Highland Park Real Estate

Highland Park is a small, vibrant borough in Middlesex County, often hailed as a "small-town gem" for its walkable, tree-lined streets, highly diverse population, and thriving cultural scene.

Nestled across the Raritan River from New Brunswick, it maintains a distinct, progressive, and tight-knit community feel, drawing young professionals, families, and artists who seek an urban-suburban mix. Highland Park is unique because residents can access the amenities and quick transit of a major city (New Brunswick) without giving up the comfort of a charming, low-density neighborhood.

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Architectural Styles & Housing Stock

As one of the older, established towns in the area, Highland Park's housing stock reflects a mix of classic American architectural periods, giving its streets a desirable, historic character.

• Pre-War Charm: The borough is dominated by charming homes built in the early-to-mid 20th century. Styles include Colonials, Cape Cods, and small Tudors, often featuring classic details like intricate moldings, original hardwood floors, and front porches.

• Walkable Neighborhoods: The majority of the housing is situated on small, accessible lots, contributing to the borough’s high walkability score. Many residents can walk to Main Street, the library, and local parks.

• Rental Market: Due to its proximity to Rutgers University (just across the bridge in New Brunswick), the borough also has a significant stock of multi-family homes, apartments, and houses that are rented to students and young professionals.

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The Schools: High Standards & Diversity

The Highland Park School District is a small, self-contained district known for its strong academics, commitment to diversity, and personalized student attention.

• Overall Ranking: The district consistently receives a high rating (often an A- or A) from rating agencies, ranking in the top 10 in Middlesex County.

• Highland Park High School (HPHS): HPHS is known for its excellent student-to-teacher ratio (13:1), high graduation rate (92%), and strong performance in college preparation, with a significant percentage of students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) courses.

• Exceptional Diversity: The district stands out for its A+ rating in diversity, welcoming students from dozens of nations of origin, creating a globally aware and inclusive learning environment.

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Real Estate Market: Prices for Sale & Rent

Highland Park's desirability, small size, and high demand from commuters and professionals keep its market competitive and pricing robust.

• Average Sold Home Value: The average sold home value for all housing types in Highland Park is approximately $575,946 (Approx. Late 2025 Data).

• Median Listing Price: The current median listing price for homes trends around $551,200.

• Luxury & Newer Homes: Larger or newer custom-built homes can range significantly in price, often selling from $800,000 to over $1.4 million.

• Average House Rental: The average rental price for a whole house is approximately $2,950 per month.

• Average 1-Bedroom Apartment Rental: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is between $1,893 and $2,024 per month.

• Market Pressure: Highland Park is frequently considered a seller’s market, with homes spending a moderate amount of time on the market, indicating quick sales when inventory is low.

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The Commute to NYC 

Highland Park benefits from its direct proximity to the New Brunswick transit hub, making the NYC commute very efficient for a Central Jersey suburb.

• Train (Primary Method): Residents walk, bike, or take a short bus ride across the river to the New Brunswick Station on NJ Transit’s Northeast Corridor Line. The train ride to NY Penn Station is approximately 58 minutes to 1 hour 7 minutes (direct train).

• Bus: Direct express bus service is available from Highland Park (via Suburban Transit) to the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. The express bus takes approximately 50–55 minutes to reach Port Authority, often a slightly faster, though less comfortable, option than the train.

• Driving: Highland Park offers easy access to Route 18 and Route 1, though local traffic is highly congested, especially near the bridges to New Brunswick.

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Safety & Community

Highland Park is celebrated for its community activism, progressive atmosphere, and a strong sense of small-town connection.

• Community Vibe: The town’s social life centers around its thriving Main Street, which features unique restaurants, coffee shops, and independent businesses. It is known for its active arts scene and hosts numerous public events and festivals throughout the year.

• Safety: Highland Park is generally considered a safe, low-crime community. Like all highly dense, adjacent-to-urban areas, property crime (like theft from unlocked cars) can occur, but violent crime is rare.

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Real Estate Market Trend (Last 10 Years)

This upward trajectory reflects Highland Park's enduring appeal as an accessible, cultural, and highly desirable urban-adjacent community. Guy Peled, your Trusted Realtor in Highland Park, is available to help you navigate this competitive market. Whether you are buying or selling, make Guy Peled – your guy in Highland Park real estate – your first call.