Nestled quietly between the Atlantic Boulevard bustle and the tranquil green spaces of Pompano Beach, the Highlands neighborhood boasts a history as vibrant as its leafy streets today. As a longtime resident, I find that few newcomers realize how much legacy is woven into the fabric of this beloved area—every block, street corner, and local park has a story to tell. Let’s take a stroll through time and explore what makes Highlands truly special.
Early Origins: The Birth of a Neighborhood
Long before Highlands became one of Pompano Beach’s most inviting residential enclaves, this land was part of the wide-spread farming tracts that defined North Broward in the early 20th century. Much of the area now bounded by NE 18th Street to the south, NE 24th Street to the north, and stretching from Dixie Highway east to Federal Highway, was covered in tomato farms and bean patches. Settlers drawn by the Florida East Coast Railway brought with them dreams of prosperity, and the promise of fertile soil made the Highlands region especially attractive.
Naming the Highlands
The name “Highlands” has always inspired a sense of distinction. Locals say it takes its name from the slight elevation compared to the marshy lands further west and south—making the ground less susceptible to seasonal flooding in the days before modern drainage systems. When the first post-war subdivisions were platted in the 1950s, “The Highlands” evoked an image of safety, of community above the fray—quite literally, just a few feet higher than the rest!
Key Historical Milestones
- The Post-War Boom: By the late 1940s and early 1950s, Highlands saw its biggest transformation. Modest ranch-style homes began to rise along NE 19th Place and NE 20th Avenue, catering to returning World War II veterans and their families.
- Infrastructure and Schools: The opening of Pompano Beach Highlands Elementary on NE 18th Street in 1959 became a cornerstone for young families. Generations of children have passed through its halls, and it remains a hub of learning and local pride.
- Civic Growth: In 1960, Highlands’ residents organized one of Broward County’s earliest neighborhood improvement associations, advocating for paved roads, better lighting, and park space.
- Community Landmarks: The opening of Highlands Park, with its shady picnic tables and ball fields, offered a place for neighbors to gather, play, and celebrate.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
While homes with Old Florida terrazzo floors are the heart of the neighborhood, several buildings and streets stand out as symbols of Highlands’ heritage:
- Pompano Beach Highlands Elementary School: Located at 1400 NE 18th Street, this school has not only educated generations but also hosted countless neighborhood events, carnivals, and reunions—a cherished community institution.
- Highlands Park: Stretching along NE 41st Street, this green space features mature oak trees, a playground, and athletic facilities. It’s a weekend gathering spot where families picnic and local teams play ball.
- North Broward Community Church: A fixture since the 1960s, it has served as a spiritual and social anchor for the area.
- Dixie Highway Corridor: Once the main thoroughfare for produce trucks, Dixie Highway today is dotted with small businesses and reminders of the area’s agricultural beginnings, including the old citrus packing house, now repurposed as office space.
Evolution Over the Decades
- From Farmland to Suburbia: In the 1950s and ’60s, Highlands transformed from rough farmland to tree-lined streets filled with sturdy cinder-block homes. The focus was on affordable, family-centric living, and the area quickly earned a reputation for neighborliness—kids playing in front yards, block parties, and watchful front porches.
- Diversity and Renewal: Over time, Highlands welcomed newcomers from around the world. Today, it reflects the diversity of greater South Florida—where different cultures, languages, and family traditions enrich daily life.
- Modern Improvements: In the past two decades, the neighborhood has seen a quiet renaissance. As Pompano Beach has invested in infrastructure, sidewalks and charming signage have enhanced walkability. Young families and retirees alike are drawn to Highlands’ sense of history, its classic mid-century homes, and the mature tree canopy that keeps summer afternoons cool.
- Preserving Heritage: Residents take pride in maintaining the character of Highlands. While some homes have been tastefully updated, there’s a shared respect for the original designs, with overhanging eaves, carports, and pastel hues still gracing the landscape.
The Highlands Spirit: What Makes This Place Special
At its core, Highlands is more than a neighborhood—it’s a close-knit community. People greet one another on evening strolls along NE 20th Avenue or gather for chess games at Highlands Park. The annual neighborhood yard sale, a tradition dating back to the 1970s, is as much a reunion as it is an event.
What truly distinguishes Highlands is how the past and present combine. Original residents, now elders, share stories of the area’s farming roots with new arrivals, fostering a strong sense of continuity. The schools, parks, and churches anchor everyday life, just as they did decades ago.
- Small local businesses, many family-run, line Dixie Highway, giving the area an authentic sense of place.
- Holiday lights twinkle each December on NE 22nd Way, thanks to generations of families upholding tradition.
- The neighborhood association remains active, advocating for smart development and organizing social events that knit the community together.
Highlands Today: Looking Forward
As Pompano Beach continues to grow, Highlands stands as a reminder of what makes a neighborhood thrive: history, heart, and a strong community spirit. Whether you’re raised here or just arriving, the feeling of home is unmistakable—rooted in decades of stories, shared laughter, and steadfast pride in our corner of Pompano Beach.
Next time you walk the shaded sidewalks of the Highlands, pause a moment. Listen for a story at the park, admire a pastel-colored home, or strike up a conversation with a friendly neighbor. You’ll quickly discover why, after all these years, Highlands remains a treasured place to live.