If you drive just a few minutes north of downtown Southern Pines, you’ll find one of the town’s best-kept secrets: Highland Trails. Whether you’re new to Moore County or a longtime resident considering a move, this cozy neighborhood offers a blend of small-town community, beautiful natural surroundings, and a welcoming family vibe that draws in all kinds of homeowners.
A Warm and Welcoming Community Spirit
One of the first things you’ll notice about Highland Trails is the strong sense of neighborliness. Residents frequently greet one another on walks, gather for informal get-togethers, and look out for each other’s kids and pets. There are no strict homeowners’ association rules looming overhead, which means people are free to express their personalities through their homes and yards, but everyone takes pride in keeping the neighborhood tidy and friendly.
The typical Highland Trails vibe is relaxed, inclusive, and unpretentious. You’ll find lifelong Carolinians, transplanted military families, and retirees all sharing the same streets—and everyone seems to agree that Highland Trails is a truly special place to call home.
Types of Housing: Variety and Privacy
Housing in Highland Trails reflects the neighborhood’s mature, established feel. Most homes are single-family residences, built in the late 1970s through the 1990s. Expect to find:
- Spacious ranches and two-story colonials on large lots, often a half acre or greater
- Generous setbacks from the quiet, winding streets like West Michigan Avenue, Highland Hill Road, and Trotter Drive
- Many homes with wooded backdrops for extra privacy and abundant wildlife sightings
- Detached garages, workshops, and patios for outdoor living
Typical homes range from 1,800 to over 3,000 square feet, with plenty of room for gardens, playsets, or even backyard chickens (a popular option here). Thanks to the established landscaping, you’ll be treated to mature oaks, dogwoods, azaleas, and the chirping of birds in the mornings.
Walkability: Country Quiet with Close Connections
Highland Trails strikes a rare balance—close enough to downtown and major amenities, but tucked away just far enough to feel peaceful and secluded. While Southern Pines as a whole is known for its walkability, Highland Trails is more about wide, quiet streets perfect for evening strolls or bike rides.
- Most lots back up to wooded common areas or natural ponds, creating green buffers between neighbors
- Neighbors often walk dogs or kids ride bikes along routes like Glenwood Trail and Maplewood Lane, waving at those out tending flower beds
- Street traffic is limited to local residents or visiting guests, contributing to the laid-back pace
While sidewalks aren’t standard throughout the neighborhood, the quiet roads make walking and jogging comfortable and safe—plus, it’s just a ten-minute drive to the bustling shops and parks of downtown Southern Pines.
Top-Rated Schools and Family Friendliness
Families choose Highland Trails for more than just the beautiful lots. The neighborhood is zoned for some of Moore County’s most highly regarded public schools, making it especially appealing if you’re raising kids. The closest schools include:
- Southern Pines Elementary School—known for its supportive staff and active PTA
- Southern Pines Middle School—offering a range of extracurriculars and athletics
- Pinecrest High School—consistently ranked among the best in the region
You’ll spot children playing outside year-round, especially in the afternoons when the school bus drops them at corners like Stornoway Drive. Several mini play areas are scattered throughout, fostering impromptu games and friendships.
Parks and Green Spaces: A Nature-Lover’s Retreat
Perhaps the biggest draw of Highland Trails is its abundant green space. Many homes back up to scenic ponds, small creeks, or wooded conservation areas. While there isn’t a formal community park, locals love:
- Nature strolls along the trails that wind through the neighborhood—especially near the edges of Highland Hill Road
- Visits to Reservoir Park, just a five-minute drive away, offering lake views, fishing, picnic areas, and a walking greenway that connects to downtown
- Bird-watching and spotting deer, foxes, or turtles without leaving your yard
Gardeners will find the generous lots and sandy soils ideal for everything from azalea beds to vegetable patches.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety is a priority in Highland Trails, and it shows. Residents routinely mention feeling comfortable letting their children play outside until dark or leaving their doors unlocked. The lack of through traffic, combined with neighbors who know each other by name, help maintain a low-crime, secure environment.
Neighborhood watch groups and group chats keep everyone in the loop about local news, lost pets, or community concerns. It’s the kind of place where most people know who drives what car—and someone will always bring in your mail if you’re out of town.
Proximity to Downtown and Major Employers
One of Highland Trails’ best perks is its location. Though it feels like a natural hideaway, you’re just:
- 3 miles, or about 8 minutes, from the Southern Pines downtown district with its boutiques, restaurants, and First Friday festivals
- 10–15 minutes from grocery stores, health clinics, and all the essentials in both Southern Pines and nearby Aberdeen
- 20 minutes from FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital, a top area employer
- An easy commute to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg) for military families
Highway access via Midland Road means you can be on your way for a weekend adventure, or running a simple errand, in no time.
What Residents Love Most
If you ask Highland Trails locals why they love living here, you’ll hear the same themes again and again:
- The quiet streets and sense of space, with room for everyone to spread out
- Being greeted by name by neighbors, and feeling truly welcomed
- Abundant nature just outside their doors—without sacrificing convenience
- Excellent schools and a place where kids make lifelong friends
- The ease of reaching arts, shopping, or golf in Southern Pines without the hassle
It’s the best of both worlds: all the charm and friendliness of a close-knit community, plus the privacy and natural beauty that make each day feel special. For anyone looking for a place where life slows down just enough to savor it, Highland Trails is a neighborhood worth discovering.