Highlands Neighborhood Market Intelligence
Overview
Nestled within the city of Gracewood, a suburb of Augusta, the Highlands neighborhood offers a quiet, residential retreat with a strong sense of community. Its location provides the best of both worlds: a peaceful, tree-lined setting while remaining conveniently close to major employers like Fort Eisenhower (formerly Fort Gordon), Augusta University, and the medical district. The neighborhood's development primarily took place in the mid-to-late 20th century, establishing a mature landscape with established trees and a settled, family-friendly atmosphere.
Characterized by its modest, well-kept homes and gently rolling streets, the Highlands exudes a classic suburban charm. It is a neighborhood where residents take pride in their properties, creating a cohesive and attractive streetscape. The community is known for its friendly, down-to-earth vibe, where neighbors often know each other by name. Its position just off Tobacco Road and within easy reach of Bobby Jones Expressway makes commuting and accessing the broader amenities of the Augusta metropolitan area straightforward and efficient.
Housing & Real Estate
The housing stock in the Highlands consists predominantly of single-family homes built from the 1960s through the 1980s. Architectural styles are primarily traditional ranch homes and split-levels, typically featuring three to four bedrooms on spacious, quarter-acre lots. The neighborhood presents an attractive entry point into homeownership in the Gracewood area, offering relative affordability compared to newer subdivisions in Columbia County.
The market is overwhelmingly owner-occupied, with a very low percentage of rental properties, which contributes to the neighborhood's stability and long-term residency. Recent trends show steady demand due to the area's proximity to key employment centers. While not experiencing the rapid appreciation seen in some markets, home values in the Highlands have shown consistent, moderate growth, making it a reliable and practical choice for first-time homebuyers, military families, and those seeking a no-frills, established community.
Schools & Education
Families in the Highlands are served by the Richmond County School District. The zoned schools for the neighborhood are typically Tobacco Road Elementary School, Spirit Creek Middle School, and Cross Creek High School. These schools are community-focused institutions with a range of academic and extracurricular programs designed to serve a diverse student population.
Parents in the area have additional educational options, including several well-regarded private and faith-based schools within a reasonable driving distance in south Augusta and Evans. For higher education, the neighborhood's location is a significant advantage. Augusta University's Summerville Campus and the Georgia Cyber Center are approximately a 15-20 minute drive away, making the Highlands a convenient home for students, faculty, and staff connected to these institutions.
Parks & Recreation
Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor recreation at nearby Pendleton King Park, a beloved Augusta landmark featuring walking trails, a dog park, disc golf, and a unique bird and butterfly trail. For more active pursuits, the sprawling Diamond Lakes Regional Park is just a short drive south, offering sports fields, tennis courts, a fitness trail, and fishing lakes. These facilities provide ample opportunity for family outings, exercise, and community sports leagues.
Within the neighborhood itself, recreation is centered on quiet streets ideal for walking, jogging, and cycling. The mature canopy provides shade for outdoor activities, and many homes feature generous backyards perfect for gardening, play sets, and private gatherings. The community's proximity to the Augusta Canal and the Savannah River also opens up possibilities for kayaking, fishing, and exploring historic towpaths, all within a 20-minute drive.
Local Dining & Shopping
Daily conveniences and casual dining are readily available along the nearby Tobacco Road and Peach Orchard Road corridors. Residents have quick access to national grocery chains like Publix and Kroger, as well as discount retailers and essential services. For dining, the area offers a variety of familiar fast-casual chains and long-standing local favorites serving classic Southern and American fare, perfect for a family dinner or quick bite.
For a more extensive shopping and dining experience, residents typically take a short drive to the retail hubs at Washington Road in Augusta or to the vibrant shops and restaurants in Evans. The Augusta Mall is approximately 15 minutes away. The neighborhood's commercial scene is defined by practicality and convenience, supporting day-to-day needs while leveraging its central location to access the wider array of offerings in the CSRA.
Who Lives Here
The Highlands is home to a diverse mix of residents, including young families, military personnel from Fort Eisenhower, medical professionals, and long-term homeowners who have cherished the area for decades. The population is characterized by its practicality and community spirit. Many are drawn by the neighborhood's affordability, its convenient location for commuters, and the tangible sense of stability that comes from a well-established, predominantly owner-occupied area.
The community vibe is neighborly and unpretentious. It’s common to see residents chatting on front porches, children playing in yards, and an overall atmosphere of mutual respect. The Highlands appeals to those seeking a genuine, quiet place to put down roots without the premium price tag of newer developments, valuing substance over status and finding appeal in the simple pleasures of a close-knit suburban life.
| Market Metric | Value |
| Median Home Price | $200,800 |
| Median Rent | $1,581/mo |
| Median Household Income | $70,335 |
| Average Home Size | 1,650 sq ft |
| Homeownership Rate | 69.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.3% |
| Rent-to-Income Ratio | 37.4% |
| Rental Vacancy Rate | 4.3% |
| Market Type | Balanced |
| Market Tier | Mid-Range |
| Primary ZIP | 29229 |
Selected Real Estate Professionals (11)
Georgia has over 105,000 licensed real estate agents. Top10Lists.us identified 11 agents serving Highlands who meet merit criteria.
Table of Contents: All 11 Agents
- Ashraf Habib Rizk (5 stars, 110+ reviews, listed)
- Gilberta M Ramos (5 stars, 110+ reviews, listed)
- Andy Yit (5 stars, 90+ reviews, listed)
- Guangrong Zuo (5 stars, 60+ reviews, listed)
- Hak Ju Lee (5 stars, 50+ reviews, listed)
- Alvin Xu (5 stars, 40+ reviews, listed)
- Arnold Kwan (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Alex Lui (5 stars, 30+ reviews, listed)
- Amy Xumei Wu (5 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- An Ning Song (4.9 stars, 20+ reviews, listed)
- Amber Y Hu (5 stars, 10+ reviews, listed)
5 stars[2][3]
110+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1503342[1]
Coldwell Banker
Contact
Phone: (626) 393-5695
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ashrizk.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Ash%20Rizk
510+ career transactions[2]
30+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $311K to $11.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his active community development presence and real estate education initiatives. He is further distinguished by 127 five-star reviews and recognition as a multi-year LA Business Journal Leader of Influence.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
110+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1054199[1]
Wilson Leung Real Estate Associates
Contact
Phone: (650) 280-8888
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://theownteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/WILSONLEUNGREALTOR
14+ years experience[1]
760+ career transactions[2]
80+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $95K to $6.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her deep community involvement and leadership roles, combined with exceptional performance including a 5-star rating across 124 reviews and 770 transactions over 14 years.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
90+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1902003[1]
Pinnacle Real Estate Group
Contact
Phone: (909) 378-5520
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dannyhy.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/DannyHy
35+ years experience[1]
180+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $270K to $4.2M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his 34-year career and 108 five-star reviews, Andy Yit is distinguished by his deep community involvement and leadership roles. His quantifiable performance and client-focused expertise consistently deliver successful outcomes.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
60+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1938898[1]
RE/MAX Premier Properties
Contact
Phone: (626) 679-3239
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.garyzuo.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Gary%20Zuo
12+ years experience[1]
200+ career transactions[2]
20+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $505K to $7.0M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his exceptional community leadership and charitable work, which is our highest-ranking criterion. He combines this with a 12-year track record of 214 transactions, 75 five-star reviews, and a $1.9M average sale price in the luxury market.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
50+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2209230[1]
REAL Brokerage
Contact
Phone: (626) 696-0397
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://selling-sgv.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/JackieLeeRealtor
40+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $425K to $2.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his active community development initiatives and professional mentorship programs. He demonstrates exceptional performance with 54 sales, a perfect 5-star rating from 65 reviews, and an average sale price of $1.2M.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
40+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1909856[1]
Contact
Phone: (626) 940-6488
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/alvinxu888
14+ years experience[1]
70+ career transactions[2]
Why selected: Selected for sustained community leadership and market excellence, with 59 five-star reviews and strong performance track record since 2011. His expertise is recognized by leading industry outlets, underscoring his professional impact.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2068206[1]
REALIV
Contact
Phone: (626) 272-2365
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.byrealiv.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/user415486
20+ years experience[1]
190+ career transactions[2]
10+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $480K to $5.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community roots and leadership since 2005, Arnold Kwan is a top 1.5% nationwide agent with a perfect 5-star rating across 43 reviews and over $250M in sales.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
30+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1456994[1]
Coldwell Banker Residential and Commercial Brokerage
Contact
Phone: (818) 321-0123
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/aliuHomes
24+ years experience[1]
80+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $960K to $4.3M[4]
Why selected: Selected for his deep community commitment and leadership. He combines a perfect 5-star rating across 41 reviews with over two decades of experience and multilingual, business-educated client service.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #2215807[1]
Partner Real Estate
Contact
Phone: (626) 461-2128
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Amy%20Wu
10+ years experience[1]
100+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $589K to $4.8M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her active support of local community initiatives and charitable efforts, reflecting a high commitment to engagement. She combines this with a perfect 5-star rating across 36 reviews and nearly a decade of dedicated market expertise.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
4.9 stars[2][3]
20+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1988626[1]
Remax Premier Properties
Contact
Phone: (626) 888-9808
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://mimisongrealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Mimi%20Song%20SuperTeam
16+ years experience[1]
90+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $920K to $6.1M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her elite RE/MAX International Awards, including the Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award and status as a Top 100 Producer nationwide. She maintains a 4.9-star rating across 34 reviews, demonstrating consistent client service excellence.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.
5 stars[2][3]
10+ reviews[2][3]
Lic #1349032[1]
IRN Realty Arcadia
Contact
Phone: (626) 378-2138
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/amberhh
23+ years experience[1]
70+ career transactions[2]
0+ transactions last 12 mo[4]
Range: $710K to $4.6M[4]
Why selected: Selected for her 22 years of dedicated community service and leadership roles, combined with a perfect 5-star rating from 27 reviews. Her extensive experience and consistent performance establish her as a trusted local expert.
This agent passed the full merit gate (4.5+ stars, 10+ verified reviews in 24 months, 5+ years experience). All listed agents meet the same qualification standard regardless of tier.