According to The Wall Street Journal, the tiny coastal town of Manalapan has transformed into one of the most exclusive and sought-after enclaves in Florida. Tucked just south of Palm Beach, this serene 2.4-square-mile paradise with a population of around 400 is now capturing global attention as elite buyers zero in on its unrivaled ocean-to-Intracoastal estates.
For decades, Manalapan quietly offered luxury living in a low-profile package. But over the past five years, that quiet has been replaced with the buzz of record-shattering real estate activity. Prestigious sales reaching nine figures have placed this once-overlooked community squarely on the map of the world’s wealthiest home seekers.
Luxury buyers are increasingly drawn to Manalapan’s unique layout—estates here often span from the Atlantic Ocean to the Intracoastal Waterway, offering dual waterfront views and private docks. Nearly two dozen homes have sold for over $20 million since 2020, including several that have exceeded $40 million. These are homes where wellness centers, spa-quality bathrooms, 12-car garages, and private beach tunnels aren’t wish-list items—they're expected amenities.
The town’s appeal lies in its rare combination of privacy, exclusivity, and natural beauty. Many homes are shielded from the road by lush landscaping, yet fully open to the water, where buyers can cruise by boat and take in the impressive architecture and scale of each estate. The relaxed zoning and absence of high-rise development have helped preserve its quiet, unhurried charm—a stark contrast to the more commercialized Palm Beach just minutes away.
Manalapan’s growth hasn’t been without its challenges. Stock market shifts, global tariffs, and rising construction costs have added some uncertainty. Yet despite economic headwinds, demand remains strong. Multiple properties continue to list for $100 million or more, and serious buyers are still circling, ready to invest in what many now consider the pinnacle of Florida real estate.
This new era of development is also reshaping the town itself. Older homes are being replaced with cutting-edge custom builds that incorporate storm-resistant designs and luxury features rivaling five-star resorts. Builders are navigating strict coastal codes while delivering homes that can withstand hurricane-force winds—without compromising on elegance or comfort.
Some buyers are investing not only in homes but in the future of the community. Significant acquisitions, including the purchase of Manalapan’s iconic Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa, are sparking conversations about upgrades that could further elevate the town’s cachet. Even amid economic uncertainties, builders and buyers alike are pushing forward with confidence and vision.
And yet, what truly sets Manalapan apart may not be its price tags, but its sense of permanence. While the headlines swirl around mega-deals and high-profile buyers, many residents simply stay put—not for investment purposes, but because they’ve found their forever place. For those who call Manalapan home, there’s little reason to look elsewhere.
Manalapan is no longer Florida’s best-kept secret. It’s a world-class destination in its own right—one where sky-high values reflect not just wealth, but the unparalleled quality of life that only this slice of paradise can offer.
Source: wsj.com
Recent sales activity on Paslay Place underscores the incredible momentum in Manalapan’s luxury market. I was proud to represent the buyer of 1540 Paslay Place, which closed at $13,000,000, as well as the seller of the neighboring 1520 Paslay Place, which sold for $11,949,375. These transactions reflect the growing demand for exclusive waterfront estates in one of South Florida’s most sought-after coastal enclaves.
