Trading Skyscrapers for Sunshine: Why Palm Beach Is the Smartest Move for New Yorkers Right Now
Over the past few years, a quiet migration has turned into a steady wave: New Yorkers are setting their sights on Palm Beach and West Palm Beach — not just for vacation, but for a better way of living. What started as a pandemic trend has evolved into a deliberate lifestyle shift. Today, Palm Beach isn’t just a seasonal escape; it’s a full-time address for those seeking sophistication, space, and sun without sacrificing the energy and culture of New York City.
From Park Avenue to Palm Beach Island
Palm Beach offers the kind of elegance that resonates deeply with New Yorkers — timeless architecture, walkable streets lined with luxury boutiques, and a social calendar that rivals the Upper East Side. Yet, it’s the sense of calm and privacy that keeps new residents here for good. The island blends coastal serenity with world-class amenities: five-star dining, exclusive clubs, designer shopping on Worth Avenue, and cultural staples like the Norton Museum of Art and Kravis Center for the Performing Arts.
Just across the bridge, West Palm Beach has transformed into a vibrant hub of its own — a place where modern developments meet the charm of historic neighborhoods. With The Square’s restaurants and shopping, the Norton’s growing art scene, and sleek new waterfront residences, West Palm offers the ideal balance of lifestyle and investment potential. For buyers relocating from Manhattan or Brooklyn, West Palm’s value per square foot and accessibility make it a compelling option that still feels cosmopolitan.
Why So Many New Yorkers Are Making the Move
Florida’s tax advantages are no secret, but financial perks are only part of the story. The real draw is quality of life. In Palm Beach, you can start your morning with a walk along the Intracoastal, work remotely from your terrace, and end the day with dinner overlooking the Atlantic — all within minutes of an international airport. Remote work has given professionals freedom of choice, and many are choosing Palm Beach for its unmatched balance of sophistication and simplicity.
For families, top-rated private schools and a year-round outdoor lifestyle create a sense of normalcy and wellness that city life can’t replicate. For retirees, there’s peace, proximity, and community. And for investors, there’s the undeniable strength of the Palm Beach market — steady appreciation, low inventory, and high demand from a national and international buyer base.
Relocation Made Effortless with Elizabeth DeWoody
Relocating to or from Palm Beach is more than a move — it’s a strategy. That’s where Elizabeth DeWoody and the Palm Beach Advisory at Compass come in. Ranked among the top .01% of agents nationwide and one of the top 10 agents in Palm Beach, Elizabeth has built her career helping discerning clients transition seamlessly between markets.
Her expertise lies not only in identifying exceptional properties, but also in understanding the nuances of relocation — from timing and tax implications to school districts, neighborhood dynamics, and off-market opportunities. For New Yorkers seeking a confident, connected advisor, Elizabeth offers the best of both worlds: deep Palm Beach roots and strong ties to Compass’s powerhouse New York City network.
Through Compass, Elizabeth collaborates daily with trusted referral partners throughout the Northeast including Manhattan, the Hamptons, Greenwich, as well as other “feeder markets” such as, SanFrancisco, Chicago, and beyond. This direct connection ensures that clients relocating south — or selling in Florida to return north — experience a coordinated, concierge-level transition. Whether it’s aligning closing timelines, managing digital showings, or connecting with an agent who mirrors Elizabeth’s service level in New York, the process is completely streamlined.
What This Means for Buyers and Sellers
For buyers, especially those relocating from high-density cities, this market represents opportunity. Palm Beach’s limited land and sustained demand have kept values strong, yet new luxury development in West Palm Beach has introduced exciting options for those wanting newer construction, turnkey design, and vibrant urban energy.
For sellers, this migration has created an ideal audience. Many New York buyers are coming with cash or high liquidity from city sales, ready to move quickly for the right property. Aligning with a team that understands both markets — like Palm Beach Advisory — means exposure to qualified buyers actively referred through Compass’s national network.
The Bridge Between Two Luxury Markets
Compass remains the connective thread between New York and Palm Beach, offering agents and clients an integrated experience that transcends zip codes. With over 30 offices across the Tri-State area and a robust Palm Beach presence, Compass’s referral system ensures that every transition is handled with care and expertise.
Elizabeth and her team have cultivated exceptional referral relationships with Compass agents in New York City, enabling seamless collaboration for clients on both ends. Whether you’re selling your Manhattan pied-à-terre to purchase an oceanfront home in Palm Beach, or keeping a foothold in both cities, Elizabeth and Palm Beach Advisory ensure your move feels effortless — strategic, secure, and perfectly timed.
A New Chapter, the Palm Beach Way
If you’ve ever dreamed of blending New York’s sophistication with coastal calm, Palm Beach is the move that makes sense — personally, professionally, and financially. And with Elizabeth DeWoody leading your relocation, that move becomes more than a change of address. It becomes a redefinition of lifestyle.
Elizabeth DeWoody
Principal Agent, Palm Beach Advisory at Compass
📞 561.308.0931
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.palmbeachadvisory.com