Living in West Palm Beach

Are you moving to the beautiful city of West Palm Beach, FL? Here are the ten things you need to know about living in West Palm Beach!

Located in South Florida on the Atlantic coast, West Palm Beach is part of the Miami Metropolitan area and is home to over 120,932 people. Most famous for its palm-lined streets, exciting nightlife, fun entertainment, unique cultural attractions, luxurious shopping areas, and abundance of outdoor recreation activities, it is no secret that West Palm Beach is worth visiting and moving to.

Located in Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is an hour and a half from Miami, an hour from Fort Lauderdale, and 32 minutes from Boca Raton, FL. Considered one of the best places to live in Florida and one of South Florida's most popular vacation destinations, more and more young professionals and families are moving to the area. Offering plenty of senior living options and a lively urban city center, West Palm Beach is an excellent place for all age groups.

So, if you are considering a move to West Palm Beach and want to learn why the city is so popular, then you are in the right place. With the help of this moving guide, we will discuss the cost of living, safety rating, job market, things to do, etc., to help make your moving decision easier when searching for homes for sale in West Palm Beach. Read on to learn more about life in West Palm Beach, FL.

Know these top ten things about life in West Palm Beach

Cost of Living and Real Estate Market 

West Palm Beach is separated from Palm Beach by three bridges. The cost of living in West Palm Beach is 14% higher than the national average. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), area prices in West Palm Beach have increased by 7.4% over the last year, with the largest housing, food, and transportation increases. 

Since housing is one of the highest expenses, the median list price for homes for sale in West Palm Beach is $1,158,547. The average real estate price per square foot is $526. With home prices trending upward year after year, West Palm Beach is considered a balanced market as of February 2023, meaning that the supply and demand for homes for sale are about the same.  

West Palm Beach is Safe

Described as a lively urban area that many tourists visit throughout the year, West Palm Beach has a high crime rate compared to the national average. According to NeighborhoodScout, West Palm Beach has a crime rate of 39 per every one thousand residents. With a high crime rate, one's chance of becoming a victim of property crime is one in 32, and violent crime is one in 137, higher than the Florida average. 

Even though West Palm Beach may have a higher crime rate, several safe neighborhoods are still great for raising a family. Still, knowing how to stay safe inside your home is essential. Always locking the door and considering installing a security system are good home safety tips when moving to West Palm Beach and any large city. 

Weather

Known for having a tropical climate, summers in West Palm Beach are hot and humid, while winters are mild and comfortable. Throughout the year, temperatures typically vary between 59 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit. According to WeatherSpark, the best time of year to visit West Palm Beach and enjoy outdoor activities is from late October to early May. 

August is the hottest month, with an average high temperature of 89 degrees and a low of 77 degrees. Meanwhile, January is the coldest month, with an average low of 60 degrees and a high of 74 degrees. Experiencing an average of 238 sunny days per year, pack your sunblock before moving to West Palm Beach. Receiving up to 63 inches of rainfall per average, the month with the most rain is June. 

Strong Job Market

West Palm Beach is a hub of commerce and industry, home to many large companies and successful businesses. Located in Palm Beach County, one of the nation's wealthiest counties, some of the top economic industries are luxury tourism, manufacturing, technology, and agriculture.

According to BestPlaces, West Palm Beach has seen a job market increase of 1.4% over the last year, and future job growth is predicted to increase by 39.4% over the next ten years. Some of the best companies to work for in the area include the Palm Beach County School District, Fidelity National Financial Corp, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and G4S Secure Solutions USA Incorporated. 

Nightlife

Beloved for its active and exciting nightlife, living in West Palm Beach will not disappoint. Full of trendy nightclubs, bars, lounges, comedy clubs, and music venues, the fun does not stop once the sun goes down. 

Check out these favorite local bars and nightclubs in West Palm Beach, FL:

• Camelot: Head to this trendy cocktail bar and lounge for fun dancing to music and enjoying good drinks.
• Roxy's Pub: This Irish-themed tavern features a pub menu, a dance floor, and beautiful city views from the rooftop.
• Respectable Street: Named one of the top live music venues in South Florida, this popular bar features comfy booths and a checkerboard dance floor with psychedelic murals on the walls.
• Renegades: This is the place for country music, line dancing, and mechanical bull riding.
• Lost Weekend WPB: This legendary bar is known for its retro arcade games, Mexican eats, live music, pool tables, beer, and delicious cocktails.

Beautiful Beaches

West Palm Beach is best known for its beautiful beaches that attract locals and visitors year-round. Living in West Palm Beach offers family-friendly beaches, fishing piers, and amazing sunsets, which means easy access to warm waters and days spent relaxing in the sand. 

Check out these favorite local beaches in West Palm Beach, FL:

• Delray Beach: Named one of the best beaches in the southeastern United States by Travel Holiday Magazine, this beautiful beach in Palm Beach County offers tropical beaches known for their natural beauty and laid-back beach vibes.
• John D. MacArthur Beach State Park: This barrier Island provides the perfect beach getaway and is a haven for endangered tropical and coastal plant species. Providing two miles of stunning beachfront, this beach is visited by many visitors to swim, snorkel, and sunbathe.
• Palm Beach: Attracting visitors and locals alike no matter the season, this fantastic beach is known for its warm blue waters and sunny weather.
• Ocean Reef Park: Featuring a 12-acre public beach with on-site lifeguards, this beach is a great place to bring the whole family for its playground, saltwater fishing areas, and picnic tables.
• Peanut Island: Accessible by water taxi and boat, this Palm Beach County Island offers unguarded swimming beaches and a snorkeling lagoon.

Education

As part of the School District of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is home to top-rated schools prioritizing quality education. Considered to be among the largest school districts in Florida, Palm Beach County is known to outperform all neighboring school districts. With 236 schools in the county serving over 189,805 students, there are 109 preschools, 146 elementary schools, 91 middle schools, and 59 high schools. 

According to the U.S. News, the student-teacher ratio in Palm Beach County is 16 to one. Here are some of the best public schools in Palm Beach County: 

* Data sourced from GreatSchools. 

Golf Courses

West Palm Beach is a golf paradise with 21 golf courses and four municipal courses. Not only do some of the world's best golfers live here, but the area's sun-soaked and pristine courses make it an excellent place for any level of golfer. 

Check out these top-rated golf courses in West Palm Beach, FL:

• West Palm Beach Golf Course: This historic golf course features 18 holes, elevated tees, and greens at this par 71 championship course. Surrounded by mature pines and palm trees, this affordable course is open to the public and ideal for all skill levels.
• Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course: Play at this 18-hole course with sand bunkers, water hazards, a driving range, and picturesque ocean views. This course has been rated as one of the best golf courses in the country.
• PGA National Members Club: This resort has five championship 18-hole golf courses reserved for members and guests. The most popular course, "The Champion," hosted the 1983 Ryder Cup and the 1987 PGA Championship.
• Madison Green Country Club: Located just minutes from Downtown West Palm Beach, this par-72 golf course is well-kept and considered one of the finest golf courses in West Palm Beach.
• Okeeheelee Golf Course: Featuring three nine-hole courses that can be combined into various 18-hole combinations, this breathtaking Florida golf course is known for its affordable price and excellent greens.

Festivals

When you are not spending the day at the beach or soaking up the sun on the golf course, check out some of the many festivals and events held near the waterfront in West Palm Beach. 

Add these West Palm Beach, FL events and festivals to your bucket list:

• Palm Beach International Boat Show: Located in Downtown West Palm Beach, this is one of America's premier yachting events in March.
• South Florida Fair: Held every January, this annual fair is located at the former Palm Beach Speedway and is a must-visit for fair food, music, animals, and rides.
• CANVAS Outdoor Museum Show: Considered the largest outdoor museum show, this annual art event in Downtown West Palm Beach during the second week of November brings together creative contemporary artists worldwide.
• The Palm Beaches Restaurant Month: With over 100 local restaurants offering prix fixe menus during August, visitors and residents can support local businesses and save big while enjoying a variety of dishes.
• Holiday in Paradise: Enjoy this month-long celebration in December with light shows, a 35-foot Sandi tree, and fun for the whole family.

Public Transportation

Driving by car is the best way to get around West Palm Beach. However, there are good public transportation options available. For only $2.00 per ride, The Palm Tran is a fixed-route passenger bus service that serves Palm Beach County. Cash, credit, debit, and digital wallets, including Google Pay, Apple Pay, and Samsung Pay, are accepted. 

A free local trolley service also directly connects to the Tri-Rail station. The Tri-Rail is South Florida's regional commuter rail system. Created in 2003, Tri-Rail spans 71 miles and connects Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade County and Broward County. Fares defer depending on destination and date of travel. 

FAQ's

Is West Palm Beach a good place to move to? 

West Palm Beach is a great place to call home in Southern Florida for its warm weather and laid-back fun culture.

Why are people moving to West Palm Beach? 

People are deciding to move to West Palm Beach for its top-rated amenities, world-class restaurants, shopping centers, beautiful beaches, warm weather, and abundant outdoor activities. 

Is West Palm Beach better than Miami? 

While West Palm Beach and Miami offer an exciting lifestyle, West Palm Beach is the better option for those looking to grow their careers and raise a family. 

Pros and Cons of Living in West Palm Beach, FL

Pros:

• Beautiful weather
• Low to no taxes
• Strong job market
• Excellent Education
• Beautiful beaches
• Exciting nightlife
• Active lifestyle
• Plenty of golf courses
• Fun events and festivals

Cons:

• Prone to hurricanes and natural disasters
• High humidity
• Risk of pest infestations
• High insurance prices 

Moving to West Palm Beach, FL - Final Thoughts

From its beautiful beaches to its top-rated golf courses, West Palm Beach has much to offer its residents, regardless of their age or interests. While moving to Miami might be the perfect location for individuals looking to focus on fun and the sun, moving to West Palm Beach is the better option if you want to grow your career and family.

Once you have decided to call West Palm Beach home, contact us here to be connected to one of our Realty Specialists when searching for homes for sale in West Palm Beach. No matter your budget, we are here to help and ready to answer any questions.

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