Talk of the Town: Delray Beach

Did you know that the region of South Florida stretches over 100 miles along the coastline? Saying you’re from this area or are looking for homes to purchase here requires a little more specification given the large amount of area the term “South Florida” encompasses. Perhaps you want to live in a more metropolitan area like Miami or West Palm Beach, or maybe a smaller coastal town like Boynton Beach or a development in Weston is more your fancy. Regardless of your preferences, even those example towns we just listed are all a substantial distance away from one another! If you’re searching for a rental property or to buy a home here in South Florida, you’ll probably want to familiarize yourself with the many different cities and townships this area has to offer. While the best way to do so is to find an experienced local realtor you trust (like our agents!) to be your guide, having your own background knowledge of our slice of paradise is a good idea, too. To help you do this, we’re starting our “Talk of the Town” blog post series, where we’ll feature different cities in our area and do a mini-profile on each to give you a better idea of the local scene, cost of living, lifestyle, and more! In this installment, we’re diving deep into Delray Beach, a seaside village once named “The Most Fun Small Town in America.” 

Setting the Scene

Situated between Boca Raton and West Palm Beach, Delray Beach offers a private, small town atmosphere with many of the recreation and nightlife features of a much larger city. Clear blue water and direct beachside parking characterize the shoreline of Delray, all centering around its most major road: Atlantic Avenue. Known as “Downtown Delray,” Atlantic Avenue is the heart of the town, where most major restaurants, bars, boutique shops, event venues, and more are located. Everything from fine dining and quaint coffee shops to mini golf courses and a renowned tennis center are located on this East to West road, all leading up to its gorgeous coast. Delray is ideal for those in all walks of life, including young families, working singles, and retired professionals. There truly is something for everyone in terms of livability and lifestyle. 

A Peek at the Housing Market

Residential options in Delray Beach include almost everything under the sun, including townhouses, single-family homes, upscale condominiums, and senior living communities. What’s more, the city remains on the more affordable side of the South Florida housing market, given its wide variety of properties and lifestyle appeal. According to Realtor.com, the median listing price falls at $369k if you’re looking to purchase, while the median rental price is $2,997. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in this town are Gleneagles, a community with a country club and golf course on-premise; the homes around Lake Ida, which are in affordable and in close proximity to downtown; and Mallory Square, a collection of cute townhomes located just south of bustling Atlantic Ave. Homes in Delray spend an average of 76 days on the market, meaning inventory can come and go pretty quickly. It’s best to connect with a seasoned agent who knows the area to find what’s best for you. 

Our Favorite Spots

As locals to the area, here are a few places you’ll always find us frequenting: 

  • El Camino: Renowned around town, this spot is great to grab rustic Mexican fare and craft cocktails with friends. 

  • Sandoway Discovery Center: Bring the whole family to learn about & interact with nature & wildlife, including sharks and stingrays. 

  • Over The Bridge Cafe: Grab brunch at this quaint spot before walking a few minutes to the beach.

  • Silverball Retro Arcade: For a unique night out, you can grab a drink & a snack and play classic retro games, like pinball machines, skeeball, and more. 

  • Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens: Venture a little farther west to explore these tranquil, gorgeous grounds and immerse yourself in Japanese culture. 

Delray Beach is one of our favorite towns in the area-- and one we know inside and out. Find the listing that's right for you in this seaside paradise by getting in contact with one of our local, seasoned professionals.