The later development of the Erie Railroad (now Norfolk Southern) helped in the development of the resort communities of Yulan and Highland Lake. By the early part of the twentieth century, the town's major industry was catering to the summer visitors who traveled to Highland via the railroad. When the Erie Railroad ceased to carry passengers and the automobile became the main mode of transportation, Highland slowly emerged as a second home community. Many persons began to purchase homes for weekend, vacation and summer use. Today there are a good number of people who now make Highland their primary residence while commuting to the New York metropolitan area to work.