PALM BEACH COUNTY
Real Estate
|
2007 |
2008 |
4/2009 |
| Median Price* Single Family Home |
$369,000 |
$302,800 |
$234,400 |
| Median Price* Condominium |
$198,000 |
$143,000 |
$98,200 |
* Median Price of 101 homes sold would be that price which is lower than 50 of the prices and also higher
than 50 of the prices. In other words, there are homes and condominiums available in every price range in
Palm Beach County. Median prices shown above are for the West Palm/Boca MSA. The statistics are meant to give
you a feel for the area as compared to others you may be considering and to show the direction of the market.
Taxes
Visit
Buy a Home in Florida for comprehensive property tax information
Weather
Average High/Low in January 66/45, in July 89/70
Palm Beach County is the largest county in Florida with 1¼ million residents. With 47 miles of stunning coastline, Palm Beach County truly is an outdoor-lover's paradise. You can go fishing, diving and boating on the area's many waterways, and the pristine beaches along the Atlantic Ocean provide another venue to enjoy the county's natural recreation. As home to the Professional Golfers Association of America, Palm Beach County has long been known as a golfer's paradise, with more than 150 challenging courses.
Palm Beach, in the center of all this, epitomizes the social climate as a centuries-old playground of the rich and celebrated. Ever since railroad mogul Henry Flagler brought his railroad to town and erected fabulous hotels for his passengers, the town has been synonymous with luxury.
However, Palm Beach County is not only Palm Beach and not only for the super wealthy! The county has 38 municipalities and unincorporated areas including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach and Boynton Beach and offers the best in attractions, resorts, festivals, natural reserves, cultural venues and sporting activities. For the foodie in you, there are more than 2,000 restaurants. As part of Florida’s Gold Coast, Palm Beach County is close to several major Florida cities. Its 50 miles north of Fort Lauderdale, 70 miles north of Miami and 150 miles south of Orlando.
Events
Arts & Culture
Palm Beach County boasts a wide range of cultural opportunities, including music, theater, dance, museums and more. As home to the Palm Beach Broadway Series, Ballet Florida, Palm Beach Opera and the Florida Philharmonic among others, the incredible 2,198-seat Kravis Center for the Performing Arts welcomes world-class entertainers and popular artists to its stage each season. Likewise, the Sound Advice Amphitheater features state-of-the-art sound and lighting and a 7,000-square-foot stage. Music lovers can relax on the festival lawn or enjoy reserved seating in the beautiful open-air pavilion. In addition to more than 17 performing arts theaters, Palm Beach County is home to many notable museums, including the renowned Norton Museum of Art. Founded in 1941, "the Norton" is widely known for its permanent collection of 19th and 20th European and American art, Chinese art, contemporary art and photography. The museum also offers a number of special exhibitions, as well as educational programs and lectures. The Armory Art Center also offers a comprehensive selection of art classes, workshops and other special events. The nonprofit visual arts center also showcases the work of distinguished Florida artists, along with some national names. To learn more visit:
Parks & Recreation
Palm Beach County's award-winning park system offers the widest possible range of leisure opportunities. Over 8,000 acres of parkland are available to discover and explore. Sports, fitness, environmental, and cultural opportunities abound, as well as restful places for solitude.
The opening of Light Harbor Park in May 2009 is part of a much larger success story launched by Palm Beach County in 2002. Working from recommendations made following a boating needs assessment study conducted by representatives of local boating interests, a plan was developed that would enhance and expand much-needed boating facilities and opportunities in Palm Beach County.
John D. MacArthur Beach State Park in the northern part of the County is a barrier island that offers a unique mixture of coastal and tropical hammock and mangrove forest. It provides a haven for several rare or endangered native tropical and coastal plant species. The park's Nature Center shows visitors why the park is a biological treasure. Visitors can swim, picnic, and surf at the beach; scuba diving and snorkeling are also popular activities. Birdwatchers can see herons, brown pelicans, terns, sandpipers, and gulls. Anglers can fish in the lagoon by wading, kayaking, or canoeing. They can also fish from non-swimming areas of the beach.
Visit Your Florida Lifestyle for more information on fishing and our Guide to Establishing Florida Residency for Florida fishing license information.
Beaches
As you can well imagine, Palm Beach County’s 47 miles of coastline offers a plethora of beaches from which to choose and they are all beautiful!
For comprehensive information on all Florida beaches and gift certificates to the best Florida restaurants on or near them, check out
The Florida Beach Book!
Golf
It’s a well-earned Palm Beach County sports moniker – Florida’s Golf Capital™. Avid golfers can play
on championship courses that the Ryder Cup, the World Cup and the PGA Championships have all called home.
Palm Beach County is a golfer’s nirvana with over 150 private, semi private, resort and public courses. The county operates 5 courses:
For the devoted golf aficionado, Palm Beach County also hosts the Honda Classic and
the LPGA’s season ending ADT Championship.
Since its inception in 1976, the Palm Beach County Golf Association has been a cornerstone to the many excellent golfers residing in Palm Beach County. It is considered one of the finest local or regional golf associations in the country. The PBCGA boasts over 700 members.
Many of America's world-renowned professionals and amateurs reside in Palm Beach County. Jack and Barbara Nicklaus have been supporters of the PBCGA for many years. The Jack and Barbara Nicklaus Endowment Fund underwrites the Jack Nicklaus Junior Championship held annually at Bear Lakes Country Club. This tournament is considered one of the finest Junior events in the country.
Every year our tournaments provide a valuable training ground for many great golfers that may eventually turn pro. Past Champions include Mark Calcavecchia, Steve Hart, Micky Van Gerbig and Tom Knapp.
The PBCGA is not only for the scratch golfer. Every level of golfer can benefit from our tournaments. Handicap events are available to give all participates an equal chance to compete.
Visit Your Florida Lifestyle for more golf information.
Sports
Palm Beach County is home to 1,100 impressive private and public tennis courts including private
properties with exclusive tennis programs and facilities including those at Boca Raton Resort & Club; Four
Seasons Resort, Palm Beach; The Breakers, Palm Beach; PGA National Resort and Spa and The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach. Also a tennis haven, the 8,200 seat Delray Beach Tennis Center -- host of the Davis Cup quarterfinals in April 2004 where Boca Raton’s own Andy Roddick joined the rest of the American team as they took on Sweden. The Center is an ATP award winning public facility located in downtown Delray Beach. Palm Beach County is also home to the Chris Evert Tennis Academy, which provides year-long intensive training to tennis enthusiasts and week-long courses geared toward visitors.
As the national winter capital of polo, four major venues preside: Palm Beach Polo and Royal Palm Polo in Boca Raton, International Polo Club in Wellington, and Gulfstream Polo in Lake Worth. Both Palm Beach Polo and Royal Palm Polo have hosted world class polo matches. The excitement and challenge of championship polo has thrilled spectators for centuries. Horses gallop across the field at speeds in excess of 40 mph carrying world-class professional players. Recreational riding is also available in the riding centers throughout the county. Check out the following:
Visit Your Florida Lifestyle for more sports information.
Hospitals
Visit Florida Medical Resources for comprehensive information including Florida hospital ratings.
Colleges
For comprehensive information on Lifelong Learning, visit Your Florida Lifestyle.
Airports
Shopping
Palm Beach County offers a complete menu of shopping experiences including five major regional malls, unique specialty shops and boutiques. A trip to prestigious Worth Avenue in Palm Beach offers everything from Cartier and Chanel to Giorgio Armani and Gucci. The community also is home to countless art and antique galleries, featuring the very finest in paintings, glass, and porcelain and, of course, furniture. Boca Raton's Mizner Park in Southern Palm Beach County boasts an internationally renowned art museum, an eclectic mix of shops and galleries along with several notable eating establishments and a world-class outdoor amphitheater attracting some of the biggest names in popular music. Delray Beach's Atlantic Avenue or Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach offer a selection of fine boutiques and art galleries that make great locations for after-dinner strolls.
- Boynton Beach Mall
The Boynton Beach Mall features Macy's, Dillards, JCPenney, Sears and MUVICO-14 along with over 135 specialty stores and eateries.
- The Gardens Mall
Palm Beach Gardens. South Florida's premier shopping destination featuring Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Macy's, Sears and over 160 fine shops and restaurants in an exquisite indoor setting.
- The Mall at Wellington Green
Wellington. Over 160 specialty stores and restaurants. Anchored by City Furniture, Ashley Furniture, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Macy’s and Nordstrom.
- Town Center at Boca Raton
Boca Raton. More shopping choices with Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sears. Additionally, over 200 specialty stores are featured including Coach, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., A/X Armani Exchange, Crate & Barrel, Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma and many more.
- Atlantic Avenue District
Delray Beach. Atlantic Avenue offers traditional downtown shopping, complete with quaint brick sidewalks and gaslight-style street lamps. Featured are gourmet restaurants, cozy bistros and outdoor cafes in addition to boutiques, gift shops, jewelry stores, art galleries and antique shops.
- CityPlace
West Palm Beach. Reminiscent of an Italian town center, CityPlace is the most exciting destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. Enjoy over 60 shops, 30 restaurants, cultural arts theater and a 20-screen Muvico IMAX. Enjoy free weekend entertainment on the plaza in front of spectacular show fountains.
- Clematis Street District
West Palm Beach. A diverse collection of more than 50 shops and galleries and over 30 restaurants and clubs located near the Intracoastal waterfront.
- Mizner Park
Boca Raton. At Mizner Park, you can shop, dine and then unwind at the art museum, cinema or outdoor amphitheater.
- PGA Commons
Palm Beach Gardens. Offering 12 delectable restaurants, bistros and cafes with spectacular indoor and outdoor seating. Over 30 eclectic shops, galleries and spa.
Palm Beach County, Florida, Cities & Towns
Incorporated
- City of Pahokee
- City of Belle Glade
- City of South Bay
- Village of Tequesta
- Town of Jupiter Inlet Colony
- Town of Jupiter
- Town of Juno Beach
- City of Palm Beach Gardens
- Village of North Palm Beach
- Town of Lake Park
- City of Riviera Beach
- Town of Palm Beach Shores
- Town of Mangonia Park
- Town of Palm Beach
- City of West Palm Beach
- Town of Haverhill
- Town of Glen Ridge
- Town of Cloud Lake
- Village of Palm Springs
- Town of Lake Clarke Shores
- Village of Royal Palm Beach
- Village of Wellington
- City of Greenacres
- City of Atlantis
- City of Lake Worth
- Town of South Palm Beach
- Town of Lantana
- Town of Manalapan
- Town of Hypoluxo
- City of Boynton Beach
- Town of Ocean Ridge
- Village of Golf
- Town of Briny Breezes
- Town of Gulf Stream
- City of Delray Beach
- Town of Highland Beach
- City of Boca Raton
- Town of Loxahatchee Groves
Unincorporated census-designated places
Additional Resources
Palm Beach County Government http://www.pbcgov.com
Palm Beach County Tourism www.palmbeachfl.com
Featured Towns/Cities
Delray Beach
Delray Beach, the Village by the Sea, is a first-class resort town in Southern Palm Beach County next to Boca Raton and 20 minutes from Palm Beach International Airport. The rich patina of 100 years and historic preservation earned Delray the Centennial Medallion Award with New York's Central Park and San Francisco's Ghiradelli Square. The city has evolved from a small farming community 100 years ago to a developing residential area with a thriving downtown. Atlantic Avenue features shopping, galleries, dining, nightlife and three miles of award winning Blue Wave certified beaches. Atlantic Avenue is the heart of the entertainment district, a charming, and quaint setting from which to enjoy south Florida's relaxed lifestyle.
Delray has the largest beach in the County with plenty of parking. There are volleyball nets along the beach, and a nature trail and boardwalk in Atlantic Dunes Park. Delray also offers an abundance of water sports and boating activities. Boat owners can launch their crafts at ramps and docks at many local parks, such as Knowles Park, Veterans Park, Lake Ida Park and the Delray Marina.
The Downtown Delray Master Plan is a collaborative effort and unified vision to create a sustainable downtown that stretches from I-95 to the beach. It provides a framework in the downtown area while preserving the City’s character. The plan won numerous awards for serving as a national model on how to promote cultural and economic opportunity through diversity.
Take a look at the events in Delray Beach for the month of December:
- 12/3 Art & Jazz on the Avenue – Open house for restaurants, art galleries and shops along Atlantic Avenue, live entertainment, 6-10 pm
- 12/3 Famous 100-Foot Tree Lighting Ceremony – Old School Square, 5 pm entertainment, 6 pm Santa arrives and official tree lighting,
- 12/4 22nd Annual Chamber Golf Classic – Delray Beach Golf Club & Restaurant, breakfast before tournament at 7
- 12/12 Holiday Parade – Presented by Delray Beach Parks and Recreation, parade begins at Venetian Drive at 6 pm,
- 12/12 Ride & Remember Trolley Tour – Sponsored by the Delray Beach Historical Society and the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum, 90-minute tour will focus on Historic Districts
- 12/12 Kids Day at the Tree – Old School Square, visit Santa and play in the snow, special surprises at the Famous 100-Foot Christmas Tree
- 12/12-13 Delray Art League Outdoor Art Show – Veterans Park
- 12/14-15 Santa’s Calling – Community Center
- 12/19 Breakfast with Santa – Join Santa for a special breakfast at the Delray Beach Marriott
- 12/19 Narrated Bus Tour of Historic Delray Beach
- 12/26-27 Howard Alan Craft Show – Delray Beach Tennis Center
- 12/31 First Night® 2010 New Year’s Eve Celebration – Bring the entire family to enjoy visual and performing arts in non-alcoholic venues at various locations downtown
Downtown is certainly an option for living in Delray. Condos across the street from the ocean and on the Intracoastal are available as well as condos and town homes on Atlantic Avenue or within walking distance of it.
There are dozens of communities west of I-95, gated and non gated, country clubs with golf courses and those with limited amenities; pools, clubhouses and tennis courts. A west of I-95 location puts you 6-12 miles or 10-30 minutes from the beach and Atlantic Avenue; very convenient! Delray Beach is worth your consideration.
If you would like to get a feel for home prices in Delray Beach or Palm Beach County, visit www.zillow.com and search for recent homes sold.
If you would prefer to save precious time and would like personalized assistance, call or email us today to take advantage of our free Florida Relocation Services. We’ll answer all of your questions and if the timing is right for you, we’ll introduce you to one of the best real estate agents in Delray Beach who can provide detailed information and professional assistance.
