His strong negotiation skills and commitment to client satisfaction make him one of the most in-demand real estate professionals in the industry. With over 30 years of experience, Mario is the recipient of the prestigious BHHS Chairman’s Diamond Circle Award and NJAR® Circle of Excellence Award®.
If you’ve always dreamed of tranquil suburban living close to the ocean and close enough to the greatest city in the world, New York, Atlantic Highlands, NJ is for you. Let a local real estate expert like Mario Venancio help you fulfill your real estate goals. Contact Mario at 732.881.4306 or send him a message here.