PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — What city ranks the best in The Sunshine State? This week one city in Palm Beach County has a lot to brag about.
Palm Beach Gardens beat out over 2,500 cities in Florida as the “Top City to Live in Florida” according to ChamberofCommerce.org.
Palm Beach Gardens which turned 60 last week is a city with a growing number of transplants who tell WPTV the latest ranking doesn’t surprise them.
”It’s a hidden gem,” said Dennis DeMase, realtor and Palm Beach Gardens resident. “There’s great schools, businesses, and restaurants. It’s also close the beach, close to the intercoastal - and there’s five colleges within ten miles.”
In 1982 Dennis DeMase left the Bronx for a career in Palm Beach Gardens lucrative real estate market. He says three decades later, at an average rate of 30-homes sold per year, he doesn’t plan on leaving the city alive.
“In a box. In a big wooden box,” he said.
DeMase is one of approximately 55,000 people living in a city ranked number one for employment, housing, quality of life, education and health as part of the methodology used by ChamberofCommerce.org. The ranking also boasts of the city’s “lush gated communities and 12 golf courses.”
If you don’t live in Florida’s top city- don’t feel left out. The Treasure Coast is represented by Palm City, Sebastian, Vero Beach and Port Saint Lucie. Nine other cities and towns in Palm Beach County also made the top 100.
Proof you don’t have to live in a big city for your slice of the pie.
“When it starts getting like Miami - then I’m out of here,” added Bart Espinoza, owner of Smoke Inn Palm Beach Gardens.
Palm Beach Gardens will officially celebrate its 60th birthday at The Gardens North County District Park on Saturday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
To learn more, click here.
To see the full “Top City to Live in Florida” report, click here.