Highland View: Family fun and more

All About Highland View

Description: Established in the 1990s, this west Brentwood neighborhood has traditional homes, mature trees and convenient access to Scales Elementary. Entrance: Entrance on Murray Lane No. of homes: 81 homes, all by Zaring Price range: No listings as of March 2011, but prices generally run from $450,000-$550,000 HOA dues: $750/year Utilities: Underground utilities Notes: 80 acres of common ground, with a nature trail and pool. Very active HOA, with an annual Easter egg hunt, July 4th parade and BBQ, bonfires and pool parties. Schools: Scales Elementary, Brentwood Middle, Brentwood High Website:  www.highlandviewhomeowners.org

West Brentwood neighborhood known for social activities

By AMY SPUMPFL
For Brentwood Home Page
Nestled among the rolling hills of west Brentwood, Highland View offers a winning combination of location benefits, along with a decidedly active social scene.

“We have a lot of Vanderbilt doctors, as well as residents who commute to Green Hills and West End,” says Annette Hutchinson, a realtor with Broker South Real Estate Partners and a Highland View resident for the past 11 years.

“It takes me about 15 minutes to get to my office in Green Hills. And for young families, you just can’t beat the schools. We’re right down the street from Scales Elementary, and Brentwood Middle and High School are close as well.”

Beyond location advantages, residents point to the neighborhood’s amenities and extensive social opportunities as key draws. Highland View boasts 80 acres of common grounds, including a pool and nature trail.

“The pool is a great gathering place, and we have a number of activities throughout the year,” says Mike Umphres, president of the Highland View HOA. “We have an annual Easter egg hunt, a Fourth of July parade and barbecue, a big bonfire, plus other gatherings such as progressive dinners and pool parties. Our social committee does a fantastic job.

"In fact a few years ago, Highland View was featured in Southern Living magazine as the place to be for the Fourth of July.”

Highland View includes 81 homes, built by Zaring Homes in the early 1990s. Hutchinson says most houses range from 3,000-4,800 square feet, with about 30 percent including walk-out basements. And although Realtracs.com shows no listings at the moment, Hutchinson says houses generally run from about $450,000-$550,000.

“I would say that about half of the home owners have remodeled or added on, so home values have done nicely,” she adds.

Umphres, who has lived in the neighborhood for 21 years, agrees, crediting the efforts of resident volunteers.

“This has been a great place to live and raise a family,” he says. “People take pride in their homes and the common grounds, and by working together, they have created a quality of life that is admirable.”