Vibrant Delray Beach
Perched along Florida's Southeastern coast, Delray Beach is a coastal small town that balances sparkling sunny beaches and with loads of cosmopolitan attractions. Founded in 1911, this historic town has retained some old Florida charm, with areas like the Pineapple Grove Arts District, full of galleries, boutiques and bistros. The Delray Beach Historical Society and Cason Cottage Museum further celebrate their history and culture. With a population around 67,000, Delray Beach has kept a small community appeal, known as a “Village by the Sea,” even as it’s quickly becoming a buzzy arts, dining and culture hub.
Residents Across the Range of Ages
Mild winters and tropical summers make Delray Beach a popular spot for snowbird retirees and families, so you’ll find both sets of residents here. The average year-round temperature is a comfortable 70 to 80 degrees. While Delray Beach's population may average a bit older than the overall Florida population, families have been moving to the area over the past few years. One reason may be the highly rated school system, with six top public schools. There are also three private and parochial schools nearby, increasing the choices for families with kids. Higher education options are close by too, with Florida Atlantic University to the north.
Residential Options
Housing in Delray Beach ranges from historic homes to luxury beachfront condominiums. The average sale price of a home in the city in 2023 was $812,000, and 63% of residents own their own home. Lots of incoming residents come from the New York and D.C. area, and enjoy a lower cost of living compared to the Northeast U.S. Overall. However the overall cost of living in Delray Beach is 21% higher than the national average.
Delray’s properties span breathtaking mansions on Oceanfront Avenue to new builds, in Pelican Harbor Tropic Harbor, and Osceola Park, with more affordable options. The Marina Historic District, Del Ida Park and Tropical Isle are favorites for newcomers, with homes averaging over $3 million and a walkable environment.
Downtown Delray and the beachside Delray Marketplace feature many choices in apartments and condos, adding appeal for residents of all ages.
Beaches and Playgrounds
It’s not hard to understand why these white sandy beaches are a main draw of the area surrounding Delray Beach. The city's two miles of public beaches offer every water sport imaginable along turquoise water. Atlantic Dunes Park is one of the coolest places to visit, with hilly sand dunes and ocean swimming all in one spot. At Delray Municipal Beach, you’ll find beach volleyball spots, sailing, kayaking and more. Quiet spots for relaxing with a book or collecting seashells are also easy to stumble on along these uncrowded shores.
Off the shore, Pompey Park is a city park with playgrounds, basketball courts, and even a splash pool. And if you want wildlife, Wakodahatchee Wetlands offers a boardwalk to view all kinds of birds,turtles and other animals. For getting close up to sea creatures, visit the Sandoway Discovery Center, to learn about sharks and other ocean dwellers. There's even a touch tank where you can safely touch animals, and a stingray feeding at scheduled times.
Picnics, Paddling and More
Veterans Park is a smaller park on Delray Beach, with picnic tables and playgrounds for kids. If outdoor adventure is your thing, Delray Beach has you covered. There are rentals for paddle boarding, snorkeling and surfing right on the beach. Or, rent bikes and ride along the Delray Beach Scenic Trail, passing scenic city views.
Jupiter Outdoor Center provides a chance to paddle the Loxahatchee River, and take a guided eco-tour or attend an after school camp to learn about the ecosystem.
You can’t mention Delray Beach without noting the town’s love of tennis. The town’s tennis centers cater to athletes of all levels. More than 37 local parks throughout the city provide playgrounds, sports fields, dog parks and scenic walking trails to delight outdoors enthusiasts.
Festive Fun and Loads of Culture
There is plenty for body and soul in Delray Beach, with its range of cultural and outdoor activities. Monthly art walks, concerts in the park, craft festivals and block parties make it a lively place for people who love to be involved and social. The downtown area blends art galleries, locally-owned eateries, and cool cocktail lounges to meet friends for drinks. Atlantic Avenue is popular for evenings out, with all ages strolling and dining outdoors. With a pedestrian-friendly downtown and lively waterfront, Delray Beach makes it easy to enjoy the wider community.
History and Heritage
The town was once the site of an artists and writers colony in the 1920’s. And today, museums pay homage to its longstanding involvement in the arts. For example, the Cornell Art Museum is located in the restored 1913 Delray Elementary School building on the Old School Square. There is also the Spady Cultural Heritage museum, celebrating the African-American history of Palm Beach County. A favorite for serenity and beauty is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. This center, founded by Japanese immigrants, showcases art and traditional Japanese gardens that are over 100 years old.
Delray Beach Might Just Have it All
A lot of people love living in Delray Beach because it has a laid-back feel of a little beach town, while offering unparalleled luxury in residential choices and amenities of a city. You can start your morning on a fishing charger, or paddle boarding on the intracoastal, then spend an afternoon wine or beer tasting at The Simple Wine or Brewlihan Mead. You might finish off with dinner fit for a foodie at Le Colonial, then craft cocktails at a chic bar. Or take part in a music festival outdoors in the spring and attend the farmers market on the weekends.
The price tag of living in Delray Beach might be higher than some surrounding areas, but it lacks nothing in terms of outdoor beauty and community offerings. Delray Beach has residents spoiled for choice, and provides a fantastic living environment for residents of any age.
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