Where to Live Near West Palm Beach: A Guide to the Coastal Towns Just South of the City
By: Catie Bliss
If you're moving to South Florida for a job in West Palm Beach, one of the first decisions you'll face isn't where to work. It's where to live.
Many newcomers assume they need to live in West Palm Beach itself. In reality, several communities just south of the city offer different balances of commute time, rental costs, transit access, and lifestyle convenience. Understanding those trade-offs can help you find a location that fits your priorities before you start apartment hunting.
This guide compares some of the most popular coastal and near-coastal communities south of West Palm Beach, including Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, Hypoluxo, and Atlantis, to help you decide where to live if your daily routine revolves around West Palm Beach.
The Decision Most West Palm Beach Newcomers Don't Realize They Have
People relocating to Palm Beach County often begin their search focused on West Palm Beach because that's where their job, office, or destination is located.
But Palm Beach County is connected by major transportation corridors including Interstate 95, US-1, and Tri-Rail. That means commuters can often live several miles south of the city while maintaining a reasonable travel time to work.
Instead of asking, "Should I live in West Palm Beach?" a better question may be:
Which nearby town gives me the best combination of commute, housing options, and daily convenience?
For many renters, the answer may be found in communities just south of the city rather than in West Palm Beach itself.
How Far South Can You Live and Still Get to Work?
The stretch between West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach is served by three major transportation routes:
- I-95, the region's primary north-south highway
- US-1 (Federal Highway), which provides local access through many coastal communities
- Tri-Rail, South Florida's commuter rail system
The corridor allows residents to choose from several communities while keeping access to West Palm Beach employment centers.
Approximate drive times can vary significantly depending on traffic conditions, but communities such as Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, and Hypoluxo typically sit within a relatively short commuting distance of downtown West Palm Beach.
For commuters who prefer public transportation, Tri-Rail connects stations throughout Palm Beach County, including nearby stations in Lake Worth Beach and West Palm Beach. The service provides an alternative to highway commuting while maintaining access to downtown employment districts.
The result is a broader range of housing options than many newcomers initially realize.
Lake Worth Beach: Walkable Downtown and Coastal Access
Lake Worth Beach is often the first town south of West Palm Beach that relocation-minded renters consider.
Located directly south of West Palm Beach, the city offers:
- A walkable downtown district
- Beach access via Lake Avenue
- Local restaurants and retail businesses
- Access to both I-95 and Tri-Rail
For commuters, one of Lake Worth Beach's biggest advantages is proximity. The city sits closer to West Palm Beach than many other communities in the southern corridor, making it a practical option for those who want to minimize travel time.
Lake Worth Beach also offers a broad mix of rental inventory, from apartment communities to condos and smaller multifamily properties.
Is Lake Worth Beach a Good Place to Live?
For renters prioritizing convenience, Lake Worth Beach offers a compelling balance of location and accessibility.
The city combines:
- Relatively short commutes to West Palm Beach
- Public transportation options
- Easy beach access
- A more neighborhood-oriented feel than larger urban centers
For many newcomers, it represents the middle ground between city access and coastal living.
Latana: A Small Intracoastal Town Between the Bigger Ones
Just south of Lake Worth Beach sits Lantana, one of Palm Beach County's smaller incorporated communities.
Because it's located between Lake Worth Beach and Boynton Beach, Lantana is often overlooked by people unfamiliar with the area. Yet its location places residents near major transportation routes while remaining close to the Intracoastal Waterway.
One advantage of Lantana is simplicity. Residents have access to nearby employment centers in multiple directions:
- West Palm Beach to the north
- Boynton Beach to the south
- Major healthcare, retail, and professional employers throughout central Palm Beach County
How Far Is Lantana From West Palm Beach?
Lantana sits only a few miles south of West Palm Beach, making it a practical option for commuters who want access to the city without necessarily living in it.
The town's location also places residents close to both Interstate 95 and nearby Tri-Rail stations, giving commuters multiple transportation choices depending on their work schedule.
For renters seeking a central position within Palm Beach County, Lantana often provides more flexibility than a location farther north or south.
Hypoluxo, Atlantis, and the Pocket Towns the Map Hides
Some of the area's most interesting residential options are communities that many newcomers never encounter during an online search.
Hypoluxo
Located immediately south of Lantana, Hypoluxo offers a largely residential environment near major commuting routes.
Its location allows residents to access both Lake Worth Beach and Boynton Beach while remaining within reach of West Palm Beach employment centers.
Atlantis
Atlantis sits slightly inland and is characterized by its compact size and convenient location near major roadways.
While small, its position allows commuters to reach West Palm Beach while maintaining access to healthcare, retail, and service-sector employment throughout central Palm Beach County.
Other Nearby Communities
Depending on your housing priorities, you may also encounter nearby locations such as:
- Greenacres
- Palm Springs
- Manalapan
Each offers a different mix of location, inventory, and commuting convenience. The best choice often depends less on the town itself and more on the balance you want between commute length, budget, and available housing options.
The Hard Numbers: Rent, Drive Times, and Transit Access
When comparing towns south of West Palm Beach, focus on the factors that most directly affect daily life:
Commute Time
Questions to ask include:
- How many days per week will you commute?
- Are you driving or taking transit?
- Is your workplace located downtown or elsewhere in Palm Beach County?
A location that saves 10 to 15 minutes each way can have a meaningful impact over time.
Transit Access
For commuters who prefer rail transportation, proximity to a Tri-Rail station may be an important consideration.
Living near a station can reduce reliance on car travel and provide an alternative when highway traffic is heavy.
Rental Costs
Rental pricing changes frequently and varies by:
- Location
- Unit size
- Property age
- Community amenities
- Market conditions
Because rents fluctuate throughout the year, always review current market data when comparing communities rather than relying on older averages.
Space and Inventory
Sometimes a slightly longer commute can provide access to:
- Larger floor plans
- Newer communities
- More available inventory
- Additional community features
The key is determining whether those benefits justify extra travel time.
Which Town Fits Which Trade-Off?
There is no single "best" place to live near West Palm Beach.
Instead, think about your priorities:
If your top priority is minimizing commute time:
Lake Worth Beach may be worth exploring first because of its proximity to West Palm Beach.
If you want a central location within the county:
Lantana can provide convenient access to multiple employment centers while keeping both northbound and southbound travel options open.
If you're focused on residential neighborhoods near major routes:
Hypoluxo and Atlantis may deserve a closer look.
If transit access matters:
Communities with convenient access to Tri-Rail stations may offer added flexibility for daily commuting.
Ultimately, the best town is usually the one that aligns with your specific mix of commuting needs, housing preferences, and budget.
Where Aspen Square Fits South of West Palm Beach
For renters exploring communities along the corridor south of West Palm Beach, Lantana is one of the locations worth considering.
Located in Lantana, The View at Waters Edge offers access to the communities and commuting routes discussed throughout this guide. For those who decide that Lantana provides the right balance of location and accessibility, the community can serve as a starting point in the apartment search process.
Learn more about available homes at The View at Waters Edge and explore current apartment availability in Lantana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best place to live near West Palm Beach?
The best place depends on your priorities. Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, Hypoluxo, and Atlantis each offer different combinations of commute convenience, housing inventory, and transportation access.
Is Lake Worth Beach a good place to live?
For many renters, Lake Worth Beach provides a useful combination of coastal access, transportation options, and proximity to West Palm Beach.
How far is Lantana from West Palm Beach?
Lantana is located a short distance south of West Palm Beach and is commonly considered part of the same central Palm Beach County commuter corridor.
What are the main commuter towns south of West Palm Beach?
Lake Worth Beach, Lantana, Hypoluxo, and Atlantis are among the communities commonly considered by people working in West Palm Beach.
Is Tri-Rail useful for commuting to West Palm Beach?
Yes. Tri-Rail provides commuter rail service throughout Palm Beach County and can be a practical alternative to driving for many workers.
Should I live in West Palm Beach or a nearby town?
Many renters find that nearby communities offer comparable access to employment while providing different housing options and commuting trade-offs. Comparing multiple towns before choosing an apartment can help identify the best fit for your needs.