If you’re looking for a new city to call home, West Palm Beach is one city worth checking out.
Once a sleepy little town, West Palm Beach has quickly grown into the destination of choice for those seeking an exceptional quality of life.
This comes as no surprise, given that West Palm Beach boasts a laid-back pace, various economic advantages, a thriving cultural scene, and coastal charm, all of which help attract a wave of new residents from across the country and even abroad.
If you’re thinking about making this coastal city your new home, continue reading as we deep dive into all the reasons that make moving to West Palm Beach, FL one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make.
ECONOMIC AND TAX ADVANTAGES
Prospective buyers considering moving to West Palm Beach, FL will find more than just palm trees and ocean views – they’ll discover a city brimming with meaningful financial and career upsides.
Within the last few years, over 140 companies have relocated to Palm Beach County, bringing with them thousands of jobs and millions in investment. These include major employers like ADT Security Services, Pratt & Whitney, and Lockheed Martin, all of which contribute to a diversified economy that spans finance, healthcare, education, technology, and tourism.
One of the strongest incentives to relocate is Florida’s tax structure. The state has no income tax, no inheritance tax, and no estate tax – an immediate and significant advantage for individuals coming from high-tax states such as New York, New Jersey, or California. Many of these people have since enjoyed a double-digit percentage increase in take-home pay without making any changes in their employment rank. This added financial flexibility allows them to reinvest in a business, use the extra funds for retirement planning, or simply enjoy the elevated lifestyle that West Palm Beach offers.
The area’s business climate is also gaining national recognition. West Palm Beach has a 3% unemployment rate – lower than the national average – and was recently named one of the best U.S. cities for business and careers by Forbes. Since the pandemic, remote and hybrid work models have encouraged many professionals to relocate from traditional urban centers to more lifestyle-friendly cities. Now nicknamed “Wall Street South” due to the influx of financial firms and executives, West Palm Beach has become a prime destination in this shift.
Entrepreneurs and small business owners are also thriving here. With a supportive economic environment, access to talent, and a growing customer base, West Palm Beach offers the tools needed for long-term growth.
Furthermore, while the cost of living is higher than the national average, it remains lower than other Florida hotspots like Miami, offering greater value without sacrificing access to luxury, culture, or convenience.
HEALTHY REAL ESTATE MARKET
From single-family homes to ultra-modern condos, buyers are spoilt for choice when it comes to West Palm Beach, FL real estate.
West Palm Beach continues to prove itself as a strong contender in Florida’s real estate landscape, thanks largely to the city’s stable, resilient, and steadily appreciating housing market that makes it a solid option for those looking to build equity or invest in a second home.
Adding to the appeal of West Palm Beach’s housing market is its range of property types, including modern downtown condos, private gated communities, single-family homes with yard space, and even luxurious waterfront estates. Compared to Palm Beach, where massive coastal estates and luxury villas abound, the West Palm Beach housing stock is more diversified, providing discerning buyers with a lot more choices to suit their taste and lifestyle.
West Palm Beach also appeals to buyers looking for a balanced lifestyle. Its location offers easy access to venues for recreation, as well as places for employment, education, and business. It’s ideal for remote workers, retirees, or anyone looking to slow down without giving up access to culture and connection.
A VIBRANT LIFESTYLE
At West Palm Beach, FL, you’re never too far from the luxurious life.
West Palm Beach has quietly become one of the most desirable places to relocate in the United States, thanks mainly to its blend of tropical beauty, cultural sophistication, modern conveniences, and a lifestyle that balances relaxation with opportunity.
Thinking about moving to West Palm Beach, FL? Here’s a peek at what makes life here truly exceptional:
A rich cultural scene anchored in the arts
West Palm Beach has evolved into a thriving cultural destination, one where art, music, and performance aren’t just add-ons – they’re part of the city’s identity. Whether you’re relocating full-time or purchasing a second home, access to a robust arts scene is a major quality-of-life enhancer.
At the heart of it all is the Norton Museum of Art, a cornerstone of South Florida’s creative community. Known for its diverse and ever-expanding collection, the Norton houses more than 8,000 works, including standout pieces by modern masters. Its airy, modern space – redesigned by famed architect Norman Foster – also features outdoor sculpture gardens and rotating exhibitions that attract international attention. The museum also hosts weekly events like Art After Dark, creating an inviting, accessible way to engage with the arts.
Just a few blocks away, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts serves as the city’s marquee venue for live performances. With a calendar packed with Broadway shows, opera, ballet, and lectures, the Kravis ensures that cultural enrichment is never out of reach. Its recent $40 million renovation added new performance spaces and enhanced audience comfort, underscoring its role as a civic jewel.
Aside from its major cultural establishments, the city also has smaller institutions that add even more depth and local flavor to its art scene. Palm Beach Dramaworks, for example, produces thoughtful, award-winning theater in an intimate downtown venue, while the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens offer a rare fusion of art and landscape tucked away in a historic home setting. Meanwhile, seasonal events like SunFest – Florida’s largest music, art, and waterfront festival – enrich the city’s calendar with world-class entertainment and waterfront celebration.
Top-notch dining, shopping, and recreation at every turn
Moving to West Palm Beach, FL is synonymous with having access to the best in dining, shopping, and outdoor leisure.
When it comes to dining, for example, just head over to Clematis Street and CityPlace (formerly known as The Square), where you’ll find local favorites boasting menus that rival anything in larger, more cosmopolitan destinations. Spots like būccan, known for its inventive small plates, and Le Bilboquet, a stylish outpost of the NYC classic, are regular destinations for both residents and visiting foodies. For more casual evenings, options like Grato and Elisabetta’s offer wood-fired Italian in elegant, family-friendly settings.
Retail options reflect the same elevated-yet-relaxed energy. High-end shopping is concentrated just across the bridge on Worth Avenue, where luxury labels like Chanel, Hermès, and Gucci share space with fine art galleries, antique shops, and boutique jewelers. The avenue itself is a walkable gem, with hidden courtyards and Mediterranean architecture creating a sense of old-world charm with modern appeal.
Recreation, meanwhile, is virtually built into the city’s layout. Miles of bike paths, nature preserves, and waterfront parks offer outdoor activities that feel spontaneous rather than scheduled. You have the chance to take a stand-up paddleboard session along the Intracoastal, hit the links at a nearby course, or charter a boat from the downtown marina within minutes of home.
Elite educational access
Families moving to West Palm Beach, FL will find the city notable for its access to elite educational institutions. Whether you’re raising young children, planning for college, or looking for a balanced environment for grandchildren while managing a second home, the area offers exceptional options.
The Benjamin School is one of the most prestigious independent schools in the state. With campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, it serves students from PK3 through 12th grade. The school’s college preparatory focus is matched by robust programs in arts, technology, and athletics, making it a well-rounded choice for academically ambitious families. Its graduates routinely attend Ivy League and top-tier universities.
Palm Beach Day Academy, the oldest independent school in Florida, is another standout. The school emphasizes character, creativity, and leadership from a young age. Its historic Palm Beach campus is walkable from many residential areas and serves students from preschool through ninth grade, creating a tight-knit and nurturing environment that still pushes academic boundaries.
Oxbridge Academy, founded by billionaire entrepreneur Bill Koch, offers a forward-thinking approach to education for Grades 7–12. With a focus on real-world application, the school integrates advanced STEM programs, entrepreneurship, and global awareness into its curriculum. Its campus, set on 54 acres, includes a state-of-the-art innovation lab and athletic facilities that rival some colleges.
Older students and lifelong learners also benefit from the proximity to universities like Palm Beach Atlantic University, known for its health sciences, business, and marine biology programs. Within easy driving distance, Florida Atlantic University and Lynn University provide broader access to public and private higher education options.
World-class healthcare within easy reach
Exceptional care with a personal touch – West Palm Beach is home to nationally recognized medical centers that prioritize wellness, comfort, and peace of mind.
In an age where healthcare access and quality are more important than ever, West Palm Beach offers the reassurance of top-tier medical infrastructure, combined with the flexibility of concierge care and boutique wellness services.
At the forefront is Cleveland Clinic Florida, consistently ranked among the best hospitals in the state. Its Palm Beach Gardens location is particularly convenient for northern West Palm Beach residents, offering specialties ranging from cardiology and orthopedics to neurology and transplant services. Patients benefit from the institution’s integration with the Cleveland Clinic’s world-renowned main campus in Ohio, ensuring access to the latest research and technology.
Another major regional provider in the area is Jupiter Medical Center, frequently ranked as one of the safest hospitals in Florida. Known for its cancer care, surgical outcomes, and maternity services, it has expanded significantly in recent years to meet growing demand from Palm Beach County’s affluent communities. Its partnerships with the Mayo Clinic and NYU Langone provide additional resources and expertise.
For those seeking more personalized, on-demand care, West Palm Beach has a thriving network of private medical concierge providers. These firms typically offer 24/7 access to physicians, same-day appointments, wellness planning, and even in-home visits – ideal for high-net-worth individuals accustomed to VIP service.
Complementing these traditional services is a growing wellness scene focused on preventative care and longevity. Residents have access to hormone therapy clinics, IV hydration lounges, and integrative medicine providers who combine nutrition, stress management, and performance coaching into holistic care plans.
Gated, private neighborhoods offer peace of mind
One of the most appealing aspects of relocating to West Palm Beach is the abundance of secure, beautifully designed neighborhoods that offer privacy, tranquility, and peace of mind. These communities cater to discerning residents who value both safety and an elevated standard of living.
The Club at Ibis stands as one of Florida’s premier gated communities. Situated near Grassy Waters Preserve, this private enclave is protected by 24/7 manned security gates and patrolled by a professional security team. Residents enjoy a low-density layout with spacious single-family homes and limited multi-unit development. Ibis also offers an extraordinary country club lifestyle: three championship golf courses designed by the Nicklaus family, a high-end fitness center, resort-style pools, and a members-only dining and social calendar. It’s a close-knit yet expansive environment that caters to those seeking upscale amenities in a tranquil, well-guarded setting.
Breakers West, located further inland on 670 acres of former wildlife sanctuary, is another standout community offering exclusive access and elite services. With only 540 custom homes behind gated entries and under private surveillance, the community balances seclusion with accessibility. Residents have the option of joining either of the two on-site country clubs – Breakers West and Mayacoo Lakes – each offering golf, tennis, fitness, and dining. Membership at Breakers West even unlocks privileges at The Breakers Palm Beach, extending your wellness and leisure access far beyond your front door.
Whether you prefer the full-service amenities of a manned, gated club community or the charm and autonomy of a historic neighborhood enhanced with private security, West Palm Beach offers a range of options that place personal space and safety at the center of luxury living.
Wellness woven into everyday living
In West Palm Beach, wellness isn’t treated as an indulgence – it’s central to how residents live and thrive. The city’s climate, setting, and community offerings all work together to make healthy living both attainable and appealing.
The area is home to some of the nation’s most exclusive clubs that double as wellness hubs. The Breakers, for example, is a fully outfitted destination with oceanfront fitness classes, an award-winning spa, and access to tennis courts and championship golf. Palm Beach Country Club and The Everglades Club offer similar access to elite-level amenities in settings that emphasize exclusivity and wellness.
Mar-a-Lago, one of Palm Beach’s most talked-about private clubs, features state-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities in a historic, Mediterranean Revival setting.
For those who prefer a more private approach, West Palm Beach is dotted with boutique Pilates and yoga studios, private trainers, and waterfront wellness retreats offering services like infrared therapy, breathwork, and personal nutrition planning.
For outdoor enthusiasts, wellness comes as easily as a morning beach walk, a round of golf, or a stand-up paddleboard session. With year-round sunshine and a naturally walkable environment, the city promotes an active lifestyle that feels organic rather than forced.
The local establishments also support a clean, healthy way of life, with easy access to organic grocers, farmers markets, high-end wellness cafes, and functional medicine practitioners who take a holistic approach to health.
IT’S TIME YOU MADE WEST PALM BEACH, FL YOUR NEW HOME
If you’re looking to experience the elevated quality of life and exceptional standard of luxury living that West Palm Beach is known for, there’s no better time to do so than now.
For discerning buyers navigating this dynamic landscape, Suzanne Frisbie and the rest of Frisbie Palm Beach are the trusted advisors of choice. With decades of experience and a stunning record of achievements, we bring a rare combination of market intelligence, quantitative insight, and deep-rooted local expertise to the table.
Ready to make West Palm Beach your new home? Let our team help you relocate with confidence and discretion. Call the Frisbie Palm Beach Team at 561.373.0941 or message us today to get started.