Is Highland Lakes a Good Place for Families? A Straightforward Guide From a Local Moving Pro

When families call me about moving around North Miami / Aventura, one question comes up over and over:

“Is Highland Lakes actually a good place for kids and day‑to‑day family life, or is it just hype?”

I’ve helped a lot of families move into (and a handful move out of) Highland Lakes, FL. Over time, you start to see patterns: who thrives there, what people love, and what ends up being deal‑breakers for some.

Let me walk you through it the same way I would if you called United Prime Van Lines and said, “We’re thinking about Highland Lakes—tell it to me straight.”

First, What Kind of Area Is Highland Lakes?

Highland Lakes is a quiet, gated residential pocket just west of Aventura and north of North Miami Beach. If you drove past it without knowing, you might miss it—it’s tucked right off I‑95, but once you’re inside, it feels like a different world from the busy main roads.

You’ll mostly see:

• Single‑family homes (a lot of them with yards)
• Tree‑lined streets
• Families walking dogs or pushing strollers in the evenings
• Very little commercial noise inside the community itself

If your idea of “home” is a calm neighborhood, but you still want quick access to city amenities, Highland Lakes fits that bill really well.

Safety: One of the Main Reasons Families Choose Highland Lakes

For parents, safety usually comes before anything else—even before school ratings or commute times. That’s one of the biggest selling points I hear from families moving into Highland Lakes.

Some things you’ll notice:

• Gated community feel: There are controlled entry points, which naturally limits through‑traffic and random cars cutting through the neighborhood.
• Low traffic inside the neighborhood: Most of the cars you see belong to residents or service vehicles. That makes evening walks, bike rides, and kids playing outside feel a lot more relaxed.
• Neighbors who actually pay attention: One consistent thing I hear from clients: “People here notice each other—in a good way.” Parents watch out for each other’s kids, and you don’t get that anonymous big‑city vibe.

Does a gate make anywhere 100% crime‑proof? Of course not. But the combination of limited entry, quiet streets, and a resident‑heavy community creates a safer, calmer environment than many open neighborhoods in the greater Miami area.

Schools Around Highland Lakes: What Parents Really Care About

Technically, Highland Lakes itself is a neighborhood, not a school district. But if you’re moving in with kids, what you really want to know is: “Are there decent school options nearby?”

Short answer: yes—especially if you’re open to both public and private options. Within a short drive, you’ll find:

• Public schools in the broader North Miami / Aventura area
• Charter options
• Private & religious schools (including well‑known Jewish day schools nearby)
• Preschools and early learning centers

Here’s what I hear from families who either already live there or have moved there with us:

• Many parents intentionally choose Highland Lakes because it keeps them close to specific schools or school bus routes they like.
• Carpool culture is strong—families help each other with pickups and drop‑offs.
• Because you’re so close to Aventura and North Miami Beach, you’re not locked into one single school option.

If schools are a top priority, I always suggest this:

1. Narrow down a few schools you really like.
2. Map the drive from Highland Lakes at drop‑off time, not just in the middle of the day.
3. Talk to parents already living there—park chats will give you more real info than any website.

Everyday Family Life: What It Feels Like to Actually Live There

A lot of places look great on paper, but day‑to‑day life is another story. Here’s what living in Highland Lakes tends to feel like for families.

Quiet at Home, Busy Just Outside

Inside the community, it’s calm: no late‑night bars, no loud commercial zones, no big box stores. But head just a few minutes out, and you’ve got:

• Grocery stores
• Pharmacies
• Aventura Mall
• Cafes and restaurants
• Doctors, dentists, urgent care

You get quiet at home plus convenience within a 5–10 minute drive, which is a sweet spot for a lot of families.

A Real Neighborhood, Not Just Houses

One thing families tell me after moving in: > “We actually know our neighbors now.”

People walk. Kids ride bikes. Parents stand around chatting while the kids run around. It has that “suburban neighborhood” feel that’s getting harder to find in a lot of South Florida. You’ll often see kids playing basketball in driveways, people walking dogs in the evenings, and families taking evening strolls after dinner.

Parks, Playgrounds, and Places to Burn Off Kid Energy

Within Highland Lakes itself, you’ve got residential streets that are pretty good for walks and bike rides. But the real win is how close you are to outdoor options:

• Local parks: With playgrounds and green space. Great for weekend picnics, tag, soccer, or letting toddlers run in circles.
• Aventura area parks: Short drives open up more playgrounds, walking paths, and open fields.
• Short drives to the beach: You’re not oceanfront, which makes things more affordable—but you’re not far. Family beach days are easy to do without turning it into a full expedition.

Commute and Location: Is It Practical for Parents?

Major Roads and Access

Highland Lakes sits right by I‑95 and main east‑west routes. That can be a huge plus if you commute to:

• Downtown Miami
• Fort Lauderdale
• Surrounding business hubs

Starting from a spot with quick highway access makes a big difference. You’re not inching your way through endless side streets just to get on the highway.

Working From Home?

For remote workers or hybrid schedules, Highland Lakes is nice because:

• It’s quiet during the day.
• You can step outside for a quick walk in a calm, safe environment.
• When you’re done working, you’re already “home”—without feeling stuck in a cramped, noisy area.

Cost of Living and Housing: What Families Should Expect

Let’s be honest: this is South Florida, near Aventura—you’re not shopping in the “cheap” bracket. But you’re also not in the absolute highest tier either.

Housing Style

Most families moving to Highland Lakes are looking for single‑family houses, driveways or garages, yard space, and enough bedrooms for growing kids or home offices. It’s not a big high‑rise condo area; it is more of a suburban, residential pocket.

Budget Reality Check

Is Highland Lakes more affordable than some Aventura high‑rises? Yes, especially when you factor in HOA fees. Is it cheaper than more inland suburban areas? Often no.

What you’re really paying for here is:

• Location close to both Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
• Safety and a gated neighborhood feel.
• Proximity to good amenities and schools.
• The “family neighborhood” atmosphere.

Pros and Cons for Families: No Sugarcoating

Let’s lay it out clearly the way I do on the phone when someone asks, “Would you live there with kids?”

What Families Usually Love

• Feeling of safety thanks to the gated layout and low through‑traffic.
• Quiet, residential vibe while still being close to everything.
• Strong community feel—neighbors know each other, kids actually play outside.
• Good access to schools, including private and religious options in the nearby area.
• Convenient location for both parents who commute and those who work from home.

What Might Be a Downside for Some

• Housing isn’t cheap: You pay for the location and lifestyle.
• You need a car: This is not a “walk everywhere” urban neighborhood.
• Limited nightlife inside the neighborhood: Great if you want quiet, not great if you want to step out your front door into bars and restaurants.
• Single‑family home responsibilities: Yard work, maintenance, etc.

Whether Highland Lakes is “good for families” often comes down to your personal equation: Safety + Quiet + Community + Location vs. Cost + Car Dependence + Maintenance.

What Moving Into Highland Lakes Actually Looks Like

If you do decide Highland Lakes is right for your family, the next step is getting there without losing your mind. That’s where we come in.

I’m part of United Prime Van Lines, and we help families move into neighborhoods like Highland Lakes, FL all the time. The questions we get are almost always the same:

• “Can you handle all the packing? We’ve got kids and no time.”
• “We’re moving from an apartment—how hard is it to move into a house with stairs?”
• “What if we’re not sure yet what we’re keeping or storing?”

How We Usually Help Families Moving to Highland Lakes

• Full-service packing: Our crew can come in with materials, pack up the kitchen, bedrooms, toys, closets—everything. You can read more about how we handle that here: Full-service packing.
• Furniture disassembly and assembly: Beds, cribs, sectionals, dining tables—we take them apart carefully and set them up again in your new home: Furniture disassembly & assembly.
• House-to-house logistics: Getting from a condo or apartment into a gated neighborhood like Highland Lakes is something we’re very used to.
• Storage if you’re not ready for everything at once: Some families want to downsize, declutter, or phase in furniture. That’s where our storage options come in handy: Storage.

The whole goal is to let you focus on the life transition—schools, routines, getting the kids settled—while we take care of the heavy lifting.

How to Decide If Highland Lakes Fits Your Family

Every time I talk to a client considering Highland Lakes, I walk them through a simple checklist:

1. Do we want a gated, quieter neighborhood—or do we prefer city energy right outside our door?
2. Are we okay with relying on a car for most errands?
3. Does being close to Aventura / North Miami amenities and schools matter to us?
4. Are we able and willing to pay a bit more to get that extra feeling of safety and community?
5. Do we like the idea of neighbors knowing each other and kids playing outside?

If your answers lean toward wanting safety, calm, and a real neighborhood environment, then Highland Lakes is very likely a good fit for your family.

So, Is Highland Lakes a Good Place for Families?

From what I’ve seen helping families move in and hearing their feedback months later: Yes—Highland Lakes is a very solid choice for families who value safety, a quiet neighborhood feel, and convenient access to schools and city amenities.

You’re getting:

• A peaceful, gated residential environment.
• A real sense of neighbor‑to‑neighbor community.
• Easy access to Aventura, North Miami Beach, and major highways.
• A location that works for both working parents and kids.

And if you do decide to make the move, my team at United Prime Van Lines can take you from “we’re thinking about it” to “we’re actually sitting in our new living room surrounded by boxes” with a lot less stress in between.

You can always learn more about how we work in Highland Lakes right here: United Prime Van Lines in Highland Lakes, FL.