The Highlands History

Established in 1953

This northern most section of the city of Arcadia is nestled against the foothills, north of foothill Boulevard and east of Santa Anita to the Whispering Pines ridge. Primarily developed in the 1950's and 1960's under the guise of Santa Anita Improvement Company, it was headed by George W. Elkins, a developer, and automobile builder, El.L. Cord. Early residents of the area will remember when the area north of Elkins Avenue was a strawberry patch, and the center of Santa Anita then called "Double Drive" was a dusty equestrian trail.

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Homes in what is traditionally referred to as The Highlands are typically California ranch in style, very well maintained, and occasionally having views of the city lights below. Views are often blocked by the lush landscape and beautiful variety of trees that dot the area. A very quiet neighborhood in the which to live. Traffic is limited, as people are not going through the Highlands to go somewhere, but rather are residents coming to and from home.

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While the biggest homes and lots in Arcadia are not found in the Highlands, many feel this neighbored is wonderful for both privacy and value. And, the award winning and extremely popular Highland Oaks Elementary School and Foothills Middle School are located in the middle of the of the neighborhood, which have always greatly contributed to the property values.