You're driving east out of Houston, past the sprawling refineries of Baytown, and suddenly the scenery shifts. It gets quieter. The 77562 area, better known as Highlands, Texas, feels like a different world than the high-speed concrete of Harris County’s urban core. Most people searching for the Highlands TX zip code are usually trying to figure out two things: exactly where the boundary lines fall and whether this unincorporated community is actually a good place to plant roots.
It’s 77562. That’s the short answer.
But the long answer involves a weird mix of industrial history, rural charm, and the constant hum of the San Jacinto River. Honestly, if you’re looking at this zip code, you’ve probably noticed that it doesn’t behave like a typical suburb. There is no "City of Highlands" government. It’s all handled by Harris County, which gives the area a bit of a "Wild West" vibe when it comes to zoning—or the lack thereof.
What Most People Get Wrong About 77562
A lot of folks assume that because Highlands is small, it’s just a neighborhood. It isn't. The 77562 zip code covers a surprising amount of ground, stretching from the banks of the river over toward Crosby and down toward the Ship Channel. If you live here, you aren't a Baytown resident, though your mail might occasionally get confused and your kids might end up in Goose Creek CISD schools.
The geography is tricky.
Some parts of the Highlands TX zip code are lush, wooded areas where you can own a few acres and a horse. Other parts are strictly industrial, serving the massive energy sector that keeps the Texas economy breathing. People often move here thinking they’ll get "Houston prices" with "country living," and while that’s mostly true, you have to be careful about where exactly in the zip code you land.
Elevation matters here. A lot.
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Because Highlands is tucked into a bend of the San Jacinto River, flood maps are the most important document you’ll ever read. If you’re looking at property in 77562, you aren't just buying a house; you’re buying a relationship with the water table. The 100-year floodplain isn't a suggestion in this part of East Texas—it’s a reality that has reshaped the town several times over the last few decades.
The Real Boundaries of Highlands Texas
So, where does 77562 actually stop? To the west, you’ve got the San Jacinto River. This is the natural wall that separates Highlands from Channelview. To the south, it’s basically the Houston Ship Channel and the industrial complexes. To the north and east, the lines get a little blurrier as you bleed into Crosby and Baytown.
You’ve got main arteries like Main Street (naturally) and Wallisville Road cutting through the heart of it. It’s a place where you can grab a burger at a local spot and then be on I-10 in five minutes. That’s the real draw of the Highlands TX zip code. It offers that small-town, unincorporated freedom while being close enough to the city that you aren't totally isolated.
Life in 77562: More Than Just a Number
Living in Highlands feels different than living in Pearland or Katy. It’s grittier. It’s more honest. You see a lot of blue-collar pride here, largely because so many residents work in the nearby plants or on the water. The demographic makeup of 77562 is a reflection of the Texas Gulf Coast—hardworking, diverse, and deeply connected to the local environment.
Education is a big talking point for anyone moving to the Highlands TX zip code. Most of the area is served by the Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District. This is the same district that serves Baytown. While the schools are generally well-regarded, especially for their vocational programs, it means your kids will be part of a much larger system than the small "Highlands" name suggests.
- Local favorites include the Highlands Community Center.
- Stratos Pier is a go-to for fishing enthusiasts who don't want to drive to Galveston.
- The San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site is just a stone's throw away across the water.
The "lifestyle" here is basically whatever you make of it. If you want to be a hermit on five acres, you can. If you want to be involved in every local bake sale and high school football game, there’s a place for you too. Just don't expect a lot of high-end sushi bars or boutique fitness studios. Highlands is a "boots and trucks" kind of town.
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The Economic Impact of the Highlands TX Zip Code
Money moves through 77562 in a specific way. It’s tied to the port. It’s tied to oil. It’s tied to logistics. Because of the proximity to the Houston Ship Channel, the Highlands TX zip code is a strategic hotspot for logistics companies. You’ll see massive warehouses and trucking hubs popping up on the outskirts of the residential areas.
For a homeowner, this is a double-edged sword.
On one hand, it keeps property taxes relatively manageable because the industrial base picks up a lot of the slack. On the other hand, it means you’re going to be sharing the road with a lot of 18-wheelers. Real estate in 77562 has seen a steady climb in value, not because it’s becoming "trendy," but because people are being priced out of Houston and Baytown. Highlands is one of the last places where you can find a decent-sized lot without a massive price tag.
But there’s a catch.
Insurance. When you’re looking at the Highlands TX zip code, you have to factor in windstorm and flood insurance. These aren't optional extras for most lenders in this area. It can add a few hundred dollars to your monthly mortgage payment, which catches a lot of first-time buyers off guard.
Why 77562 Still Matters in 2026
You might wonder why a random zip code in East Texas gets so much attention. It’s because Highlands represents the "Old Texas" that is slowly disappearing. As the Greater Houston area becomes more sanitized and suburbanized, places like Highlands keep their character.
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There’s no HOA telling you what color to paint your front door in most of 77562.
That freedom is a huge selling point. It’s also why the Highlands TX zip code is a magnet for small business owners. If you want to open a shop or a yard, you don't have to jump through nearly as many hoops as you would in a deed-restricted community in Sugar Land.
Navigation and Logistics
If you’re visiting or moving here, navigating the Highlands TX zip code is pretty straightforward. You’re likely going to use I-10 or Highway 90.
- The I-10 Corridor: This is your lifeline to Houston or Beaumont. It’s fast, but it’s often congested with refinery traffic.
- Wallisville Road: This is the "back way" into town and where you'll find most of your daily necessities like groceries and gas.
- Main Street: This is the historic heart. It’s where the parades happen and where the local flavor is most concentrated.
One thing to keep in mind: GPS can be a little wonky near the river. There are a lot of private roads and dirt tracks that look like thoroughfares on a screen but end in a locked gate or a boat ramp. If you're looking for a specific address in 77562, always double-check the satellite view before you head out.
Actionable Steps for Exploring Highlands TX
If you're serious about the Highlands TX zip code, don't just look at Zillow. You need to put boots on the ground to understand the nuances of this area.
- Check the Elevation: Go to the Harris County Flood Control District website and plug in any address you’re considering. See where it sits in relation to the San Jacinto River.
- Visit at Night: Highlands changes after dark. Some areas are incredibly peaceful, while others might be closer to industrial noise than you’d like.
- Talk to the Neighbors: People in 77562 are generally pretty chatty. They’ll tell you exactly which streets have drainage issues and which ones have the best internet service.
- Look at the Schools: Even if you don't have kids, the reputation of Goose Creek CISD schools in the Highlands area will affect your resale value.
- Evaluate Your Commute: Drive from Highlands to your workplace during peak hours. The Lynchburg Ferry and the Fred Hartman Bridge are your main ways across the water, and they can be bottlenecks.
Highlands is a unique slice of the Texas coast. It’s not for everyone, and it doesn't try to be. But for those who want a bit of space, a bit of history, and a lot of independence, the 77562 zip code is exactly where they need to be. It’s a place where the river still dictates the rhythm of life, and the zip code is just a label for a community that’s been doing its own thing for a long time.