Living in North Palm Beach FL: A Guide to Waterfront Communities and Coastal Lifestyle

North Palm Beach is a planned village of about 12,000 residents located along the Intracoastal Waterway in northern Palm Beach County. It offers a quieter coastal lifestyle compared to the larger cities of Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter, while still providing easy access to their shopping, dining, and entertainment. The village is known for its waterfront properties, the Jack Nicklaus-redesigned North Palm Beach Country Club, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, and the prestigious Lost Tree Village gated community. Home options range from affordable condos and single-family homes to multi-million-dollar waterfront estates.

I'm Rhonda Townsend, a REALTOR with RE/MAX Excellence serving buyers and sellers throughout Palm Beach County. Whether you are looking for a waterfront home on the Intracoastal, a golf-course property, or a family home in a quiet neighborhood, I can help you explore what North Palm Beach has to offer.

For a broader overview of communities across the county, see my moving to Palm Beach County guide, which covers the full range of options from Wellington to West Palm Beach to the coastal communities of northern Palm Beach County.

Why North Palm Beach?

North Palm Beach was established in 1956 as a planned community, and that original planning is still evident today. The village has a cohesive, well-maintained feel with wide roads, landscaped medians, and a mix of residential neighborhoods centered around the country club and the Intracoastal Waterway. Here are some of the qualities that draw people here:

• Waterfront lifestyle: Direct Intracoastal Waterway access with private docks, deep-water canals, and quick boat access to the Lake Worth Lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean through the Palm Beach Inlet.
• Golf and recreation: The North Palm Beach Country Club, redesigned by Jack Nicklaus, is a public municipal course that rivals private clubs in quality.
• Natural beauty: John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers the only state park beach in The Palm Beaches, with nature trails, kayaking, and a protected coastal habitat.
• Small-town feel: Despite its location between Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter, the village maintains a quiet, residential character with a strong sense of community.
• Central location: Minutes from the shopping and dining of Palm Beach Gardens, and a short drive to Jupiter, West Palm Beach, and Palm Beach International Airport.

Neighborhoods and Home Options

North Palm Beach offers a range of neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect:

Waterfront Neighborhoods

The Intracoastal Waterway runs through the eastern edge of North Palm Beach, with several neighborhoods offering direct water access. These properties typically feature private docks, seawalls, and views of the waterway. Homes in these areas range from mid-century single-family homes on canal lots to newer custom-built estate homes on the Intracoastal itself. Waterfront lots are in high demand, and prices reflect the premium for direct access to boating and the water.

Lost Tree Village

Lost Tree Village is a private, gated community covering approximately 450 acres in North Palm Beach. It features a private beach club with 1.2 miles of oceanfront, an invitation-only golf course, tennis courts, and a clubhouse. The homes in Lost Tree Village are set on large, lushly landscaped lots and range from mid-century modern to Mediterranean-style estates. The combination of privacy, beach access, and golf makes it one of the most desirable communities in Palm Beach County. Membership in the golf club is by invitation, but the beach club is available to all residents of the village.

Established Single-Family Neighborhoods

Outside the waterfront and gated enclaves, North Palm Beach has several established single-family neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and a mix of home styles and sizes. These areas offer more affordable entry points into the community, with homes typically ranging from the mid-$300,000s to the $700,000s. Many of these homes have been updated and offer open floor plans, modern kitchens, and spacious yards.

Condos and Townhomes

For buyers seeking a lower-maintenance lifestyle, North Palm Beach has several condo and townhome communities. Many are located near the country club, the Intracoastal, or within walking distance of parks and shopping. Prices for condos typically start around $250,000 to $300,000, making North Palm Beach an accessible option for buyers who want to live in this coastal area without the price of a single-family home.

Waterfront and Marina Life

For boating enthusiasts, North Palm Beach is a prime location. The Intracoastal Waterway runs through the village, and many homes have private docks with direct access to the waterway. From here, you can reach the Palm Beach Inlet in about 15 minutes by boat, giving you access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Lake Worth Lagoon, and the offshore fishing grounds.

If you are considering a waterfront home in North Palm Beach, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Dock permits: Verify that existing docks are properly permitted. Florida law requires permits for dock construction, and unpermitted structures can be subject to fines or removal.
• Seawall condition: Have a marine contractor inspect the seawall during the due diligence period. Seawall repairs are expensive and can affect the value of the property.
• Water depth and access: Check the water depth at the dock, especially if you plan to keep a boat. Some canals may have shallower depths depending on tides and maintenance.
• Flood insurance: Most waterfront properties in North Palm Beach are in a high-risk flood zone. Factor flood insurance into your budget when evaluating a property.

For more detailed guidance on buying a waterfront property, see my waterfront buyers guide and my flood zones and insurance guide.

Parks, Beaches, and Outdoor Activities

North Palm Beach is rich in outdoor recreation options. Here are some of the highlights:

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park

This 438-acre state park is the only state park in The Palm Beaches and offers a true Florida natural experience. The park features a beautiful beach, a nature center, hiking trails through coastal hammock, kayaking through the mangroves, and a boardwalk that crosses the dunes to the ocean. It is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, bird watching, and paddleboarding. The park also hosts educational programs and volunteer events throughout the year.

North Palm Beach Country Club

The country club is the centerpiece of the village's recreational offerings. The golf course was redesigned by Jack Nicklaus and is consistently ranked among the best municipal courses in the country. The club also offers a swimming pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, and dining. Membership is open to North Palm Beach residents, and non-residents can also play and use the facilities for an additional fee.

Anchorage Park

Anchorage Park is a 20-acre community park with a community pool, tennis courts, a fitness trail, a playground, and picnic areas. It is a popular spot for families and hosts community events throughout the year.

Other Parks and Water Access

The village also has several smaller parks, including lakeside parks with beach access and picnic areas. The Intracoastal Waterway Park is a small waterfront park with a boat ramp, fishing pier, and benches overlooking the water. It is a great spot for a quiet afternoon of fishing or watching the boats go by.

Dining, Shopping, and Local Favorites

North Palm Beach itself has a limited but charming selection of dining and shopping options. For a wider selection, the neighboring cities of Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter offer extensive choices.

Local Dining in North Palm Beach

The village has a few local favorites. Frigate's Waterfront Bar and Grill is a popular spot on the Intracoastal with outdoor seating, live music, and a menu of seafood and American classics. The North Palm Beach Country Club also has a restaurant open to the public. For quick bites and coffee, there are several cafes and delis in the village's small commercial areas.

Shopping Nearby

Just north of North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens offers two major shopping destinations. The Gardens Mall features high-end retailers, department stores, and a food court. Legacy Place is an outdoor lifestyle center with shops, restaurants, and a movie theater. For everyday needs, there are several grocery stores and shopping centers within a few minutes' drive.

Commuting and Access

North Palm Beach is well-positioned for access to the rest of Palm Beach County. Here are the key transportation options:

• By car: The village is located just east of I-95, with exit 79 (PGA Boulevard) providing direct access. This makes commuting to West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and points north relatively convenient.
• By air: Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is about 20 minutes south. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is about one hour south, and Miami International Airport (MIA) is about 90 minutes south.
• By train: The Brightline station in West Palm Beach provides express rail service to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Orlando. The station is about 20 minutes from North Palm Beach.
• By boat: For residents with waterfront property, the Intracoastal Waterway provides direct access to the Atlantic Ocean and the entire Florida east coast waterway system.

Is North Palm Beach Right for You?

North Palm Beach is a good fit for buyers who:

• Want a quieter, less commercial coastal community than Palm Beach Gardens or Jupiter
• Are looking for waterfront property with direct Intracoastal access
• Value access to golf, tennis, and outdoor recreation
• Want to be close to the beaches of northern Palm Beach County
• Prefer a small, planned community with a cohesive feel and strong sense of identity

It may not be the best fit if you:

• Want a walkable downtown with extensive dining and nightlife
• Are looking for the most affordable entry point into Palm Beach County real estate
• Prefer a newer master-planned community with resort-style amenities and a large HOA

If North Palm Beach sounds like the right fit, I would love to help you explore the market. From waterfront estates to family-friendly neighborhoods, the village has a home for a variety of lifestyles and budgets. Get in touch and we can start the conversation.

For more community guides, see my articles on living in Jupiter and living in Palm Beach Gardens, two neighboring communities that offer a different pace of life in northern Palm Beach County.

Thinking About North Palm Beach?

I can help you explore the North Palm Beach market, find the right neighborhood, and understand what your budget will get you in this coastal village.

Schedule a Consultation Schedule a Consultation

Rhonda Townsend, REALTOR® · A.I. Certified Agent™ · RE/MAX Excellence
(561) 236-9772 · rtownsend@remax.net

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of homes are available in North Palm Beach?

North Palm Beach offers a variety of housing options, including single-family homes in established neighborhoods, waterfront properties with direct Intracoastal access, condos and townhomes, and luxury estates in the gated Lost Tree Village community. Home prices range from approximately $350,000 for condos and smaller homes to over $2 million for waterfront estates. The village has a mix of older homes with character and newer construction, giving buyers several options depending on their budget and preferences.

What is the Lost Tree Village community?

Lost Tree Village is a private, gated enclave within North Palm Beach covering approximately 450 acres. It features a private beach club with 1.2 miles of oceanfront, an invitation-only golf course, and luxury homes on large lots. It is one of the most prestigious communities in Palm Beach County. Homes in Lost Tree Village typically range from the high six figures to several million dollars. Access to the golf club is by membership invitation, and the beach club is available to all residents of the village.

How close is North Palm Beach to beaches and outdoor activities?

North Palm Beach is located directly on the Intracoastal Waterway and is minutes from the Atlantic Ocean. John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, the only state park in The Palm Beaches, offers swimming, kayaking, hiking trails, and a nature center. The village also has several parks, including Anchorage Park with a community pool, tennis courts, and a fitness trail. The North Palm Beach Country Club is open to the public and offers golf, tennis, and dining.

What schools serve North Palm Beach?

North Palm Beach is served by the Palm Beach County School District. Elementary school students typically attend Howell L. Watkins Elementary School, and middle school students attend Howell L. Watkins Middle School. The local high school is Palm Beach Gardens High School. There are also several private school options in nearby Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter. School boundaries and availability should be verified directly with the Palm Beach County School District, as they are subject to change.

How does North Palm Beach compare to Palm Beach Gardens or Jupiter?

North Palm Beach offers a smaller, quieter village atmosphere compared to the larger cities of Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter. It has less commercial development and more of a residential, coastal village feel. Palm Beach Gardens offers more extensive shopping at The Gardens Mall and Legacy Place, while Jupiter has a larger downtown area with more dining and entertainment options. North Palm Beach is conveniently located between both, so residents have easy access to the amenities of both cities while enjoying a quieter home base.

Sources

Sources referenced in this article:

• • Village of North Palm Beach — Official Village Website
• • Discover The Palm Beaches — North Palm Beach Tourism Guide
• • John D. MacArthur Beach State Park — State Park Information
• • North Palm Beach Country Club — Golf and Recreation
• • Palm Beach County School District — School Boundary Information