How about living in a city famed for its breathtaking waterfront, palm-lined streets, and scenic neighborhoods? Well, moving to West Palm Beach fulfills such wishes, and this blog post will get you through all the ins and outs of the city.
Incorporated as a town in 1894, West Palm Beach was originally a residential area for people working in Palm Beach hotels. Today, the city has developed into a renowned beach community known for its excellent quality of life and small-town character. The city has a vibrant downtown, Worth Avenue, magnificent fishing destinations, entertainment venues, outdoor activities, cultural attractions, and shopping malls.
Recognized as the 8th most diverse city in Florida and the 26th best city to retire in the U.S., West Palm Beach is a popular destination for people looking to relocate. If you are considering moving to West Palm Beach, Florida, read the full blog to learn more about migrating to the city.
Quick facts before moving to West Palm Beach, FL
Where is West Palm Beach, FL, Located?
West Palm Beach, a city in Florida, serves as the county seat of Palm Beach County. Positioned just west of Palm Beach on a barrier island across the Lake Worth Lagoon, it is approximately 68 miles north of Downtown Miami. As part of the South Florida metropolitan area, it ranks among the three largest cities in the region.
Geographically, West Palm Beach is situated along Florida’s Atlantic Ocean coast, occupying the northernmost county of the South Florida metropolitan area. Covering an area of 57.73 square miles, the city boasts an average elevation of 13 feet above sea level.
Population in West Palm Beach, FL
The population of West Palm Beach, FL, is estimated to be 117,500 in 2023.
TheWest Palm Beach’s population projected increase from 111,006 in 2020 to 115,877 in 2021.
Diversity in West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach, FL, is known for its diverse population, with a diversity score of 95 out of 100. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the racial and ethnic composition of West Palm Beach is as follows:
- White alone: 37.5%
- Black or African American alone: 33.0%
- Hispanic or Latino: 24.7%
- Asian alone: 2.6%
- Two or more races: 7.5%
Cost of Living in West Palm Beach, FL
The cost of living in Vero Beach, Florida, is a little higher than the national average, making it a great place to settle down for those moving to West Palm Beach, FL, for affordable living compared to other metropolitan Florida cities.
- West Palm Beach, Florida, has a Cost of Living Index of 108, indicating it’s higher than the national average.
- The median household income in West Palm Beach is $56,549, and the average annual household income is $82,613. The per capita income in the past 12 months was $41,610 in 2022 dollars.
- To live a comfortable life in West Palm Beach, it’s recommended to have a minimum annual income of $75,960 for a family and $59,200 for a single person. However, the median after-tax salary is reported to be $5006 per month, covering living expenses for 1.7 months.
The table below indicates Melbourne’s cost of living index for different categories compared to the cost of living in Florida and the national average.
| Category | West Palm Beach | Florida | National |
| Cost of Living | 108 | 99 | 100 |
| Goods & Services | 105 | 99 | 100 |
| Groceries | 119 | 105 | 100 |
| Health Care | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Housing | 110 | 96 | 100 |
| Transportation | 104 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 106 | 101 | 100 |
How Is the Housing Market in West Palm Beach, FL?
If you are planning to get a new home after moving to West Palm Beach, Florida here is what you need to know about the city’s housing market.
- The median sold price for a home in West Palm Beach, Florida, was $399,000 as of 2023.
- The homeownership rate in West Palm Beach stands at 49.2%.
- The median listing price per square foot for homes in West Palm Beach is $324.
- Based on the homeownership rate, approximately 50.8% of the population in West Palm Beach rents their homes.
Average rental price in West Palm Beach, FL
- The average rental price for a studio apartment in West Palm Beach, FL, is approximately $2,753
- The average rental price for a 1-bedroom apartment in West Palm Beach, FL, is approximately $1,910
- The average rental price for a 3-bedroom home in West Palm Beach, FL, is approximately $3,481
How is the job market in West Palm Beach, FL?
Since you’re thinking about moving to West Palm Beach, Florida, to own a job post, here’s a breakdown of the city’s job market:
- West Palm Beach, Florida, exhibits positive job market growth, with a 2.6% increase in private sector employment, adding 15,500 jobs in 2023.
- Key industries contributing to job growth include leisure, hospitality, education, and health services.
- The job market might see a predicted future growth of 39.4% over the next ten years, surpassing the US average of 33.5%.
- The average salary in West Palm Beach is $23.79 per hour or $49,489 annually.
- West Palm Beach’s unemployment rate is 3.20%, lower than the long-term average of 6.89%.
- The median household income is $56,549, and the average income of a West Palm Beach resident is $29,000.
What are the top employers in West Palm Beach, FL
- Florida Crystals
- Sikorsky Aircraft
- Ocwen Financial Corporation
- Palm Beach County School District
- Tenet Healthcare
- Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners
- ASR Group
- PGA National Resort & Spa
- Palm Beach Atlantic University
What are the most common job titles in West Palm Beach, FL
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Security Officer
- Administrative Assistant
- Server
- Certified Nursing Assistant
Highest paying jobs in West Palm Beach, FL
- Physician
- Anesthesiologist
- Colorectal Surgeon
- Neurologist
- Hospitalist
- Pediatrician
- Pediatric Hospitalist
- Dentist
- Vice President
- Senior Director
How safe is it to live in West Palm Beach, FL?
Is West Palm Beach safe? No, to some extent, the city has a higher crime rate than Florida and the national average. If you’re moving to West Palm Beach with your family, here are the safety and crime stats of the city you need to know.
- West Palm Beach, Florida, has a higher crime rate than the national average, with a total crime rate of 1,756 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national rate of 2,324 per 100,000 people.
- Your chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime in West Palm Beach is 1 in 137, and the violent crime rate for 2018 was 918.87 per 100,000 population, an 11.01% increase from 2017.
- The most common violent crimes include aggravated assault, murder, and non-negligent manslaughter.
- Property crime is prevalent in West Palm Beach, with a resident’s chance of becoming a victim being 1 in 32, and the most common property crimes include motor vehicle theft, robbery, burglary, and arson.
- West Palm Beach has one of the nation’s highest rates of motor vehicle theft.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in West Palm Beach, FL
- Downtown
- Flamingo Park
- Grandview Heights
- Southside
- Villages of Palm Beach Lakes
- El Cid
- The Southend, AKA SOSO
- Prospect Park
- Lands of the President
- Sunshine Park
How Fast Can You Commute in West Palm Beach, FL?
The average commute time in West Palm Beach, Florida, is 22.7 minutes.
Public transportation in West Palm Beach, Florida, includes Palm Tran, Tri-Rail, RideWPB, and Brightline.
- Palm Tran provides fixed-route buses, paratransit, and Go Glades flex-deviated service throughout Palm Beach County.
- Tri-Rail is a regional commuter rail system operating a 71-mile route from Mangonia Park to Miami.
- RideWPB offers free local transportation in Downtown West Palm Beach from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.
- Brightline is a higher-speed rail service connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.
How’s the weather in West Palm Beach, FL?
- West Palm Beach, Florida, has two main seasons: a hot season lasting about 3.8 months, from June 5 to September 29, and a winter season lasting 3.0 months, from December 5 to March 6.
- The climate in West Palm Beach is characterized by temperatures ranging from 59°F to 89°F throughout the year, rarely going below 46°F or above 92°F.
- West Palm Beach receives an average annual precipitation of 62.33 inches, with the summer months being the wettest.
- The hottest month in West Palm Beach is August, with an average high of 89°F and a low of 77°F, while the coldest month is January, with an average low of 60°F and a high of 74°F.
How is the Education in West Palm Beach, FL?
West Palm Beach, Florida, has diverse educational options, including the 10th largest school district in the nation, with a graduation rate of 92.8%. Individuals relocating to West Palm Beach, Florida, may be interested in the education system provided by the City.
- Schools like Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach rank in the top 1%, but the overall ranking for Palm Beach County schools is 5/10, placing them in the bottom 50% statewide.
- Public education in West Palm Beach is generally free, with the Palm Beach School District managing 235 public schools serving 189,659 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16:1, lower than the state average.
- For higher education, Palm Beach State College estimates costs between $23,999 and $39,611 for dependent and independent students, while Palm Beach Atlantic University charges $18,495 per semester for full-time undergraduate tuition.
Best Middle Schools in West Palm Beach, FL
- Bak Middle School of the Arts
- Western Academy Charter School
- Western Pines Community Middle
Best Elementary Schools in West Palm Beach, FL
- Morikami Park Elementary School
- Waters Edge Elementary School
- Marsh Pointe Elementary
- Golden Grove Elementary School
Best High Schools in West Palm Beach, FL
- Alexander W. Dreyfoos Junior School of the Arts
- Suncoast Community High School
- G-Star School of the Arts
- Palm Beach Maritime Academy High School
Best Universities and Colleges in West Palm Beach, FL
- Palm Beach Atlantic University
- Keiser University
- Palm Beach State College
- South University – West Palm Beach
What are the best things to do in West Palm Beach, FL?
The famous attractions and best things to see in West Palm Beach, Florida, are:
- Explore the historical charm of Downtown West Palm Beach on Clematis Street, featuring boutiques, nightclubs, and historical landmarks.
- Immerse yourself in The Square’s vibrant atmosphere, offering various restaurants and shops.
- Visit the Norton Museum of Art, a cultural hub hosting diverse art exhibitions.
- Discover unique treasures in the Antique Row Art & Design District, known for its charming antique shops.
- Experience wildlife up close with guided tours at McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Embark on a zoo adventure featuring various animals at the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society.
- Learn about manatees and their ecosystem at Manatee Lagoon, an eco-discovery center.
- Enjoy the serenity of Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County, showcasing a variety of flora.
- Take a safari drive-through experience at Lion Country Safari for an up-close encounter with wildlife.
- Indulge in culinary delights, live music, and weekly events at Grandview Public Market, a dynamic food hall with an expansive outdoor dining patio.
Best Neighborhoods in West Palm Beach, FL
The best places to live in West Palm Beach are:
- Flamingo Park
- El Cid
- Southend (SOSO)
- Prospect Park
- Lands of the President
- Grandview Heights
- Southside
- Villages of Palm Beach Lakes
- Northwood Shores
- Downtown
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in West Palm Beach, FL?
Here is a table summarizing the pros and cons of living in West Palm Beach, Florida:
| Pros | Cons |
| Pleasant weather and climate | Natural disasters, particularly hurricanes |
| Stable real estate market | High crime rate in some areas |
| Excellent entertainment options | High cost of living and expensive insurance |
| Family-friendly activities and beach life | High transportation costs |
| Low to no state income tax | Some areas suffer from homelessness |
| Strong economy and job market | High humidity and risk of pest infestations |
| Quality education | Most desirable areas are costly to live in |
| Proximity to major cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale | – |
| An active lifestyle with plenty of outdoor activities | – |
| Diverse community | – |
Conclusion
Among the many cities to consider when moving to Florida, certain factors include cost of living, proximity to the outdoors, quality education, pleasant weather and climate, and quality of life. West Palm Beach checks all of these boxes. While offering savings on healthcare and utilities, West Palm Beach’s proximity to sandy beaches, endless amenities, and exceptional quality of life make it a fantastic alternative to crowded and expensive tourist destinations.