Real Estate Education
Palm Beach County Cities: Where to Live, Town by Town
June 24, 2026 · 7 min read · By Pure Equity Realty
Palm Beach County has 39 municipalities, from oceanfront enclaves to western suburbs and farm towns. Here is a plain guide to the Palm Beach County cities worth knowing.
Palm Beach County is the largest county in Florida by land area, and its 39 municipalities run from oceanfront enclaves to fast-growing western suburbs to farm towns near Lake Okeechobee. If you are trying to sort out the Palm Beach County cities and where you would actually want to live, this guide groups them by area and tells you what each one is known for.
Key Takeaways
- Palm Beach County has 39 incorporated municipalities plus large unincorporated areas.
- The coastal cities (Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Jupiter, the Town of Palm Beach) carry the highest prices and the beach lifestyle.
- Central and western suburbs (Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Greenacres) offer more space and value.
- The Glades towns out west (Belle Glade, Pahokee, South Bay) are the county's agricultural heart and most affordable corner.
- West Palm Beach is the county seat and the urban core.
The coastal cities
The eastern edge of Palm Beach County is where the marquee names sit. Boca Raton anchors the south end with Mediterranean architecture, country clubs, and a strong corporate base. Just north, Delray Beach trades on a walkable downtown and Atlantic Avenue's restaurants and galleries. Boynton Beach and Lake Worth Beach offer more attainable coastal living between the two. The Town of Palm Beach, the barrier island itself, remains one of the wealthiest addresses in the country, with Worth Avenue and oceanfront estates.
To the north, Jupiter draws families and boaters with its inlet, lighthouse, and laid-back marine culture, while Palm Beach Gardens pairs golf (it is home to the PGA of America) with upscale shopping at the Gardens Mall. Smaller coastal towns like Juno Beach, Tequesta, North Palm Beach, and Highland Beach round out the shoreline.
West Palm Beach and the urban core
West Palm Beach is the county seat and its largest city, with a real downtown, the Brightline station, Clematis Street and Rosemary Square, and a mix of historic neighborhoods and new high-rises. It is the most urban option in the county and a natural landing spot for buyers who want walkability and a shorter commute. If you are weighing the move, our guide to the cost of living in West Palm Beach breaks down housing, taxes, and insurance.
Central and western suburbs
Head inland and the county opens up. Wellington is famous for equestrian sport (the Winter Equestrian Festival) and offers large lots and top-rated schools. Royal Palm Beach and Loxahatchee Groves nearby give you suburban and semi-rural space at lower prices. Greenacres, Palm Springs, Lake Park, and Lantana are practical, established suburbs with solid value. Westlake, incorporated in 2016, is the county's newest city and one of its fastest-growing master-planned communities.
The Glades
Far to the west, along the southeastern shore of Lake Okeechobee, sit the Glades communities: Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay. This is the agricultural engine of the county, sugarcane and vegetable country, and the most affordable housing in Palm Beach County. It is a different pace of life, rural and tight-knit, a long drive from the coast.
How to choose among Palm Beach County cities
Start with three questions: how close to the beach do you need to be, what is your budget per square foot, and how long a commute can you tolerate. The coast costs the most and gives you lifestyle and walkability; the western suburbs trade beach access for space and value; the Glades trade both for affordability. Compare current listings and market data on our Palm Beach County page, dig into West Palm Beach or Boca Raton directly, or browse the full city directory for the rest of our service area.
Frequently asked questions
How many cities are in Palm Beach County?
Palm Beach County has 39 incorporated municipalities, plus sizable unincorporated communities like The Acreage. It is the third most populous county in Florida.
What is the most expensive city in Palm Beach County?
The Town of Palm Beach, the barrier island, is consistently the most expensive, followed by coastal enclaves like Manalapan, Gulf Stream, and Highland Beach. Boca Raton and Jupiter lead the larger cities.
What is the most affordable part of Palm Beach County?
The Glades towns out west, Belle Glade, Pahokee, and South Bay, offer the lowest home prices. Among the eastern suburbs, Greenacres and Lake Worth Beach tend to be the most attainable.
Not sure which Palm Beach County city fits you? Pure Equity Realty knows these towns block by block and can match your budget and lifestyle to the right neighborhood. Contact our team to start your search.
