Table of Contents
- Quick Overview of Palm Beach County
- North County Highlights: Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens
- Western Communities, Farms, and Equestrian Country
- West Palm Beach, the Barrier Island, and Coastal Towns
- South County Highlights: Delray Beach to Boca Raton
- Palm Beach County Lifestyle
- Getting Around Palm Beach County
- Palm Beach County Housing Types, Gated Communities, and New Construction
- How to Pick the Right Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle
- FAQs About Moving to Palm Beach County, Florida
- Final Thoughts
Quick Overview of Palm Beach County
Palm Beach County stretches along the Atlantic coast and is the largest county in Florida by landmass while ranking among the top by population. If you are considering moving to Palm Beach County, Florida, you are choosing a place with dramatic contrasts: a narrow, heavily developed eastern strip along the water and vast green preserves, farms, and wildlife areas to the west.
The county is the northern anchor of southeast Florida: it sits north of Broward and Miami-Dade counties and borders Lake Okeechobee to the northwest. That geography shapes lifestyle, development patterns, and where people choose to live.
How the Palm Beach County Is Laid Out and Who Lives Where
Most people live in the white band that hugs the coast on maps. That’s where the housing, business districts, and most services are concentrated. West of the main developed strip you’ll find farms, equestrian estates, and several communities zoned for larger lots and agricultural uses.
Key travel corridors: Interstate 95 runs north-south through the developed east; Florida’s Turnpike sits further inland; U.S. 1 hugs the coastline and is great for slow, scenic drives to local shops and farmers markets.
North County Highlights: Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens
Jupiter is the northernmost town many people recognize. It has a strong boating and coastal character, plenty of waterfront property, and an affluent mix of housing. Recent median values for single-family homes in Jupiter sit near the high sixes to low seven-hundreds of thousands.
Palm Beach Gardens sits just south of Jupiter and tends to attract families. It is an established suburb with lots of youth sports, tennis and soccer facilities, and traditional suburban neighborhoods. Median home values here are similar to Jupiter, reflecting the desirability of the area and limited oceanfront inventory.
Up north you’ll also find denser, planned developments like Abacoa which offer town-center living and smaller lot options for people looking to be within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Western Communities, Farms, and Equestrian Country
The farther west you go, the more acreage you can find. Areas such as Jupiter Farms, Palm Beach Country Estates, The Acreage, and Loxahatchee are where people buy land, keep horses, and live an agrarian lifestyle. Some neighborhoods even offer private airstrips for small aircraft.
If your priorities include acreage, no HOA, and space to garden, raise animals, or build out, these are the places to look. Keep in mind utilities and septic systems vary. Work with an agent experienced in land purchases to navigate wells, septic, and zoning rules.
West Palm Beach, the Barrier Island, and Coastal Towns
West Palm Beach is the metropolitan core. It sits opposite Palm Beach Island, a separate and very prestigious barrier island community. West Palm offers a walkable downtown, cultural institutions, galleries, and nightlife. If you want a walkable, mixed-use neighborhood where you can run errands by foot, prioritize West Palm Beach and nearby town centers.
Along the coast north and south of West Palm you’ll find a string of beach towns—Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, Delray Beach, and Boca Raton. Each town has its own flavor: arts festivals and coastal strolls in Delray, upscale shopping in Boca Raton, and excellent public beaches with free parking in parts of the northern coast.
South County Highlights: Delray Beach to Boca Raton
Delray Beach is known for a lively downtown, arts and craft festivals on the waterfront, and lots of boutique shops. Boca Raton has a more suburban, affluent profile and is often compared culturally to Broward County—almost a mini-region unto itself. Median home values in Boca and parts of the south county trend higher than many inland locations.
Palm Beach County Lifestyle
Living in Palm Beach County is an outdoor lifestyle. There are beautiful beaches with easy access—especially on the northern beaches where parking is often free. The climate supports year-round activity: road races, biking, paddle sports, boating, and beach days.
Golf is huge here. There are public and private courses, and the county has long been associated with high-level golf amenities. Tennis and pickleball are also incredibly popular. If a recreational calendar with golf, tennis, and pickleball matters, this place delivers.
Arts and culture punch above weight for a non-major-metropolitan county: museums, performing arts venues, aviation and marine centers, and children’s museums give the area unexpected cultural depth.
Shopping varies from outlets and large malls to boutique downtowns and upscale designers. Examples include the Gardens Mall, Harbourside Place near Jupiter, and downtown shopping clusters that are great for strolling and dining.
Palm Beach County Healthcare and Hospitals
Hospitals and specialty medical centers are abundant. For many people moving here, access to high-quality medical services is a major draw. There are hospitals in major population centers and specialty clinics for everything from oncology to orthopedics.
Getting Around Palm Beach County
Commuting is mostly car-based. Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike are the main arteries for north-south travel. U.S. 1 is the scenic coastal route that is perfect for weekend drives and farmers market stops.
Expect drive times: with no traffic, the trip from far north Jupiter to Boca Raton can take around 45 minutes. During peak hours or tourist season, travel times increase. The county does not have a dense public transit network, so a car is a practical necessity unless you plan to live and work in a walkable downtown.
There are rail options—the Tri-Rail and Brightline—and a high-speed connection that ties Orlando to Miami. Rail stops can be convenient for longer trips, but local first/last mile transit to and from stations is often required.
Palm Beach County Housing Types, Gated Communities, and New Construction
Housing diversity is one of the county’s strengths. You will find beachfront condos and highrises, zero-lot-line townhomes, conventional suburban single-family homes, equestrian estates, and land parcels. About half of the developments near the coast and in many suburbs are gated, so touring options on a quick in-and-out trip can be challenging without a trusted local agent.
New construction tends to cluster west of the developed eastern strip. Westlake is an example of a newly incorporated, master-planned city built mostly from scratch; it offers modern amenities and new schools. If brand-new homes are a priority, expect to look inland where larger parcels are available.
Typical price snapshots (spring 2025 estimates):
- Jupiter: median single-family value near $692,000
- Palm Beach Gardens: about $703,000
- Royal Palm Beach: around $513,000
- Wellington: around $676,000
- West Palm Beach: about $488,000
- Lake Worth Beach: ~ $450,000
- Delray Beach: around $520,000
- Boca Raton: around $718,000
If you need more info or want help narrowing neighborhoods, reach out — call or text 561-944-2811 or email Chris@EbStoneRealty.com. We're happy to help you plan your move.
How to Pick the Right Neighborhood for Your Lifestyle
Start by listing what matters most: proximity to work, school quality, ability to walk to coffee shops, access to beaches, acreage, or specialized amenities like polo fields or marinas.
If you want a walkable, urban feel and minimal car dependence, aim for downtown West Palm Beach or planned town centers like Abacoa. If a coastal boating lifestyle is your priority, look to Jupiter and the inlet communities. If you need land and no HOA, the western reaches—Jupiter Farms, Palm Beach Country Estates, The Acreage—are the places to consider.
Factor in commute tolerance. If commuting across the county is likely, think about whether you need to live near I-95 or closer to the Turnpike for faster access. For families, schools and youth sports infrastructure will likely drive neighborhood selection.
FAQs About Moving to Palm Beach County, Florida
Is moving to Palm Beach County, Florida expensive compared with other Florida areas?
Overall cost of living and housing prices tend to be higher in coastal and northern pockets of Palm Beach County. There are affordable inland pockets, but prime beachfront and certain suburbs command premium prices. Expect HOA fees and property taxes to add to costs in many communities.
What kind of transportation will I need after moving to Palm Beach County, Florida?
A car is the most practical option for daily life. Rail options exist for longer trips, but local public transit is limited, and many neighborhoods are car-dependent. If you want a walkable lifestyle, choose downtown West Palm Beach or specific town-center developments.
Are there good schools and healthcare options if I move to Palm Beach County, Florida?
Yes. The county has a mix of highly rated public and private schools and numerous hospitals including specialty centers. School quality varies by neighborhood, so review local school districts when choosing a home.
Can I find new construction or modern communities when moving to Palm Beach County, Florida?
New construction is primarily inland and in planned communities. Westlake is a notable example of large-scale new development. Coastal areas have limited new inventory due to land constraints.
Is it easy to tour homes if many neighborhoods are gated?
Because many communities are gated, touring without an agent can be difficult. Work with a local real estate professional who can arrange access and guide you efficiently through options that match your priorities.
What outdoor activities are available if I move to Palm Beach County, Florida?
Expect year-round outdoor activity: beaches, boating, fishing, flat hiking trails, biking, road races, golf, tennis, and pickleball. Parks and nature preserves are plentiful across the county.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Palm Beach County, Florida is a lifestyle choice as much as a real estate decision. The county offers a wide range of neighborhoods—from beachfront enclaves and lively downtowns to horse country and land-rich western communities. The right fit depends on the day-to-day lifestyle you want: walkability versus acreage, coastal views versus new construction, and quick commutes versus scenic drives.
Plan your priorities, research neighborhoods, and use local expertise to navigate gated communities and land purchases. When you match your lifestyle to the right part of the county, Palm Beach County rewards with great weather, vibrant community life, and ample recreational options.
