12 Reasons Delray is the Perfect Place to Buy a Second Home

1. Location

You know what they say—location, location, location. Located in Palm Beach County, Delray Beach is approximately 30 minutes north of Ft. Lauderdale and 3 hours south of Orlando. This bustling city, spread over 16 square miles, is known for being a first-class resort destination nestled on the Atlantic Ocean. But it’s more than just a vacation spot for the 60,000 residents that live here. 

2. Family-friendly communities

The impeccable location certainly isn’t the only thing this thriving beach town has going for it. Delray is known for having a family-friendly feel with a diverse, vibrant community. Home to residents from all walks of life, Delray residents consist of working professionals, retirees, and families. Regardless of which category you fall into, residents here enjoy the draw of living in a tight-knit and friendly community. Delray is known for its revolving calendar filled with activities, festivals, and events, granting you the perfect way to get to know your neighbors. Additionally, this coastal gem is indeed a pedestrian-friendly community. Living here means easy walking to the nearby beach or coffee shop. 

3. Historic Charm 

For having an abundance of historic charm, Delray has a long and rich history to thank. In 1841, during the Second Seminole War, a map was drawn depicting a military camp in the area. This marks the first evidence of human habitation in the area. 1894 to 1895 marked the beginning of the settlement of Delray, which was called Linton at the time. In 1896, train tracks were built by the Florida East Coast Railway Settlers. This helped establish farms to grow winter crops, including fruits and vegetables, to be sent north on the railroad. The name of the town changed to Delray in 1898. The 1900s continued to see the town evolve and change until it eventually became the successful and exciting city it is today. Today, many of the neighborhoods across Delray are designated as historic districts. The city, as well as the residents, are passionate about preserving the unmistakable charm that is found in these neighborhoods.

4. Real Estate Scene

 

Delray Beach is home to a robust real estate scene that has been booming for quite some time. Here you find an assortment of architectural styles, including various well-kept homes that date back to the 1950s, condominiums available for purchase, and multi-million dollar estates planted on the edge of the water. Pineapple Grove has a reputation for being a trendy, upbeat area filled with condominiums and townhomes interspersed with retail shops, restaurants, and local boutiques. Lake Ida is another highly-sought-after community, primarily consisting of older homes that have been renovated. Although close to the city and beach, Lake Ida has a multitude of parks, lakes, and natural beauty. To the West, larger properties can be found in Mizner Country Club and Saturnia Isles. It’s no wonder that homeowners want to get as close as possible to Atlantic Avenue and the beach. Unsurprisingly, the price of homes increases the closer you get to the water.

5. Educational Opportunities 

Just because you might be on vacation doesn’t mean that you have to stop learning! There’s plenty of educational opportunities to take advantage of in Delray. For instance, the Sandoway Discovery Center is centered on the unique marine life and ecosystems that make up South Florida. Since it was established in 1998, the Center has educated residents and tourists alike through programs, hands-on exhibits, nature walks, the largest shell collection in South Florida, and much more. The Delray Beach Public Library is home to an extensive collection of books and movies and has a revolving calendar with activities for the public.

6. Pristine Beach

This oceanfront town is home to pristine, sandy-white beaches—some of the best in the area. Nearly 3.2 million residents and visitors from across the world flock to Delray to take advantage of the world-class beaches found here. This award-winning beach is loved for its easy public access, bountiful parking, unbeatable swimming conditions, and proximity to the heart of Downtown. Whether you want to mosey along the shoreline, bring a picnic, or jump in and swim, Delray Beach promises a memorable experience for all.

 

 

7. Parks and Green Spaces

 

In addition to the plethora of stunning beaches found here, Delrey also abounds with parks and green spaces. Lake Ida Park is spread over 189-acres and consists of a lake, bicycle path, boat launch, canoe and kayak access, a two-mile walking path, and fishing. If you’ve got furry friends, then bring them to the dog park! Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is an idyllic place to stroll and enjoy the day. Stop by the educational center, enjoy the playground, or take advantage of the picnic pavilions. Atlantic Dunes Park, located one block north of Linton Boulevard, comprises a boardwalk and nature trail. The nature trail weaving through the dunes leads to a serene beach setting. Stop by and soak up the unbeatable sunsets or take in the picturesque views while enjoying a picnic. 

8. Arts

Most people might not realize that Delray—home to immaculate homes and top-notch beaches—also has a thriving art scene. The Arts Garage, located in Downtown Delray, was designed to promote the enjoyment of art and music in the area. This thriving hub is home to a wide variety of exhibits, art creation opportunities, live music and concerts, poetry readings, and much more. Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming events! The Pineapple Grove Arts District is filled with public art and galleries, making it the perfect place to spend a day exploring and appreciating art.

9. Restaurants

Delray is known for its colorful culinary scene and plethora of chef-driven restaurants. You can enjoy dining along the shoreline while taking in magnificent ocean views. 50 Ocean, perched on Ocean Boulevard, is a casually-elegant environment with 360-degree ocean views and an upscale American menu. For an unforgettable night out, make reservations at Salt7. This prestigious restaurant masterfully combines seven fancy types of salt to season their steaks. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply going out for the night, Salt7 is an unforgettable culinary experience. For authentic French pastries, you don’t want to miss The French Bakery. Since first opening their doors in 2014, this local shop has been whipping up their handcrafted bread and pastries—all made by French-trained artisans. From hand-rolled croissants and pain au chocolat, to delicious sandwiches, everything here reflects craftsmanship and quality.

10. Entertainment 

It’s no surprise that Delray Beach was voted Most Fun Small Town in America by USA Today. This oceanfront town is jam-packed with plenty to do and see. Atlantic Avenue, which runs from Interstate 95 to Delray’s beach, is lined with restaurants, bars, breweries, shops, galleries, and coffee shops. The charming brick sidewalks and quaint gaslit-style street lamps create an inviting and homey ambiance. Downtown is filled with live music venues ranging from classic rock to chill reggae. For a fun night out, head over to The Pavilion at Old School Square. Concerts, festivals, and exhibits take place here, so keep an eye out for upcoming events. 

11. Shopping 

 

If you’re ready to shop until you drop, then Delray has plenty of spots for you! Atlantic Avenue, referred to as “The Ave” by locals, is the epicenter of shopping in the city. Recently named one of the ten best urban shopping centers in America by USA Today, this lavish shopping center is certain to have something for everyone. Here you will find chain stores and local gems ranging from eateries, health and beauty shopping, galleries, spas, and much more. With so much to do and see, it’s no wonder that The Ave often has up to 20,000 visitors a day.

12. Festivals

Delray is known for its family-friendly festivals that take place year-round. Bringing together thousands of residents and visitors alike, these lively festivals provide an opportunity to get to know your neighbors. The Delray Affair is the largest arts and crafts festival in the Southeast United States. Stretching over ten city blocks, this creative festival takes place in the palm-tree lined downtown Delray. Likewise, the Delray Beach Wine and Seafood Festival brings the community together over world-class seafood and wine.

If you’re interested in exploring homes for sale in Delray, contact The Jessica Gulick Group today. As South Florida’s number one real estate group, this team is known for being professional and dedicated. Their expertise will help you find the perfect place in no time.