Perched above the Raritan River, Highland Park established itself as an independent borough in 1905 after separating from Edison Township. This compact 1.8-square-mile community features well-preserved early 20th-century architecture, tree-canopied streets, and a pedestrian-friendly downtown along Raritan Avenue, where local businesses and eateries create a distinctive Main Street atmosphere.

Highland Park appeals to renters seeking a more personal living experience, with many homes dating back to the early 20th century, including those in the historic Livingston Manor district. The housing landscape features smaller apartment buildings, many with fewer than 50 units, alongside single-family homes and townhouses available for rent. The borough's location provides excellent commuting options, with easy access to Route 1, Route 27, and I-287, plus proximity to the New Brunswick train station offering direct service to Manhattan in about an hour.

The community has strong academic ties, having been home to Nobel Prize winners and professors from nearby Rutgers University. Residents enjoy the borough's two main parks — Donaldson Park along the Raritan River and the recently renovated Raritan Avenue Park in the center of town. With its mature trees, historic homes, and quiet streets just minutes from the employment centers of New Brunswick and Edison, Highland Park combines a traditional small-town setting with easy access to urban amenities.