Affordable Florida Beach Life Awaits in West Palm Beach – The Ideal Alternative to Miami
Live the Florida Beach Dream in West Palm Beach
According to the published article of PODS, if you want to enjoy beach life in Florida without spending too much, West Palm Beach could be the perfect spot for you. Known as “Orchid City,” this place offers beautiful beaches, lovely sunsets, refreshing breezes, and plenty of sunshine. Compared to Miami, West Palm Beach is more affordable but still provides a great lifestyle, attracting retirees, families, and professionals looking for jobs.
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(PHOTO: Visit Florida)
Quick Facts About West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach has about 121,000 people and is on the Atlantic coast of Florida. The city covers almost 58 square miles and is the oldest city in South Florida, formed in November 1894. It’s just 13 feet above sea level and has 24 golf courses. The average age of residents is 40 years.
Why People Love West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach is known for its great weather, job opportunities, and fun activities. Living here can be affordable or expensive, depending on the area. Places like El Cid and Pineapple Park are pricier. However, the city’s sunny weather, tasty restaurants, and vibrant culture attract many people. To live comfortably, a single person needs about $50,000 per year before taxes.
Understanding the Cost of Living
The cost of living in West Palm Beach is a bit higher than the U.S. average but lower than Miami. Florida has no state income tax, so your money goes further for things like utilities and groceries. According to MIT’s Living Wage Calculator, a single person needs around $49,900 a year, while a family of four needs $115,500 to live comfortably.
Good and Bad About Living Here
The weather in West Palm Beach is beautiful, with plenty of sunny days. The job market is strong, especially in healthcare, tourism, and retail. There’s lots to do, from spring training baseball to fine dining and cultural events. But there are downsides too, like heavy traffic from tourists, hurricane risks, and annoying bugs.
Who Lives Here
West Palm Beach offers something for everyone—big, fancy homes and affordable ones too. The city has many retirees, families, and professionals. There are good schools for kids and lots of job opportunities, making it a popular place to move to. Renters and homeowners are almost evenly split here.
Buying a Home
While you might think living near the beach is too expensive, West Palm Beach has reasonably priced homes. The average home costs around $394,500, much less than Miami’s average of $558,900. The city offers various home styles like Mediterranean and Georgian, making it easy to find a home you like.
Renting a Place
For those who prefer renting, West Palm Beach has many options, from apartments to houses. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is about $1,800 per month, which is lower than Miami’s $2,650. This makes renting a good choice for many people.
Best Neighborhoods to Live In
Some of the best places to live in West Palm Beach include Flamingo Park, Grandview Heights, and Palm Club Village. Flamingo Park is great for young professionals with its closeness to the ocean and lively scene. Grandview Heights is ideal for families due to its excellent schools. Palm Club Village is perfect for retirees with its easy access to amenities and a walkable community.
Getting Around the City
Most people in West Palm Beach use cars, but downtown residents can use the free West Palm Beach Trolley. This service loops around entertainment areas and major transit hubs. The Palm Tran Station also provides convenient transport to colleges, shops, and malls.
Travel Made Easy
The Palm Beach International Airport is close to the city and offers national and international flights. Though it’s smaller, the airport is convenient and even has a place to practice golf before your flight.
Sports and Recreation
Sports lovers will enjoy West Palm Beach, where they can watch MLB teams like the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals during spring training. Local teams like the Palm Beach Knights also offer entertainment, and professional teams in nearby Miami are just a short drive away.
Staying Safe
West Palm Beach has some crime, but many areas are safe, like Downtown and Sunshine Park. The city’s crime rate is better than many places in Florida and the U.S. Checking neighborhoods is a good idea to find what fits your needs.
Job Opportunities
West Palm Beach has a low unemployment rate of 3.00% and offers jobs in healthcare, tourism, construction, and education. Many people move here because of the strong job market and good career options.
Nearby Day Trips
West Palm Beach is close to many exciting places. You can drive to Miami in under two hours, visit Boca Raton in 30 minutes, or explore Lake Okeechobee in about an hour. The city’s location makes it easy to enjoy different adventures.
Nightlife Fun
For nightlife, Clematis Street is the main spot, offering bars, games, and live entertainment. Whether you enjoy a quiet drink or lively dancing, there are many places to have fun after dark in West Palm Beach.
Fun Activities
There’s a lot to do in West Palm Beach beyond beaches and museums. You can go jet snorkeling, take a sunset cruise, visit the Mounts Botanical Garden, or watch manatees at Manatee Lagoon. There’s always something exciting to try.
Free Things to Do
West Palm Beach has plenty of free activities like going to the beach, walking at Grassy Waters Preserve, and exploring Antique Row. The GreenMarket and Church of Bethesda-by-the-Sea are also great free attractions.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families can enjoy the Palm Beach Zoo, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, and swimming at Peanut Island. There’s also fun at CACTI Park and the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, making West Palm Beach a great place for kids.
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