For those dreaming about enjoying the glorious sunshine year-round, moving to West Palm Beach, Florida could be the place for you. Home to gorgeous beaches, a vibrant culture, historic architecture, and more, West Palm Beach is an affordable city to live in when compared to expensive cities in Florida, such as Miami. Located along the Atlantic shore in Palm Beach County, this city has entertainment options sure to keep you busy. We’ve put together a handy guide detailing this bustling city to simplify your move and help you find out useful information about West Palm Beach. For your temporary storage needs during the move, check out our CubeSmart storage units in West Palm Beach, to give you the flexibility you need while finding a new home.
City Overview
West Palm Beach, also known as Orchid City or WPB, boasts of an extensive network of public transportation, featuring three main systems: Palm Tran, Tri-Rail, and Virgin Trains USA. A bus passenger service, Palm Tran operates buses connecting the various parts of the city. The Palm Tran CONNECTION is a special bus service that offers door-to-door assistance to disabled individuals or those with limited mobility. To travel to other destinations in South Florida, such as Miami, Tri-Rail is a convenient choice. Several trolley and shuttle services offer an easy way to reach nearby cities and towns within Palm Beach County, including Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and more. Even with a good public transport network, for easy and hassle-free commute within the city, a car is highly recommended.
One of the top perks of moving to West Palm Beach is the lower cost of living. Despite its proximity to the Miami metro area, stunning beaches, and great weather all year-round, the cost of living here is only 2% higher than the national average, which means your dollar will go further, making it attractive to retirees. Plus, Florida is one of the six states that doesn’t impose a state income tax, so your paycheck counts more, helping you afford a better lifestyle and save.
Real Estate Outlook
The median home price in West Palm Beach is about $250,000, which is lower than what you would pay for a similar-sized home in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metro area. If relocation is on your mind and you love the sun and sand, West Palm Beach offers affordable real estate, so you can own a home of your choosing. Buying that dream beach-facing house can turn into a reality when you decide to move here since housing costs are lower compared to other cities in South Florida.
For those looking to rent an apartment in the city, you’ll find well-furbished apartments in some of the area’s best neighborhoods at affordable prices. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,300, though it can reach $1,700 in the more expensive areas. Depending on the neighborhood, it’s possible to find inexpensive apartment rentals, averaging about $1,000-$1,200 for a one-bedroom unit. Try looking for apartments in North Tamarind, Oakton Lakes, or Century Village for wallet-friendly rentals.
West Palm Beach Communities
There are plenty of nice neighborhood districts in West Palm Beach that will cater to your needs. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly place or a swanky area with lots of entertainment, the neighborhoods here are diverse, giving you a plethora of exciting options from which to choose.
Flamingo Park
One of the most sought after neighborhoods in the city, Flamingo Park is well-known for its prime location. It’s located close to the plush shopping and eating outlets in Rosemary Square and is a short drive to downtown West Palm Beach and the bustling waterfront promenade. The Palm Beach International Airport is near this neighborhood, and the area is well-connected to the major state highways, making it easy to commute to and from this neighborhood. Flamingo Park is a safe neighborhood with low crime rates, making it ideal for families, retirees, and young professionals.
The Southend
Known for its beautiful architecture, the Southend is a popular neighborhood in the city. The district has well-regarded schools and is serene and tranquil, which ideal for families with kids and retirees seeking a quiet lifestyle.
CityPlace
For those looking to be in the thick of the action, CityPlace is a happening neighborhood. Bustling with retail outlets, malls, specialty boutiques, swanky bars, high-end restaurants, and more, you can live at a stone’s throw from your townhouse, apartment, or condo tower that line this area. This neighborhood is a fantastic choice for young couples and professionals who love a lively urban area.
Things to Do
West Palm Beach is a magnet for lovers of performing arts, music, and culture. Whether you’re looking for a rocking music concert, wanting to try out a new art form, or hoping to explore unique cuisine, West Palm Beach has you covered. The city hosts many iconic festivals that draw crowds from all over the country. The SunFest, for example, is a popular music and arts festival held annually in June. Don’t forget to check out the many art galleries and museums in the city to view rare art pieces from all over the world. On weekends, the city comes alive with several live music concerts happening all over. Catch up with friends and bond over all the amazing music and arts that the city has to offer. The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts is a professional performing arts theater in West Palm Beach that hosts plays, concerts, ballet performances, and concerts.
When you move to West Palm Beach, hanging out at the beach becomes a part of your routine lifestyle that friends in other parts of the country are sure to envy! The city boasts of 47 miles of pristine, white sandy beaches that are perfect for enjoying the warm Florida weather. WPB is home to some of Palm Beach County’s most iconic beaches, including Delray Beach, Juno Beach, and Palm Beach. Outdoor activities and opportunities to get up-close with the beauty of Florida’s wetlands are made available
with the many waterways, streams, rivers, and lakes in the vicinity.
For those wanting a taste of West Palm Beach’s nightlife, head to Clematis Street, which houses some of the city’s most famous bars. Respectable Street is a bustling spot that hosts several live music shows and upscale parties, giving you the perfect opportunity to let your hair down and have a blast.
It’s not just for nightlife, though. Family-friendly attractions for every age abound as well. Check out the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, where young minds can explore the aquarium, planetarium, and various exhibits relating to nature conservation, space, and technology. The Palm Beach Zoo is a must-visit for young families. With over 550 animal species on display, the zoo is sure to be a delightful experience for little ones that love animals.
West Palm Beach’s culinary scene rivals that of big cities. The Avocado Grill is a local eatery that prides itself on serving dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients and fresh seafood. The city has a great mix of upscale restaurants and small eateries that serve up fresh cuisine, catering to a wide variety of palates. Whether you’re in the mood for a full-course Italian meal or want to satiate your cravings for Southern-style comfort food, the restaurants here will tickle your taste buds.
Reasons to Move Here
The warm Gulf Stream weather is one of the top reasons why people love West Palm Beach. This warm underwater river that makes its way from the Gulf of Mexico gives the waters around WPB its lovely turquoise color and keeps them incredibly warm throughout the year. You can enjoy swimming and other water sports even during the colder months. The Gulf Stream also makes winters in WPB amazingly balmy – the only people who own winter coats are snow bunnies traveling for winter sports or those visiting family in colder states.
Those moving to West Palm Beach with school-aged children will appreciate the fact that the city is home to 185 top-notch schools, making it the 11th largest school district in the country. Apart from stellar early learning schools, the city also has seven state colleges and prestigious universities where students can carve out a great future for themselves.
The economy of West Palm Beach has steady growth, making it a great destination for job seekers and young graduates. There are plenty of jobs in the retail, hospitality, healthcare, and foodservice industries.
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