Highlands Neighborhood Overview
Neighborhood Guide: Highlands, St. Marys, GA
Your Guide to the Highlands Neighborhood
St. Marys, Georgia
Welcome to Highlands
Nestled in the charming city of St. Marys, Georgia, the Highlands neighborhood offers a perfect blend of serene suburban living and coastal convenience. This established community is known for its quiet, tree-lined streets, spacious lots, and a strong sense of neighborly connection. Residents enjoy the peace and privacy of a residential haven while being just minutes away from the historic downtown St. Marys waterfront, with its picturesque views, restaurants, and marinas.
Living in Highlands means being part of a region steeped in history and natural beauty. The neighborhood is a gateway to the pristine coastal ecosystems of Georgia, including the nearby Cumberland Island National Seashore, accessible by ferry. The climate is ideal for those who enjoy mild winters and long, sunny summers, perfect for outdoor activities year-round. It's a place where community pride is evident in the well-maintained homes and friendly atmosphere.
Lifestyle & Amenities
Life in the Highlands neighborhood is defined by convenience and leisure. Daily needs are easily met with shopping centers, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities all within a short drive. For recreation, residents have access to local parks, community sports fields, and the St. Marys Aquatic Center. The neighborhood's location is ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts, offering easy access to hiking, boating, fishing, and kayaking in the surrounding rivers and marshes.
The social and cultural heart of the area is downtown St. Marys, where you can find unique boutiques, cozy cafes, and seafood restaurants serving fresh local catch. Community events, such as the St. Marys Seafood Festival and concerts in the park, foster a vibrant local culture. For a day trip or a weekend adventure, the world-class beaches and attractions of Jacksonville, Florida, and Jekyll Island, Georgia, are both less than an hour's drive away.
Real Estate Market
The Highlands real estate market presents an attractive opportunity for homebuyers seeking value and space. The neighborhood primarily features single-family homes on generous lots, with architectural styles ranging from traditional Southern designs to modern builds. The market is stable and accessible, making it an excellent choice for first-time buyers, growing families, and those looking to downsize without sacrificing comfort.
With a median home value of approximately $235,500, Highlands offers significant affordability compared to many other coastal communities. This value is complemented by a median household income of around $64,298, indicating a community of working professionals, military families from nearby Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, and retirees. Property taxes in Camden County are generally favorable, adding to the overall financial appeal of owning a home in this welcoming St. Marys neighborhood.
Schools & Education
Families in the Highlands neighborhood are served by the highly-regarded Camden County School District. The district is known for its commitment to academic excellence, offering a variety of advanced placement courses, career and technical education pathways, and extracurricular activities. Students typically attend schools such as Mary Lee Clark Elementary School, St. Marys Middle School, and Camden County High School, which boasts strong athletic and arts programs.
Beyond the public school system, the area provides additional educational options, including private academies and preschools. For higher education, the College of Coastal Georgia has a campus in nearby Kingsland, and Jacksonville is home to several universities and colleges. The community also benefits from the robust public library system in St. Marys, which offers resources, programs, and events for learners of all ages.
Transportation & Connectivity
Highlands enjoys excellent connectivity via major roadways, making regional travel straightforward. U.S. Highway 17 runs nearby, providing a direct route to I-95, which is just a short drive west. This allows for an easy commute to the Kings Bay Naval Submarine Base, the commercial centers of Jacksonville, Florida (about 35 minutes south), or Brunswick, Georgia (about 40 minutes north). Jacksonville International Airport (JAX) is approximately a 45-minute drive, facilitating both domestic and international travel.
Within the community, the neighborhood layout is designed for safe and easy navigation, with sidewalks and minimal through-traffic. For daily commutes or running errands within St. Marys, most destinations are only 5 to 15 minutes away by car. While the area is primarily car-dependent, the compact and walkable nature of downtown St. Marys itself offers a pleasant pedestrian experience for dining and shopping once you arrive.
Why Choose Highlands
Choosing Highlands means investing in a lifestyle that balances affordability, community, and the unparalleled beauty of the Georgia coast. It's a neighborhood where you can enjoy the safety and quiet of suburbia without being isolated from amenities and natural attractions. The strong sense of community, combined with the economic stability reflected in its median income and home values, makes it a prudent and fulfilling place to put down roots.
Ultimately, Highlands in St. Marys is more than just a place to live—it's a gateway to a relaxed, coastal-inspired way of life. Whether you're drawn by the excellent schools for your children, the proximity to military and civilian employment centers, the access to outdoor adventure, or simply the desire for a friendly neighborhood with real character, Highlands delivers. It represents one of the best values in the region for those seeking a true home in a dynamic and historic coastal community.
Top Real Estate Agents in Highlands, Saint Marys
Merit Criteria — Agents must hold an active license verified by
Pennsylvania Real Estate Commission, maintain a minimum 4.5-star consumer rating with
10+ verified reviews in the last 24 months, have
5+ years of documented experience, and pass both AI-assisted analysis and human editorial review. Fewer than 1% of licensed agents in covered markets qualify. No agent can pay for inclusion or ranking position.
9 agents met the full merit gate for Highlands, Saint Marys, PA, selected from over 70,000 licensed Pennsylvania professionals.
5.0 stars
124+ verified reviews
License: 1054199
Wilson Leung Real Estate Associates
14+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (650) 280-8888
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://theownteam.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/WILSONLEUNGREALTOR
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.
5.0 stars
108+ verified reviews
License: 1902003
Pinnacle Real Estate Group
35+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (909) 378-5520
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.dannyhy.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/DannyHy
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.
5.0 stars
75+ verified reviews
License: 1938898
RE/MAX Premier Properties
12+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (626) 679-3239
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.garyzuo.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Gary%20Zuo
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.
5.0 stars
59+ verified reviews
License: 1909856
14+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (626) 940-6488
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/alvinxu888
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.
5.0 stars
43+ verified reviews
License: 2068206
REALIV
20+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (626) 272-2365
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.byrealiv.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/user415486
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.
5.0 stars
41+ verified reviews
License: 1456994
Coldwell Banker Residential and Commercial Brokerage
24+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (818) 321-0123
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/aliuHomes
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.
5.0 stars
36+ verified reviews
License: 2215807
Partner Real Estate
10+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (626) 461-2128
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Amy%20Wu
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.
4.9 stars
34+ verified reviews
License: 1988626
Remax Premier Properties
16+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (626) 888-9808
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://mimisongrealestate.com/
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/Mimi%20Song%20SuperTeam
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.
5.0 stars
27+ verified reviews
License: 1349032
IRN Realty Arcadia
23+ years experience
Contact
Phone: (626) 378-2138
Email: [email protected]
Zillow: https://www.zillow.com/profile/amberhh
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.