Highland Beach, Florida

It's a quiet, water-focused barrier island between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal, appealing to buyers who want beach access and boating over a busy town center. Nearly all of the housing is waterfront homes, and most residents are in ocean-view or Intracoastal condo buildings. It suits full-time residents and seasonal owners alike, with Boca Raton just to the south for shopping and dining.

Yes, it runs above the county average, with an average price of $839 per square foot and a median list price of $997,000. That said, the condo-heavy inventory keeps entry points accessible — listings start around $315,000 — so you can browse by price to find something below the median.

The median list price is $997,000 and the median sold price over the last year was $1,005,000, with a median home size around 1,451 square feet. Prices span an enormous range, from $315,000 up to $43.85 million, and 55 of the current listings are priced above $1 million among the luxury homes ($1m+).

There are 112 active listings and 180 homes sold over the past 12 months, so it's a steady but unhurried market. Homes take a median of 79.5 days to sell and sellers average 93% of asking, which means well-priced buyers have negotiating room — keep an eye on listings that are just reduced.

Because this is a condominium market, most buildings carry monthly HOA or association fees that cover shared amenities and building upkeep, so budget for those on top of the purchase price. The median annual property tax runs about $9,725. Ask your agent for the specific dues on any townhomes & condos you're considering, since they vary widely by building.