Moving to Highland, Maryland
Highland, Maryland is located in the heart of Montgomery County and has a population of over 13,000. The city was founded in 1846 and incorporated in 1960. Highland is a diverse community with a mix of residential and commercial developments. Geographically, Highland is situated on a plateau overlooking the Potomac River and is surrounded by forests, parks, and open spaces. The climate in Highland is temperate with four distinct seasons – hot summers, mild winters, and warm springs and falls.
The history of Highland dates back to colonial times when it served as an important trading post for Native Americans. During the Civil War, it became an important center for the Union army. Today, Highland is governed by a mayor-council government system and is part of Montgomery County’s legislative district 9.
The economy of Highland revolves around its retail stores, restaurants, professional offices, schools, churches and other services that cater to its residents as well as those who visit from surrounding townships. The city has two public schools that serve students from kindergarten through grade twelve – Highland Elementary School and Highland High School – along with several private schools offering specialized learning programs for students from all backgrounds.
Highland has many landmarks that are important to its culture including the historic Church of St Mary’s built in 1820; the Old Stone House built in 1760; the Old Mill Inn which was built during colonial times; Montrose Mansion which was once owned by George Washington; Stoney Creek Manor which was once owned by John C Calhoun; and many more sites that are rich with local history.
Highland Beach was founded in the summer of 1893 by Charles Douglass and his wife Laura after they had been turned away from a restaurant at the nearby Bay Ridge resort because of their race. They bought a 40-acre tract on the Chesapeake Bay with 500 feet of beachfront and turned it into a summer enclave for their family and friends. It became a gathering place for upper-class blacks, including many of the well known personages of the age. Among the residents and guests were Paul Robeson, D.C. municipal court judge Robert Terrell and his wife Dr. Mary Church Terrell, Booker T. Washington, Robert Weaver, Alex Haley, Harriet Tubman, W. E. B. DuBois, and poets Langston Hughes and Paul Laurence Dunbar. Charles Douglass’ father, the famous abolitionist Frederick Douglass, visited and would have become a resident had he not died before the house that his son was building for him was completed.
When Highland Beach was incorporated in 1922 it became the first African-American municipality in Maryland. Although founded as a summer resort, it is now a town of year-round residents who choose not to permit commercial establishments. There are some sixty homes, many of them still owned and occupied by descendents of the original settlers. The residents are proud and protective of their town’s heritage, established over a century ago by proud and successful people determined to overcome the prejudices of their post-Reconstruction times.
Population by Education
Highland, Maryland is a small community located in Howard County with a population of 7,000 people. The median household income is $140,000, making it one of the more affluent areas of the county. The median home value is approximately $570,000 in Highland which is slightly higher than the county average. The cost of living in Highland is higher than most areas due to its high-end homes and amenities. Groceries are slightly more expensive than other parts of the county due to the lack of large grocery stores within the town’s limits. Dining out can also be quite costly because many restaurants in town are upscale and expensive. However, there are some moderately priced restaurants available for those on a budget. Shopping for apparel can be pricey as well since many stores cater to high-end shoppers. Despite these costs, there are plenty of recreational activities that families can enjoy without breaking their budget such as hiking trails and parks throughout Howard County that residents from Highland can take advantage of for free or at a minimal cost. There are also several outdoor festivals and events that occur during the summer months that provide entertainment for all ages at an affordable rate or even free admission.
