Highland, IL real estate

One of the oldest remaining Swiss settlements in the U.S., Highland was founded in 1831 by a group of Swiss pioneers from Sursee, Switzerland. Originally named ‘Helvetia’, the town opted to change its name and discontinue its German language newspaper during the First World War. Today the Highland community remembers its Swiss and German heritage with fair booths at Kirchenfest. Home to around 9,500 residents, Highland is a small farming town that offers many opportunities to get involved, start up a business, try out a new career, or buy property in a small town with easy access to the urban scene of St. Louis.

Shopping and Dining

Because Highland is only thirty five miles from downtown St. Louis, residents of Highland are only a short drive from all the products and services they need. Within Highland there are a number of small shops, eateries and nationally recognized stores. You will find surfer-chic styles for guys and gals at Glik’s, or take a turn down Sportsman Road to find hard-wearing farm gear and apparel at Rural King. The Highland dining scene is casual and family-friendly. Whether it’s pressure-fried chicken at Farmer’s Restaurant and Bakery, or a decadent slice of the “Chocolate Overdose Pie” from The House of Plenty, Highland restaurants dish out down-home, comfort food at reasonable prices.

Parks and Recreation

When it’s time to get out and play, Highland has something for everyone. Madison County Transit (MCT) maintains a beautiful, tree-lined trail system that is open year-round. Rides and races, such as the Yellow Dog Bicycle Ride, are held throughout the year; giving residents a chance to feel the fresh air with their local cycling community. In June, adrenaline junkies can compete in the unpredictable Goomna Adventure Race; teams of three race to checkpoints via urban trekking, mountain biking, trail running, canoeing, and orienteering. Saturday nights you’ll find the stands filled at the Highland Speedway for UMP DIRTcar races. Every summer Highland hosts the Madison County Fair, providing good clean fun for families and friends. There are vendors, live music, demolition derbies and the annual Miss Madison County Fair pageant. For everyday fun and fitness, Highland residents head down to the immaculate Korte Recreation Center.

The first thing you will notice upon moving to Highland is the strong sense of community pride. Civic projects, volunteer organizations and various clubs work together to improve the overall quality of life in Highland. The Highland Arts Council, for example, is dedicated to expanding the role of the arts in education and helping local artists locate venues. Residents take good care of their homes and the streets are kept clean. As a result, the median home value in Highland is around $146,500.

Schools, Health and Transportation

Widely known for its outstanding teaching, Highland Community Unit School District includes five elementary schools, one middle school and one high school. Classroom sizes remain small, giving teachers the opportunity to help each student reach his or her potential. The St. Paul Catholic School, established in 1856, teaches pre-school through eighth grade. In the city of Highland there are several healthcare facilities, including St. Joseph’s Hospital and Highland Priority Care. In 2010, St. Joseph’s Hospital announced plans to build a state-of-the art treatment facility in Highland, making it possible for patients to avoid trips out of town for complicated therapies.

Commuting to and from Highland is easy since the town itself is conveniently located near Interstate 70. Madison County Transit provides bus service in Highland, including a Park & Ride stop, RideFinders carpool network, and Guaranteed Ride Home – a free taxi ride for MCT Express passengers who need quick transit for a family emergency or after a long day at work.

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, give us a call at (618) 789-5863 or send us an email to explore your options and to find out when is the best time for you to make a move.