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Homes for Sale in Palm Beach County, FL
Known for its gorgeous architecture, beautiful high-end homes, and exclusive golfing community, Palm Beach County is a place synonymous with seaside luxury.
Palm Beach County is part of South Florida’s Tri-County Area, also known as the Miami metropolitan area. It has a total population of 1.2 million as of 2020 and is the third-most populous county in Florida.
In this guide, we’ll talk about the best neighborhoods in Palm Beach County, its significant landmarks, tourist attractions, and all the advantages of living there.
Welcome to Palm Beach County!
Occupying over 1,970 square miles of land and 413 square miles of water, Palm Beach County is one of the largest counties in the state of Florida.
It’s bordered by Broward County and Miami-Dade County to the south and Martin County to the north. To the east is the Atlantic Ocean, while Lake Okeechobee and Hendry County lie to the west.
Palm Beach’s balmy weather and tropical environment is one of the foremost reasons it became a popular tourist draw in the early 20th century. It was the top destination for Northern locals who sought to escape the harsh winters of their hometown and remains so to this day. The scenic waterways and Mediterranean structures of Palm Beach possess a timeless appeal, and millions of tourists travel every year from across the States to experience the five-star lifestyle.
Not to be confused with Palm Beach, which is a small city on a barrier island by the Intercoastal Waterway, Palm Beach County refers to a larger area comprising many cities and municipalities.
- It has 39 incorporated communities including the cities of West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Jupiter, Wellington, and Delray Beach.
- West Palm Beach is the county seat and the largest city with a population of more than 117,000.
- Gulf Stream, a small town with a population of little over 800, is the richest city in Florida as of 2020 with a mean income of $496,308. Palm Beach and Ocean Ridge rank 4th and 9th on the same list.
Getting In and Around Palm Beach County
Residents of Palm Beach County have easy access to some of Southeast Florida’s big cities. From Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale is an hour away by car (roughly 49.2 miles). West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale is only 37 minutes by commuter train and 1 hour and 40 minutes by bus.
Miami is over an hour’s drive from West Palm Beach and is also accessible via Brightline train and Palmland bus.
Palm Beach County Economic Development
Tourism, construction, and agriculture are the three prominent industries in Palm Beach County.
Supporting over 66,000 jobs, the tourism industry is charged with the bulk of the county’s economic success. A big percentage of the workforce can be found in hotels, restaurants, transportation services, and local attractions. With over 7.3 million tourists flocking to Palm Beach each year, the county earns an impressive $4.6 billion through food and beverage, lodging, retail, and recreational activities.
Agriculture is another major driving force in Palm Beach County’s economy. Roughly 526,000 acres of the county’s land is farmland, and nearly 400,000 acres is dedicated to sugar cane production. Palm Beach County is the country’s leader in the production of sugar and sweet corn. In Florida, it’s the largest producer of rice, bell peppers, Chinese vegetables, celery, lettuce, and radishes.
Recently, more businesses in the tech, science, and finance sectors have moved to Palm Beach County, specifically to the more urbanized cities of West Palm Beach and Palm Beach. Scientific and technical services are two of the highest-paying industries in West Palm Beach.
- 12,000 years ago: Native Americans settled in South Florida and parts of what is now Palm Beach County. By the 18th century, however, their population dwindled due to warfare and enslavement.
- 1838: The first documented non-Native settlement in the area when the U.S. Army established a fort in Jupiter.
- Late 19th century: Palm Beach County opened its borders to interstate trade with the establishment of the Jupiter and Lake Worth Celestial Railroad and Henry Flagler’s Florida East Coast Railroad.
- 1909: Palm Beach County officially became Florida’s 47th county after its separation from Dade County.
- Early 20th century: South Florida saw economic prosperity and a population boom. Historical districts were registered across Palm Beach County. In West Palm Beach, property values skyrocketed and the population quadrupled.
Palm Beach County is home to a few of the country’s most stunning estates, from high-profile waterfronts on Ocean Boulevard to Tuscan-style mansions in private golf clubs.
Residents are treated to an exceptional quality of life in one of Florida’s fastest-growing economic hubs. What’s more, Palm Beach locals have access to a wide variety of homes for sale.
Palm Beach County’s housing market includes luxury waterfronts, new construction homes, single-family properties, and condominiums all in a variety of styles, sizes, and price points.
Single-family Homes
Palm Beach has a broad spectrum of single-family homes on offer, ranging from elegant bungalows to spacious multi-story estates with acreage. Popular architectural styles include Mediterranean Revival, Italian Villa, Modern, and Mission Revival.
In the mid-range, buyers can expect to find spacious homes with 3 to 4 bedrooms, well-furnished interiors, and upgraded finishes.
The luxury market is largely dominated by multi-million dollar homes in communities populated by ultra-high net worth individuals. A wealth of upscale amenities is the norm here, and it’s rare to find a home without a private pool or expansive lot. Guest rooms, stone patios, chef’s kitchens, private gyms, and home theaters are also common.
Waterfront Properties
Waterfront homes in Palm Beach epitomize coastal luxury. Single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums can be found along the region’s pristine shorelines. High-end features are the standard, and many properties come with private docks – some with private beaches.
Among the many enviable features are private pools, guest accommodations, spacious bedrooms, and grand living spaces both indoors and out. In keeping with the resort-like atmosphere, these homes are often endowed with sophisticated spa-like bathrooms, uninterrupted water views, oceanfront loggias, and well-lit sunrooms. Privacy is established with large, expansive lots.
Condominiums
Upscale condos provide the pinnacle of lavish living in the Palm Beaches. From high-rise to low-rise, these properties offer all the amenities expected from the quintessential Palm Beach property. Notable establishments include Water Club North Palm Beach, City Palms Condominium, and One Watermark Place. Prices range from $120,000 for a 1-bedroom, 1bathroom unit to $14 million for a condo with at least 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms.
Stylish interiors with high ceilings, modern furniture, and the latest appliances are typical of luxury units. Expect a trove of features: 24/7 concierge services, wraparound waterfront views, state-of-the-art fitness facilities, and VIP lounges.
Top Cities and Communities in Palm Beach County
Boca Raton
Covering roughly 31.59 square miles, including five miles of coastline and 1,650 acres of recreational space, Boca Raton is the second largest city in the Palm Beaches. Developed around various Addison Mizner-designed buildings, this sprawling city is where business and leisure meet. It’s home to 47 parks and 30 corporate headquarters as well as the main campus of Florida Atlantic University.
Boca Raton offers some of the most diverse properties in Palm Beach County, with prices swinging from $80,000 to as high as $40 million. Housing types are equally varied: condos, single-family homes, and waterfronts are common, with a median home sale price of around $570,000.
If you’re after tropical luxury, explore Woodfield Country Club or Downtown Boca which offer an impressive lineup of upmarket homes. Those searching for affordable properties can find their dream home in the serene communities of Boca Teeca and Boca Raton Hills.
Boynton Beach
Located just north of Delray Beach and south of Palm Beach, Boynton Beach is a municipality with a population of over 78,600 as of 2019. Residents enjoy a resort-like lifestyle with seaside dining, a full-service marina, and an abundance of water activities such as parasailing, scuba diving, and deep-sea fishing.
Buyers can acquire a waterfront property at a reasonable price in Boynton Beach. At the higher-end are homes priced at $4 million to $5 million. These are typically 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom single-family properties with acreage. However, you can find a simpler 2-bedroom in a tranquil neighborhood for as low as $50,000.
Delray Beach
Best known for its vibrant community and exciting nightlife, Delray Beach is an award-winning neighborhood in Palm Beach County. Atlantic Avenue is the town’s major artery and the longest main street in Florida.
At the core of Delray is a beautiful arts scene, showcased through its many museums, theaters, and galleries. The famed Pineapple Grove Arts District is just north of Atlantic Avenue and houses renowned galleries and museums, while historic venues Arts Garage and The Delray Beach Playhouse highlight local productions.
Delray Beach has over 22 neighborhoods and a diverse housing market. Home values range from $80,000 for a 1-bedroom to over $25 million for a luxury estate with cutting-edge features, uninterrupted ocean views, at-home spas, and landscaped lawns.
Neighborhoods in Delray with a strong luxury market are Tropic Isle, Lake Ida Park, The Hamlet, and Delray Beach Association.
Jupiter
Jupiter is synonymous with a lifestyle of laid-back opulence. Palm Beach County’s northernmost town has a population of over 61,000 who enjoy breathtaking water views and a tropical climate year-round. WalletHub named it the 12th Best Beach Town in the United States in 2018.
Residents of Jupiter enjoy access to Jupiter Beach and the crystal blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Due to its idyllic location, homes in this neighborhood come at a high premium. At the low-range, properties cost around $230,000. Luxury properties, meanwhile, go well above $40 million, often found in the exclusive communities of Admiral’s Cove and Jupiter Country Club.
West Palm Beach
Reaching nearly a total area of 58 square miles, West Palm Beach is one of Florida's largest cities and the seat of Palm Beach County. It’s home to many tech and finance corporations, thanks to its business-friendly climate. Despite its status as an economic hub, the city offers a relaxed lifestyle with plenty of opportunities for recreation. It goes without saying that West Palm Beach is one of Florida’s most highly-desired locations.
West Palm Beach real estate is historically in-demand. The community boasts a diverse range of properties from Contemporary mansions to Mediterranean estates. Prices are equally varied: at the lower end, homes can cost an estimated $30,000, while higher-end homes stand at well over $20 million. Luxury properties can be found in the upscale communities of El Cid, South End, and Southland Park, while budget-friendly homes are more common in Dreher Park and Briar Bay.
Recreation
Golf
Dubbed Florida’s Golf Capital, the Palm Beaches are home to over 150 private and public golf courses. Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course is widely regarded as the best open-to-the-public course, serving players and guests front-row views of the Intercoastal and the Atlantic. Boca Raton’s Osprey Point Golf Club and Lake Worth’s Atlantic National Golf Club are equally praise-worthy, designed by experts to take full advantage of the area’s natural terrain.
Among the county’s private golf courses, Juno Beach’s exclusive Seminole Golf Club was named the Best Private Course in 2022 by Golfweek. The Donald Ross-designed fairways have seen plenty of prestigious members, including businessman Henry Ford II, former president John F. Kennedy, and NFL star Tom Brady.
Hiking Trails
Located west of West Palm Beach, Okeeheelee Nature Trail winds through 90 gorgeous acres of forest through a network of paved paths and natural walkways. Visitors can take a stroll, go birdwatching, and enjoy the various pines and palm trees from one of Palm Beach’s natural gems.
Over 31,000 acres of Palm Beach are made up of nature preserves, many of which offer public facilities and beautiful hiking trails, including:
- Dyer Park Trail
- High Ridge Scrub Loop
- Delray Oaks Nature Trail
- Jupiter Ridge Trail
- Royal Palm Beach Pines Loop
Fishing
Palm Beach draws many fishing enthusiasts for its deep waters and species variety. Bream and tailor are popular catches, as are large fish like peacock bass, mahi mahi, tarpon, and snook.
Equestrian Sports
The Palm Beaches host some of the country’s largest polo tournaments and equestrian events. The Winter Equestrian Festival and $100,000 World Cup, which bring in thousands of viewers every year, are held at Wellington International, one of the most prestigious venues in America.
Landmarks
Worth Avenue
It’s impossible to talk about Palm Beach without mentioning the iconic shopping district, Worth Avenue. The upscale, Addison Mizner-designed retail strip is an impressive Mediterranean building covering over four blocks with stores ranging from designer brands to vintage outlets and local consignment shops.
The Breakers Hotel
When business magnate Henry Flagler first opened the hotel in 1896, he named it The Palm Beach Inn. It sat on the beachfront grounds of the Royal Poinciana Hotel, another one of Flagler’s developments. The inn eventually earned its name from its guests who frequently referred to it as “the hotel over by the breakers.”
Education
Palm Beach is served by the Palm Beach County School District and has hundreds of top-ranking private and public schools for students of all levels. According to Publicschoolreview.com, the best public schools in the region are:
- Morikami Park Elementary School
- Bak Middle School of the Arts
- A.D. Henderson University School
- Florida Atlantic University High School
A comprehensive college education can also be achieved in Palm Beach County through the following institutions:
- Palm Beach State College has five campuses across the county and nearly 49,000 students. Over 100 programs are offered, including top-notch applied science, arts, and management courses.
- Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is part of the 12-campus State University System of Florida . With a main campus in Boca Raton and satellite campuses in Jupiter, Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Davie, and Fort Pierce, the college is one of the most easily accessible in South Florida. The public research university boasts stellar undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of fields ranging from art and business to information technology and health.
- Other institutions of note include Palm Beach Atlantic University, a Christian liberal arts school in West Palm Beach, and Keiser University, a college specializing in business and management.
Discover Your Dream Home in Palm Beach County
Moving to Palm Beach, FL means living in an exceptional community just steps away from world-class beaches. And when it comes to luxury homes for sale, no one knows the market better than Realtor, Brian Scharick.
Brian and the experts at Florida Exclusive Living share an in-depth knowledge of the most prestigious luxury markets in the Palm Beaches. We have access to special listings and off-market properties along with connections to local services that you won’t get anywhere else. As our clients, you don’t have to worry about finding the perfect home – we’ll do it all for you. Our group earned over $40 million in sales in 2021, and we can’t wait to welcome you to our roll call of clients who have achieved their real estate goals with our help.
Thinking of relocating to Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, or Miami-Dade? Find your dream property with Florida Exclusive Living! Give us a call at [ai_phone href="+1.954.644.9118"]954.644.9118[/ai_phone] or send an email here