Jupiter, FL Relocation Guide

"Florida, where the sawgrass meets the sky, Florida, where our hearts will ever lie..."
-From “Where Sawgrass Meets the Sky”

Introduction - Why Jupiter?


For those who wish to trade the snow for sand, relocating to Jupiter, Florida is the perfect solution. Quickly becoming the most popular community within Palm Beach County, Jupiter is highly regarded for its magnificent waterfront homes, clean beaches, championship golf courses, family-friendly neighborhoods, premier recreational facilities, and top-ranked schools. Residents of Jupiter are friendly, and the town prides itself on being a close-knit community that believes in both working hard and playing hard. From its progressive science and technology firms to its tranquil shoreline, Jupiter is an idyllic place to permanently call home.


History

Jupiter’s history dates back to the early 1500s with the adventurous Spanish explorers, most notably Santa Lucia and Juan Ponce De Leon. Upon arrival, Juan Ponce De Leon battled the indigenous Jove Indians while Santa Lucia encountered the Aix Indians, a friendlier tribe who eventually helped the Spanish explorers acclimate to the area. During the next three centuries, more Spaniards and other pioneers settled in the area and, consequently, more battles ensued against the Native Americans. In fact, several landmark battles during the Seminole Indian Wars, including the Battle of Loxahatchee, the Battle of Jupiter Inlet, and the Battle of Okeechobee, were fought in Jupiter.  

Officially incorporated in 1925, Jupiter was also a popular place during the Prohibition Era. Via the Bahamas, bootleggers brought booze and liquor to the shore at night. The town remained relatively rural until the construction boom in the early 1980s. Today, the northern region of Palm Beach County--specifically Jupiter--is one of the fastest growing areas in the state. Though the landscape of the town has shifted from cattle ranches to swanky shopping strips, the charm of Jupiter remains unchanged: a friendly town that humbly showcases its natural wonderment.


Schools

Mostly governed by Palm Beach County School District, Jupiter boasts some of the highest rated schools in the state of Florida. Within the family-friendly community of Abacoa, residents are pleased to send their children to Lighthouse Elementary, Beacon Cove Intermediate, and Independence Middle School -- all located within walking or biking distance from most of the Abacoa neighborhoods. For students residing in western communities such as Jupiter Farms, the district zone includes schools such as Jupiter Farms Elementary, Jupiter Elementary, Jerry Thomas Elementary and Jupiter Middle School. Neighborhoods in the Tequesta-Jupiter area are typically zoned for Limestone Creek Elementary and Jupiter Middle School. For high school, Abacoa area teens attend Dwyer High School, while other Jupiter communities are zoned for Jupiter Community High School. Both schools offer magnet programs, career tracks, extracurricular clubs, fine arts, and an array of competitive sports. With immense pride, Jupiter is honored to house the Els Center for Excellence, a premier educational facility that serves autistic children from ages 3 to 14.

Private school options in Jupiter and Tequesta include Jupiter Christian School, The Pine School, Turtle River Montessori, All Saints Catholic School, and Good Shepherd Episcopal School. Both Jupiter Christian and The Pine School serve children from kindergarten through 12th grade, while the others offer educational curricula through eighth grade.

For college students, Jupiter is home to Florida Atlantic University’s satellite campus. The school, which is located next door to Scripps in Jupiter’s Abacoa community, is well known for its Harriet Wilkes Honors College, Academy of Inclusion, and Life Science School. Other nearby colleges include Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Atlantic University.


Commerce & Business

Historically, Jupiter relied on its agriculture and citrus crops as its primary economic source. Today, however, the Town of Jupiter has less farmland and more industrial commerce. From yacht sales and surf shops to custom welders and golf course designers, Jupiter has a wide array of small businesses. Additionally, in recent years, Jupiter is known as a mecca for scientific research. The Scripps Research Institute is a world-class facility that employs the nation’s most revered biomedical scientists and researchers. Located in the Jupiter Abacoa, Scripps focuses on drug discovery and technology development. Equally as impressive, the Max Planck Research Institute, which is almost adjacent to the Scripps Research Institute, leads the charge in neuroscience research and discoveries. Together, these two institutions have brought some of the nation’s top scientists to Palm Beach County.

Apart from science and research, Jupiter is also home to four minor league baseball teams: the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Palm Beach Cardinals, the Gulf Coast Marlins, and Gulf Coast Cardinals. These teams both play and practice at the Roger Dean Stadium in Abacoa Jupiter. During the spring, the stadium hosts baseball training for the St. Louis Cardinals.

For those who wish to shop local, the Town of Jupiter provides a comprehensive list of businesses in Jupiter.


Churches & Places Of Worship

Jupiter has many houses of worship. Catholics gather at  St. Patrick Catholic Church or at Saint Peter’s Catholic Church on Indian Creek Parkway, which is also the site of All Saints Catholic School. Denomination-specific churches include First Baptist of Tequesta, Beacon Baptist Church, First Presbyterian of Tequesta, First United Methodist Church,and Grace Immanuel Bible Church. Non-denominational churches with contemporary-style services include Generation Church, Family Church, Calvary Church in Jupiter Farms, Jupiter First, Christ Fellowship, and Harvest Community Church. Many of these churches offer year-round youth programs, adult classes, children’s worship, and Vacation Bible School camps in the summer.

Individuals and families of the Jewish faith are pleased to associate with either Temple Beth Am in Jupiter or Temple Beth David in nearby Palm Beach Gardens. Temple Beth Am is the site for One School, an academic-based preschool program that incorporates inquiry-based learning approaches.


Hospitals


Jupiter has one main hospital within its boundaries: Jupiter Medical Center. A not-for-profit hospital established in 1979, Jupiter Medical Center (JMC) is a highly respected hospital that ranks in the top 10% for customer satisfaction and service. Offering a wide range of services, classes, and specialities, JMC is a popular choice for expectant mothers. Unlike traditional hospital rooms, the labor and delivery design mirrors a resort suite, allowing extra room for spouses, guests, and --of course-- the precious new baby. JMC also specializes in breast cancer treatment, pediatric treatment, thoracic and lung care, cardiovascular, and surgical services including metabolic/bariatric, orthopedic and spine, robotic, and thoracic. Additionally, the hospital is home to care centers such as the Ella Milbank Foshay Cancer Center, Joe Namath Neurological Research Center, Cary Grossman Health & Wellness Center, and Mount Sinai Heart New York Center to name a few. Other nearby hospitals include Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center, St. Mary’s Medical Center, Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, and Good Samaritan Medical Center.


Parks & Recreation


The Jupiter-Tequesta region has several parks, all of which are well-manicured and appointed with numerous amenities. The beachfront parks in Jupiter-Tequesta are perhaps the most popular as they include ample parking and direct beach access. These include Carlin Park, Dubois Park, Jupiter Beach Park, and Jonathan Dickinson Park. Located in the southern region near Juno Beach, Carlin Park boasts close to 3,000 feet of guarded beachfront, picnic pavilions (available for rental), covered grill areas, restrooms, showers, playground, walking paths, bicycle trails, bocce ball, tennis courts, and sand volleyball. Beach bums and business professionals enjoy delicious breakfast and lunch at the Lazy Loggerhead Cafe, which is also located here. Slightly north of Carlin Park is Dubois Park and Jupiter Park, both popular destinations for families with young children. Dubois Park has a guarded swimming lagoon at the mouth of the Jupiter Inlet, which makes it a perfect place for young children to build sandcastles and play in the shallow water. The park is also the site of an ancient Indian mound and the Dubois Pioneer Home, which is listed on the National Register of Historic places and is now open to the public. Around the corner, Jupiter Beach Park presents guarded beachfront, picnic areas, restrooms, a sand volleyball court, and -- perhaps its most attractive amenity -- inlet fishing. Located on the northern tip of Jupiter is Jonathan Dickinson State Park, an expansive beachfront park and campground that truly showcases Florida’s ecological environment. The Loxahatchee River meanders through the park and with the protected mangroves guard the beachfront, gifting the park with a wide array of natural habitats and tranquil backdrops.

When Jupiter residents are not lounging at the beach or enjoying water-based activities, they are typically playing sports. From futbol to football, the Jupiter-Tequesta Athletic Association coordinates varying athletic leagues for individuals of all ages. Additionally, the town’s recreation department hosts educational programs such as AARP smart driver course, scrapbooking workshops, and babysitting safety, as well as fitness classes such as zumba, yoga, and weight training. The Town of Jupiter website has a complete list of beachfront parks, playgrounds, and athletic fields and courts, camps, and ecotourism activities.


Attractions & Things To Do 


Apart from its championship golf courses and beautiful beaches, Jupiter has several staple attractions. Some of these include:

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum -- The iconic town symbol, the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was built in 1860 and was recently restored in 2017. Today, the lighthouse offers daily tours to the top of lantern room, sunset tours, nature hikes along the historical grounds, and twilight yoga classes on the waterfront lawn. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 6 -18, and children 5 and under are free. Complimentary admission is given to active military personnel and families.

Loxahatchee River Center -- Located at Burt Reynolds Park, the Loxahatchee River Center is an interactive exhibit that showcases Florida’s indigenous aquatic life, specifically aquatic habitats found in the freshwater swamps and brackish river waters. During the summer, the River Center hosts weeklong camps for children and teens who enjoy environmental education and water-based activities. The center also presents ongoing programs, classes, and seasonal events for the community to enjoy. Admittance is free; however donations are accepted and appreciated.

Busch Wildlife Sanctuary -- The Busch Wildlife Sanctuary is a safe haven for wounded or abandoned Florida animals. Here, injured wild animals receive tender care, treatment, and rehabilitation before being released back into the wild, if capable. A walking path leads visitors through the refuge to visit enclosures with deer, bobcats, bears, panthers, foxes, alligators, snakes, racoons, owls, falcons, and many others. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary features educational programs, seminars, animal encounters, and weekly story-time sessions for children, a very popular event as children are able to pet small creatures. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.  

Maltz Jupiter Theater -- As Florida’s “largest professional award-winning regional theater,” the Maltz Jupiter Theater is a premier venue that showcases highly acclaimed plays and performances such as Hairspray, South Pacific, Guys and Dolls, and James and the Giant Peach. The theater’s Conservatory of Performing Arts division provides youth and adult instruction in dance, stage production, acting, and more.

Roger Dean Stadium -- Located in Jupiter’s Abacoa community, Roger Dean Stadium is home to four minor league baseball teams: the Jupiter Hammerheads, the Palm Beach Cardinals, the Gulf Coast Marlins, and the Gulf Coast Cardinals. A fun family affair, these baseball games are both entertaining and exciting. In the spring, the stadium hosts two major league baseball teams: the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals, both which draw dedicated fans to area to cheer on their respective teams before season begins.

Harborside Place -- A relatively new structure, Harborside Place in Jupiter is famous for its retail and speciality boutiques and its hip restaurants. Located along the Intracoastal Waterway, Harborside has public docks, private boat slips, an outdoor amphitheater, and a waterfront boardwalk. Anchored by the luxurious Wyndham Grand Hotel, Jupiter Harborside has unique restaurants to whet any appetite. These include Too Bizarre, Tommy Bahama, Burger Fi, Bravo! Cucina Italiana, Calaveras Cantina, and The Woods, a uber trendy establishment owned by famed golfer Tiger Woods.

Restaurants & Bars

Not surprisingly, Jupiter restaurants center around scrumptious seafood and fresh fish. As development continues to flourish in Jupiter, more and more restaurants are opening doors. However, even new restaurants in the area are typically locally owned and operated. In fact, Jupiter has very few chain dining establishments; rather, the town is chock full of small spaces flaunting Old-Florida flair and cuisine. Here are four favorites according to Florida natives and  NV Realty Group agents:

The Square Grouper Tiki Bar -- Alan Jackson’s famous song “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” was filmed at this legendary waterfront bar that boasts views of the Jupiter Lighthouse. Dating back to the early 1890s, the now open-air bar was first built as a saloon and hotel during the construction of the Jupiter Lighthouse. Featuring live music, classic cocktails, and cold beer, the Square Grouper offers coastal food options such as mahi sandwiches, conch fritters, and fried shrimp baskets. Most patrons frequent this bar for happy hour specials or night caps.

Guanabanas -- Exhaling the same laid-back vibe as Square Grouper, Guanabanas in Jupiter originally opened as a sandwich shop in 2004. Owned and operated by two local surfers, the restaurant now boasts an extensive menu, mainly focusing on fresh seafood entrees. A completely open-air establishment surrounded by tropical foliage and a finger canal of the Loxahatchee River, Guanabanas has an ambiance that cannot be replicated. As an added bonus, the restaurant features some of the best live music in all of South Florida.

U-Tiki Beach -- Located at the Jupiter Inlet Marina, U-Tiki Beach boasts views of the Jupiter Lighthouse and marina. Similar to Guanabanas and Square Grouper, U-Tiki is designed with island living in mind. The outdoor bar and flat sand floor is reminiscent to waterfront bars in the Florida Keys. Not surprisingly, U-Tiki is famous for its sushi rolls, oysters, seafood platters.

Dive Bar -- The Dive Bar in Jupiter is another waterfront establishment accessible via car or boat. The center of the bar features a giant saltwater aquarium and the stylish decor is a nod to South Beach style. The outdoor seating area boasts views of the Jupiter Yacht Club Marina and menu features staple seafood platters, unique sushi rolls, and craft beers.

Local Government & Utility Information

The town of Jupiter is governed by an elected mayor (currently Todd Wodraska) and four additional city council members. Together, the council establishes policy, approves fiscal budgets, and manages city departments. The Town of Jupiter also has several committees and boards that work closely with the council. Comprised of appointed town residents, these groups include Art, Audit, Beach, Construction Board of Adjustments and Appeals, Historic Resources Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, and Police Pension Board.   

For utilities, most of Florida is powered by Florida Power and Light (FPL). The Town of Jupiter oversees water usage and storm water drainage, while sewer is managed by the Loxahatchee River District. Cable and Internet providers include AT&T, Comcast, and Direct TV for satellite services.

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