"A friend I call to Show my Paradise / and share the secret rooted / inside my heart, with all my soul / My loved Delray Beach / The "All-America" city / Blessed, and so dear to me! - (Florida Angel, "My Secret Spot in Delray Beach")
Home to just over 60,000 residents, Delray Beach has more than four miles of beach right on the Atlantic coast. Sandwiched between Boca Raton to the north and Boynton Beach to the south, this small city enjoys incredibly moderate temperatures all year round. Annual lows rarely drop below 57 degrees and the summer high stays around 90 degrees. Sweater weather is a thing of the past in this picturesque Florida coastal city.
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Apartment Hunting in Delray Beach
Delray Beach's high vacancy rates, some higher than 50 percent, make it easy to find potential properties. What this means is that you can take your time and won't need to rush into a decision. Shop around until you find the perfect rental home or apartment. The high vacancy rates also means you'll get a bigger place for the money when compared to in other cities. Prices may be high in certain parts of this area, but the long waits between tenants drives many landlords to offer enticing move-in specials. Lucky you!
Florida has a few rental rules that every tenant needs to know. Your landlord can charge what they want for a security deposit, as long as you are provided with proof of deposit and a description of the type of account. If your landlord puts the money in an interest bearing savings account, you get the interest when you move out. Be sure to discuss the options and be clear on the terms before you hand over the check.
When signing a lease, read the renewal terms carefully to see how much of a lead-time you'll need to give when you're ready to move out. If you are on a month-to-month lease, usually you only need to provide notice 15 days before your move date. On an annual lease though, you may need to inform your landlord at least 60 days ahead of time. Always put your decision to move in writing, and if you hand deliver it, get a receipt. This will help you avoid any future issues with a lost notification.
Delray Beach Neighborhoods
With both coastal and inland areas, Delray has a wide variety of neighborhoods and styles. Some areas lend themselves to highrise apartment buildings, while others are filled with four and five bedroom homes. The central areas, like Kingspoint, Jog Rd., and Linton Blvd., have modestly-priced housing options, while further out on the coast and inland, prices can easily reach into the stratosphere.
Ocean Blvd: Rentals may offer a significantly more affordable option in this nabe. You should be able to snag a place just off the beach for a pretty reasonable price. Vacancy rates top 40 percent, so you can look at a variety of different styles and layouts before deciding on your new place. Plus, if you need an emergency move, it is no big deal on Ocean Blvd. Of course, some of the vacancy rate is due to seasonal renters, so be aware that the tourist season is not the best time to sign a lease.$$$$
Kingsland: In a state known for its low cost of living, Kingsland lives up to these expectations. Rental properties in this 'hood make it one of the more affordable areas in Florida. True, most of apartments are smaller, with two bedrooms the most common option available. Because it's more than a mile from the beach, even the tourist season does not inflate the property values to astronomical heights.$$$
Jog Rd./Seville Dr.: A singles haven -- 65.3% of residents are unattached -- with some of the lowest property prices in the area. Most of your neighbors wait tables and fold sweaters at the Gap, so if you aspire for a higher rung on the corporate ladder, you may not find many kindred spirits in your own neighborhood. On the plus size, however, the lower rent and general cost of living will allow you more disposable income for networking events. $$
Kingspoint: This small neighborhood (approximately six square blocks) has both the lowest average rental price of the city along with one of the lowest vacancy rates. So, expect to pound the pavement looking for a vacancy here, and to be willing to snatch it up quickly. $
Hagen: With some of the most expensive rentals, Hagen is something of a surprise given its inland location. Typically, prices go up with an ocean view. Of course, the multitude of high-rise apartment options gives you the sea views without the crowds during the tourist season. This exclusive neighborhood is ideal if you want peace and quiet, but be prepared to spend a bit more time on the hunt.$$$$$
Living in Delray Beach
Transportation can be a bit of a challenge, so bring your car. Almost everyone in this area drives, mostly because there are only two bus lines -- which do offer free shuttle services -- and a single Tri-Rail station serving the city. Having the flexibility of a car will let you enjoy everything that Delray Beach has to offer. Don't want to plunk down the extra cash for a Ford or Honda? Zipcars let you try out car ownership on a daily basis, or just allow you an easy way to make an IKEA run in nearby Sunrise.
Local entertainment includes horseback riding, water sports, boat rentals, museums, theaters, golf and much more. A soothing day spent exploring the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is always a hit. If you enjoy unique experiences, check out the Puppetry Arts Center or enjoy shopping at Murder on the Beach. Mystery lovers everywhere can find something special at this boutique store full of collectible themed items. For scenic views while you get back to nature, the Wakodahatchee Wetlands can't be beat.
Delray Beach also has an array of culinary offerings ranging from traditional pub fare at the Blue Anchor to five star cuisine at Sundy House. Ethnic offerings tempt the palate, and the Green Market, which runs from October to April, has an incredible selection of locally grown produce.
Enjoy living at a vacation home all year round after you make your move to Delray Beach. Good luck and good hunting for your next home.
