The historic film Jersey Girl was filmed in Highlands, New Jersey. If the city can entertain the escapades of Ben Affleck, it certainly can handle your antics, too. And in 1926, a woman by the name of Gertrude Ederle swam across the entire English Channel, and thus became the first female to achieve such a feat. She spent a lot of time practicing in the waters under Highlands Bridge. That says a lot about the type of character that Highlands fosters.
The borough of Highlands is more than fast currents. It's a place built to persevere and succeed, as Gertrude Ederle proved. For the 5,005 residents (per 2010 U.S. Census data) that live in this Monmouth County town, Highlands is absolutely the place to be. Right near Sandy Hook Bay, life in Highlands is coastal living, in every sense of the word. The only way to truly groove to the Highlands beat is to turn off Jersey Girl, go outside and take a whiff of that ocean breeze.
Moving to Highlands
Anything You Need!
Finding a rental is much easier here than in that big city known as the Big Apple. To start with, you can get any kind of housing, from 1-bedroom apartments to mobile homes. Detached houses make up more than 48% of housing units, while apartments and condos account for more than 35% of units. Rental homes in Highlands come in all shapes and sizes. Enjoy that selection by taking what you want! Get a 2-bedroom condo in Wyndmoor On the Highlands or a 3-bedroom house on Bay Avenue. So relax. What you need is all here. Now you can get back to reading The Water Witch; James Fenimore Cooper based the novel's setting on the Highlands area.
Renters, Take Note!
The market has a solid mesh of renters and owners. Additionally, you won't find a lot of competition among renters. Two weeks should be plenty of time to get a pad, but allot a few more days if you come when the weather is nice. Highlands has openings widely available throughout the autumn and winter; many folks, though, descend upon this borough in the spring and summer. While openings are still available from May through September, you'll have your pick of the stock from October through April. Move during that time and you'll feel like you're on top of the world, and that's not just because Highlands boasts the nation's highest land point east of the Mississippi.
A Few Warnings!
Hurricane Sandy did do some damage to the area, and the effect of that storm still lingers to some degree. While hurricanes are still rare here, you must be prepared. Before you even consider signing a contract for a rental apartment or house in Highlands, research disaster insurance plans. Many landlords in Highlands may even request that you purchase hurricane insurance. This isn't a place to cut corners -- get the renters insurance!
Getting Moved In!
You may deal with a landlord or condo management. Just get one month's rent ready along with a deposit once you feel you have completed your apartment search in Highlands. It's just sad you can't live at the Twin Lights site; that was where America's first radar experiment was held in the 1930s. Anyway, you will probably have your credit checked. Also, you should have your polished residence history ready if needed.
Highlands Neighborhoods
How close to the ocean do you want to be? Do you want to be able to build your own lighthouse and help ships navigate? Do you want to live in a spot where you can smell seafood being grilled? As you can see, this choice is not to be taken lightly.
Twin Lights: Showcasing the Twin Lights State Historic Site, Off the Hook Restaurant and Bar, and Gateway Marina, this area has the perfect combination of housing, eateries and boating. There are some good condos here as well.
Borough Center: This is the spot for eating and drinking. Establishments like Driftwood Liquor and Bar, Water Witch Coffee and Tea, and The Sand Witch Shop satisfy each and every day.
Sandy Hook Bay: Near Sandy Hook Bay, this mostly residential area is the best place to live if you enjoy boating or ocean views.
Living in Highlands
Fight against the current! Push it back, and make it flow in the direction you wish. That's what life is about in Highlands. Put the keys in the ignition or hop on the bus. Shoot off toward the greater New York area if the moment calls for such. Or take a stroll along Shore Drive. The way you choose to get around town is ultimately up to you, but swimming is only recommended if you have studied Michael Phelps a little bit. Once you have finished watching Jersey Girl, you should be ready to tackle Highlands. Join the locals in all the action. Just as the grand Atlantic does not stop roaring, the town of Highlands also continues to sing its song. Have a meal at The Chubby Pickle. Grab a drink at the Inlet Cafe. Launch off from Captain Cove's Marina and sail out to sea. Go for the horizon and don't look back. Actually, maybe you should come back eventually.
