📍 About PBI & West Palm Beach
PBI Tower is located at Palm Beach International Airport in sunny South Florida. West Palm Beach offers tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and a lively downtown with restaurants, nightlife, and culture. Ideal for singles, couples, and families, the region blends coastal relaxation with city energy.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Young Couples
- Downtown West Palm Beach – Walkable, bars, restaurants, apartments with views.
- Lake Worth Beach – Quirky, artsy, eclectic beach vibe.
- Delray Beach – Beach town with nightlife and coastal charm.
Best for Families
- Wellington – Excellent schools, equestrian community, very safe.
- Royal Palm Beach – Affordable, good parks, family-friendly.
- Palm Beach Gardens – Great schools, golf, quiet neighborhoods.
- Boynton Beach – More affordable, family neighborhoods.
🚗 Commute Times to PBI Tower
- 5–15 min: Downtown West Palm, Lake Worth
- 15–30 min: Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Palm Springs
- 30–45 min: Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Palm Beach Gardens
🎓 Top School Districts
- Palm Beach County School District – Large district with top-rated magnet & choice schools.
- Wellington Schools – Known for A-rated elementary & high school options.
- Palm Beach Gardens Schools – Good public school zone with safe neighborhoods.
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌴 Outdoor & Coastal Activities
- Beaches: Palm Beach, Lake Worth Beach, Juno Beach, Delray Beach
- Nature: Mounts Botanical Garden, Grassy Waters Preserve, Okeeheelee Park
- Boating/Fishing: Intracoastal charters and Lake Okeechobee access
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Kravis Center: Concerts, theater, ballet downtown
- Norton Museum of Art: World-class exhibitions
- Rosemary Square: Shopping, dining, events
- Brew Scene: Civil Society Brewing, Steam Horse, Copperpoint
✈️ Nearby Airports
- PBI – Palm Beach International: On-site — served by major airlines
- FLL – Fort Lauderdale: ~1 hour — larger airport with more options
- MIA – Miami International: ~1.5 hours — international hub
- LNA – Palm Beach County Park: Nearby GA airport for private flights
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Wellington: Very low crime, family-oriented
- Palm Beach Gardens: Safe with local police presence
- Downtown WPB: Some areas active at night — check neighborhood by neighborhood
🔗 Town Websites
💰 Cost of Living
- Rent: 1BR apartment in WPB ~$1,800–$2,200/month
- Homes: Median in Wellington ~$540k; WPB ~$475k
- Gas: ~$3.75/gallon
- Groceries: Slightly above national average — Publix is main chain
- Utilities: ~$200–$250/month with AC
- No state income tax in Florida
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown WPB: Nightlife, art, waterfront
- Wellington: Quiet, top schools, equestrian
- Lake Worth Beach: Artsy, walkable, close to ocean
- Palm Beach Gardens: Golf, family-safe, upscale
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: 70s and sunny — prime season
- Spring: Warm and breezy
- Summer: Hot, humid, with daily thunderstorms
- Fall: Warm and rainy; hurricane season runs June–Nov
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Tri-Rail: Connects WPB to Miami/Fort Lauderdale
- Brightline: High-speed rail to Miami & Orlando
- Driving: I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike — rush hour traffic can be heavy
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- St. Mary’s Medical Center (West Palm Beach)
- Wellington Regional Medical Center
- JFK Medical Center (Atlantis)
- MD Now & HCA Urgent Care: Walk-ins throughout the county
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Adults: Clematis Street nightlife, coffee shops, breweries
- Families: Great parks, libraries, school events
- Events: GreenMarket, SunFest, Boat Show
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Downtown WPB: Hullabaloo, Lynora’s, Rocco’s Tacos
- Lake Worth: Benny’s on the Beach, local Cuban food
- Delray: Atlantic Ave – Sushi, tacos, bistros
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Shifts: Rotating early/mid/swing — bring sunscreen & blackout curtains!
- Community: Controllers often live in WPB, Lake Worth, Wellington
- Training: PBI is a busy Class C with seasonal airline surges
📦 Moving Tips
- Humidity-proof: Use moisture absorbers and light clothes
- Hurricane Prep: Know evacuation routes & supplies
- Best apartment deals: Summer months (off-season)
❓ FAQs
- Is West Palm Beach safe?
Most areas are safe — check neighborhoods individually (Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens are very safe) - Is it expensive?
Comparable to other South Florida cities, but more affordable than Miami - How bad is hurricane risk?
Moderate — stay informed & prepared during the season