On the subject of chic coastal living, Palm Beach is one of the towns that immediately come to mind. With its perch fronting the Atlantic Ocean and its stunning selection of waterfront homes, it is easy to see why. This local lifestyle guide aims to help you enhance your overall living experience in Palm Beach.
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The Benefits of Living in a Waterfront Property in Palm Beach
It’s no secret: the waterfront real estate in Palm Beach ranks as some of the best in the country. Whether you opt for a grand Mediterranean-inspired estate by the water or a sleek modern abode tucked among lush tropical foliage, these properties evoke a sense of wonder and opulence.
More than just being gorgeous properties, however, waterfront homes in Palm Beach also offer considerable benefits, including the following:
- You can enjoy magnificent views in a tranquil setting
- You’ll have easy access to an endless array of water activities
- Waterfront homes in Palm Beach are solid long-term investments
- Living by the waterfront is linked to health and wellness benefits
Enjoy breathtaking, unobstructed views of the ocean or the Intracoastal Waterway– the backdrop to your daily life. Imagine sipping your morning coffee as the sun rises over the horizon or watching the shimmering reflections of the moon on the water at night. These ever-changing vistas offer a constant source of beauty and inspiration, enhancing your overall living experience.
Boating and watersports enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise upon moving to a waterfront home in Palm Beach. Many of these properties come with private docks, providing residents with immediate access to activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, and diving. Since you can enjoy these adventures just mere steps from your backyard, your everyday life can feel like a never-ending vacation.
Purchasing a waterfront home in Palm Beach not only brings a boon to your living experience, but in your financial assets as well for several reasons.
Firstly, the demand for waterfront properties in town consistently remains high due to their unique appeal and limited availability. The stunning views, access to water activities, and luxurious lifestyle they offer make them highly desirable.
Second, Palm Beach waterfront real estate tends to appreciate in value more rapidly than non-waterfront homes. The combination of their prime location and the ongoing development of the surrounding areas ensure that their market value continues to rise over the time.
Additionally, waterfront homes in Palm Beach attract affluent buyers and renters, providing opportunities for lucrative rental income or profitable resale in the future. Their exclusivity and prestige make them attractive to a niche market that is also willing to pay a premium for such properties.
It may seem like an exaggeration at first, but living in Palm Beach, FL—and other seaside communities, for that matter—can improve both mental and physical health. Experts believe that living near the sea encourages people to engage in more physical activity, such as walking or swimming, which has numerous health benefits. Furthermore, exposure to sea air and the sound of waves may have a calming effect on the mind and body, lowering stress and increasing relaxation.
The Best Waterfront Neighborhoods in Palm Beach
Waterfront neighborhoods are plenty in Palm Beach. After all, the town sits on a barrier island bordered on one side by the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Nonetheless, let us walk you through the best areas for peak waterfront living in Palm Beach.
Billionaire’s Row
Stretching along Palm Beach’s South Ocean Boulevard is perhaps one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in South Florida: the so-called Billionaire’s Row. And as its name implies, it’s home to some of the world’s most affluent individuals and families, from politicians and industry magnates to athletics and stars of the silver screen.
Billionaire’s Row is located in the southernmost tip of Palm Beach island. A single road (South Ocean Boulevard) travels down its length, contributing to the neighborhood’s tranquil and secluded atmosphere. Residents here enjoy a serene environment with sweeping views of the Atlantic, creating a serene retreat that seems thousands of miles away from city life. In reality, West Palm Beach (the county’s seat and largest city) is only a 5- to 10-minute drive from the neighborhood.
Properties on Billionaire’s Row are among the most luxurious and sought-after in Palm Beach– a reason why this area is also called the Estate Section, where Billionaire’s Row is actually located. Luxury estates and mansions feature expansive grounds, beach access, and state-of-the-art amenities, such as infinity pools, private boat docks, and lavish outdoor entertaining areas. Architectural styles on Billionaire’s Row range from Mediterranean-inspired villas to modern, minimalist designs.
North End
On the opposite side of the island lies North End, distinctive for its remarkably relaxed atmosphere and its wide white-sand beaches– some of the best in the county. Due to strict zoning regulations, North End is exclusively residential as well as devoid of condominium developments. As a result, the local community gets to enjoy unobstructed beachfront views from sun-up until sundown.
The North End area stretches from Wells Road and covers the entire northern section of Palm Beach island. Many residents divide the neighborhood into two sections: the East (Ocean) side, which is characterized by large palatial estates fronting the Atlantic Ocean; and the West (Intracoastal) side, which offers a more varied but still upmarket real estate selection and Lake Worth Lagoon access. Beach access points run up and down the coast. As a whole, real estate options on the North End include Old Florida-style mansions, more laidback beach villas and bungalows, and elegant estates with upscale amenities tailored to refine tastes.
One of the appeals of living in Palm Beach’s North End area is its proximity to some of the best country clubs in town. These include The Beach Club, which dates back to 1941, and the Sailfish Club of Florida, which is deeply embedded in Palm Beach history and lifestyle. World-class fishing and other outdoor recreational pursuits can be enjoyed in the neighborhood as well.
Everglades Island
Connected to the rest of Palm Beach island by a single access point (Island Road) is Everglades Island. Only less than a mile long, it’s no surprise that the neighborhood has limited availability. Its unique location enables its residents to enjoy both the beauty and activities of the Intracoastal Waterway as well as that of the Everglades Golf Course across the water. Many– if not all– of the luxury real estate in the neighborhood feature Waterway frontage.
Living in Palm Beach: There’s Always Time for Leisure
Now that we have covered the real estate side of living in Palm Beach, let us shift our attention to the essential lifestyle advantages you can enjoy in town.
Water recreation
With residents only a few minutes away from either the Intracoastal Waterway or the Atlantic Ocean, you can enjoy an array of water activities at your convenience.
- Kayaking and paddleboarding: The calm waters surrounding Palm Beach island are ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. Beginners can find rentals and guided tours at numerous outfitters, while experienced paddlers can enjoy the freedom of exploring hidden coves and sandbars.
- Jet skiing: Those who wish to unleash their inner adventurer will do well to book a jet ski ride. One of the most popular water activities in Palm Beach, jet skiing allows residents and visitors to get an adrenaline rush as they skim across the ocean’s surface and zip past luxurious yachts and iconic mansions lining the Intracoastal Waterway. More experienced jet skiers, on the other hand, can head toward the open Atlantic, keeping their eyes peeled for playful dolphins or majestic manatees as they carve through the crystal-clear water.
- Fishing: Anglers can enjoy in-shore and off-shore fishing opportunities in Palm Beach. In the shallow waters along the coastline and the Intracoastal Waterway, fishing enthusiasts can target snook, redfish, tarpon, bonefish, and trout during their seasons. More thrills await should you venture into deeper waters during an off-shore fishing excursion: sailfish, mahi-mahi, wahoo, tuna, and marlin are some of the big catches you can reel in. Close to reefs and wrecks, you may be able to lure snapper, grouper, and king mackerel.
Palm Beach’s strategic location along the Gulf Stream and proximity to varied marine habitats ensures a rich fishing experience year-round, whether you are a beginner or experienced angler.
- Scuba diving and snorkeling: In the mood for a change of scenery? We recommend donning a wetsuit or your snorkeling gear to peek into the diverse marine life and underwater landscapes located off the Palm Beach island coast.
Breakers Reef is one of the most recommended diving spots in the area; from the water, you can see the legendary Breakers Hotel. This natural reef system teems with colorful fish, corals, and other marine creatures and is also accessible by boat. The waters off of Palm Beach inlet are nutrient-rich and attract a wide variety of fish. You can also find opportunities for drift diving in the area.
Waterfront dining
From upscale restaurants with panoramic views of the ocean to charming cafes and laidback eateries, waterfront dining experiences in Palm Beach are as memorable as the sunsets that paint the sky each evening. Some of the most favorite waterfront restaurants on the island include:
- Acqua Cafe: Located at Palm Beach’s south-end area, Acqua Cafe puts a modern spin on Italian cuisine, from the restaurant’s interiors and design to the actual plates and flavors. Parts of Acqua Cafe overlook RG Kreusler Park and the ocean beyond. While you are here, try their signature cocktails, all of which bear names inspired by Palm Beach County. These include “Sloan’s Curve,” Acqua Cafe’s version of a basil orange drop martini.
- Ambassador Grill Palm Beach: With an 8,000-sq. ft. pool deck that boasts unobstructed views of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Ambassador Grill is widely hailed among locals as one of the best spots for outdoor dining in Palm Beach. The restaurant is located within the Ambassador Palm Beach Hotel and Residences and specializes in upscale American fare.
- Al Fresco: Old Florida and Italian cultures blend at Al Fresco, one of the very few waterfront restaurants on Palm Beach island that boast views not only of the Intracoastal Waterway, but of the Atlantic Ocean as well. The restaurant is open seven days a week, and the tables at their well-regarded patio are the most coveted. It is recommended to call ahead and make a reservation to guarantee a table at your favorite spot. Due to its proximity to the Palm Beach Par-3 Golf Course, Al Fresco is an excellent place to refuel after your tee time.
- Seafood Bar: One of the 10 on-site restaurants located at The Breakers, the Seafood Bar is a resort wear-only restaurant where you can enjoy the fresh catch of the day whether you come in for lunch or dinner. Ocean views can be had at almost any point in the restaurant, which is decorated with chic nautical details. The Seafood Bar does not accept reservations but is open every day.
Another Breakers restaurant with ocean views is The Circle. Designed as if it belongs to Renaissance-era Florence, The Circle features 30-foot ceilings and arched windows that enable diners to enjoy perfectly framed vistas of the resort’s greenery and the Atlantic along with their scrumptious breakfast.
Golf
Golf enthusiasts living in Palm Beach can enjoy exclusive access to several prestigious golf and country clubs that are renowned for their luxurious amenities and superb courses.
- The Ocean Course at The Breakers: Known as one of the oldest golf courses in Florida, this is a 5,778-yard, par-70 course that offers breathtaking ocean views and challenging play in a stunning setting. The course was originally designed by Alexander H. Findlay in 1897, then updated by Rees Jones in 2018.
- Palm Beach Par 3 Golf Course: Designed by world-renowned golf architect Dick Wilson in 1961, this leading oceanfront golf course in Florida underwent renovations in 2009 with Raymond Floyd at the helm. Today, the course features paspalum turf, two lakes, views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic, as well as 18 holes of fun in between.
- Everglades Golf Course: One of the private golf courses located on Palm Beach Island, this is an 18-hole golf course designed by Seth Raynor, featuring lush landscaping, water features, and a clubhouse with dining and social amenities for its members.
Unlock Idyllic Waterfront Living with Frisbie Palm Beach
The Frisbie Palm Beach team, led by expert broker-associate Suzanne Frisbie, can help you realize your dreams of living by the water in Palm Beach. Get in touch with us today by calling 561.373.0941 or sending an email. We look forward to providing you with a seamless homebuying experience in the Greater Palm Beach area.
