Back in 1965, a group of forward-thinking founders, led by John McIntosh, recognized the overcrowding and poor conditions of public recreational facilities combined with suburban sprawl and urban development swallowing up rural land. Their solution was to create something special - a private community sustained by annual assessments.

Highland Glens, Inc. was born as a New York Stock Corporation with 1,000 shares, giving stockholders voting power to elect the Board of Directors and establish budgets at annual meetings. 

The transformation of 320 acres of overgrown farmland in northwest Wyoming County began in the fall 1965. The Francisco Brothers constructed our first lake (now called Loch Moy) in 1965. Little Lake followed in 1966, and McIntosh Lake completed the trio of lakes in 1972. All three lakes were designed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service. 

Dirt and stone roads carved through wilderness, utilities were installed, and in 1970, our water treatment plant and sewage treatment facility came online under strict state supervision.

Those who witnessed this transformation saw something special and it was all accomplished through volunteer effort and shared commitment. That founding vision of democratic governance and community stewardship still guides us today.

Highland Glens has no employees. Our board members and committee members receive no compensation. 

Who keeps our water flowing, our sewage treatment plant running, our roads maintained, and our lakes pristine?

We do. Together.

Every board member, every volunteer contributes because they're invested - literally and figuratively - in our shared paradise. The Highland Glens neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit is plentiful here and we're proud of it.

Our financial model is straightforward and democratic. All operating funds come from annual assessments that stockholders vote on at our December meeting. These assessments cover everything: water and sewer plants, road and lake maintenance, insurance, snow plowing, and taxes. Currently, we're also funding a special five-year assessment (2025-2029) to rehabilitate our sewer plant, ensuring it serves us well for decades to come.

This self-governance model keeps us accountable to each other. Four Board members are elected annually, creating continuity while allowing for fresh perspectives. Major decisions require stockholder approval. 

We take our environmental stewardship seriously, too. Our water quality is tested daily and monitored by Wyoming County and the DEC. We ask every resident to practice aggressive water conservation because we understand this precious resource sustains our community.

Highland Glens is our little bit of paradise! What began as a recreational development has evolved into a thriving residential community where neighbors know each other, volunteer together, and take pride in what we've built.

Located just 22 miles from Buffalo and 10 miles from East Aurora, yet when you're here, you feel worlds away. Our three pristine lakes - Loch Moy, Little Lake, and McIntosh Lake, offer swimming, fishing, and boating with electric motors only. Year-round and seasonal residents alike enjoy miles of shoreline, peaceful (yet sometimes bumpy) roads, and acres of woods perfect for evening walks. We are surrounded by natural beauty that makes you pause and appreciate where you are.

Today's Highland Glens reflects decades of careful stewardship. Our well-maintained water and sewer systems meet all federal, state, and local standards. Our roads are maintained, our lakes are healthy, and our property values reflect the care this community receives. The volunteer spirit that built Highland Glens sixty years ago is alive and well in many residents in our community.

Whether you're already part of our community or talking to others who may be considering joining us, remember: Highland Glens works because we work together. Your participation matters—at annual meetings, in following our rules and regulations, and in maintaining your property. Together, we're not just maintaining a neighborhood; we're preserving a legacy and a way of life.

 Welcome home! 

We're so glad you are here!