Working in Downtown West Palm Beach: Where to Live for a Short Commute

If your new office is in downtown West Palm Beach, the shortest commutes come from living downtown or on the island of Palm Beach just across the bridges. Buyers who want more space, golf, waterfront or new construction most often look north to North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter and drive I-95 or US-1. Choose by how many days you will be in the office, whether you want to walk to work, and how the drive looks at rush hour.

Downtown West Palm Beach is where many of the newest relocation jobs are landing, and more of my conversations now start with an office address near Flagler Drive or CityPlace. The right home depends less on the neighborhood name and more on how you want your workday to feel.

Which downtown offices are bringing new jobs?

Since 2022, financial firms including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Elliott Management and Point72 have opened offices downtown, and Wells Fargo announced in early 2026 that it is moving senior leadership of its wealth and investment management division there. ServiceNow is the anchor tenant of the 10 CityPlace tower, with a regional innovation hub expected to open in 2028. My guide to moving to Palm Beach County for work covers the wider employer picture.

Can you live close enough to walk to work?

Yes. Downtown condominiums along Flagler Drive and around CityPlace put you within walking or biking distance of the financial district, and the Brightline station at 501 Evernia Street is in the same core. Just south and north of downtown, established neighborhoods offer single-family homes within a short drive, and Palm Beach is a few minutes across the bridges.

If you are buying a condo, ask early about the building's reserves, insurance and inspection history. My guide on what the milestone inspection means for condo buyers explains what to request.

Where do buyers live for more space within a reasonable drive?

• North Palm Beach: Close to downtown via US-1 or I-95, with waterfront and boating options along the Intracoastal. Typical weekday drive to downtown: about 16 to 35 minutes.
• Palm Beach Gardens: The widest range of golf, gated and new construction communities, with I-95 access from PGA Boulevard and Northlake Boulevard. See my Palm Beach Gardens guide and the comparison of Avenir new construction and Palm Beach Gardens resale. Typical weekday drive to downtown: about 12 to 22 minutes.
• Jupiter: A longer drive, but a popular choice for buyers who want to be on or near the water. My Jupiter vs Palm Beach Gardens cost-to-own comparison lays out the numbers. Typical weekday drive to downtown: about 24 to 40 minutes.
• Wellington: West of the city via Southern Boulevard or Forest Hill Boulevard, often chosen for larger lots and equestrian property.

Coming from the south, Boca Raton is about 26 to 40 minutes from downtown West Palm Beach on I-95. These ranges are typical weekday drive times to Clematis Street from Google Maps for 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. departures, and they run longer in season or after an accident.

When I work with a buyer heading downtown, we map the office first and then test two or three of these areas against the same morning drive.

Does Brightline or Tri-Rail help a downtown commute?

Rail works best if you live south of downtown. Brightline connects downtown West Palm Beach with Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami, and Tri-Rail runs from Mangonia Park south through West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and into Broward and Miami-Dade. The northernmost stations are in West Palm Beach and Mangonia Park, so most commuters coming from Palm Beach Gardens or Jupiter drive.

How should you test the commute before you buy?

• Drive it at the hours you will drive it, both directions, on a weekday.
• Ask about parking at your building, since downtown parking can change the math between driving and walking.
• Confirm your office schedule. Two days a week downtown opens up very different areas than five.
• Check your closing timeline if you want homestead for 2027. My guide on establishing Florida residency the year you relocate explains why December 31 matters.

More guides for buyers relocating to Palm Beach County

• Moving to Palm Beach County for work: commutes and where to live
• How to establish Florida residency the year you relocate
• Working in Palm Beach Gardens: where to live
• Working in Jupiter or Juno Beach: where to live
• Working in Boca Raton: where to live
• Moving from New York, New Jersey or Connecticut for work
• Moving from California for work

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do people live when they work in downtown West Palm Beach?

Many live downtown or on Palm Beach for a short commute. Buyers who want more space often choose North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens or Jupiter to the north, or Wellington to the west.

Is there a Brightline station in downtown West Palm Beach?

Yes. The Brightline station is at 501 Evernia Street in downtown West Palm Beach, with service south to Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Which companies are expanding in downtown West Palm Beach?

Financial firms such as Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Elliott Management and Point72 have opened offices downtown, Wells Fargo is moving wealth management leadership there, and ServiceNow is the anchor tenant of 10 CityPlace.

Published: October 19, 2026