Living in Palm Coast 

Are you moving to Palm Coast, FL? Here is what it is like living in Palm Coast.

The beautiful city of Palm Coast lies between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine on Florida's northeast coast. As the most populous city in Flagler County, Palm Coast has a growing population of over 103,000 people and is home to many families and retirees.

Palm Coast is considered one of the best places to live in Florida and a popular tourist destination for its golf resorts, lush nature preserves, beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, and fun things to do. Offering a laid-back lifestyle and affordable housing to its residents, living in Palm Coast provides a suburban feel near the beach. 

If you are moving to Florida and considering calling Palm Coast home, you are certainly in the right place. Since moving can be stressful and often overwhelming, we have compiled this guide about what you should know before moving to Palm Coast to help you decide your relocation. 

Here are the seven top things to know about life in Palm Coast, FL 

Cost of Living 

The cost of living in Palm Coast is 13% lower than the national average and 14% lower than the state average. Offering great value and budget-friendly living, choosing to call Palm Coast home is an affordable option. Transportation expenses are 14% lower, grocery prices are 7% lower, healthcare prices are 7% lower, and utility prices are 17% higher than the national average, making Palm Coast an ideal place to retire. 

Considered 20.7% cheaper than living in Miami and 6.6% more affordable than living in Orlando, it is no wonder why so many people are moving to Palm Coast. With a median household income of $61,847, Palm Coast has quickly developed into a sought-after area that welcomes people of all income levels.  

Florida offers some of the most favorable living conditions; residents do not have to pay personal or state income taxes, as well as no inheritance or estate taxes. There are also no taxes on social security and pension income and income from an IRA or 401K, which is why Florida is such a hotspot for retirees. As one of the only nine states with no state income tax, residents can save more and spend the money saved elsewhere. 

* Data Sourced from PayScale. 

Real Estate 

Palm Coast is home to some of the newest real estate in the nation. With housing expenses that are 29% lower than the national average, finding an affordable home within your budget is possible in Palm Coast. With a median list price of $462,626, the average price per square foot is $224. Most homes for sale stay on the market for an average of 53 days. 

Known for having a somewhat competitive housing market, many homes get multiple offers, but hot homes sell quickly around the list price. Popular home types for sale in Palm Coast include single-family homes, townhomes, and condos. Palm Coast is an excellent place to live, with many fantastic neighborhoods that feature new construction and beautiful Mediterranean Revival homes. 

Education 

Palm Coast is part of the Flagler County Public School System, an above-average public school system in Florida. Teaching more than 13,000 students in Pre-K and grades K-12, the Flagler County Public School System strives to lead education and prioritizes preparing students for the future. 

Home to eight highly-rated public schools with an average math proficiency score of 52% and a reading proficiency score of 55%, the schools in Palm Coast rank in the top 50% of schools in Florida. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 16 and a minority enrollment of 41%, receiving a good education is part of living in Palm Coast. The schools in Palm Coast serve their community well by providing innovative programs for all skill levels and technology-infused learning curriculums. 

* Data Sourced from GreatSchools.

For those moving to Palm Coast in search of higher learning opportunities, there are three colleges located nearby that are accessible within an hour's drive. Flagler College in St. Augustine is a private, nonprofit four-year college that offers 33 undergraduate majors and one master's program. Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach and Daytona College in Ormond Beach are also relatively close. 

Beaches 

When most people think about Florida, they picture warm white sand, picturesque blue water, tall palm trees, and spectacular sunsets. Luckily, Palm Coast offers just that and more since the city is only 18 minutes from the nearest beach. Palm Coast is an ideal destination for your next family vacation or romantic getaway, offering some of the best beaches in Florida. 

Home to 19 miles of uncrowded beaches and multiple beachfront public parks that provide free parking and public access to the water, spending the day outside in the sunshine on the Atlantic Coast is one of the best things to do in this fun Florida city. A valid Florida paradise and laid-back beach town, the coastline in Palm Beach is the best place to sunbathe and hang out with friends, whether you enjoy shelling, building sandcastles, fishing, or participating in water sports such as kayaking, paddle boarding, jet skiing, or boating. 

Not to mention, situated between St. Augustine and Daytona Beach, locals and visitors can take advantage of Flagler Beach and Daytona without having to travel too far. One of the best ways to spend the day at the beach on Flagler Beach and the Palm Coast is to ride a horse through the surf and sand. Equestrian Adventures of Florida provides one of the most unique experiences on the beach at low tide. 

Check out these top-rated beaches in Palm Coast, FL: 

Flagler Beach: Located on Florida's Atlantic Coast between Daytona and St. Augustine, Flagler Beach offers miles of pristine beaches, waterfront restaurants, fishing opportunities, and warm weather. 

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park: This beautiful beachfront park near Palm Coast is famous for its gardens and access to the beach along A1A. 

Old Salt Park: This beachfront park is part of the Ocean Hammock Resort and is a famous dog-friendly beach with access to coquina rock formations. 

Varn Park: Found just North of Flagler Beach, this sought-after eight-acre beachfront park is a great place for walking, shelling, sunbathing, and birdwatching. 

Gamble Rogers: This 145-acre park is known for its gorgeous beach and boardwalk, with access to kayaking, canoeing, bike rentals, and fishing. 

Restaurants 

Dining out with friends and family is a great way to socialize and relax over excellent food, explore the local restaurants in your area, and enjoy an authentic tasting experience. Since Palm Coast is home to some of the best food in Florida, finding a delicious restaurant that serves food you will love is not hard to find. 

From fine dining experiences to casual restaurants with views of the waterfront, the restaurants in Palm Coast are unmatched and promise to provide quality food and friendly service. Even though Palm Coast has some of the top locally sourced seafood, various cuisines that feature a global twist to favorite everyday dishes are offered. 

Check out these favorite local restaurants in Palm Coast, FL: 

Portugal Wine Bar and Grill: Enjoy delicious Portuguese classics in this family-owned restaurant with a full bar, exciting atmosphere, and friendly service. 

Houligan's Palm Coast: Hang out at this Irish-themed sports bar for American comfort food, pub grub favorites, quick service, and good drinks. 

Mailing Asian Street Food: Dine on Asian street food favorites, including ramen, steamed buns, and sticky ribs, in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Metro Diner: Visit this local diner for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a warm atmosphere with welcoming service. 

386 A Fusion of Fine Dining: Order fresh seafood, aged steaks, and other New American favorites at this laid-back restaurant with a fantastic wine selection. 

Job Market 

If you are moving to Palm Coast searching for a job, you will be happy to learn that the Palm Coast economy employs over 36,500 people. With an economy growing over the last decade, the most prominent industries include tourism, medical device manufacturing, healthcare, and agricultural production services.

Considered an excellent place for entrepreneurs and small businesses, over 4,500 companies are based in Palm Coast. Experiencing a job market increase of 1.9% over the last year, future job growth is predicted to increase by 43.9% over the next ten years. Since the city's population is expected to double by the year 2035, the economic future for Palm Coast is bright as the area keeps growing. 

The Flagler County Public School System is considered one of the best places to work in Palm Coast since it has more than 2,500 workers, making it its largest employer. The next largest employer is AdventHealth Palm Coast, which has over 1,000 employees. 

Crime Rate 

Palm Coast is considered a safe place to live since it has a relatively low crime rate compared to other similar cities of its size. With a total rate of crime of 18.30 per every 1,000 residents during a year, Palm Coast is safer than 50% of other cities in the country. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime, which includes aggravated assault and murder, is one in 423, and the possibility of becoming a victim of property crime, which provides for theft and arson, is one in 133.

When moving to Palm Coast, buy a home in a safe neighborhood and follow safety tips to protect yourself and your home. Some safety tips include installing a security camera, getting to know your neighbors, and always locking your doors. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Palm Coast, FL 

Pros 

• Lower cost of living 
• Affordable housing prices 
• No state income tax 
• Diverse and growing job market 
• Access to beautiful beaches 
• Warm weather 
• Low crime rate 
• Many things to do 
• Great restaurants 

Cons 

• Risk of hurricanes 
• Risk of severe storms 
• High humidity 

FAQs 

Do hurricanes hit Palm Coast, Florida? 

Palm Coast occasionally receives hurricanes, which is why it is essential to prepare for them. The last time the Palm Coast area experienced a storm was in 2004, when Hurricane Charley passed over the region. Florida's Gulf Coast receives more hurricanes than the east coast. 

Is Palm Coast a wealthy area? 

Palm Coast is located between Daytona Beach and St. Augustine and is one of the wealthiest cities in Flagler County. Attracting many affluent people to the area, the median household income is $61,847. 

Is Palm Coast a safe place to retire? 

In 2022, Palm Coast was named the "Best Place to Retire in 2022" by Retirement Living. Considered to be a safe place to live, Palm Coast is an ideal place to retire for its low crime rate, lower cost of living, great restaurants, and many things to do. 

Is Palm Coast, Florida, walkable? 

Even though Palm Coast is a smaller Florida city, it is often not walkable, and most residents own a car. Downtown Palm Coast is considered to be the most walkable neighborhood. 

Moving to Palm Coast, FL - Final Thoughts 

Palm Coast, Florida, is a great place to call home for its warm and sunny weather, unique shopping and dining experiences, and proximity to the beach. Whether you are looking for a nice spot to retire or want to take advantage of the beautiful real estate and no state income tax this Florida city offers, Palm Coast has a little something for everyone. 

If you are ready to start your home search, contact us today to connect with one of our fantastic Realty Specialists. We are here to help.