Nestled quietly in the northern reaches of Dothan, Alabama, the Highlands neighborhood stands as a testament to the city’s thriving growth, cultural evolution, and deep sense of community. To longtime residents, Highlands is not just a place—it’s a living story, rich with character, resilience, and a proud legacy. Whether you’re walking along its tree-lined avenues or relaxing in one of its neighborhood parks, the charm of Highlands is undeniable. Here’s a heartfelt journey through its history, notable landmarks, and unique transformations over the decades.
The Origins of the Highlands
The area now known as the Highlands began to take shape in the mid-20th century as Dothan expanded northward from its historic downtown core. In the postwar years, Dothan saw increasing demand for new housing, particularly among professional families and returning veterans. The city’s undulating, elevated terrain to the north—rolling above the Pea River basin—offered a striking contrast to the flatter city center. This higher ground inspired the neighborhood’s name: “Highlands,” evoking both its literal elevation and ideals of optimistic, upward living.
Visionary developers, many of whom were local residents themselves, invested in crafting a neighborhood that was both refined and welcoming. Wide streets, stately oaks, and custom-built homes became the trademark, distinguishing Highlands from the grid-like uniformity of earlier Dothan developments.
How the Highlands Got Its Name
The choice of “Highlands” as a name was deliberate, informed both by geography and aspiration. Early promotional brochures dating to the 1950s billed the area as “Dothan’s Highland Retreat,” a place above the hubbub of city life yet connected by the main arteries of Westgate Parkway, Murphy Mill Road, and Cherokee Avenue. The name further echoed a national trend of naming well-appointed suburban neighborhoods after scenic or prestigious landscapes, but in Dothan’s case, the topography provided a literal foundation for the identity.
Historical Milestones
Several key moments have defined the evolution of The Highlands:
- 1950s-60s: The earliest homes were built along what is now Highland Avenue and Tanglewood Drive, with families drawn to the burgeoning sense of community and the promise of peaceful living.
- 1966: The opening of Highlands Elementary School became a landmark event, attracting more residents with the promise of quality education within walking distance.
- 1970s: The creation of Westgate Park, bordering the Highlands, established an essential recreational space and further elevated the neighborhood’s appeal.
- 1980s-90s: As Dothan experienced economic growth, many homes in the Highlands underwent renovations and expansions, blending contemporary styles with the original stately homes.
- Early 2000s-present: The neighborhood maintained its position as one of Dothan’s most desirable areas, cherished for its established trees, quiet streets like Candlewick Drive, and proximity to community institutions.
Notable Landmarks and Institutions
The Highlands boast several landmarks that define its character:
- Highlands Elementary School: For over half a century, this school has stood as both an architectural and community anchor, serving generations of local children and hosting countless neighborhood events.
- Westgate Park: Located just southwest of the neighborhood, Westgate Park spans more than 200 acres, including walking trails, playgrounds, tennis and softball complexes, and the beloved Water World water park. For Highlands families, it's been the go-to spot for picnics, little league games, and summer fun for decades.
- First United Methodist Church (Highlands Campus): Serving as a spiritual and social hub, this church has brought together families for worship, fellowship, and outreach across generations.
- Highlands Branch Library (part of Dothan-Houston County Library System): This cozy neighborhood library has inspired countless young readers and served as a gathering place for book clubs, literacy events, and quiet study sessions.
- Cherokee Avenue Boulevard: Known for its well-landscaped medians and annual holiday light displays, Cherokee Avenue is as much a scenic drive as a central thoroughfare, connecting the Highlands with the rest of Dothan.
The Changing Face of the Highlands
Though new neighborhoods have appeared across Dothan over the years, the Highlands has sustained its timeless appeal by blending tradition with gentle adaptation. Many original homes—recognizable for their midcentury modern lines, brick facades, and expansive lawns—stand alongside newer constructions that reflect more contemporary tastes while honoring the area’s heritage.
Community involvement remains a hallmark of life in the Highlands. Residents actively participate in neighborhood associations, holiday events, and annual yard sales. The presence of mature oak and magnolia trees (many over a century old) provides a canopy of shade and living connection to the neighborhood’s early days.
The Highlands has also become increasingly diverse, welcoming families from across the country and world. Thanks to its convenient location near local hospitals, businesses, and recreational facilities, the area attracts both retirees and young professionals. This enduring blend of old and new is especially visible during the spring, when residents take pride in sprucing up their gardens, swapping stories along the sidewalks, and sharing homemade lemonade in true Southern fashion.
Why the Highlands Remain Special
Ask anyone who calls the Highlands home, and they’ll mention the intangible spirit that sets it apart. Maybe it’s the peaceful hush of Candlewick Drive at dusk, the robust turnout for school events, or the simple pleasure of a Saturday spent at Westgate Park. Neighbors know one another here—and look out for one another—preserving the essence of Southern hospitality as the world changes around them.
Even as commercial and residential development continues across Dothan, the Highlands stands as a sanctuary of stability and warmth. Generations have grown up beneath its canopy, forged friendships at its parks and schools, and built a legacy—one brick at a time—of community pride.
If you’re searching for a piece of Dothan’s heart, drive north from downtown along Cherokee Avenue or Murphy Mill Road. As you catch sight of the gentle hills, venerable homes, and neighbors waving from shady front porches, you’ll know you’ve arrived in the Highlands—where history is always close and the welcome is always genuine.