What To Know About Living in Delray Beach, FL

The small city of Delray Beach, Florida has all the qualities that make the state famous: sandy and gorgeous beaches, tropical weather, waterside views of the Atlantic, and so many modern amenities. It has that perfect mix of suburban and urban, giving residents the space to grow their families while still being near commercial establishments and institutions.

Because of all these qualities, it’s no surprise that many people have considered moving to Delray Beach. Still, it’s a big decision to make. Before you take the big leap and relocate here, you’ll want to understand first what it’s like to live in this community. Thankfully, The Mandel Team has shared a comprehensive guide to help you get started. Here’s all you need to know.

Why Should You Live in Delray Beach?

Delray Beach is as Florida as you can get. It’s located on the outskirts of the Miami metropolitan area and is part of Palm Beach County. Because of this location, the city enjoys a tropical climate with lots of sunshine and short winter days.

Perhaps the best thing about Delray Beach is how it’s located next to the Atlantic, like most of the cities in this region of Florida. If you’re a beach lover, then you’ll have an easy time visiting the beachfront after which the city is named. It’s the perfect place to relax, play sports, and enjoy the turquoise waters of the ocean.

Delray Beach also has other man-made attractions to visit. That includes museums, community parks, restaurants, markets, and shopping malls. If you’re a golfing enthusiast, you should probably invest in a golf club membership to enjoy the many courses scattered in the area.

One other factor that attracts many people to this city is the access to modern facilities and institutions. Many of the region’s top hospitals, schools, and commercial companies are less than 30 minutes away from Delray Beach. This increases the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Consider the small-town feel of the neighborhoods and you have a great place to raise a family.

What To Expect in the Delray Beach Real Estate Market?

All kinds of properties abound in Delray Beach, from condominiums to single-family homes. The urban and suburban mix lends itself to close rent vs own rates, with owned properties at 63% and rented at 37% according to Niche. The most popular homes are waterfront properties, especially ones next to the gorgeous beach.

The median home value of a property as of December 2022 is $298,600. The monthly rent is $1,600 during the same time period. While these values are above the national average, they are still lower than the other cities in the Miami metropolitan area. Because of this and other factors, Delray Beach has remained a seller’s market. That means that there’s a high demand for homes here.

Most of the people who own or buy properties in the city are retirees. However, plenty of new families and young professionals also live in the city. Aside from the many modern conveniences, the reduced property tax attracts these demographics. The tax rates are currently at $6.67 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is much lower than the state average.

What Attractions Can You Visit in Delray Beach?

Here are some of the attractions that the city’s residents enjoy.

Delray Public Beach

The scenic Delray Public Beach stretches up to 1.5 miles, creating most of the city’s eastern border. It’s one of the most visited beach fronts in the area thanks to its accessibility from the I-95. Here, you’ll enjoy the white, powdery sand, uninterrupted views of the Atlantic, and plenty of restaurants and sports facilities available for all.

Wakodahatchee Wetlands

Within the interiors of Delray Beach is the grand Wakodahatchee Wetlands. It’s a popular destination that lets you discover the native habitats and wildlife found on this side of Florida. Enjoy the boardwalk that crosses the ponds and wet areas, which gives you an elevated view of the wilderness as well as glimpses of nesting birds. You should also keep an eye out for alligators, turtles, rabbits, and other fauna.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens

Those who have a great interest in foreign cultures and practices will have a great time at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. This is another famous Delray Beach attraction known for its collection of Japanese arts and culture. From sculptures to paintings, from landscaping to architecture, you’ll find many fascinating aspects of the East Asian country in this destination. The gorgeous views also make for great photography opportunities.

Atlantic Avenue

The lengthy Atlantic Avenue is considered one of the main arteries of Delray Beach. Along this stretch of road are many of the top commercial establishments and leisure destinations in the city, including its downtown area. You’ll find markets of all kinds, restaurants offering various cuisines, hotels, clothing and outfitting stores, and theaters all within a few blocks. At the end of the road is Delray Public Beach, so you can easily bring your food or gear for a fun day next to the water.

Raising a Family in Delray Beach

Starting a family in Delray Beach is ideal because of the factors mentioned above. Not only does it have a convenient mix of suburban and urban neighborhoods, but it also has many great schools for all levels. That includes Morikami Park Elementary School, Banyan Creek Elementary School, and Atlantic High School. There are a few colleges in the city, but those who want to study at a university will need to commute to the bigger cities nearby.

In terms of jobs and income, there are plenty of opportunities for work here. The main industry in Delray Beach is healthcare, education, and tourism. However, professionals in niche industries will also find jobs in the city.

As of December, the median family income was $69,804, which is a little above the national average. The cost of living caps at $38,025 annually, which is also greater than the Florida state average. You should take this into consideration before moving to Delray Beach for better financial planning with your family.

Traveling Around Delray Beach

This city is a walker’s paradise, especially for those that live near the beach and downtown area. Walk Score has given it a grade of 94 over 100, which is far above most other cities of its size in the US. This means that you can do errands, visit attractions, and access services without needing to own a car. A vehicle will be necessary if you intend to commute outside of the city, however.

For those who want to commute via mass transit, the TR Tri-Rail stops at Delray Beach Station along the I-95. You can also use a bicycle for intercity travel. With a Bike Score of 63, the city has more than adequate infrastructure for this mode of transport.

Golf and Other Sports in Delray Beach

There are a total of 19 golf courses in the city, and two of these are municipal golf courses. Among these many clubs, the most popular ones are Delray Beach Golf Club, Delaire Country Club, and Lakeview Golf Club. You’ll need to secure membership to these clubs to be able to schedule tee times.

As for other sports, Delray Beach is known for its many watersports, which is unsurprising given its location. Kayaking, surfing, sport fishing, and swimming are just some of the things you’ll enjoy doing as a resident of this beachside city.

Living in Delray Beach: Final Thoughts

Delray Beach has plenty to offer for families, young professionals, and retirees. From walkable neighborhoods to gorgeous beaches, from golfing opportunities to water sports, there are many things to do and enjoy. The only drawback may be the high cost of living and property values, but that’s already a given in cities like this. So, if you’re considering moving to a sunny city in Florida, then make sure to consider this magnificent location.