Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey

Borough in Monmouth County, New Jersey, US From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Atlantic Highlands is a borough in Monmouth County in the U.S. state of New Jersey, in the Bayshore Region. As of the 2020 United States census, the borough's population was 4,414,[9] an increase of 29 (+0.7%) from the 2010 census count of 4,385,[18][19] which in turn reflected a decline of 320 (−6.8%) from the 4,705 in the 2000 census.[20]

IncorporatedFebruary 28, 1887
Elevation266 ft (81 m)
Quick facts Country, State ...
Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
Strauss Mansion
Strauss Mansion
Official seal of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
Location of Atlantic Highlands in Monmouth County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Monmouth County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
Location of Atlantic Highlands in Monmouth County highlighted in red (left). Inset map: Location of Monmouth County in New Jersey highlighted in orange (right).
Census Bureau map of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
Census Bureau map of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
Interactive map of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey
Atlantic Highlands is located in Monmouth County, New Jersey
Atlantic Highlands
Atlantic Highlands
Location in Monmouth County
Atlantic Highlands is located in New Jersey
Atlantic Highlands
Atlantic Highlands
Location in New Jersey
Atlantic Highlands is located in the United States
Atlantic Highlands
Atlantic Highlands
Location in the United States
Coordinates: 40.411771°N 74.019836°W / 40.411771; -74.019836[1][2]
Country United States
State New Jersey
CountyMonmouth
IncorporatedFebruary 28, 1887
Named afterLocation overlooking Atlantic Ocean
Government
  TypeBorough
  BodyBorough Council
  MayorLori Hohenleitner (D, term ends December 31, 2027)[4]
  AdministratorRobert Ferragina[5]
  Municipal clerkMichelle Clark[6]
Area
  Total
4.56 sq mi (11.82 km2)
  Land1.26 sq mi (3.27 km2)
  Water3.30 sq mi (8.54 km2)  72.35%
  Rank282nd of 565 in state
20th of 53 in county[1]
Elevation266 ft (81 m)
Population
  Total
4,414
  Estimate 
(2023)[10]
4,383
  Rank399th of 565 in state
36th of 53 in county[11]
  Density3,491.9/sq mi (1,348.2/km2)
   Rank195th of 565 in state
21st of 53 in county[11]
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (Eastern (EST))
  Summer (DST)UTC−04:00 (Eastern (EDT))
ZIP Code
Area codes732 exchanges: 291, 708, 872[14]
FIPS code3402502110[1][15][16]
GNIS feature ID0885143[1][17]
Websitewww.ahnj.com
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Atlantic Highlands contains Mount Mitchill, the highest point on the eastern seaboard south of Maine, rising 266 feet (81 m) above sea level.[21] The borough's name comes from its location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.[22]

Atlantic Highlands was incorporated as a borough by an act of the New Jersey Legislature on February 28, 1887, from portions of Middletown Township, based on the results of a referendum held that day. The borough was reincorporated on September 1, 1891.[23]

Atlantic Highlands was part of the Bayshore Regional Strategic Plan, an effort by nine municipalities in northern Monmouth County to reinvigorate the area's economy by emphasizing the traditional downtowns, dense residential neighborhoods, maritime history, and the natural beauty of the Raritan Bayshore coastline. The plan has since been integrated into the county's 2016 Master Plan.[24]

History

Atlantic Highlands as seen from Sandy Hook, New Jersey

The town overlooks where the Atlantic Ocean and Raritan Bay meet at Sandy Hook, and its hills mark the highest point on the eastern seaboard of the U.S.[25] south of Maine.

For hundreds of years, the original inhabitants were the Lenape, who lived in and along the cliffs and creeks of Atlantic Highlands. The Lenape traded with the Europeans and sold a group of English settlers an area that covered the entire peninsula that was named Portland Poynt. The area was laid out with 10 lots in 1667, making them the first European residents of present-day Atlantic Highlands.[26]

Colonists convened the first Assembly of New Jersey in 1667 in what is now Atlantic Highlands.[27] During Revolutionary War years, loyalists to the British crown and patriots of the new America clashed in repeated raids and counterattacks across these lands. Retreating English troops passed through after their defeat in 1778 by George Washington at the Battle of Monmouth.

During the late 1800s, the many farms were subdivided by resort developers, church groups and builders who created the Victorian core of the borough, attracting thousands of visitors and year-round residents.

In 1879, a surveyor was engaged to lay roads and lots for a permanent community. The Atlantic Highlands Association was formed by prominent members of the Methodist Church. This organization developed the community of Atlantic Highlands.[28]

Individuals and groups came from New York City and the surrounding vicinity to camp along the water in tent colonies. An outdoor amphitheater was created with a large seating capacity and outstanding acoustics. An indoor auditorium was built, which was utilized for entertaining visitors at the camp meetings. In 1887, Atlantic Highlands was incorporated as a borough, containing 1.2 square miles (3.1 km2) of land bordering on the Raritan Bay.[23]

Major construction occurred from the 1880s through 1900. It included hotels, cottages, rooming houses, and private homes. A pier was built extending well into the bay to accommodate steamboats from New York City. The next twenty years saw rapid development within the community. A water and sewer system was constructed, cottages were erected, and the road system was completed. During this period of development a fire department was organized.

A number of churches saw their beginning in the 1880s: the Central Baptist, First Presbyterian, Saint Agnes Roman Catholic, First Methodist, and Saint Paul Baptist Church.

Atlantic Highlands became a haven for bootleggers during the Prohibition era.[25]

Steamer service was the most important transport during the formation of the borough, and continued through the 1940s. In the 1890s, rail service came to Atlantic Highlands. This opened up Highlands and points south to vacationers. The 1920s saw 26 passenger trains daily passing through the borough. The Central Railroad of New Jersey built a major pier at the end of First Avenue. Several trains at a time could continue to the end of the pier to offload steamboat passengers. From the 1910s through the 1940s, the steamers Sandy Hook and the Monmouth navigated the waters bringing businessmen and vacationers to Atlantic Highlands.

The Manhattan skyline can be seen from the borough's ridges and its shoreline. Pleasure, fishing and commuter boats sail from its harbor. The municipal harbor was built from 1938 through 1940 with municipal, state, and federal funds. It is the largest on the East Coast, home to 715 craft, including high-speed ferry service to New York City, which was introduced in 1986.[29] In 1966, the Central Railroad of New Jersey pier was destroyed by fire. Its rail route is now used by the Henry Hudson Trail.[30]

The bungalows on the East Side of the borough, which in the 1920s were summer bungalows, are now occupied year-round. Portland Pointe is a five-story residence for senior citizens.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the borough had a total area of 4.56 square miles (11.82 km2), including 1.26 square miles (3.27 km2) of land and 3.30 square miles (8.54 km2) of water (72.35%).[1][2]

The township borders the Monmouth County communities of Highlands and Middletown Township.[31][32][33]

Unincorporated communities, localities and place names located partially or completely within the borough include Brevent Park, Hillside, Hilton, Hilton Park, Navesink and Stone Church.[34]

Atlantic Highlands has a humid subtropical climate (Cfa) and average monthly temperatures range from 32.6 °F (0.3 °C) in January to 75.9 °F (24.4 °C) in July.[35] The hardiness zone is 7a or 7b depending upon elevation.

Demographics

More information Census, Pop. ...
Historical population
CensusPop.Note
1890945
19001,38346.3%
19101,64518.9%
19201,629−1.0%
19302,00022.8%
19402,33516.8%
19503,08332.0%
19604,11933.6%
19705,10223.9%
19804,950−3.0%
19904,629−6.5%
20004,7051.6%
20104,385−6.8%
20204,4140.7%
2023 (est.)4,383[10] Decrease−0.7%
Population sources: 1890–1920[36]
1890–1910[37] 1910–1930[38]
1940–2000[39] 2000[40][41]
2010[18][19] 2020[9]
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2010 census

The 2010 United States census counted 4,385 people, 1,870 households, and 1,186 families in the borough. The population density was 3,401.2 per square mile (1,313.2/km2). There were 2,002 housing units at an average density of 1,552.9 per square mile (599.6/km2). The racial makeup was 93.18% (4,086) White, 1.44% (63) Black or African American, 0.25% (11) Native American, 2.17% (95) Asian, 0.00% (0) Pacific Islander, 1.25% (55) from other races, and 1.71% (75) from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.13% (225) of the population.[18]

Of the 1,870 households, 25.5% had children under the age of 18; 51.9% were married couples living together; 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present and 36.6% were non-families. Of all households, 30.4% were made up of individuals and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.96.[18]

19.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 34.4% from 45 to 64, and 15.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45.0 years. For every 100 females, the population had 95.2 males. For every 100 females ages 18 and older there were 94.2 males.[18]

The Census Bureau's 2006–2010 American Community Survey showed that (in 2010 inflation-adjusted dollars) median household income was $82,127 (with a margin of error of +/− $10,511) and the median family income was $100,117 (+/− $16,562). Males had a median income of $73,021 (+/− $18,808) versus $51,207 (+/− $6,155) for females. The per capita income for the borough was $41,785 (+/− $4,864). About 2.5% of families and 5.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.9% of those under age 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over.[42]

2000 census

As of the 2000 United States census[15] there were 4,705 people, 1,969 households, and 1,258 families residing in the borough. The population density was 3,805.4 inhabitants per square mile (1,469.3/km2). There were 2,056 housing units at an average density of 1,662.9 per square mile (642.0/km2). The racial makeup of the borough was 94.37% White, 2.30% African American, 0.06% Native American, 1.23% Asian, 1.02% from other races, and 1.02% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.51% of the population.[40][41]

There were 1,969 households, out of which 26.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.7% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 29.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 3.00.[40][41]

In the borough the age distribution of the population shows 21.4% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 26.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.3 males.[40][41]

The median income for a household in the borough was $64,955, and the median income for a family was $79,044. Males had a median income of $60,857 versus $36,060 for females. The per capita income for the borough was $34,798. About 4.4% of families and 4.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 12.9% of those age 65 or over.[40][41]

Sports

Atlantic Highlands Recreation Committee runs many events in town throughout the year including a Summer Concert Series in the harbor, youth programs such as basketball in the winter and soccer in the fall.

Parks and recreation

Atlantic Highlands has a large park system with eight borough-owned parks and two county operated parks. One of larger parks is Lenape Woods. It is nestled among tall trees and steep slopes, Lenape Woods offers approximately 51 acres (210,000 m2) of natural woodlands and freshwater wetlands that are the headwaters to Many Mind Creek. Many groups and local residents volunteer their time to maintain the woods. Monmouth County operates two parks in the town, Henry Hudson Trail and Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook. Henry Hudson Trail runs 9 miles (14 km) from the Aberdeen/Keyport border at the intersection of Lloyd Road and Clark Street to the Atlantic Highlands border at Avenue D, and has been expanded to connect to Highlands.[43] Mount Mitchill Scenic Overlook is located about 266 feet (81 m) above sea level, at the highest natural elevation from Maine to the Yucatán, providing views of Sandy Hook, Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the New York skyline. This 12-acre (49,000 m2) site is also home to Monmouth County's 9/11 Memorial.[44][45]

Arts and culture

The town's history can be learned at both the Queen Anne-style Strauss Mansion Museum, and the local maritime museum.[46] Lodgings can be found at a number of cottages and inns, such as the Blue Bay Inn.

Entertainment venues include the First Avenue Playhouse, which offers dessert-and-dinner theater and puppet shows. Maritime attractions include a yacht club, marina and charter boats for fishing and touring. Other places of interest include a number of gift shops, galleries, and dining establishments.[25]

Atlantic Highlands is also home to two annual film festivals, FilmOneFest and Smodcastle Film Festival.

According to the Monmouth County Master Plan, Atlantic Highlands has been designated as an Arts, Cultural, and Entertainment (ACE) Hub, which is defined as municipalities that have a high concentration of arts and cultural activities to serve as a destination for both visitors and locals, usually including an active nightlife scene in proximity to said cultural activities. Only eight towns in Monmouth County share this designation, with two additional towns designated as upcoming ACE hubs.

Government

Local government

Atlantic Highlands is governed under the borough form of New Jersey municipal government, which is used in 218 municipalities (of the 564) statewide, making it the most common form of government in New Jersey.[47] The governing body is comprised of the mayor and the borough council, with all positions elected at-large on a partisan basis as part of the November general election. The mayor is elected directly by the voters to a four-year term of office. The borough council includes six members elected to serve three-year terms on a staggered basis, with two seats coming up for election each year in a three-year cycle.[3] The borough form of government used by Atlantic Highlands is a "weak mayor / strong council" government in which council members act as the legislative body with the mayor presiding at meetings and voting only in the event of a tie. The mayor can veto ordinances subject to an override by a two-thirds majority vote of the council. The mayor makes committee and liaison assignments for council members, and most appointments are made by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council.[48][49]

As of 2026, the mayor of Atlantic Highlands is Democrat Lori Hohenleitner, whose term of office ends December 31, 2027.[50] Members of the Borough Council are Council President Brian Dougherty (D, 2027), Jon Crowley (D, 2024), Alyson Forbes (D, 2026) Brian Gorsegner (D, 2028), Jose E. Pujols (D, 2027) and Kathleen Scatassa (D, 2028).[4][51][52][53][54]

Federal, state and county representation

Atlantic Highlands is located in the 6th Congressional district[55] and is part of New Jersey's 13th state legislative district.[56][57][58]

For the 119th United States Congress, New Jersey's 6th congressional district is represented by Frank Pallone (D, Long Branch).[59][60] New Jersey is represented in the United States Senate by Democrats Cory Booker (Newark, term ends 2027) and Andy Kim (Moorestown, term ends 2031).[61]

For the 2026–2027 session, the 13th legislative district of the New Jersey Legislature is represented in the New Jersey Senate by Declan O'Scanlon (R, Little Silver) and in the General Assembly by Vicky Flynn (R, Holmdel Township) and Gerard Scharfenberger (R, Middletown Township).[62]

Monmouth County is governed by a Board of County Commissioners composed of five members who are elected at-large to serve three-year terms of office on a staggered basis, with either one or two seats up for election each year as part of the November general election. At an annual reorganization meeting held in the beginning of January, the board selects one of its members to serve as director and another as deputy director.[63]

As of 2025, Monmouth County's Commissioners are Director Thomas A. Arnone (R, Neptune City, 2025),[64] Susan M. Kiley (R, Hazlet Township, 2027),[65] Erik Anderson (R, Shrewsbury, 2026),[66] Nick DiRocco (R, Wall Township, 2025),[67] and Deputy Director Ross F. Licitra (R, Marlboro Township, 2026).[68][69][70]

Constitutional officers elected on a countywide basis are Clerk Christine Giordano Hanlon (R, 2025; Ocean Township),[71][72] Sheriff Shaun Golden (R, 2025; Howell Township)[73][74] and Surrogate Rosemarie D. Peters (R, 2026; Middletown Township).[75][76]

Politics

More information Year, Republican ...
United States presidential election results for Atlantic Highlands[77]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
2024 1,249 42.98% 1,592 54.78% 65 2.24%
2020 1,243 41.68% 1,682 56.41% 57 1.91%
2016 1,197 47.18% 1,214 47.85% 126 4.97%
2012 1,124 48.32% 1,167 50.17% 35 1.50%
2008 1,287 49.94% 1,242 48.20% 48 1.86%
2004 1,350 51.68% 1,232 47.17% 30 1.15%
2000 1,104 46.17% 1,152 48.18% 135 5.65%
1996 885 41.36% 1,037 48.46% 218 10.19%
1992 995 41.29% 913 37.88% 502 20.83%
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As of March 2011, there were a total of 3,238 registered voters in Atlantic Highlands, of which 842 (26.0%) were registered as Democrats, 800 (24.7%) were registered as Republicans and 1,589 (49.1%) were registered as Unaffiliated. There were seven voters registered as Libertarians or Greens.[78]

More information Year, Republican ...
United States Gubernatorial election results for Atlantic Highlands[79]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
2025 1,026 41.64% 1,423 57.75% 15 0.61%
2021 1,006 48.41% 1,033 49.71% 39 1.88%
2017 827 47.89% 869 50.32% 31 1.80%
2013 989 64.47% 509 33.18% 36 2.35%
2009 1,020 57.30% 604 33.93% 156 8.76%
2005 939 53.26% 720 40.84% 104 5.90%
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In the 2012 presidential election, Democrat Barack Obama received 50.2% of the vote (1,167 cast), ahead of Republican Mitt Romney with 48.3% (1,124 votes), and other candidates with 1.5% (35 votes), among the 2,342 ballots cast by the borough's 3,329 registered voters (16 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 70.4%.[80][81] In the 2008 presidential election, Republican John McCain received 49.3% of the vote (1,287 cast), ahead of Democrat Barack Obama with 47.5% (1,242 votes) and other candidates with 1.8% (48 votes), among the 2,612 ballots cast by the borough's 3,454 registered voters, for a turnout of 75.6%.[82] In the 2004 presidential election, Republican George W. Bush received 50.7% of the vote (1,350 ballots cast), outpolling Democrat John Kerry with 46.3% (1,232 votes) and other candidates with 0.9% (30 votes), among the 2,663 ballots cast by the borough's 3,464 registered voters, for a turnout percentage of 76.9.[83]

In the 2013 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 64.5% of the vote (989 cast), ahead of Democrat Barbara Buono with 33.2% (509 votes), and other candidates with 2.3% (36 votes), among the 1,547 ballots cast by the borough's 3,357 registered voters (13 ballots were spoiled), for a turnout of 46.1%.[84][85] In the 2009 gubernatorial election, Republican Chris Christie received 56.9% of the vote (1,020 ballots cast), ahead of Democrat Jon Corzine with 33.7% (604 votes), Independent Chris Daggett with 6.9% (124 votes) and other candidates with 1.8% (32 votes), among the 1,794 ballots cast by the borough's 3,309 registered voters, yielding a 54.2% turnout.[86]

More information Year, Republican ...
United States Senate election results for Atlantic Highlands1[87]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
2024 1,217 43.31% 1,529 54.41% 64 2.28%
2018 1,042 48.33% 1,023 47.45% 91 4.22%
2012 1,182 52.74% 1,023 45.65% 36 1.61%
2006 965 53.31% 800 44.20% 45 2.49%
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More information Year, Republican ...
United States Senate election results for Atlantic Highlands2[88]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.%No.%No.%
2020 1,284 43.61% 1,611 54.72% 49 1.66%
2014 669 46.27% 736 50.90% 41 2.84%
2013 504 49.66% 496 48.87% 15 1.48%
2008 1,214 50.14% 1,145 47.29% 62 2.56%
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Transportation

Roads and highways

Route 36 in Atlantic Highlands

As of May 2010, the borough had a total of 24.59 miles (39.57 km) of roadways, of which 21.06 miles (33.89 km) were maintained by the municipality, 2.63 miles (4.23 km) by Monmouth County and 0.90 miles (1.45 km) by the New Jersey Department of Transportation.[89]

New Jersey Route 36 is the main highway running through Atlantic Highlands. The closest limited-access road is the Garden State Parkway, which is accessible via Route 36.

Public transportation

Atlantic Highlands is a stop for the SeaStreak Ferry, which travels from the East 34th Street Ferry Landing and Pier 11/Wall Street (with shuttle bus service to the World Financial Center) in Manhattan daily.[25]

NJ Transit provides local bus transportation on the 834 route.[90]

Education

Students in public school for pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade from both Atlantic Highlands and Highlands are served by the Henry Hudson Regional School District. The district came into existence as of July 1, 2024, through the consolidation of the formerly independent Atlantic Highlands School District and Highlands School District with Henry Hudson Regional High School into a single school district.[91] As of the 2024–25 school year, the district, comprised of three schools, had an enrollment of 725 students and 86.7 classroom teachers (on an FTE basis), for a student–teacher ratio of 8.4:1.[92] Schools in the district (with 2024–25 enrollment from the National Center for Educational Statistics[93]) are Atlantic Highlands Elementary School[94] with 282 students in grades PreK–6, Highlands Elementary School[95] with 153 students in grades PreK–6 and Henry Hudson Regional High School[96] with 278 students in grades 7–12.[97][98][99][100]

Notable people

People who were born in, residents of, or otherwise closely associated with Atlantic Highlands include:

References

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