Jupiter got its name as a result of several mapmaker errors. In odd twists of fate, it went from Hobe to Jove to Jupiter. Now it is the nesting place for transplanted Northerners, who are often referred to as "snowbirds."
Jupiter is most well known for being the location of the Roger Dean Stadium, the sports arena that hosts the St. Louis Cardinals spring training. Only authentic baseball fans know the Miami Marlins train there too. If you love baseball and being close to the beach, this is the city for you. With a population of over 56,000, it is just big enough to have everything you need to work and live without interruption and just small enough to avoid the annoying big-city atmosphere. Being on the beach helps the city maintain a laid-back feeling. There are plenty of things to do in Jupiter besides boating, fishing, camping and swimming in a pretty inlet like the one in DuBois Park. They include visiting the Busch Wildlife Sanctuary or the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum. There is a growing interest in developing eco-tourism, which encourages visitors to come but not actually touch anything. There is a growing scientific research industry propelled by companies like the Max Planck Florida Institute. So you get an unusual mix of sand and molecules in this small city. It used to be that Jupiter was only on peoples lips during baseball spring training season, but thats not true anymore.
Beach or Not?
The residential community in Jupiter is a mixed bag of high priced homes and condominiums to lower priced properties and rentals. One of the driving forces behind the value of both single-family residences and property rentals is whether they are on the beach. There is a direct correlation between the proximity to the beach and the price of the property. Back away from the beach and find falling prices in some, though not all, neighborhoods.
Finding places to rent in Jupiter is one thing. Finding decent properties for rent is another. The increasing interest in this small city is causing low availability of properties of all kinds. If you're planning on moving to Jupiter, you would be wise to plan way ahead and start looking as early as possible. Shopping around will pay off. Even if you cant find a rental right on the beach, take heart. Many of the neighborhoods are within walking distance of the beach, which is more than most people can say in the U.S.
The neighborhoods line Ocean Boulevard and then go inward towards the west. There is lots of green space and waterways in Jupiter, which is kind of like a consolation prize when you cant afford to live right on the beach. Before attempting to rent, accumulate your life history and get ready to pay an application fee and other fees the apartment owners and rental management companies have invented. You need your income history, proof you actually have a job (a rarity in todays economy), and the ability to convince a landlord the credit history blemishes were just minor skirmishes with creditors. ("What bankruptcy? I dont remember a bankruptcy.")
An Ocean Away
Like most cities, there are multiple neighborhoods in Jupiter. Unsurprisingly, property rental prices are strongly influenced by how close the building is to the beach.
The Bluffs:Just one tiny block from the beach, the neighborhood is a treasure trove of single family homes, condominiums and town homes. You can find a house to rent and then take advantage of Jupiters dog friendly beach if you have a dog, of course. Being so close to the beach, the rents are on the upside of reasonable. $$$$
Eastview Manor:There are some older homes in the Eastview Manor neighborhood and surrounding community. As a result, there are places to rent that are quite affordable, and especially compared to the rest of Jupiter. It is very wallet-friendly, so be sure to act quickly if you find something you like here. $$
Rood and Beeline Highway:The newer homes in this area are separated from the rest of the city, in an interesting twist of plotting. The high priced neighborhood is mostly owner occupied, so finding a house to rent is easier than finding an apartment to rent. $$$$
Heights of Jupiter:The Heights of Jupiter (doesnt that sound impressive?) has many updated properties for rent and is only a few blocks from the wealthier neighborhood of Abacoa. You can walk to the baseball training center and many of the area parks. The places for rent are reasonably priced. $$
Indian Creek:There are lots of house rentals and apartments in the Indian Creek area. You can rent a 2-bedroom house with a pool and save the walk to the beach or find a nice apartment with many luxuries. The apartments are higher priced than in some neighborhoods, but you get plenty of square footage. $$$
Abacoa:This is one of the newest neighborhoods in Jupiter. It is a family-friendly, mixed land use, master planned community. It is only 10 minutes from the beach, and each home is different. House rentals are quite expensive, but you get to use the pool, clubhouse and fitness center. There are apartment buildings, but they are also fairly expensive, especially if you want to rent a two or three bedroom unit. $$$$
Florida Turnpike and SE Bridge Road:A neighborhood to the east of the Florida Turnpike and south of SE Bridge Road is an upscale area with expensive homes and apartments. One corner touches an inlet of the North Fork Loxahatchee River, and there is a finger of land that extends east towards the SE Federal Highway. It is not a densely populated area because, lets face it, wealthy people like to have big lots. They can afford to indulge their every whim. $$$$$
Loxahatchee River Road: The neighborhood that includes Eagles Nest and Shorewood is on the Loxahatchee River. Called Tequesta, there are many older homes built before 1969, which is typical of river properties. There is a low vacancy rate for houses and apartments for rent because everyone wants a view. Go ahead and admit it youd like a view too. The housing prices are not as high as some of the newer neighborhoods, but the average rental rates are not for people on a tight budget. $$$
Summertime and the Living is Quite Easy
One of the advantages of living in Jupiter is definitely the weather, if you like lots of sunny days and balmy breezes. The average yearly temperature is a balmy 74 degrees Fahrenheit.There is still a big emphasis on the beach and recreation. The Riverwalk is a master planned recreational corridor that runs along the eastern shoreline of the Intracoastal Waterway. Riverwalk gives people access to marinas, waterfront parks, protected natural lands, and neighborhoods. Juno Beach is a favorite and protected nesting place of the rare loggerhead turtles. Remember the rule: No touching allowed. The lifestyle of this city with the classical name is generally described as easygoing. There are many inlets, waterways, parks, hiking trails and so on. Most people commute, which is not surprising. Unless you are a beach bum hanging out at the hotdog stand, you have to work for a living at a real job. Jupiter has those real jobs, that is, and so that makes living here even nicer.