Delray Beach

About Delray Beach

Delray Beach is a large city in the Miami metropolitan area, on the east coast of Florida. It's a coastal city that enjoys miles of sandy beaches, with some residential portions backing up to Everglades National Park. The community is part of Florida's Gold Coast region, known for its high quality of life, upscale homes and scenic surroundings.

The History of Delray Beach

People lived in Delray Beach long before it was a booming coastal city. The earliest inhabitants are believed to have been the Jaega people, with several other indigenous tribes calling the region home as well. During the 1870s, the area earned a reputation as a haven for shipwrecked sailors, providing rescue services and a home at the Orange Grove House of Refuge.

In the 1890s, U.S. Rep William S. Linton began creating his vision of a farming community in the area that would become Delray Beach. After a few hard freezes that slowed the town's growth, it eventually began to flourish as a small winter vegetable farming community. Pineapples soon became the region's primary crop, while tomato and pineapple canning facilities provided further support for the growing economy. The 1920s brought a major land boom throughout the state, and Delray Beach also welcomed a thriving artists' community. Over the next few decades, the city became a popular destination for many Hollywood creatives in addition to well-known authors and cartoonists. In the second half of the 20th century, Delray Beach earned a reputation as a major surfing spot, and it still serves a large number of tourists every year.

Jobs in Delray Beach

Because Delray Beach is among the most popular vacation destinations in South Florida, it's home to a thriving tourism industry. Restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and retail stores offer a range of job options, particularly if you have hospitality or sales experience. The downtown district has grown significantly in recent years, opening up a large market of new jobs for locals.

The city's major employers span a wide range of industries, so you're likely to find options to match your experience and interests. The Delray Medical Center, Palm Beach County School District, Lifespace Communities and Publix Supermarkets are just a few of the large employers in the city.

Delray Beach Schools

Public schools in Delray Beach fall under the jurisdiction of the Palm Beach County School District. You also have the option of enrolling your child in one of the several private schools in the area, including both faith-based and secular campuses.

Resources for Moving to Delray Beach

Here are a few quick resources to help you organize your move to Delray Beach:

• Utilities: The primary utilities providers in Delray Beach are Florida Power & Light and the city's utilities division.
• Garbage and Recycling: The city facilitates trash and recycling collection services for all residents. Pickup of bulk trash and yard waste is also provided.
• Transportation: Your public transportation options in Delray Beach include the Tri-Rail commuter system, PalmTran bus service and free downtown shuttles.

Delray Beach Housing Information

As expected for most beachside cities, Delray Beach has an average home price that's significantly higher than the national average. However, you'll be able to choose from an extremely wide range of options, making it fairly easy to find something to fit your budget. You can often find condos and townhomes for less than $100,000, while the city's luxurious mansions can fetch several million dollars.