At a glance
| Location | Barrier island between Boca Raton (south) and Delray Beach (north) |
|---|---|
| Government | Town of Highland Beach, incorporated 1949, commission-manager |
| Population | 4,295 (2020 census) |
| Area | About 1.29 square miles, of which 0.54 is land |
| Main road | State Road A1A |
| ZIP code | 33487 |
What Highland Beach is
Highland Beach is a separate municipality in southeast Palm Beach County, incorporated in 1949 and run under a commission-manager government. It covers about 1.29 square miles, but only 0.54 square miles of that is land. The Atlantic is to the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west, with State Road A1A running the length of the town.
The town is almost entirely residential, with very little commercial property. Shopping, dining and most services are in Boca Raton or Delray Beach, a short drive over the Intracoastal bridges.
Homes in Highland Beach
Homes for sale are mostly condos in buildings along A1A, plus some single-family homes and townhomes on the ocean or the Intracoastal. Ask a local agent for the current mix of listings. The 2020 census counted 4,338 housing units, and 43.7% of them were vacant on census day, which mostly reflects seasonal and second-home use.
Zillow doesn't publish a separate typical value for Highland Beach in our data. The town shares ZIP code 33487 with part of Boca Raton, and Zillow's typical home value for 33487 was $681,732 in August 2026, up 4.4% on the year. Oceanfront units can sell far above that, so ask a local agent for recent sales in the specific building.
What to check in an oceanfront condo
Under Florida law, condo buildings of three stories or more need a milestone structural inspection by the end of the year they turn 30, then every 10 years. Local officials can require the first one at 25 years for buildings near salt water. Before you make an offer, get:
- The milestone inspection report and any repair plan that came out of it.
- The structural integrity reserve study, the current reserve balance and any special assessments.
- The association's insurance cost and the most recent budget.
- Rules on leasing, pets and renovations, and the approval process.
Our guide to buying a condo in Boca Raton explains these documents in more detail.
Flood risk and coastal rules
The American Flood Coalition, which counts the town as a member, notes that a significant portion of Highland Beach's land lies below sea level. Check the flood zone and elevation for any property and get a flood insurance quote before your inspection period ends.
The beaches are nesting grounds for protected sea turtles, so expect rules on outdoor lighting for oceanfront buildings. Ask the association how it complies.
Costs to plan for
Because Highland Beach is its own town, the town's millage replaces the City of Boca Raton's on your tax bill. Look up the parcel on the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser site, and see our Palm Beach County property tax guide. Condo fees, insurance and flood cover are the other big line items. The cost of living in Boca Raton page gives wider context.
For nearby options, compare Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club for waterfront houses, or downtown condos near Mizner Park.
Common questions
Is Highland Beach part of Boca Raton?+
No. Highland Beach is a separate town, incorporated in 1949, with its own commission-manager government. It sits on the barrier island between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway, with Boca Raton to the south and Delray Beach to the north. It shares ZIP code 33487 with part of Boca Raton.
How many people live in Highland Beach, FL?+
The 2020 census counted 4,295 residents and 4,338 housing units. On census day, 43.7% of those units were vacant, which mostly reflects seasonal and second-home use. The American Flood Coalition notes the population roughly doubles in the winter months.
What should I check before buying a condo in Highland Beach?+
Ask for the building's milestone structural inspection report, which Florida requires for condo buildings of three stories or more by the end of the year they turn 30, and the structural integrity reserve study. Also get the budget, reserve balance, any special assessments, the association's insurance cost and the flood zone for the building.
What is the typical home value in Highland Beach?+
Zillow doesn't break out Highland Beach separately in our data. Zillow's typical home value for ZIP 33487, which Highland Beach shares with part of Boca Raton, was $681,732 in August 2026, up 4.4% on the year. Oceanfront condos and houses can sell far above that, so ask a local agent for recent building-level sales.