Moving to Lantana: A Relocation Guide to Homes, Costs and Everyday Life

Moving to Lantana gets you a small coastal town with its own beach, its own boat ramp and its own police and water service. The town sits between Lake Worth Beach and Boynton Beach, with I-95 running through it and Palm Beach a short drive north. It is also old and compact, so homes vary a lot and the best ones go fast. This guide covers housing, prices, insurance, schools, commute and the steps to take once the boxes are unpacked.

Key takeaways

• Lantana was incorporated in 1921. It covers about 3 square miles and counted 11,504 residents in the 2020 Census.
• As of October 1, 2026, Pure Equity's MLS data shows 168 active listings in town, with a median list price of $372,500.
• The town runs its own police department, water and sewer utilities, building department and marine safety team.
• Residents can buy up to two beach parking decals a year for $37.28 each. Decals expire on September 30.
• Your Florida driver license is due within 30 days of becoming a resident, and vehicle registration within 10 days.

Where Lantana is and how it is laid out

Lantana is in southeast Palm Beach County, about 37 miles north of Fort Lauderdale. The mainland part of town runs along the Intracoastal Waterway and U.S. 1. Then, across the bridge on East Ocean Avenue, the town has its beach on the barrier island. Part of Hypoluxo Island is also in Lantana, which shares the island with the Town of Manalapan.

The town calls itself one of the oldest communities in the county, with roots as an old Florida fishing village. When it incorporated in 1921, 22 people voted in the first election, and its first two mayors were women, according to the county historical society.

Homes you will find when moving to Lantana

Lantana has a mix of housing in a small space. On the mainland, you will find older single-family homes on modest lots, plus duplexes and small multifamily buildings. Condos and townhouses offer the lowest entry prices. Closer to the Intracoastal, some homes have water views or docks, and those cost more.

Because the town is old, build years matter. Two homes on the same street can differ by decades in roof age, wiring and windows. That affects both repair costs and insurance quotes, so read each listing's build year and permit history closely.

Prices and rents as of October 2026

According to Pure Equity's MLS data as of October 1, 2026, Lantana had 168 active residential listings. The median list price was $372,500, and the median list price per square foot was $339. Listings still on the market had been there an average of 120 days. Those figures mix condos with houses, and they are asking prices.

The rental market is modest. The same data showed 135 active rentals, with a median asking rent of $2,495. Renting for a while can work if you want to learn the town before you buy. Our Lantana market page shows the latest figures.

County numbers add context. Miami Realtors reported a Palm Beach County single-family median sale price of $650,000 in August 2026, with 40 median days to contract. The condo and townhouse median was $300,000. So Lantana's asking prices sit below the county single-family median, partly because condos pull the town figure down.

Beach and boating perks for new residents

Water access is the main reason many people choose this town. The town beach is an 8-acre park with about 745 feet of ocean frontage. Residents can buy a parking decal at Town Hall or by mail, with proof of residency, a driver license and vehicle registration. The decal costs $37.28, and each household can buy two per year.

For boaters, Sportsman's Park at 320 East Ocean Avenue has two boat ramps, three fish cleaning stations and a seawall with a fishing pier on the Intracoastal. It has 27 trailer spaces that require a decal and 37 car spaces. The trailer decal costs $53.25 and is open to anyone with a valid trailer registration.

The town also lists seven parks totaling about 12 acres, a kayak park and a recreation center with four tennis courts. So even without a waterfront home, you can spend a lot of time on the water.

Insurance and flood checks

Coastal living brings extra homework. First, look up the address on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and ask your lender if flood insurance is required. Then get homeowners quotes during your inspection period, not after. Insurers will ask about roof age, the age of the electrical and plumbing systems and storm protection.

If the home has a dock or seawall, have both inspected, and ask for permits on past work. Our checklist of questions to ask when buying waterfront property covers the details. In addition, remember that hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Schools when moving to Lantana with kids

The School District of Palm Beach County runs public schools in and around town. Schools that serve Lantana include Lantana Elementary, Starlight Cove Elementary, Barton Elementary, Lantana Community Middle and Santaluces Community High. Even so, the zoned school depends on the exact address.

So enter the address in the district's "Find My Zoned School" map before you make an offer. If you are interested in a magnet or choice program, such as arts, IB or STEM, plan ahead. Those programs take applications, and students need a district ID number first.

Commute and getting around

I-95 runs through Lantana, so most drivers can reach the highway quickly. From there, it is a fairly direct trip north to West Palm Beach and Palm Beach International Airport, or south to Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. U.S. 1 and Dixie Highway are local alternatives when I-95 backs up.

For daily errands, residents use shops along the town's main roads and in neighboring cities. Since the town is small, most trips are short. Still, test your commute at rush hour before you decide on a home, because I-95 traffic can change your day.

Daily life in a small town

Life here moves at a slower pace than in the bigger cities on either side. The town has a public library with more than 24,000 volumes, and the recreation center and parks host much of the local activity. Lantana even has a sister city, Lapua in Finland.

Many residents split their week between town and the larger cities nearby. For example, you might shop and dine in Boynton Beach or Lake Worth Beach, then spend the weekend at the town beach or on the Intracoastal. That mix suits people who want quiet streets without giving up easy access to restaurants, hospitals and work.

Before you commit, spend a weekday and a weekend in town. Visit the beach in the morning, drive to your job at rush hour and walk the streets near the homes you like. A few hours on the ground will tell you more than a dozen listing photos.

Your first steps after moving to Lantana

Florida sets deadlines once you become a resident. FLHSMV counts you as a resident when you start work here, enroll a child in public school, register to vote, file for homestead or live here more than six months in a row.

1. Buy auto insurance from a Florida-licensed agent, then title and register your vehicle within 10 days.
2. Get your Florida driver license within 30 days.
3. Set up town water and sewer service, along with power and internet, before move-in.
4. Buy your beach parking decal, which requires your Florida registration and proof of residency.
5. File for homestead with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser by March 1. You must own and live in the home on January 1.

Homestead removes $25,000 of assessed value for all taxes. A second exemption applies to value above $50,000, except for school taxes, and was worth up to $25,722 in 2025.

What newcomers wish they knew before moving to Lantana

A few lessons repeat. First, good homes in desirable pockets sell fast, even when the town-wide numbers look slow. So get preapproved and set alerts before you start touring.

Second, look closely at condo finances. Ask for the budget, reserves and any recent inspection reports, and ask about planned assessments. A low price can come with a big bill later.

Third, plan your first summer. Have shutters or impact glass checked, keep supplies on hand and know your evacuation zone. Finally, enjoy the small-town pace. Town Hall is close, and many services are run locally, which makes questions easier to answer.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a home cost when moving to Lantana?

Pure Equity's MLS data showed a median list price of $372,500 for active listings on October 1, 2026. Waterfront and larger single-family homes cost more.

Does Lantana have its own beach?

Yes. The town runs an 8-acre beach park with about 745 feet of ocean frontage. Residents can buy discounted parking decals.

Who provides water after moving to Lantana?

The town provides water and sewer service. Confirm with the town and check a recent bill from the seller for the exact address.

Can I launch a boat in Lantana without a waterfront home?

Yes. Sportsman's Park has two ramps and trailer parking that requires a decal.

What high school serves families moving to Lantana?

Santaluces Community High School serves the area, but zoning depends on the address. Use the district's zoned school map to confirm.

Sources

• Town of Lantana, About us
• U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census population, Lantana town
• Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Lantana
• Town of Lantana, Parking decals and boat trailer permits
• Town of Lantana, Sportsman's Park
• Pure Equity, Lantana market data (October 1, 2026)
• Miami Realtors, Palm Beach County August 2026 market report
• FLHSMV, New resident requirements
• Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, Homestead exemption
• School District of Palm Beach County, School choice
• National Hurricane Center, Tropical cyclone climatology
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center

Selling a home so you can make the move? Get a free home valuation from Pure Equity and a clear plan for your sale. Buying in town? Request a free relocation consultation for Lantana, and our agents will help you compare streets, check flood and insurance costs and move fast on the right home. Contact our team.