West Palm Beach is one of the most inviting and exciting areas in the country, especially if you're a real estate investor. This area is close to the ocean, filled with opportunities for recreation and entertainment, and has boundless potential for future growth.

What makes West Palm Beach real estate so attractive? And how can you find the right neighborhood or property for your needs?

The Draw of West Palm Beach Real Estate

These are just some of the general reasons why real estate investors have been drawn to the West Palm Beach area in recent years:

•      Warmth and climate. Most people know that Florida is warm and peaceful throughout most of the year, even if it gets a bit hot in summer. If you're tired of cold, long winters, this is even more appealing.

•      The ocean and beaches. West Palm Beach is close to the ocean and home to lively, yet relaxing beaches that are popular, but rarely overcrowded.

•      Parks and recreation. In this area, you'll also find plenty of opportunities for recreation, from dedicated local parks and bike trails to highly walkable sidewalks and explorable urban areas.

•      Restaurants and shopping. Do you love going out to eat or shopping? You'll be right at home here. West Palm Beach offers some of the best restaurants, bars, and shopping experiences in the country.

•      Relative distance. It's true that West Palm Beach is a bit touristy, as well as attractive to snowbirds, but compared to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it's much calmer, quieter, and more enjoyable.

•      Safety. West Palm Beach is known for its low crime rates – and residents feel highly secure in the area.

•      Momentum and growth. Perhaps most importantly, West Palm Beach is recognized for its real estate market momentum and potential for growth, both in the short term and long term.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood

So which neighborhood should you choose?

•      Downtown. Downtown West Palm Beach is sometimes called the “Center of Paradise,” and for good reason. It’s home to The Square, an open-air outdoor mall with fully walkable streets and amazing aesthetics. It features tons of restaurants, bars, and shops, complete with its own entertainment district. And, of course, downtown WPB is bordered by the Intercoastal Waterway – which is perfect if you love the ocean. There are countless condo options for you to explore here.

•      Old Northwood. Old Northwood is a historic neighborhood that dates back to the 1920s – though many of its oldest homes have been restored to modern standards. Mediterranean Revival homes and Mission-style homes are common here.

•      Grandview Heights. If you want to live close to downtown, without actually living in it, consider Grandview Heights. Here, you’ll see a wide range of different architectural styles, including Spanish Mission, Mediterranean Revival, Craftsman, Bungalow, American FourSquare, Art Deco, Mission Revival, and Dutch Colonial Revival.

•      El Cid. El Cid is an arguably even more celebrated community, with a long revival unfolding over the past 25 years or so. If you’re looking for access to Palm Beach amenities without living on Palm Beach Island itself, this is a top choice.

•      Flamingo Park. Flamingo Park is full of freshly renovated homes – and it’s within easy biking distance to The Square. Here, homes typically have aptly named Florida rooms, covered patios, and even swimming pools.

•      The Southend. Sometimes called SoSo, the Southend is anything but “so-so.” It’s debatably the hottest and fastest-growing neighborhood on the south side of WPB. With easy access to the beach and downtown, it’s a neighborhood that offers practically everything you might be looking for

Exploring West Palm Beach

Are you interested in investing in West Palm Beach real estate?

If so:

•      Visit! Visit the area before you decide to invest in it. West Palm Beach is quite welcoming to tourists, and once you set foot in this beautiful and comfortable city, you probably won't want to leave.

•      Analyze your priorities. Real estate investing decisions tend to be complicated, in part because individual investors have such different priorities. Are you looking for somewhere to live year-round? Are you looking for a vacation home? Are you looking to rent and benefit from property appreciation? What is your risk tolerance? The better you know your priorities, the better your investing decision will be.

•      Hire a real estate agent. It pays to work with experts who are already familiar with the area. Consider hiring a buyer’s real estate agent to help you select the right property.

West Palm Beach is one of the most exciting areas for real estate investors to explore in the entire country, and its momentum is unlikely to cease in the near future. As with any investment decision, make sure you do your due diligence before finalizing any transaction.