Rent vs buy in North Palm Beach -what makes sense?
Not sure if this has been asked before, but Average temperature is around 76--F, so it's warm year-round. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. Am I wrong here? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The suburbs are where most families end up. Property taxes are high but you get good services.
10 upvotes
13 Replies
Ryan
Hot take but I'm still on the fence after all this time. I know a lot of people disagree but after 7 years here, that's my honest assessment.
34 upvotes
Kennedy T.
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are pretty good, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
32 upvotes
Jack M.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a nurse, 33, moved here 15 years ago from Miami. I've lived in Maple Ridge and Lakewood, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Good healthcare facilities
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally tough - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The public transit situation is pricey and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Maple Ridge: Great for young professionals. excellent vibes, walkable.
- Lakewood: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Miami, everything felt solid. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are wild. Gas is growing. You can live comfortably on $90K-$140K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
30 upvotes
Alexander M.
great question, following
27 upvotes
Aubrey Nguyen
been saying this for years
25 upvotes
Joseph N.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a writer, 43, moved here 6 years ago from Seattle. I've lived in Pine Hills and Old Town, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Affordable housing options
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally pretty good - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Urban sprawl is real
2. Limited high-paying job options
3. The safety situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Pine Hills: Great for couples. decent vibes, walkable.
- Old Town: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Seattle, everything felt better than expected. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are affordable. Gas is manageable. You can live comfortably on $100K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
It's not for everyone but it works for us.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
25 upvotes
Elijah C.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem average.
I've been here 12 years and the quality of life is solid. The thing nobody mentions is cost of living. It's growing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the healthcare is legit. And if you're into running, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Riverside side vs the Pine Hills side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
20 upvotes
Lydia C.
Renting here right now, paying about /mo for a 1-bedroom. I wouldn't want to live anywhere else right now. Compared to Boston it's decent.
19 upvotes
Isla Harris
interesting, hadn't considered that
14 upvotes
Kayden W.
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem improving.
I've been here 8 years and I have mixed feelings honestly. The thing nobody mentions is cultural scene. It's developing and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the community vibe is legit. And if you're into golfing, this place is underrated.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The South side vs the Sunset side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
13 upvotes
Evan Reed
Gonna give a different perspective here since most replies seem tough.
I've been here 12 years and it exceeded my expectations. The thing nobody mentions is safety. It's reasonable and it affects daily life more than you'd think.
That said, the housing market is legit. And if you're into running, this place is surprisingly good.
Neighborhood matters A LOT here. The Lakewood side vs the Oak Park side are basically different cities. Make sure you visit both before deciding.
No regrets on my end..
11 upvotes
Lawrence B.
Not gonna lie, the first year was rough. But once you find your neighborhood and your people, there are trade-offs but the good outweighs the bad. Give it a chance - it might surprise you..
3 upvotes
Anna Ramirez
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Eastside for 10 years. Moved from Chicago for retirement. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is pretty good. We bought in 2021 at k and it's now worth about the same than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 3-bed in a safe area. Older homes are where the value is.
**Employment:**
education is strong here. government is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are developing for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it's not perfect but it works for me. The outdoor scene is average - we have desert landscapes within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Eastside schools are tough. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Traffic during rush hour is rough. Nightlife is limited. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For remote workers, I'd say this is a 9/10. Happy to answer more specific questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
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