If you’ve ever driven down Coastal Highway in North Ocean City, you’ve seen it. You’ve probably even used it as a landmark without realizing it. High Point South stands tall on 114th Street, a massive concrete and glass sentinel that defines the skyline of what locals call the Gold Coast. But here's the thing. Most people just see a big building and assume it's just another generic condo block.
They're wrong.
High Point South Ocean City MD isn't just a place to sleep after a long day of getting sunburned on the beach. It is a specific ecosystem of 1970s architectural ambition, modern coastal luxury, and one of the most stable real estate micro-markets in Maryland. It’s also got some quirks that might drive you crazy if you aren't prepared.
The Reality of Living at High Point South
Let’s get the basics out of the way. This isn't a new build. Construction wrapped up in the early 1970s, back when North Ocean City was basically a sandspit and a dream. Because of that, you get something modern buildings rarely offer: space.
Newer condos are built to maximize every square inch for profit. They feel cramped. High Point South was built with a different philosophy. The units are sprawling. We’re talking about massive two and three-bedroom floor plans that actually let you breathe. You aren't bumping elbows with your mother-in-law in the kitchen.
Most units feature a "split" floor plan. This is a lifesaver. It means the bedrooms are on opposite sides of the living area. Privacy actually exists here. Honestly, if you've ever stayed in a "luxury" new build on 50th street where the walls feel like they're made of wet cardboard, the solid concrete construction of High Point South will feel like a fortress. It's quiet. Well, as quiet as it can be when the Atlantic Ocean is roaring fifty yards away.
Location: 114th Street is the Sweet Spot
Location is a cliché, but at High Point South Ocean City MD, it’s the entire point of the investment. You are sitting directly on the oceanfront. No dunes blocking your view. No crossing the highway. You walk out the lobby, hit the deck, and your toes are in the sand in thirty seconds.
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But look past the beach for a second.
The 114th Street location is strategically perfect. You are directly across the street from the Food Lion shopping center. That sounds boring until you realize you don't have to fight Coastal Highway traffic just to get a bag of ice or a six-pack of Natty Boh. You can walk to Northside Park in about ten minutes. If you haven't been, Northside Park is the crown jewel of the city’s recreation—122 acres of piers, jogging trails, and the best fireworks show in town every Sunday in the summer.
Being this far north—specifically 114th—means you’re away from the "Boardwalk Chaos." The boardwalk ends at 27th Street. By the time you get to the 100s, the vibe shifts. It's quieter. The beach is wider. You don't have to wake up at 6:00 AM to stake out a spot for your umbrella. It’s a grown-up version of Ocean City.
The Amenities (and the "North" vs "South" Confusion)
People often get High Point North and High Point South confused. They sit right next to each other, like siblings that get along but have very different personalities.
High Point South has its own distinct perks. The heated outdoor pool is the obvious star. It’s large, well-maintained, and usually opens earlier in the season than the smaller boutique buildings nearby. There’s also a massive sun deck. If you're a "pool person" who happens to like the view of the ocean without the sand of the ocean, this deck is basically your mecca.
- Elevators: They are fast. That sounds like a small detail until you’re on the 10th floor with three bags of groceries and a crying toddler.
- Security: There is on-site management and 24/7 security during the peak season. In a town that swells to 300,000 people on weekends, knowing there’s a professional at the front desk matters.
- Parking: It’s a multi-level deck. You get assigned spots. In North O.C., a guaranteed parking spot is worth its weight in gold.
The Investment Side: Is It Actually a Good Buy?
If you're looking at High Point South Ocean City MD as an investment, you need to look at the numbers, not just the view.
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The building has an aggressive association. I say "aggressive" as a compliment. In coastal real estate, a passive HOA is a death sentence. Salt air eats buildings. It destroys HVAC systems. It corrodes railings. The High Point South condo association has a track record of staying on top of structural integrity.
A few years back, they did a massive project involving the balconies and the exterior "skin" of the building. It was expensive for the owners, sure. But it preserved the value of the asset. When you look at the resale history here, prices have remained remarkably resilient.
Rental income is the other half of the equation. Because of the 114th street location and the building's reputation, these units are "prime" for the weekly rental market. You can easily gross $30,000 to $50,000 a summer depending on the unit size and renovation level. Most owners block off a few weeks for themselves and let the tourists pay the mortgage for the rest of the year.
The Downsides Nobody Mentions
I’m not here to sell you a postcard. There are realities to an older high-rise that you have to accept.
First, the HVAC systems. Many of these units still utilize a "two-pipe" system or specific older configurations for heating and cooling. This can sometimes mean you don't have total control over switching from heat to AC during the "shoulder seasons" (May and October). You’re at the mercy of the building-wide changeover.
Second, the "Original" units. You will still find condos in High Point South that haven't been touched since 1978. I'm talking popcorn ceilings, mirrored walls, and laminate counters that have seen better days. If you're buying, look for a renovated unit or budget at least $50k to $80k to bring it into the 21st century.
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Third, condo fees. They aren't cheap. When you have a pool, security, elevators, and oceanfront maintenance, you pay for it. But honestly? You get what you pay for. Lower fees usually mean a building that's falling apart.
Hidden Perks of the North OC Lifestyle
Living or staying at High Point South gives you access to the "Local’s Ocean City."
Skip the tourist traps on the boardwalk. Walk over to The Kite Loft near 114th. Grab a coffee at Uber Bagels. If you want a real dinner, The Hobbit is just a short drive away and offers one of the best sunset views over the bay in the entire state of Maryland.
There's also the "Bus Advantage." The Ocean City Beach Bus runs right down Coastal Highway. For a few bucks, you can ride all day. You can hop on at 114th, ride down to the Inlet, eat some Thrashers fries, and ride back without ever having to worry about parking your car. It makes the "far north" location feel connected to the rest of the strip.
Practical Steps for Potential Owners or Renters
If you are seriously considering High Point South Ocean City MD, don't just browse Zillow.
- Check the Reserve Study: If you're buying, ask for the most recent reserve study. This tells you if the building has enough money saved for future repairs (like the roof or the pool). A healthy reserve is the difference between a stable investment and a "special assessment" nightmare.
- Verify the View: Not all oceanfronts are created equal. Because of the way the building is angled, some units have a "direct" ocean view while others have a "side" view. A side view is still great, but it shouldn't command a direct-view price.
- Inspect the Sliders: The sliding glass doors are the most important part of the unit. They take the brunt of the Atlantic storms. If they don't slide smoothly or if there's fogging between the panes, they need replacing. That’s a multi-thousand-dollar fix.
- Visit in the Off-Season: Ocean City in July is easy to love. Visit in February. If the building still feels solid and well-managed when the wind is howling at 40 mph, you’ve found a winner.
High Point South remains a cornerstone of the North Ocean City experience. It’s big, it’s bold, and it’s built like a tank. Whether you’re looking for a summer getaway or a permanent slice of the Atlantic, it offers a level of stability that’s getting harder to find on the coast. Respect the age of the building, appreciate the space, and enjoy the fact that you're exactly where everyone else wants to be.
Your High Point South Checklist
- Confirm the Floor: Higher floors (10+) offer panoramic views that can reach all the way to the bay on clear days.
- Check the Parking Deck Clearance: If you drive a lifted truck or a large SUV, check the height restrictions on the parking garage before you commit.
- Wifi and Cellular: Concrete buildings are notorious for "dead zones." Ask if the unit has been upgraded with a mesh network or if the building offers high-speed fiber.
- Rental Restrictions: Most units allow weekly rentals, but always double-check the specific condo bylaws regarding pets for renters—most buildings allow owners to have dogs but forbid them for tenants.
The North Ocean City market moves fast. Properties at High Point South don't sit on the market long because the "secret" of the Gold Coast has been out for decades. Do your due diligence on the specific unit's maintenance history, and you'll likely find it's one of the best spots on the shore.
Actionable Insight: Before booking or buying, request a "floor plan map" of the building. Units ending in certain numbers have significantly larger balconies than others, which can drastically change your experience of the ocean breeze. For buyers, always prioritize units that have already undergone the "popcorn ceiling removal" process, as this is the messiest and most tedious renovation to do yourself in a high-rise environment.