Living in West Palm Beach vs Miami

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For the purposes of this article, instead of saying “the Miami/West Plam Beach area” or “Miami-Dade County/Palm Beach County” we’re just going to use “Miami” and “West Palm Beach”. So, let’s explore some of the major, and minor, differences between some of the hottest (figuratively and literally) areas in the country.

West Palm Beach vs Miami

Let’s Talk Real Estate in Miami vs West Palm Beach

While both areas have seen insane growth over the past few years, the real estate markets in West Palm Beach and Miami often cater to different preferences and budgets. Miami is, of course, known for its high-rise condominiums, billionaire bunkers, and international clientele. But places aren't just what they're most known for. Miami has so many individual neighborhoods, each with its own vibe and unique feel. The median home price in Miami tends to be higher due to its large metropolitan appeal and higher demand from global buyers. Miami's real estate market is characterized by its diverse range of properties, from opulent mansions in areas like Coral Gables to small, trendy apartments in neighborhoods like Wynwood and Brickell.

On the other hand, West Palm Beach tends to be known (and marketed) as a more laid-back place with a somewhat quieter lifestyle. Again, this can be true, but West Palm is more than that, too. In terms of real estate, West Palm is a mix of historic homes, modest single-family houses, modern condos, and sprawling estates. The city's real estate market is considered to be relatively more affordable than Miami's, making it attractive for families and retirees. Downtown West Palm has some of the most modern, pristine condo buildings in the country, with more on the way. Outside of Downtown, there are golf communities, non-HOA neighborhoods full of single-family homes, townhouses, apartment complexes, and everything in between. In general, when compared to Miami, you get a little more bang for your buck and a little more space in West Palm.

Miami Schools vs West Palm Beach Schools

As far as education goes, both areas have some of the most reputable public and private schools in Florida. Miami-Dade County Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the United States, offering a wide range of specialized programs and magnet schools that cater to students' diverse interests and talents. The district is known for its commitment to improving student achievement and graduation rates.

The School District of Palm Beach County also boasts high-performing schools with a focus on student success. The district provides a variety of educational choices, including International Baccalaureate (IB) programs, STEM academies, and arts-focused schools. Families in West Palm Beach have access to quality education that supports both academic and extracurricular development. The area also has some of the most notable private schools in the country since they are or were attended by children of prominent people.

Differences in Things to Do and Attractions

You don't have to be into going to bars and clubs all night in order to love living in Miami, and you don't need to be a yachtsman or professional golfer in order to thoroughly enjoy West Palm. Both areas offer all kinds of activities and attractions to suit different interests.

Sure, Miami is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, but it also has some world-class museums and must-see cultural festivals. There are the iconic attractions like the Art Deco Historic District, and the Pérez Art Museum, which draw visitors from around the globe, but then there are also local events every week in most neighborhoods where the small businesses, restaurants, and community establishments bring people together. The city's diverse cultural landscape is reflected in its array of events, from Miami International Film Festival to Art Basel. Miami’s image has certainly evolved over the years, and the influx of new residents has surely shaped and reshaped various neighborhoods.

Aside from being known as a resort town, West Palm Beach is celebrated by those who live there for its serene environment and outdoor activities. The area is home to beautiful beaches, scenic waterfront parks, and cultural landmarks such as the Norton Museum of Art. Nearby Jupiter offers additional attractions like the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and the Loggerhead Marine Life Center, which are perfect for family outings. West Palm can feel like a perfect blend between Miami and some of the smaller beach towns of Florida's Treasure Coast. There are parts of West Palm that can, at times, feel like they're trying to bring a little of the Miami dining and nightlife scene to cater to that kind of crowd as well, and then there are also events like the #1 Farmers Market in the United States. 

Golf and Outdoor Activities

This is worth mentioning for a few reasons. First and foremost, because Florida (specifically South Florida) is world-famous for golf. Whether people buy a retirement house here simply to play year-round, or move here for other reasons and want to pick up the game, it's just one of the top things to do here. Just like not everyone who lives near the Rocky Mountains is a skier or snowboarder, not everyone who lives here is a golfer, but the area is still known for having some of the best in the world.

For golf aficionados, Miami is home to several prestigious golf courses, including the famed Trump National Doral Miami, which has hosted numerous professional events. Similarly, West Palm Beach also boasts PGA National, where the Honda Classic (now called the Cognizant Classic) PGA TOUR event has been hosted for many years. Both areas have many, many, outstanding courses, public and private.

Do You Have to Choose?

Choosing between West Palm Beach and Miami ultimately depends on your lifestyle preferences and priorities. While living in one and commuting to the other is a bit of a stretch, they're close enough to easily make day trips or weekend trips, especially since the Brightline opened a few years ago. Getting from West Palm down to Miami for a Sporting event, or from Miami up to West Palm for a relaxing staycation has never been easier. Plus, since the train is an option, traffic isn't quite as bad as it could be.

For each person, or family, the choice is made for unique reasons, so if you're really weighing your options, talk to a local expert. 

Contact one of our experienced real estate agents to talk through what you're looking for, and get advice on where you might find exactly what you want and need.

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