If there was ever a time to move to Palm Beach County, it is now. There are plenty of reasons to buy a house or condo in the area. If you want to live in a city with lovely weather, sandy beaches, and diverse culture, but cannot afford the high cost of living in Fort Lauderdale or Miami, West Palm Beach may be perfect for you! The vibrant area rests along the Intracoastal Waterway and offers an urban lifestyle full of great shops, eateries, and nightlife. With breathtaking views and no shortage of things to do, it is no wonder Palm Beach County attracts people of all ages. If you need more convincing, here are a few more things you need to know about life in the Palm Beaches.
1. A thriving economy and friendly job market
Palm Beach County is one of the nation’s top tourist destinations; approximately six million people visit the area each year. This employs 60,000 residents and brings in billions in revenue annually. The Port of Palm Beach and luxury real estate also attract high-net-worth individuals to the area.
The West Palm Beach area has also made headlines for its expanding job market, specifically its attractiveness to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Tourism in the city opens doors for residents who want to start a new business, as well.
2. Educational opportunities
The Palm Beach County School District is one of the largest in the nation, with 185 schools. The above-average district has one of the highest graduation rates in the United States. It also allows students to make a seamless transition between high school and college, giving students the resources to apply to seven community colleges and two major universities in the county. The district is also not too far from top-ranking colleges, including the University of Florida in Gainesville and the University of Miami in Coral Gables. It offers career services to its students, giving advice for job searches, military inquiries, volunteer opportunities, and much more.
3. Public events and community involvement are encouraged
One of the most notable qualities of the Palm Beaches is the culture of free public events around the county. Clematis by Night is one of the more popular traditions unique to the area, where residents can enjoy live music, food and drink specials, and an unbeatable social scene along the seaside. Other attractions include the 4th on Flagler tradition, twilight yoga at the Jupiter Lighthouse, and local green markets on the weekends. There’s an atmosphere of celebration in the Palm Beaches year-round!
4. Incredible nightlife
Another great aspect of Palm Beach County is the nightlife within Downtown West Palm Beach. There is something for everyone on Clematis Street, which is one of the most popular destinations for a night on the town. It is home to live music venues with local musicians, comedy shows, dancing scenes, and upscale nights out!
5. A large shopping scene
Palm Beach County has a wide array of shopping opportunities, which range from expansive malls to local boutiques! The Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens is a favorite among many locals, as it encompasses over 160 luxurious, fine specialty shops. CityPlace is also a popular shopping destination in Downtown West Palm Beach with 35 shops and even more restaurants. This shopping district has retained a strong presence within the county.
6. There are too many beaches to count
Beaches are what Florida is known for, right? Palm Beach County’s proximity to the waterfront entails an endless collection of beaches to relax on. Miles upon miles of the Atlantic coastline are available to snorkel, surf, kayak, and paddleboard along. You can join Loggerhead Marine Life Center’s tours to see mama sea turtles lay their eggs on the sand or watch baby hatchlings make their way towards the sea! Where else can sea turtles become your neighbors?
7. It’s the golf capital of the world
With numerous tournaments and events held year-round in Palm Beach Gardens, the current headquarters of the PGA has made its home here. Golf enthusiasts welcome the Honda Classic every year, a PGA Tour event which is hosted at the PGA National Resort and Spa. Palm Beach County also has the most golf courses than any other county in Florida! It’s no wonder Tiger Woods owns a swanky piece of real estate on Jupiter Island.
8. Spring is for baseball
South Florida baseball fans can enjoy spring training just up the road at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter. Two pro teams - the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins - practice here. Further south is the FITTEAM Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm, which hosts the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals Major League Baseball teams in the spring. There’s nothing better than the fan-friendly, intimate atmosphere of spring training in Florida’s warm weather!
9. There is an array of entertainment at your fingertips
The Palm Beaches boast performing arts with a tropical twist. The Kravis Center, more like the Broadway of the South, welcomes touring Broadway musicals, Miami City Ballet performances, Palm Beach Opera showcases, and much more. There are also smaller live theatres, such as Maltz Jupiter Theatre and the Lake Worth Playhouse that welcome tourists and residents alike. Palm Beach County is, of course, also the proud home of SunFest: West Palm Beach’s premier music festival on the waterfront.
10. You can enjoy incredible ecotourism
This county is home to 35 separate nature areas, spanning over 30,000 acres, which are dedicated to preserving South Florida’s pristine flora and fauna. Many of these areas are great for hiking and biking on the nature trails in the sunshine. These parks, including Riverbend Park and Jonathan Dickinson State Park, even have waterway access, where families can kayak or canoe in the Loxahatchee River.
Palm Beach County is Florida’s best kept secret. Whether you are here on a quick getaway or a long vacation, you will soon discover why Palm Beach County is one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Florida! For more information on real estate services from Palm Beach to Jupiter Island, contact a Tauber Real Estate Services Specialist at 561-626-4633.