What To Know Before Relocating to Palm Beach, Florida

By Raymond Fernandez

Originally from New York, I relocated my family to South Florida 19 years ago. Knowing that we wanted to live in Florida but not where exactly, we did a thorough investigation of the entire State and consider ourselves fortunate that we decided on the exact right place for us.... South Florida.

When my family decided to relocate to Florida 20 years ago, we were just guessing, and we almost made the wrong choice. Back then, there was no YouTube or social media to show us what it was really like to live in places like Boca, Jupiter, or Wellington.

At first, we thought Boca Raton would be “the one,” but once we saw it in person, it felt a little too crowded and more expensive than we expected. Luckily, we had time to explore and eventually found a place that truly fit our lifestyle.

If you’re dreaming about life in sunny South Florida, here are a few things you should think about first:

Palm Beach isn’t one size fits all. Palm Beach might look like one big suburb, but every part has its own personality. The southern cities—like Boca Raton—feel completely different from the northern areas like Jupiter. And while they’re only 40 miles apart, what fits your lifestyle in Jupiter may not work at all in Boca.

That’s why we start by getting to know you. Your lifestyle, your priorities, your plans—so we can help you land in the right spot.

Consider what matters to you. For many relocating families, school quality is a key consideration. We regularly assist clients in identifying areas that align with their educational goals.

Another major factor is the Homeowners Association (HOA). Approximately 85% of communities in Palm Beach County are part of an HOA. While some appreciate the structure and amenities, others prefer more freedom. We’ll help you understand the pros and cons so you can make the choice that suits your lifestyle.

Are you looking for new construction homes? Most of our clients consider new construction homes—and that’s where our experience really comes in. As licensed new home co-brokers, we know the communities, floor plans, incentives, and sales reps inside and out.

But here’s the big difference: we don’t work for the builder, we work for you. That means we can guide you to resale homes the builder won’t mention, or suggest nearby communities that may be a better fit for your goals.

From Wellington to Palm Beach Gardens to Avenir, we’ve toured, studied, and walked through just about every pocket of this county. We know which neighborhoods are quiet, which ones are great for families, which have the best amenities, and which ones may not be worth the premium.

Working with us means you’ll get our full support from your first visit to closing day. Whether it’s helping you navigate contracts, attending inspections, or answering those “what’s this neighborhood like?” questions, we’ve got your back. Contact us at (561) 781-7821 or Ray@LivingInPalm BeachFL.com. We’ll help you avoid the surprises and make confident decisions along the way.