Neighborhood Guide: Real Estate in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is a top destination to visit for the beautiful weather and easy lifestyle. Visitors from colder climates come to West Palm Beach to escape cold winters and bask in the year round warm weather. Even in the summer months visitors continue to flock here for the beaches, the many renowned golf courses, boating on the blue seas, and simply to enjoy the many tropical activities that make South Florida such an attractive destination.
Although West Palm Beach is a well known area amongst tourists, it is still more of South Florida’s best kept secret in comparison to its well known counterparts of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. South Florida is most known for 3 main areas; Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. These areas are prominent attractions for sun-seekers and popular amongst “snowbirds”. So what’s the difference between them you may ask? Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach are all vibrant cities in South Florida, but there are some distinct differences between the cities that make them unique in their own right. Miami, located in Miami-Dade County is a large city on the southeastern coast of Florida. It is known for its bustling nightlife, diverse cultural attractions, and vibrant Latin American influence. It is also home to many of the area's top professional sports teams and renowned entertainment venues.
Fort Lauderdale is located on the Atlantic coast within Broward County, it is known for its sandy beaches, luxury shopping, and laid-back atmosphere. It's a great spot to enjoy leisurely activities such as fishing, boating, and swimming. It's also home to a number of upscale restaurants, and beachfront resorts. Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are located about 70 miles apart.
West Palm Beach, located in Palm Beach County is known for its lush parks, cultural attractions, beautiful beaches, upscale shopping, family friendly environment, historic neighborhoods, and proximity to the nation's best country clubs and golf courses.
West Palm Beach has a lot to offer that makes it stand out from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. WPB has beautiful beaches, a vibrant downtown area with plenty of restaurants and shopping, and tons of outdoor activities including golf, boating, tennis, snorkeling, and scuba-diving (to name a few) all while maintaining an overall relaxed atmosphere. The cost of living in West Palm Beach is lower than both Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and the city has a more easy and laid-back quality. The many parks and nature preserves offer plenty of opportunities for exploration and relaxation. Overall, West Palm Beach is not only a great place to visit but also to live, making it a great option over both Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Residents of West Palm Beach maintain easy access to both these cities through the Brightline train station located downtown. We see many Palm Beach residents, especially those with flexible office/work from home schedules, will prefer to commute to work in Miami or Fort Lauderdale using the Brighline rather than relocate.
Downtown West Palm Beach Overview
Eateries, Entertainment & Beach Life
Downtown West Palm Beach has a more modern and urban feel to it, with a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as a bustling entertainment district. Downtown West Palm Beach offers plenty of great options for dining and entertainment! Quickly becoming a destination not just to visit, but to live all year round, here are some of the highlights what has to offer.
Clematis Street
If The Square doesn't tickle your fancy, for a more entertaining and bustling experience, Clematis Street may be what you’re looking for. Clematis Street is the entertainment hub of Downtown West Palm Beach with nightlife ranging from local pubs with live music to rooftop bars and nightclubs and many popular eateries, ranging from Mexican to Italian, to American. Enjoy some great food and walk along the waterway, or dance the night away - the choice is yours.
On the west side of the island, closer to Downtown, the trail runs along the Intracoastal Waterway for a calming view of the water, the city, and gorgeous yachts while you get your steps in. The trail itself is over 5 miles long so you can go for the gusto or start small. Another main attraction in Palm Beach is the luxury shopping along Worth Avenue. Dotted with trees, hidden gardens, and beautiful architecture, Worth Avenue is an upscale dining and shopping district home to many luxury brands and one-of-a-kind boutiques, stretching from the Intracoastal to the Atlantic Ocean.
Experience Culture
West Palm Beach is also an oasis for nature lovers, from paddling through freshwater wetlands to birdwatching for rare birds only seen in South Florida. There is also a lot to explore for those who are culture-inclined. Institutional landmarks like the Norton Museum of Art and the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts remain beacons of cultural programming. Taking advantage of Floridian sunshine, unique destinations like the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens bring cultural experiences outside.
West Palm Beach Has Only Gotten Better
Improvements over the past few years have made the city of West Palm Beach increasingly more desirable. From the real estate to the host of areas dedicated to entertainment and leisure activity, the city continues to come to life although it maintains its charm and balance of “big city, small town” appeal. The changes and iterations over the years of The Square (formerly known as CityPlace), as well as the improvements to Clematis Street and the addition of elevated condo and rental buildings have all allowed Downtown West Palm Beach to become more and more alluring. The landscape of the neighboring areas continue to improve and drive more interest to the city as a destination to call home all year round or live seasonally to enjoy warmer weather.
West Palm Beach Real Estate
At this point you may be wondering, “well what about the real estate? How livable is West Palm Beach really?”... coming right up! The Real Estate in West Palm Beach is truly highlighted by the beautiful backdrop of the tropical landscape, still waters of the Intracoastal, and the kiss of salt in the air naturally gifted from the shores of the beach. When it comes to living in West Palm Beach there are a variety of great areas to consider in this city depending on your specific needs and wants. From the bustling downtown area walking distance to nearly everything including the Intracoastal, to the quieter suburban and historic neighborhoods, to impressive waterfront new-construction and emerging areas, you'll find many great options to choose from. There are plenty of great properties available in the beautiful city of West Palm Beach. From single-family homes with ocean views, to condos with easy access to the beach, and everything in between, there is something to suit almost any lifestyle.
Downtown West Palm Beach Condos
Downtown West Palm Beach condos provide the chance to experience city-living in a unique and vibrant atmosphere. The area is located moments from the beach where many condos offer stunning views of the ocean and the Intracoastal, while others actually sit along the waterfront on Flagler for even better views. Enjoy everything that comes with downtown living including the serene yet bustling atmosphere and the opportunity to simply walk to its many shops, eateries, and entertainment.
Did we mention that Downtown is also well-connected? Easy access to The Brightline, makes transport between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach and Orlando, seamless. Less than 5 miles from Downtown is The Palm Beach International Airport and local highways. PBI is one of the most convenient and easiest airports to fly in and out of. It’s small and far less crowded than the other major airports making check-in and travel a breeze. Although this airport is smaller, travelers still have access to many of the same destinations.
You can find condos in downtown West Palm Beach to fit almost any lifestyle, from luxury high-rises to family-friendly residences with amenities that add to this tropical backdrop and easy downtown way of life. Some of the more prominent condominium buildings in the downtown area include The Bristol, Cityplace South Tower, Two City Plaza, One City Plaza, City Palms, Esplanade Grande, The Prado, The Edge and 610 Clematis. We’ll explain a bit about each of these buildings shortly. While these aren't the only condo residences in Downtown West Palm Beach, as local residents of the downtown area ourselves we've outlined only the top buildings that we’d recommend to a friend or family member planning to move to the area. Consider yourself as part of the inner circle, this list is a mix of newer high-end luxury buildings to more affordable buildings that still maintain a high level of quality.
CITYPLACE SOUTH TOWER
TWO CITY PLAZA
ONE CITY PLAZA
CITY PALMS
THE PRADO
Esplanade Grande
The Edge
610 Clematis
The Bristol
All residences have spectacular, flow-through layouts with east to west, ocean and city views. All Residences at the Bristol feature gracious floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, custom designed chef’s kitchens, Gaggenau double ovens, elegant master suites boast separate his and hers bathrooms featuring lacquer vanities, marble surfaces and the highest quality fixtures throughout. The exclusive, residents-only lifestyle amenities at the Bristol include the fitness center, pool, spa treatment rooms and spaces for socializing or conducting business. The wet spa area features his and hers private indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, soaking tubs, steam rooms, saunas, relaxation areas and lockers. The dry spa is located on the first amenity floor and features a dedicated beauty suite for private hair, manicure and pedicure appointments.
Historic Neighborhoods in West Palm Beach
If condo living isn't for you and you desire a more family-friendly residential lifestyle, West Palm Beach homes in historic neighborhoods are full of charm, with unique architecture, lush landscapes, and plenty of character. Some of the most popular and sought after neighborhoods include Old Northwood, Grandview Heights, Flamingo Park, and El Cid.
Old Northwood
Old Northwood is especially known for its historic Mediterranean Revival homes and Mission-style homes which reflect the historic development era of the mid-1920s made famous by Addison Mizner throughout South Florida. Many of these historic homes have been completely restored in recent years.
Grandview Heights
Located in the heart of West Palm Beach, Florida, surrounded by high-rises right off Downtown, the Grandview Heights neighborhood is adjacent to many downtown landmarks, including Howard Park, the Norton Museum of Art, CityPlace and the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Being one of West Palm Beach's oldest neighborhoods, Grandview Heights was mainly built in the 1910's and 1920's, with many different architecture styles used, such as Spanish Mission, Mediterranean Revival, Craftsman, Bungalow, American FourSquare, Art Deco, Mission Revival, and Dutch Colonial Revival.
El Cid
El Cid on the other hand is probably the most prestigious historic community in West Palm Beach, located just south of the Downtown area along the Intracoastal Waterway, known for its large, stately homes with plenty of charm. Beginning in the 1980s and continuing for the past 25 years, The El Cid neighborhood has experienced a rebirth with the renovation and restoration of many of the District’s historic homes. The El Cid neighborhood in West Palm is quickly becoming the alternative to living on Palm Beach Island, staying on the mainland side, but with quick access to Palm Beach amenities.
Flamingo Park
Flamingo Park in the heart of West Palm Beach, is a great mix of historic homes, bungalows, and renovated homes just biking distance to The Square and Clematis St. These single family homes were built starting in the 1920’s and continue today. Many Flamingo Park homes provide residents with wooden floors, fireplaces, walk-in closets, French doors, open balconies, attics, cottages, garden views, Florida rooms, covered patios and large swimming pools.
The Southend
Another area worth mentioning is The Southend neighborhood also known as SoSo. It is the "new" hot neighborhood along West Palm Beach's waterfront on the south side of WPB. A great place to live, with a variety of restaurants and shops, and easy access to the beach and Downtown WPB. As for the real estate, The Southend has become sought after for families, and with a clear trend of smaller old homes being ripped down, to give way to new construction of larger more modern, liveable homes. Soso is west of South Dixie, along Flagler Dr and runs from Southern Blvd to the Canal, before West Palm Beach becomes Lake Worth. The Southend, was mainly built in the 40's and 50's and features many "ranch" style concrete block homes from that era, a good amount of mid-century modern, and then a diverse architecture list from there - everything from ultra modern to Mediterranean. The area has become very popular with many homes being renovated as great restaurants and shops open along the Dixie corridor.
New Construction Condos in West Palm Beach
It's a very exciting time for new construction condos in West Palm Beach. There has been pent up demand for years, for many retirees and 2nd home buyers looking for larger floor plans in a condominium in Downtown WPB. Traditionally, West Palm Beach condos have featured smaller floor plans which were developed with short stays in mind, as well as being very affordable. With that in mind, we did not have a lot of true luxury condos by todays standards. But in the last 10 years, there has been a hunger for larger, more liveable modern floor plans. Good news! They are coming and here are the best new options below.
South Flagler Corridor
We believe most people relocating to the area, especially from the northern states, are most excited about the luxury new-construction residential projects coming to West Palm Beach. The South Flagler corridor is quickly becoming the ultra-luxury condo address in Downtown WPB featuring only the most sought after condo buildings in the city. These different buildings are allowing, and making room for a completely new way of life in West Palm Beach, bridging the gap between timeless elegance, modern and contemporary design, all transplanted amongst an easy-going, breathable backdrop and lifestyle experience. Along the South Flagler section of West Palm Beach as I previously mentioned, The Bristol made way for some other ultra-luxury buildings to be built including La Clara, Forte on Flagler and South Flagler House all along the waterfront.
La Clara
La Clara’s 25-story tower overlooks the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean with 83 bespoke 1 to 3 bedroom residences. These condos range from 1,500 to over 3,000 square ft, all featuring expansive private terraces. Located on picturesque South Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach, just over the Royal Park Bridge - midway from West Palm Beach's lively downtown city center and the renowned Palm Island. Residents won't have to choose between the two; they can have the best of both. The luxury of never having to leave the grounds will be made possible by the abundance of amenities and expertly designed interiors. The building is currently completely sold out as the final stretch of the construction is being completed. Residences elegantly transition from spacious private terraces to light-filled interiors. Hariri Pontarini Architects' exquisitely completed interiors reflect the clean modernism and genuine passion of La Clara's design. The finest materials are expertly finished, the best American and European brands are used for the fixtures and appliances, and every aspect of the design, from the aesthetic to the practicality, has been carefully thought out. La Clara combines the breezy luxuries of a resort with the comforting warmth of home, offering everything from a cutting-edge fitness facility and yoga studio to a beautiful lap pool with daybeds for lounging reminiscent of the Mediterranean isles. La Clara's amenities are ideal for hosting company for social gatherings or exquisite private parties. The amenities include well maintained gardens outside and a stylish lounge, dining room, chef's kitchen, and tasting room within. Completion for this building is set for winter of 2023.
Forte on Flagler
Forte on Flagler will overlook the idyllic waterfront positioned next to La Clara. A more boutique style option, Forte will have only 41 residences with sweeping views of Worth Avenue, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Forté combines an ideal setting with an unmatched ambiance, lavish amenities, and phenomenal views to create a tailored lifestyle at the peak of the Palm Beaches. It features visionary architecture by Bernardo Fort-Brescia and artistically curated interiors by international tastemaker Jean-Louis Deniot. A collection of four- and five-bedroom floor plans with continuous walls of glass and 9′ to 10′ ceiling heights frame expansive unhindered city and ocean vistas. The plans range in size from 4,200 to 8,400 square feet. Over 1,000 square feet of outdoor living space are offered by deep wraparound balconies. Forte features 2 flow-through residences on each floor (with the option to combine for a vast full floor residence), private elevator foyers, customizable kitchen floor plans for open or formal layout, Sub-Zero and Wolf stainless steel contemporary appliance package, his and hers vanities and spacious walk-in closets. Every amenity at Forté has been thoughtfully designed to immerse you in coastal comforts and refined relaxation with the 1st three floors dedicated to different amenity elements. Some amenities include 24-hour lobby attendant with valet service, 24/7 security and surveillance, concierge service, Forte house cars, a 75′ lap pool with heated spa designed by EDSA, the pool deck with outdoor dining and lounge area, his/hers spas equipped with steam rooms, relaxation area, lockers, and private treatment room, a state-of-the-art fitness center with a yoga studio, golf simulator room and more. The concierge services add the cherry on the cake for residences, to name a few, interior design services, housekeeping, moving coordination with storage solutions, access to premium tickets/VIP events, personal shopping, private and commercial air bookings and more.
South Flagler House
South Flagler House, the first residential high-rise in South Florida designed by globally renowned Robert A.M. Stern Architects. This new construction project consists of two, 27-story waterfront towers. A picturesque setting along South Flagler Dr with views of the Lake, Palm Beach Island, and well-known Worth Avenue. 106 exquisitely outfitted residences, including three- to six-bedroom homes, penthouses, townhouses, and guest suites, are available at South Flagler House. ââIncomparable variety and quality of lifestyle amenities are available to residents, and the level of on-site concierge services rivals that of the most prestigious private clubs. Cody Crowell of the Frisbie Group says “it’s rare to find the breadth of amenities that we have at South Flagler House. We’ve created nearly 50,000 square ft of leisure, fitness and work spaces”... we agree. The variety of amenities here really allow these residences to stand out amongst other projects. Residents can look forward to a 25-meter lap pool with a sun shelf and hot tub, landscaped seating area with chaise lounges and private cabanas. The men’s and women's spa include a vitality pool, ice plunge, steam, sauna, and spa treatment rooms. As for fitness options there is a pickleball court and lounge, outdoor sports lounge cabana, state-of-the-art fitness center, pilates studio, golf simulator lounge, yoga studio and outdoor yoga lounge and more. As for professional needs there is a business center, private offices, co-working space, conference rooms and more. For entertaining there are various indoor and outdoor lounges, private dining rooms, wine cellar dining room, media room, library, games room, and for the kids an indoor playroom, craft room, and more.
North Flagler Waterfront in West Palm Beach
The North Flagler waterfront also has new additions along North Flagler Drive starting just north of Downtown West Palm Beach, extending further north toward the Northwood neighborhood. Most notably these new buildings are Olara West Palm Beach and Alba Palm Beach.
Olara West Palm Beach
With its panoramic views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Palm Beach Island, and the Atlantic Ocean, Olara is a luxurious residential haven in West Palm Beach along the N Flagler Dr. waterfront. Olara is one of the newest and most exclusive developments, distinguished by a private marina with direct Intracoastal access, and close proximity to top-notch shopping and restaurants. The building offers 275 exceptionally designed two- to four-bedroom plus den residences with a variety of floor plans to select from. Residents can expect floor-to-ceiling windows opening to 10-foot-deep terraces, European-style gourmet kitchens and honed marble countertops, backsplash, and island, a suite of professional-grade appliances, spacious spa-inspired bathrooms, walk-in closets and more. Olara also offers a two-acre suite of resort-inspired indoor and outdoor amenities and services including a celebrity chef-run artisanal eatery and world-class drinking and dining options only right outside your door. The lifestyle at Olara is unparalleled, with a private sixth-floor deck of indoor and outdoor amenity space sprawling nearly 80,000 square feet, rivaling a luxury resort. Some notable amenities include a world-class fitness center, an open-air yoga deck, relaxed energy studio for yoga, mat pilates, core movement, breath work and more, a multi-sport simulator, experience showers, relaxation and meditation rooms, multimedia lounge, lap pool with poolside cabanas, Intracoastal leisure pool and spa, private marina with six boat slips and more. Pre-construction pricing will be offered from $2M and current projected completion is the fourth quarter of 2026.
Alba Palm Beach
Alba Palm Beach is a 22-story boutique tower that is home to 55 luxury residences. This building resides further north in the emerging neighborhood of Northwood. Choose from 2, 3, and 4-bedroom condos and two- and three-story townhomes ranging in size from 1,745 to 4,500+ square feet. This new construction property is also located along the waterfront of N Flagler Drive providing residents with gorgeous views of the Intracoastal, Palm Beach, and the Atlantic Ocean. These modern condominium and townhome residences have a natural design palette with materials that marry the tropical external elements with luxurious interiors. Residents can expect spacious layouts with water views from every residence, oversized glass-framed terraces with panoramic views and summer kitchens, floor-to-ceiling hurricane impact windows and doors, Italkraft Italian-designed kitchens, designer fixtures and finishes, SubZero and Wolf appliances, spa-like baths and more. As for amenities there is an entire floor with over 25,000 square feet dedicated to wellness and entertainment. You can enjoy a sunrise and sunset pool, a private dining room, cocktail lounge and entertainment spaces, multi-sport simulator room, bocce ball court, his and hers spa, private massage treatment room, state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the Intracoastal, a dog spa and grooming station and more.
Exciting Redevelopment in West Palm Beach
In addition to the many new construction condominiums coming to West Palm Beach that invite people to live in luxury, inside and outside the home, exciting redevelopment in West Palm Beach allows for new vibrant areas to eat, take a stroll, indulge in illustrious leisure activities and so much more.
The Nora District
The Nora District arriving Spring 2024 will be a community cornerstone that births a new contemporary transformation that will be curated to cultivate community. It is located just North of Downtown West Palm Beach (bordered by Palm Beach Lakes Boulevard to the north, Quadrille Boulevard to the south, North Dixie Highway to the east, and the Florida East Coast (F.E.C.) Railway to the west). The Nora District merges a carefully selected retail environment with enhanced infrastructure, cobblestone streets, curbless sidewalks, lush landscaping, public parks, and art in public areas. It was purposefully made for pedestrians and the thriving West Palm neighborhood. Nora's Phase I consists of 150,000 square feet of new construction and adaptive reuse development. It will house world-class hospitality, retail, and wellness. A large amount of hotel, office, and residential construction will be included in Phase II, which is now under planning. Nora revitalizes West Palm Beach by transforming turn-of-the-century railway warehouses into community pillars of a vibrant and full district.
Currie Park
Located at 2400 N Flagler Dr, West Palm Beach, Currie Park (formerly Bethesda Park) is undergoing an amazing transformation into a world-class waterfront park. Moments away from Olara this park is going to be the perfect place for taking in views and enjoying leisure time for both residents and visitors alike. This upgrade will beautify the area and reinvigorate activity within the park with expected completion slated for April 2024. This project is improving 23rd Street to become an attractive entranceway to Currie Park from Dixie Highway and serve as the connection to Northwood Village shops to the west. Some improvements that can be expected are as follows:
- Interactive amenities, such as fitness equipment, health trails, a great lawn, etc.
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Improve existing boat ramps, grade & provide boat staging area
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Redesign or relocate the boat trailer parking area
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Redesign and improve tennis courts & playground area
The District at Northwood
The District at Northwood in West Palm Beach is also undergoing a transformation into a mixed residential-commercial development. Located north of the Nora District and just a short walk to Currie Park between 23rd and 25th streets on the west end of Northwood Village. This development would be occupying what is currently a vacant stretch of land. The Community Redevelopment Agency of the city of West Palm Beach says the site's future development will include three distinct buildings, more than 60,000 square feet of commercial space, a grocery store, more than 12,000 square feet of public open space, 580 parking spaces, and a multifamily residential complex that will consist of 382 units. Nearby residents of the historic Northwood neighborhood and the future development can enjoy restaurants, retail options, and entertainment. The project will be located at 2501 Pinewood Avenue in the Northwood neighborhood by developer Immocorp Ventures and architecture by Kobi Karp. Renderings provide a glimpse into this development. The District at Northwood will be constructed in 2 phases with an estimated completion by 2025. Phase 1 is estimated to be completed by late 2023.
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT
Live The West Palm Lifestyle
West Palm Beach is quickly becoming the place to be, so South Florida’s best-kept secret might be out! With the vibrant culture, local highlights, and family-friendly environment it is already a fantastic place to live. The palpable air of community, subtle sophistication, tremendous improvements, and redevelopment makes this a no-brainer if you are considering relocation to the area. Our real estate agents here at The Modern Living Group are experts in the area and can match you with the best area and residence within Palm Beach that compliments your lifestyle.
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