Palm Beach Gardens Relocation Guide

Florida, land of flowers, land of light.

Florida, where our dreams can all take flight.

From: Where Sawgrass Meets the Sky

INTRODUCTION

Simply known as “Gardens,” among locals, Palm Beach Gardens is a charming city graced with an abundance of colorful flora, lush fauna, and tropical trees. Perfectly positioned between Jupiter, North Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens is an exquisite place to permanently call home. In fact, more and more residents transform from snowbirds to seabirds as this trendy town continues to refine its appeal and flourish commercially.

With 12 golf courses inside the city perimeters, Palm Beach Gardens is appropriately coined “the golf capital of the world.” Many of these highly acclaimed golf courses are located within private, gated neighborhoods. The PGA headquarters is also located in this pristine city as well as the Honda Classic Golf Tournament at PGA National Resort and Golf Club. Apart from golf, Palm Beach Gardens is famous for its high-end retail stores, speciality boutiques, hip restaurants, and resplendent recreational facilities. Those fortunate enough to relocate to Palm Beach Gardens will welcome the casual yet classy “gardens” lifestyle.

II. HISTORY

A few decades ago, Palm Beach Gardens was more like Palm Beach Farmland. The region was entrenched in agriculture, specifically dairy cattle ranches, swampland, pine trees, and citrus groves. In 1959, landowner and insurance magnate John MacArthur began to develop the agrarian region with the idyllic concept of marrying a simple life to a sophisticated one. Giving $2,000,000 of his own money, he enticed the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) to establish its headquarters in this quiet city. MacArthur himself was an environmentalist and nature enthusiast. As such, he carefully crafted the development around existing Banyan trees, tall pines, mature oaks, and indigeneous foilage. In 1999, the MacArthur Foundation sold 14,000 acres of land, 5,000 of which were within the City of Palm Beach Gardens. Today, the city council continues to carefully balance the city’s growth with environmentally-conscious decisions.

III. SCHOOLS

As part of the Palm Beach County School District, schools in the City of Palm Beach Gardens frequently receive high marks both athletically and academically. From a scholastic standpoint, several schools in Palm Beach Gardens present Gifted and Talented programs as well as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) pathways. West of the Florida Turnpike in neighborhoods such as Palm Beach Country Estates and Mirasol Golf Club, children are zoned for Marsh Pointe Elementary School, a newer facility (built in 2008) that is privy to the fields and playgrounds at the adjacent Mirasol Park and is continuously ranked as an “A-rated” school. Closer to I-95, communities like Ballenisles, Old Palm Golf Club, and Old Marsh Golf Club are zoned for Timber Trace Elementary School, an established school with a stellar reputation. Communities located along Military Trail between PGA Boulevard and Northlake Boulevard are mostly zoned for Palm Beach Gardens Elementary School, another A-rated school that is well known for its STEAM program. Further East, neighborhood elementary schools such as Allamanda and Dwight Eisenhower allow the added convenience of children to walk or bike to school each day. Eisenhower Elementary School is lauded for its work with struggling learners and for its separate Montessori school, which admits applicable students across the county. Palm Beach Gardens has two charter schools: Bright Futures Academy and The Franklin Academy, both of which require an application process for admittance. After elementary school, students transition to either Duncan Middle School or Watkins Middle School. From there, students graduate to either Dwyer High School or Palm Beach Gardens High School, both of which are located on Military Trail. Nearby private school options include Trinity Christian School, St. Mark’s Episcopal School, St. Clare’s Catholic School, and The Benjamin School, which serves children from kindergarten through 12th grade.

After graduating high school, many students decide to stay in South Florida and attend a nearby college. Palm Beach State College is an ideally located right off PGA Boulevard and offers areas of study in business, communication, education, trade, computer science, and a variety of health science concentrations. Florida Atlantic University in Jupiter as well as Palm Beach Atlantic in West Palm Beach are also both reputable options.

IV. COMMERCE

Palm Beach Gardens is largely comprised of residential communities; however, the city does have a handful of staple businesses that make the area unique. Most notably, the Professional Golfers Association of America headquarters is located near PGA National Resort and Golf Club, another substantial employer. Other private golf course communities with a complete, year round staff include Mirasol Golf Club, BallenIsles Country Club, Old Palm Golf Club, and Old Marsh Golf Club. These clubs have personnel ranging from head golf professionals to specialty sous chefs.

Apart from country clubs, other designated employers include Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, an educational and research eye care facility affiliated with the University of Miami; LRP Publication, a multimedia company that specializes in print and online resources for education, business, and federal operations; TBC Corporation Headquarters, a reputable automotive tire replacement marketer and manufacturer; and, most recently, Chromalloy, a worldwide technology company that extends gas turbine engines and serves military, aviation, and energy operations.

V. CHURCHES

Palm Beach Gardens is graced with several houses of worship for Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant believers. The largest church is Christ Fellowship, a non-denominational church located off Northlake Boulevard. The church, which began as a small group in the founding pastor’s living room, has been blessed with tremendous growth over the past few decades. Led by Todd Mullins, the son of founding pastor Dr. Tom Mullins, the church is a generous contributor to local charities, specifically Place of Hope, a residential style foster care community established by the church. Other non-denominational churches in the city include Church in the Gardens, Shoreline, Cross Community Church, Tropical Sands Church, New City Church, and Family Church, an affiliate of the former First Baptist Church in downtown West Palm Beach. Denomination specific protestant churches in the area include Trinity United Methodist Church, Gardens Presbyterian Church, Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, First Baptist Church of Palm Beach Gardens, New Life Assembly of God Church, Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, Church of the Nazarene, and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and School.

Catholic churches in Palm Beach Gardens include St. Patrick Catholic Church and the Cathedral of St. Ignatius. Jewish synagogues include Temple Beth David, Temple Judea, Chabad of Palm Beach Gardens, and Temple Emanu-El, a conservative synagogue. For extracurricular activities, Jewish families are pleased to have access to the Mandel Jewish Community Center, a spectacular recreational facility that features an expansive swimming pool, creative playground, indoor gymnasium, fitness center, conference rooms, tennis courts, and summer camp programs through Camp Shalom.

VI. HOSPITALS

A staple since 1968, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is a premier hospital and rehabilitation center well known for its Heart and Vascular Institute. In fact, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center performed the first open-heart surgery in Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast more than three decades ago, and the hospital has continued to progress its heart care expertise. Additionally, the medical center expanded to include gastroenterology, neurosciences, orthopedics, rehabilitation, women’s health, and emergent services. An A-rated hospital that is ranked in the top 10% nationally for cardiac care, Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center is the recipient of numerous accolades, awards, and designations each year.

Also located in Palm Beach Gardens is the Nicklaus Children’s Outpatient Center, a beautiful facility that provides urgent pediatric care, diagnostic services, rehabilitation services, speciality consultations, and subspeciality services. Affiliated with Nicklaus Children’s Hospital in Miami, the Nicklaus Children’s Outpatient Center is conveniently located off PGA Boulevard in the Legacy Place shopping complex.

VII. PARKS AND RECREATION

An active town, Palm Beach Gardens has a friendly yet competitive recreational league, with programs catered for both young children and the young at heart adults. Athletic leagues include soccer, baseball, softball, volleyball, flag football, lacrosse, kickball, and futsol. The Palm Beach Gardens Mako Swim Team competes year round, and tennis training is available for both adults and youth.

Perhaps what sets Palm Beach Gardens recreation apart from neighboring towns like Jupiter, North Palm Beach, and West Palm Beach is its premier recreational facilities and fields. When guests first visit the Klock soccer field complex or the Gardens Park baseball fields, they often comment that it looks more like a collegiate campus than a city field. The well-maintained soccer fields feature zoysia grass and a new underground drainage system to help keep the fields safe and dry. Across the street from Gardens Park is the Burns Road Recreation Department. Here, youth and adults can enjoy indoor basketball courts, a lap pool, splash pool, splash pad, and large play pool with three water slides, a rock wall, and a diving board. Many camps, preschool programs, dance and art classes, exercises classes, and education programs are held at this facility. The girls softball teams have their own field complex as well: Lake Catherine Sportsplex. This park features shaded softball fields, a concession stand, and playground area. The Joe Russo Athletic Complex, located between Central Boulevard and Military Trail, is a popular place for tennis enthusiasts. Here, players have access to several clay courts, as well as racquetball/handball courts, basketball courts, playgrounds, and walking trails. Skateboarders are stoked to show off their latest tricks at the City Skate Park, a 12,000 square foot facility that features various ramps and slope as well as a spectator section.

Other family-friendly parks in Palm Beach Gardens are nestled within neighborhoods, gifting children with a place to run, slide, hang, and play with friends. These parks include PGA National Park, Mirasol Park, Lilac Park, Sandhill Crane Park, Lake Catherine Park, and Plant Drive Park. Most of these well-maintained parks include playgrounds, green space, restrooms, picnic tables, pavilions, grill areas, basketball courts, recreational fields, concession stands, and walking or biking trails. Each park has unique attributes as well, such as a putt-putt green, hockey roller rink, fishing lakes, and more.

VIII. ATTRACTIONS

Though Palm Beach Gardens is largely a bedroom community, the city does have few attractions worthy of recognition. Here are five recommended places to visit in Palm Beach Gardens.

The Gardens Mall. While it may seem odd to list a shopping mall as a “must-see” attraction, the Gardens Mall is worthy of making the list. This is no ordinary mall; the vaulted glass ceilings, dancing water fountains, art sculptures, and seasonal displays make the interior of this indoor shopping mall seem more like a garden gallery. The exquisite design is align with its upscale retailers, which include Chanel, Tory Burch, Tiffany’s, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, Salvatore Ferragamo, David Yurman, Henri Bendel, Kate Spade New York, and, of course, Lilly Pulitzer, a Palm Beach wardrobe staple. Anchored by Bloomingdales, Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, and Macy’s, the Gardens Mall is the epicenter of fashion. If possible, visit between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, when the mall is artfully adorned with hanging ornaments, Santa’s Sleigh, and an enchanted wonderland.
Story Time at the Palm Beach Gardens Library. Another unusual locale to put on a destination list, but for young children, story time at the Palm Beach Gardens Library does not disappoint. The library itself is a beautiful building with lots of natural light and separate lounge rooms for adults, teens, and children. The children’s wing has grade specific computers, games, puzzles, and a plethora of books. A separate room is designated for story time and crafts. This weekly event consists of stories with special effects, music, dance and activities. After class, parents enjoy socializing with one another in the lounge area while children busy themselves with books and creative play.
Frenchman’s Forest Natural Area. A natural preserve area located off Prosperity Road between PGA Boulevard and Donald Ross Road, Frenchman’s Forest is a 158-acre protected refuge comprised of pine flatwood, hydric hammock, and strand swamp. A historic preservation dating back to the Seminole War, the forest has three hiking trails: The Blazing Star Nature Trail, The Saw Palmetto Hiking Trail, and the Staggerbush Hiking Trail. Each one is approximately one mile or less and, with designated paths, is considered an easy hike.
Eissey Campus Theater. Located across the street from Palm Beach State College, the Eissey Campus Theater is the venue of choice for community performances. Dance recitals, theatrical productions, and musical concerts all take place in this fine facility, which seats 750-patrons in its central auditorium. The theater also offers an “Art in the Gardens” program each year as well as ongoing educational programs.
Downtown at the Gardens. An open-air venue anchored by Whole Foods Market and Cobb Movie Theater, Downtown at the Gardens is happening happy hour spot and family establishment. For beer enthusiasts, the Yard House presents a variety of craft beers and creative libations. Families flock to Grimaldis, a casual pizzeria with indoor and outdoor seating options. Located in the middle of venue is an ornate carousel, featuring sea and land animals native to South Florida. Here, children can also take a train ride or grab a tasty treat at FroYotopia, It’s Sugar, or Sloan’s Ice-cream Shop. Another popular place for children is Cool Beans Cafe, a mixed space that has a coffee shop for parents to relax and a giant indoor playground for children to play. Downtown at the Gardens has weekly live music and entertainment. The stage presents local and well-known musical talents.

IX. RESTAURANTS & BARS

Known as Palm Beach County’s restaurant corridor, PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens has an eclectic mix of fine and casual dining options. Waterfront restaurants such as Waterway Cafe, Frigates, Seasons 52, and Bricktops are especially popular for boaters as they can dock their vessels right in front of the restaurant. Other restaurants in this vicinity that locals recommend include Burger Bar, Spotos Oyster Bar, Vic and Angelos, The Cooper, Capital Grille, and Rocco Tacos. For the health conscious, Christopher’s Kitchen at Midtown serves tasty, vegan dishes and desserts. Sushi lovers are thrilled to frequent Kabuki, Asian Fin, or Carmine’s Ocean Grill & Sushi Bar. Meanwhile, Italian foodies prefer Lemoncello’s, Vic and Angelos, or Carmine’s La Trattoria. Palm Beach Gardens truly has a restaurant to satisfy even the pickiest palates!

X. GOVERNMENT / UTILITIES

Palm Beach Gardens is governed by a five member City Council, which consists of a mayor, vice-mayor, and three councilmembers. The City Council is responsible for the management and oversight of planning/zoning, recreation, public services, emergency management, public services, unified services, information technology, and additional government operations.

For incorporated Palm Beach Gardens, Seacoast Utility Authority is responsible for public water, and Florida Power and Light (FPL) handles electricity. Residents may select either Xfinity, AT&T, or DirectTV for cable and internet connections, though some neighborhoods provide basic cable through their Homeowners Association.