Moving from NYC to Palm Beach County (Relocation Guide)
1. Introduction
Have you been thinking about leaving New York and relocating to Palm Beach County? I can tell you a lot about it because I did it.
Today I want to go through some of the questions I’m asked most often, and some of the questions I had when I moved down here. We’ll cover:
Taxes
Schools
Restaurants
Social life
Transportation
Cost of living
This video is really for anyone living in the Northeast—whether you’re from my home state of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Rhode Island. Honestly, you’re all going to move here eventually anyway. You might as well do it sooner rather than later.
2. Weather and Seasons
The first thing people always ask me is: How can you stand the hot weather?
Here’s the truth: Florida doesn’t have four seasons. We really have two.
Mild Season: Lasts less than half a year. In the dead of winter, it can dip into the 40s or 50s for a short stretch. That’s usually just enough to remind you that you don’t want to live in real cold anymore.
Hot Season: Summers get hot, but let’s keep perspective. I spent summers on Manhattan subway platforms, which feel like 200 degrees. Compared to that, Florida heat is manageable.
I’ve been here 17 years. My blood has thinned, I shake when I get near cold, and I have no desire to move back north. You adapt quickly, and it becomes a non-issue.
3. Cost of Living
Almost 20 years ago, my employer asked me to relocate from Manhattan to Miami. They showed me my New York W2 next to a Florida W2. The difference in taxes was all I needed to see—I was on a flight two weeks later.
Here’s the breakdown:
Taxes: No state income tax, no local income taxes.
Housing: Wide range of prices. Many are surprised at how expensive homes can be in Palm Beach County, but newer construction means fewer headaches compared to old Northeastern homes built in the 1800s.
Childcare: From my experience, daycare and camps are less expensive here.
Groceries: Definitely cheaper here than in Massachusetts or New York.
Bottom line: You may not “get more house for your money” compared to the Northeast anymore, but you’ll see savings in taxes and certain daily costs.
4. Property Taxes
This is a big one. Here’s how it works:
Homestead Exemption (primary residence): Caps how much your home’s taxable value can rise each year.
Second Home (non-homestead): No cap; the assessed value can rise freely.
For reference:
I pay about 1.6% of my assessed value annually.
For safety, I tell clients to budget at 1.75% of their purchase price as a rough estimate.
5. Jobs and Employment
Most people relocating here fall into one of three groups:
Retirees.
Employees moving with their company (often for tax reasons).
Remote workers.
What I don’t see much of is people moving here unemployed, planning to “figure it out.” That’s risky.
If you’re moving for job opportunities, the biggest hub in Palm Beach County is West Palm Beach. The city is booming, with new office towers being filled by top employers. Job prospects here are strong, and unemployment remains low.
6. Transportation
Do you need a car in Palm Beach County? Absolutely, yes.
There’s no subway system (water table’s too high).
Relying on Ubers or bikes won’t cut it, especially with summer rainstorms.
Insurance rates vary by zip code, just like anywhere else.
If you’re relocating here, budget for a car—you’ll need it.
7. Culture and Lifestyle
Life here is more laidback:
Think flip-flops, shorts, and day drinking instead of late-night drinking.
People are friendly and expect conversation at the grocery store.
Things move slower—sometimes frustrating for newcomers, but part of the charm.
Different cities offer different vibes:
Jupiter: Small-town, community-focused.
Boca Raton: Upscale, strong schools.
Delray: Artsy and lively.
West Palm Beach: Urban and growing.
Fort Lauderdale/Miami: Faster, nightlife-driven.
There’s something for everyone—it just depends on the pace you’re looking for.
8. Food and Restaurants
This deserves its own section.
Italian: Plenty of authentic options. Favorites include Café Sapori in West Palm.
Steak: Pink Steak is a standout.
Seafood: Fresh and abundant, as you’d expect.
Transplants: Many Northeastern restaurant staples are opening locations here.
You won’t miss out on food variety or quality.
As for nightlife, reservations here are earlier. In New York, I’d eat at 10 PM. In Florida, people start drinking at noon, wrap up by 4, and are home by 6. It’s a daytime culture.
9. Schools
I was educated in Massachusetts and later moved my daughter into schools in Fort Lauderdale, then Palm Beach County. We specifically chose Palm Beach County for the school system.
What you should know:
GreatSchools.org is an excellent tool for rankings.
Boca Raton and Jupiter are especially known for strong public schools.
From my experience, I’m very happy with the education my daughter is getting here.
If you’re nervous about schools, know that excellent options exist.
10. Closing Thoughts
There’s a lot more I could cover, but this is a solid overview.
If you’re considering moving from the Northeast to Palm Beach County and want to talk to someone who has already done it, reach out:
Fill out my contact form
Email me
Or give me a call
I’d love to help you with your real estate search.
