Life in Delray Beach is dreamy – literally! It was named the most fun town in the USA because of its liveliness. The beach brims with arts, culture, and engaging activities. Are you considering living in Delray Beach, Florida?
This article will discuss the pros and cons of living in Delray Beach, Florida. If you read till the end, you can go through the FAQs people like you are asking. Let’s begin!
Life in Delray Beach, Florida
Delray Beach is situated in Palm Beach County and is famously called the “Village by the Sea.” Its borders are well-surrounded by Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and some miles of the Atlantic Ocean on the south, north, and east.
Delray Beach has a population of 68,110 residents, with a good percentage being White. Life in Delray Beach is primarily fun, friendly, adventurous, yet slow-paced. According to World Population Review, the poverty rate in Delray Beach is currently 12.29%.
If you visit Delray Beach, you’ll notice that locals love to cycle – thanks to the friendly roads. Many residents even go as far as packing their cars by street corners to run errands daily.
Residents living in Delray Beach pay about $1600 per month as the median cost of their rent. The House value in Delray Beach is about $298,600; however, most residents own their own homes. Even more, most of them work in Fort Lauderdale.
Summary of Pros and Cons of Living in Delray Beach, Florida
| Pros of Living in Delray Beach, Florida | Cons of Living in Delray Beach, Florida |
| Beautiful Scenery | Traffic is Building up in Delray |
| Lots of Public Transport Options | Too Many Tourists |
| Proximity to the Beach | Crime Rate is Rising |
| Vibrant Nightlife | High Cost of Living |
| Great Food Scene | Older Population |
Pros of Living in Delray Beach, Florida
1. Beautiful Scenery
You can have it all, just in your backyard. Delray Beach is brimming with enticing picturesque views that attract a wide tourist audience. People come to Delray Beach to clear their heads or escape reality.
The city comes alive artistically at night when the trees are lit, and the beaches give off the eery feeling. With custom galleries, art stores, and boutiques, it’s hard not to love Delray Beach.
2. Lots of Public Transit Options
Tri-Rail is a beautiful commuter train in Delray Beach, Florida. If you prefer buses, Palm Tran is your best bet. The trains run to Miami International Airport. But that’s not all there is. Other options include
- The Fort Lauderdale Bus Loop
- Broward County Transit
- Sun Trolley
- Greyhound Bus Lines
- AAI Golf Cart Transport
3. Proximity to the Beach
Nothing beats having the luxury of visiting the beach whenever you like it. You don’t even have to say dream when you live minutes away from the great Atlantic Ocean, no matter where you live! That’s what you get in Delray.
4. Truckload of Activities to Take Part in
Isn’t this why that number of tourists visit Delray Beach? The little village teems with activities to enjoy. Some of them include
- Explore nature and wildlife in Wakodahatchee Wetlands
- View Japanese garden designs in Morikami Museum
- Visit the Girls Strawberry U-pick Farm
- Visit the Putt’n Around Amusement Park
- Try out an educational site — Sandoway House Nature Center
5. Vibrant Nightlife
Do you come alive at night? If yes, then Delray Beach will serve you well. Beyond beach life, Delray is known for its eventful nightlife experience. Here are some of the hot spots to join every evening
- Honey Delray
- Bull Bar
- Hurricane Bar and Lounge
- Johnny Brown’s
- Coco Sushi Lounge and Bar
- The Reef Rooftop Lounge
6. Great Food Scene
Are you a foodie? There are many restaurants in Delray Beach serving real value on a plate. You’ll love to try out these places
- The Office Delray
- 3rd & 3rd
- Caffe Alina Rosa
- Cabana El Rey
- Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza
- Le Sorelle Restaurant
7. Wonderful Weather
Delray has the perfect beach weather. While the sun doesn’t shine through the seasons in Delray Beach, it has a consistent 80 – 90 degrees humidity. It’s hard not to see someone walking in just flip-flops and bikinis.
The humidity stays at about 40 – 60% when the weather is low. When it’s not summer, Delray experiences unpredictable, sporadic rainstorms that can frustrate your to-do list. Nonetheless, you’re sure to love the Delray weather.
8. You’ll Pay Less for Vacations
If this is not a major advantage of living in Delray Beach, I don’t know what is. However, most people say it’s never the same when you live there. They say you may need to get out of that location to have a good vacation in a different environment.
Well, that’s understandable. However, there are years when expenses are too much to visit your bucket list. What do you do in that case? Utilize your location! Delray is still a hot spot for tourists. You can be a tourist too!
9. Delray Beach is Thriving in Real Estate
Delray has set a high bar in terms of luxurious housing. From waterfront properties to unique home styles and down to jaw-dropping architectural designs.
10. Proximity to Miami
Since Miami is just an hour from Delray Beach, you sure won’t be stuck in this village.
11. Proximity to Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Are you moving to Delray Beach for your studies? Or are you considering studying there? Florida Atlantic University is a great option, considering its proximity.
It has its main campus in Boca Raton and other satellite campuses in Davie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale.
12. Vibrant Art Scene
Delray Beach has a loud expression of art. You’ll notice it in their wall murals, eclectic decor, culture, and unique presentation of wares. Atlantic Avenue is glowing with these beauties.
When in Delray, you’ll always connect with the residents on one or more interests — it could be music, positivity, or a way of life. You don’t want to miss it!
Cons of Living in Delray Beach, Florida
1. Traffic is Building up in Delray Beach, Florida
If you have to commute to Lauderdale for work, you’ll risk being stuck in traffic. It gets worse with the vibrant nightlife. Since there are many one-lane roads, it’s easy to get stuck in the buzz — especially in Downtown Delray.
2. Delray Beach is a Small Town
Only about 68,000 people live in Delray, and the land mass is just 42.79 km², so you may find yourself running out of places to go — that’s if you live to explore a lot. This shouldn’t be a problem if you’re naturally laid-back.
3. Too Many Tourists
Delray Beach is a top destination for tourists both in spring and summer. In fact, there’s a 90% chance that you’ll see a tourist every day when you leave your home.
If you don’t like the idea of seeing new people who are overly inquisitive and adventurous, you may get tired of Delray Beach.
4. Older Population
Everyone’s in search of somewhere relaxing to retire. Many Delray residents are retirees; hence, a high percentage of the older population. If this helps, they’re very friendly. However, if you want a city filled with youngsters, you may not like Delray Beach.
5. Crime Rate is Rising
Since Delray is an affluent city, you’ll find out that property crimes are a little higher than you may be expecting.
Since cycling is a thing in Delray, you’ll also notice a high rate of bicycle theft. Expensive cars are also being stolen.
According to Neighborhood Scout, Delray Beach is safer than only 7% of U.S. cities with a crime index of 7%. Your chances of being a victim of crime in Delray Beach is 1 in 165 as opposed to 1 in 258 in Florida.
6. High Cost of Living
According to Bestplaces.net, Delray Beach has a 105.2 overall cost of living index. The United States Average is 100. This is a fair price to pay for such a largesse lifestyle. There’s a high cost attached to almost everything — housing, clothes, food; name it. Sales tax in Delray is 7% as opposed to the 6% applicable in surrounding cities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Delray Beach, Florida
What is the racial composition of Delray Beach, Florida?
According to the recent American Community Survey (ACS), the racial composition of Delray Beach is:
- White: 62.75%
- Black or African American: 28.97%
- Two or more races: 3.30%
- Other race: 2.64%
- Asian: 2.19%
- Native American: 0.08%
- Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander: 0.06%
Does Delray Beach get hurricanes?
Florida is prone to hurricanes. However, the last hurricane Irma that hit Marco Island, brought strong winds, flood waters, and heavy destruction. While Delray Beach, Florida may not be prone to direct hurricane occurrences, it experiences the effects of these hurricanes when they occur in other areas.
Which side of Florida gets the most hurricanes?
While Florida is susceptible to hurricanes, some areas are most susceptible to them. Here are some of those areas
- Southeast Florida (since it’s located at Florida’s tip, most hurricanes will come hit there).
- Florida Keys and Key West
- Southwest Florida
- West Florida
- Central Florida
- Florida Panhandle
Where should I live in Delray Beach, FL?
According to Movoto, here are six places to consider living in Delray
- Downtown Delray Beach, FL
- Pineapple Groove
- Central Delray Beach, FL
- Banker’s Row
- Lake Ida
- Morikami Park Road
Does Delray Beach have Clear Water?
Delray boasts of not just crystal clear waters, but white fluffy sands, and a beautiful sun — the beach life starter pack. Other beaches with clear water in Florida include
- Panama City Beach
- Santa Rosa
- Anna Maria Island
- Boca Grande
- Longboat Key
