North Palm Beach / Old Port Cove

North Palm Beach / Old Port Cove

A premier boating community with marina views, golf clubs, and quiet elegance. Condos and single-family waterfront homes attract retirees and boaters seeking access to Palm Beach without its intensity. Lifestyle is nautical, private, and country-club refined. Prices: $700K–$5M+.

Palm Beach County

Explore North Palm Beach condos and homes for sale, from luxury Intracoastal towers in Old Port Cove to golf-course estates and waterfront single-family homes with private docks. Known for its boating culture, golf lifestyle, and prime Intracoastal location, North Palm Beach offers a rare mix of affordability, prestige, and small-town charm just minutes from Palm […]

Interesting Facts

  • Village by design: Incorporated in 1956, North Palm Beach was planned by developer John D. MacArthur, the insurance magnate and philanthropist.
  • Golf royalty: Home to the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at the North Palm Beach Country Club—the only municipal Nicklaus course in the U.S.
  • Water everywhere: Bordered by the Intracoastal Waterway, canals, and estuaries, many homes have private docks with direct ocean access.
  • Old Port Cove: A 60-acre gated waterfront condo community with a 2-mile walking path, marina, and resort-style amenities.
  • Marina capital: The village offers one of the highest concentrations of marinas and yacht slips in Palm Beach County.
  • Community size: Despite luxury credentials, North Palm Beach remains relatively small (~13,000 residents), giving it a neighborly, village feel.
  • Philanthropic legacy: John D. MacArthur donated much of the land that became MacArthur Beach State Park, protecting natural Florida coastline.

History

North Palm Beach began in the 1950s when John D. MacArthur purchased large tracts of land in northern Palm Beach County. His vision: create a planned village where residents could combine Florida waterfront living with golf and community amenities. Old Port Cove, one of the area’s flagship condo enclaves, followed in the 1970s as a luxury gated marina community. Over time, North Palm Beach developed into a mix of single-family waterfront homes, Intracoastal condos, and golf course properties, still defined by MacArthur’s balance of lifestyle and natural preservation.

Lifestyle Snapshot

North Palm Beach blends boating, golf, and village life. Mornings mean coffee overlooking the marina or teeing off at the Nicklaus-designed course. Afternoons are for boating, paddleboarding, or relaxing poolside. Evenings might mean cocktails at the Country Club’s Farmer’s Table restaurant, dinner in Palm Beach Gardens, or a boat ride down the Intracoastal. Compared to Palm Beach Island’s exclusivity, North Palm Beach is casual, approachable, and community-focused—with luxury woven into everyday life.

Why Live in North Palm Beach / Old Port Cove

Waterfront lifestyle — Many homes and condos come with marina or dock access. • Golf convenience — The village-owned Nicklaus course is a unique luxury. • Value play — More affordable than Palm Beach or Singer Island while offering similar water access. • Village charm — Small population, local parks, and civic pride. • Location — Minutes to Palm Beach Gardens shopping, Juno Beach, and I-95. • Diverse inventory — Condos, co-ops, luxury single-family estates, and gated communities.

Why Buyers Choose North Palm Beach / Old Port Cove

Boating hub

Marinas and yacht clubs galore, plus direct ocean access via Palm Beach or Jupiter inlets.

Old Port Cove community

Resort lifestyle with security, marina slips, and walkable paths.

Golf lifestyle

Access to a signature Nicklaus-designed course at municipal pricing.

Proximity

Minutes from PGA Boulevard dining, Gardens Mall, and Juno Beach.

Neighborhood feel

More laid-back and community-driven than Palm Beach Island.

Family-friendly

Excellent schools, parks, and recreation.

What to Consider

Older condo stock
Many Old Port Cove buildings date to the 1970s–80s—check updates.
HOA/condo fees
Marina, security, and amenities add to monthly costs.
Storm exposure
Intracoastal/ocean proximity = flood and wind risk.
Limited nightlife
Most evening entertainment is in Palm Beach Gardens or West Palm.
Marina demand
Slips can have waitlists—confirm availability before buying if you’re a boater.
Competition
Waterfront single-family homes are highly sought after and sell quickly.

New Construction & Pre-Construction

While land is mostly built out, trends include: Boutique condo redevelopments replacing older stock. Luxury home rebuilds on Intracoastal lots. Nearby spillover projects in Palm Beach Gardens and Singer Island (e.g., Ritz-Carlton, Amrit) offering alternatives with brand prestige.

Places to Go & Things to Do

North Palm Beach Country Club
Golf, tennis, pool, Farmer’s Table dining.
Old Port Cove Marina
Yacht slips, walking paths, and condo amenities.
MacArthur Beach State Park
Kayaking, nature trails, and preserved beachfront.
Anchorage Park & Marina
Community park with boat slips, playgrounds, and events.
PGA Boulevard (nearby)
Fine dining, shopping, and The Gardens Mall.
Juno Beach Pier
Iconic fishing pier and beach destination.

Places to Go & Things to Do

North Palm Beach Country Club — Golf, tennis, pool, Farmer’s Table dining.
Old Port Cove Marina — Yacht slips, walking paths, and condo amenities.
MacArthur Beach State Park — Kayaking, nature trails, and preserved beachfront.
Anchorage Park & Marina — Community park with boat slips, playgrounds, and events.
PGA Boulevard (nearby) — Fine dining, shopping, and The Gardens Mall.
Juno Beach Pier — Iconic fishing pier and beach destination.

Practical Tips

  • Old Port Cove buyers— Compare buildings—amenities, reserves, and rules vary.
  • Single-family buyers— Waterfront homes trade fast; be ready to act.
  • Budget insurance— Dockside and waterfront properties carry higher premiums.
  • Check boating access— Palm Beach Inlet (south) and Jupiter Inlet (north) vary in distance.
  • Lifestyle match— Quiet village—better for residents seeking golf, water, and community vs nightlife.

Top Nearby Schools

Public Schools

Conservatory School @ North Palm Beach (K-8)
8/10
Howell L. Watkins Middle
5/10
Palm Beach Gardens High
6/10
Suncoast Community High (Magnet, IB, top ranked in FL)
10/10

Private Schools

The Benjamin School
  • A+
  • PK–12
  • North Palm Beach
St. Clare Catholic School
  • A
  • PK–8
Rosarian Academy
  • A
  • Palm Beach
  • PK–8
Oxbridge Academy
  • A
  • 9–12

Proximity

Airports
Palm Beach International (PBI) ~15 mi (20–25 min).
Rail
Brightline & Tri-Rail at West Palm Beach ~20 min.
Beaches
Juno Beach ~5–10 min; MacArthur Park ~10 min.
Key hubs
Palm Beach Gardens ~10 min; Singer Island ~10 min; Palm Beach Island ~20 min.

Who Loves Living in North Palm Beach / Old Port Cove?

  • Boaters using Old Port Cove Marina or private docks.
  • Golfers taking advantage of the Nicklaus municipal course.
  • Families enjoying good schools and parks.
  • Snowbirds seeking lock-and-leave condos.
  • Retirees wanting waterfront living at approachable prices.

Compare Nearby Neighborhoods

Not sure about North Palm Beach? Compare with: Palm Beach Gardens — Golf & gated country club communities. • Singer Island — Luxury condo towers with oceanfront living. • Palm Beach Shores — Boutique, walkable seaside village. • Palm Beach Island — Ultra-luxury estates and historic prestige.

FAQ

01

Which celebrities have homes or have lived in North Palm Beach?

North Palm Beach is home to numerous athletes and business moguls, including golfer Jack Nicklaus, who designed the famed North Palm Beach Country Club and has lived here for decades.

02

What is the typical price range for luxury real estate in North Palm Beach?

Condos typically start around $800K–$1.2M, with luxury waterfront homes averaging $2M–$5M, and prime Intracoastal or custom estates exceeding $8M–$15M+.

03

What makes Old Port Cove unique?

It’s a gated, 60-acre Intracoastal enclave with marinas, walking paths, and full-service amenities—rare for the area.

04

Are short-term rentals allowed?

Varies by condo; some restrict, others allow seasonal.

Single-family homes often more flexible.

05

How do HOA fees compare?

Old Port Cove towers trend higher due to marinas and security; smaller buildings are lower.

06

Do you need a car?

Yes, though many amenities are walkable within Old Port Cove.

Shops/dining nearby in Palm Beach Gardens.

07

What new projects are coming?

Boutique redevelopments and luxury rebuilds—plus nearby towers on Singer Island.

Location

Similar neighborhoods

Aventura Mall — Flagship retail with Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, plus chef-driven dining (Motek, Pubbelly Sushi, CVI.CHE 105) and public art installations.
Turnberry Isle Resort & Golf Club — Championship golf, spa, tennis, dining.
Don Soffer Exercise Trail — Shaded, landscaped 3-mile walking loop.
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center — Concerts, plays, dance, and waterfront events.
Founders Park — Family park with playgrounds, fields, and shaded paths.
Gulfstream Park (nearby) — Horse racing, casino, dining, shopping.
Sunny Isles Beach & Golden Beach — Closest sandy escapes just minutes east.
Bal Harbour Shops — Iconic open-air luxury center; anchor for dining + shopping days. Highlights: Makoto (modern Japanese by Chef Makoto Okuwa), Hillstone at Bal Harbour (American classics), Carpaccio (beloved Italian terrace), Avenue 31 Café (all-day European-style), and Café en 3 at Neiman Marcus (light bites upstairs).
The Surf Club Restaurant (next-door Surfside, Four Seasons) — MICHELIN-starred fine dining by Thomas Keller; white-glove, Old-Florida glamour. Book well ahead.
Beachfront path / Beach Walk — A landscaped, mile-plus oceanfront path; also check the 102nd St access path by landscape architect Enzo Enea for a shady, photogenic approach to the sand.
Haulover Park & Inlet — Classic kite-flying field, fishing pier, marina and inlet views; look for Kite Festivals and Food Truck Tuesdays (community event by the kite field, evenings).
Oleta River State Park — Kayak, SUP, canoe or bike the mangrove trails; easy rentals via Oleta River Outdoors.
Quick culture hops: Miami Design District (art, galleries, showrooms) and Wynwood murals are short drives south; combine with shopping/dinner runs.
Little River Studios — Iconic photography and film studio.
Yeelen Gallery & galleries cluster — Art and design exhibitions in converted warehouses.
Little River Cooperative — Urban farm collective.
Bousa Brewing Co. — Local craft brewery and community hangout.
Miami Shores Country Club — Golf course, tennis, and events.
Barry University — Campus events, lectures, and athletics.
Biscayne Bay access — Kayaking and paddleboarding spots nearby.
Pine Trails Park — Sports fields, amphitheater concerts, and community festivals.
Barkland — Beloved dog park with shaded runs and water features.
Parkland Golf & Country Club — Golf, tennis, spa, dining, and social events.
Heron Bay Clubhouses — Pools, fitness, and tennis inside one of Parkland’s largest communities.
Equestrian riding trails — Particularly on the west side near BBB Ranches.
Nearby Boca & Coral Springs — Shopping, dining, and entertainment just 10–15 minutes away.
Las Olas Boulevard — Dining, shopping, art galleries.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale — Parks, events, and scenic paths along the New River.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts — Theater, ballet, and concerts.
NSU Art Museum — Contemporary and modern art collections.
Museum of Discovery & Science — Family-friendly exhibits and IMAX.
Water Taxi — Hop-on, hop-off transport along canals.
Fort Lauderdale Beach — Just 2 miles east.
Ocean Reef Park: Lifeguard-supervised beach, dunes, and ocean access.
Green Cay Nature Center & Wetlands: Boardwalks, educational exhibits, birdlife.
Boynton Beach Blvd Old Town / NE 2nd Ave: Restaurants, cafés, murals, small retail.
Boynton Inlet (just north): Boating, fishing, inlet access.
Intracoastal promenades & docks: For walking, fishing, sunset views.
Cultural events & markets: Seasonal festivals, food trucks, local music, farmer’s markets.
Kane Concourse — Neighborhood high street with cafés, bakeries, salons, pilates/gyms, and boutique services.
Surfside Beach (nearby) — Family-friendly beach access at 96th St; sunrise walks and low-key weekends.
Bal Harbour Shops — Open-air luxury center with chef-driven dining (Makoto, Hillstone, Carpaccio) and museum-quality landscaping.
Haulover Park & Inlet — Kite field, marina, fishing pier, and inlet views; food-truck evenings are a local favorite.
Bay Harbor Islands Town Park — Playgrounds, ball courts, and community programming right in the neighborhood.
Oleta River State Park (short drive) — Kayak/SUP the mangroves, rent bikes, and picnic bayside.
Miracle Mile — Shopping, dining, and the historic Miracle Theatre.
Venetian Pool — Historic 1924 swimming pool built from a coral rock quarry.
Biltmore Hotel — Iconic resort with golf, spa, dining, and events.
Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden — 83 acres of lush gardens and events.
Books & Books — Beloved indie bookstore and café.
University of Miami — Cultural, athletic, and educational hub.
Shops at Merrick Park — Upscale shopping and dining destination.