16 Pros and Cons of Living in West Palm Beach, FL

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Is your dream to live under great weather, near a beach?

West Palm Beach, FL may be the best choice.

It has plenty of recreational activities for tourists and residents and breathtaking views.

However, no matter where you go, there will be some flaws.

West Palm Beach is no exception.

This guide will explain all the pros and cons of living in West Palm Beach before you take the leap.  

Pros of Living in West Palm Beach, FL

Let’s begin with a list of some of the benefits of living in West Palm Beach, FL.

1. Taxes Are Low/Non-Existent

Florida is one of seven states that do not charge income taxes to residents living here.

This is one of the biggest benefits and reasons why people choose to live in Florida.

However, there are certain businesses that must pay 5.5% in taxes.

But, this doesn’t include nonprofits or small businesses.

On the other hand, residents are charged 7% on purchases they make that are considered retail.

Additionally, homeowners must pay property taxes, which are 1.13%.

2. Wonderful Weather

West Palm Beach has some of the best weather you’ll find.

Residents can even count on mild winters, with temperatures averaging around 74 degrees Fahrenheit.

There is, however, a lot of rainfall, but it only adds to the charm of gardening.

Many people flock to West Palm Beach and other parts of the state during the winter to escape the cold and frigid temperatures in the north.

3. Thriving Economy

Florida’s economy is thriving, and this fortunately includes West Palm Beach.

Unemployment in the city was below the national average, coming in at only 3.4.

If you plan on moving to West Palm Beach, you can count on finding a job in various industries including retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, and more.

Additionally, there are many small business owners in West Palm Beach.

The good news is that the city attracts more than six million tourists every year, which contributes to the success of these businesses.

4. Great Real Estate Market

The real estate market in West Palm Beach is stable.

Property value may vary depending on the area you are living in.

However, compared to other cities in Florida, the amount you pay for rent or mortgage is substantially much cheaper.

People are renting and owning at the same rate in West Palm Beach.

The average cost of rent for a two-bedroom in West Palm Beach is $1,500.

There are also homes on the market for rent that are less than $1,000.

5. Family-Friendly Attractions

Florida is infamous for its long list of family-friendly attractions.

You won’t have to travel outside the city too much if you’re looking for something exciting to do.

Your kids will enjoy the Palm Beach Zoo.

There are more than 190 animals here.

You can also check out the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium. 

Furthermore, if you enjoy nature, you will enjoy the beauty of the Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County.

6. Plenty of Beaches

For those who enjoy being close to the beach, there are plenty of them in West Palm Beach.

The beach life will become a huge part of your daily life while living here.

This is something that many people can only dream of.

So, if you are considering moving to West Palm Beach, you’ll be able to take advantage of 47 miles of sand and water.

7. Neighborhoods Are Pleasant to Live in

There are many pleasant neighborhoods located within West Palm Beach.

Flamingo Parks is one of the most well-known in the area.

This is because it is located near various restaurants and shopping centers.

It is also a short distance from downtown West Palm Beach.

Another popular neighborhood is Southend.

It is both calming and relaxing.

It’s perfect for seniors, children, and even couples looking to take in the serene environment.

8. Great Entertainment  

If you love entertainment, you’ll find it in West Palm Beach, FL.

There are plenty of festivities that take place throughout the year.

For example, the South Florida Fairgrounds takes place in January.

It lasts 17 days and is full of rides, great food, and games.

Sunfest also takes place in West Palm Beach and is the largest music festival that occurs along the waterfront.

It is five days long and features various artists.

Finally, if you enjoy boats, you will enjoy the Palm Beach International Boat Show.

You will see various types of boats, from yachts to personal watercraft.

Cons of Living in West Palm Beach, FL

Unfortunately, West Palm Beach like all places has downsides.

Here is a list of the cons of living in West Palm Beach.

1. High Crime Rate

Unfortunately, the city of West Palm Beach has a high crime rate.

Your chances of becoming a victim of a serious crime in West Palm Beach is 8.28 in 1000.

Additionally, theft and other crimes occur at a rate of 48.27 in 1000 each year.

There are certain areas in West Palm Beach where crime is twice as likely to occur.

Some of the safest areas to reside here are near the waterfront area and in the recently developed suburban projects.

2. Cost of Living Is High

Even though there are no taxes in West Palm Beach, the cost of living is 17% higher when compared to other areas in the country.

The average income for families here is $45,000 per year.

This number is less than the national average.

In order to handle all costs of living, a family of four must earn at least $85,000.

While you may be able to survive off of $38,000 per year, it may be extremely tight.

3. Heavy Traffic

Another downside of living in West Palm Beach is the heavy traffic.

This is especially true for Interstate 95.

This is the main highway that runs through the city.

It can be a headache to navigate this highway, especially during rush hour.

But besides heavy traffic, West Palm Beach residents must pay expensive costs to commute.

You can reach many places by foot, but others require a car.

Parking may be a huge issue for those who own vehicles.

4. Hurricanes/Tropical Storms

West Palm Beach sees occasional tropical storms and hurricanes.

Every ten years, they may see at least a category-three storm with extremely high winds.

These types of storms can cause significant damage to your home and area.

Furthermore, you will see severe storms every year.

Besides dealing with tropical storms, residents deal with sinkholes which can be pretty frightening.

Sinkholes come from underground water that has shifted, causing the earth to palliate.

This softening causes holes in the ground.

5. High Insurance Costs

West Palm Beach has expensive insurance costs.

This is mainly due to the fact that Florida sees many tropical storms and hurricanes throughout the year.

As a result, auto and home insurance prices are extremely high.

It’s not possible to reside in West Palm Beach without home insurance, because you put yourself and your home at major risk.

Overall, the state of Florida deals with hurricane season for six months out of the year.

6. Many Species of Mosquitoes

In West Palm Beach, there are more than 80 species of mosquitoes that put you at a high risk of contracting diseases.

Mosquitoes carry various diseases such as West Nile Virus, Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya, and many more.

While there are several mosquito control programs in place to keep them under control, you must still take the necessary precautions when out at night.

7. Possibility of Alligators

There have been many alligator sightings in West Palm Beach, FL.

However, you really have to worry about alligators if you have more than several inches of water around.

Most recently, there has been a confirmed alligator sighting in a West Palm Beach neighborhood.

The alligator was approximately 8 feet long.

If you’re considering moving here, you must be sure to be watchful of your surroundings especially when near fresh water including rivers and lakes.

8. Homelessness

Homelessness is continuously increasing in West Palm Beach.

In 2022 alone, the number of homeless people was 1,404.

In 2023, that number increased to 1,855.

The majority of these people were in areas located within downtown West Palm Beach.

Fortunately, West Palm Beach’s homeless problem is not as bad as other cities in Florida such as Tampa.

Tampa has the highest rate of homelessness in the entire country.

Pros and Cons of Living in West Palm Beach, FL – Summary Table

West Palm Beach Safety Overview

READ THE FULL REPORT: West Palm Beach Safety Review

Safety Index:

54

• OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
• TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
• PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
• NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
• MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
• TERRORISM RISK: LOW
• SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
• WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM