Is Delray Beach a Good Place To Retire?

Delray Beach may not be as widely known as some of Florida’s larger cities, but it could be the hidden gem you’ve been looking for. Located just an hour from Miami, this charming coastal town offers easy access to big-city attractions while providing a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Even better, you might find that everything you need is right in Delray Beach itself. With a vibrant downtown, beautiful beaches, and a strong sense of community, there’s no shortage of reasons to call it home. Here are just a few highlights that make Delray Beach a standout place to live.

History

Businesses and restaurants Downtown Delray Beach, Florida. — *Editorial credit: Felix Mizioznikov / Shutterstock.com*

Delray Beach began as a tiny farming village in the 1800s and has slowly grown to nearly 70,000 residents. In 1911, Delray officially became a town, and business began to boom with the introduction of a pineapple and tomato canning plant.

Because of its location, many people began to visit, and word spread that Delray Beach was an excellent vacation spot in the 1920s. Thanks to the completion of Interstate 95 in the 1970s, more people were able to access Delray Beach, and it’s been growing quickly ever since.

Weather

There are a variety of weather conditions in Delray. Yes, it’s sunny and beautiful, with glorious days that are perfect for getting a tan, but there’s more to the weather in Delray.

Some weather patterns you may experience as a resident include comfortable temperatures that range from 64 degrees to 86.9 degrees. The hottest months tend to be July and August, while December through February tend to be the coldest. Rainfall can range from one inch a month to almost eight inches. Wintery months tend to get the least rain, while residents enjoy the most rain from May to September.

Given its coastal location in South Florida, Delray Beach is occasionally impacted by tropical storms during hurricane season (June through November). While the idea of severe weather can be daunting for newcomers, long-time residents are typically well-prepared and more than willing to share tips on storm readiness, from securing your home and stocking emergency supplies to understanding evacuation procedures. The city itself also takes storm preparedness seriously, with well-organized response plans and community resources to help residents stay safe and informed.

Cost of Living

A sunset over the intracoastal waterway in Delray Beach, Florida.

Delray Beach is not one of the cheapest places in Florida to live, but this is thanks largely to the location. Considering it’s a beach town, property values are higher. The average home price in Delray Beach 55+ communities is around $447,000, though prices vary significantly depending on factors like size, location, and available amenities.

For instance, homes in Banyan House Condominiums average over $1.6 million, while those in Emerald Pointe are in the high $300ks. These numbers fluctuate, but they give you a good idea of the price if you’re looking to move to Delray Beach. Most houses are on the market for an average of 82 days, which means that real estate tends to move quickly there.

Also, according to Living Cost, rent for one person costs, on average, around $3,240, while a family of four will pay approximately $6,923. Food can cost anywhere from $628 a month to $1,644.

Things To Do

The gardens at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida.

If you enjoy immersing yourself in local culture and exploring museums, Delray Beach offers plenty to discover. One standout attraction is the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, a well-loved attraction for its serene beauty and cultural significance. Delray Beach has a rich history of Japanese heritage, and the museum honors this legacy with fascinating exhibits, authentic artifacts, and six beautifully landscaped gardens inspired by different periods of Japanese design.

The Silver Ball Museum is another unique find in Delray Beach and is an excellent place to take the grandkids. They can explore bits of history by touching and interacting with it as they enjoy playing pinball.

Golf is also a popular daytime activity in Delray Beach, thanks to its sunny weather and variety of scenic courses. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting, you’ll find both public and private options that make it easy to enjoy a round with friends. Many residents love starting the day on the green, then heading out in the evening to enjoy Delray’s lively nightlife.

Nightlife

Aerial view of the beach strip of Delray Beach, Florida at night.

When the sun goes down, Delray Beach comes alive with a vibrant nightlife and entertainment scene. The heart of it all is Atlantic Avenue—often simply called “The Avenue.” This bustling, tree-lined street is the city’s go-to destination for dining, shopping, art galleries, and people-watching. With its walkable layout, you can easily explore one spot after another without ever needing to get in your car.

Of course, the beach itself remains a serene and beautiful option in the evening. While it’s busier during the day, nighttime offers its own charm. You can enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline, try your hand at night fishing, or simply relax under the stars as the waves roll in.

Nearby Locations

Sunset on Lake Okeechobee in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Airports

One of the first things people consider when moving to a new area is proximity to an airport. In Delray Beach, that’s a definite perk. The Boca Raton Airport is just about 10 minutes away, making it incredibly convenient for frequent travelers or for welcoming friends and family flying in. For commercial flights, Palm Beach International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport are also within easy driving distance.

Day Trips

Delray Beach is also perfectly positioned for quick day trips to some of South Florida’s most exciting cities. Miami is only about 53 miles south, while Fort Lauderdale is just 28 miles away—or roughly a 30-minute drive. West Palm Beach is even closer at 20 miles. Other nearby destinations like Palm Beach and Key Largo are also easy to explore without the need for an overnight stay.

Lake Okeechobee

But it’s not all about city life. If you love nature, you’ll find plenty of outdoor escapes just a short drive from Delray Beach. One standout is Lake Okeechobee. It’s a haven for fishing, kayaking, and sunset-watching, or simply enjoying the peace of open water.

Everglades National Park

Another must-see is Everglades National Park, where you can immerse yourself in Florida’s unique and wild ecosystem. From sawgrass marshes to mangrove forests, it’s a one-of-a-kind landscape filled with photo-worthy wildlife. Just be sure to keep a safe distance from the alligators!

The 55+ Lifestyle in Delray Beach

As you can see, Delray Beach is a highly desirable destination for active adults, offering a blend of leisure, culture, and coastal charm. The city is home to a wide variety of 55+ communities, ranging from affordable condos to luxury gated neighborhoods, many of which feature resort-style amenities like golf courses, clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, and social clubs.

Residents enjoy easy access to beautiful beaches, a lively downtown along Atlantic Avenue, and plenty of recreational opportunities. With its warm climate, walkable neighborhoods, and welcoming atmosphere, Delray Beach is an ideal place for retirees seeking an engaging and active lifestyle in South Florida.

55+ Communities in Delray Beach, FL

Take the Next Step Toward Your Delray Beach Dream Home!

Whether you’re ready to make Delray Beach your new home or still have questions to explore, we’re here to help. Our expert real estate agents specialize in 55+ communities and are dedicated to guiding you through every step of the process, from discovering the perfect neighborhood to answering all your questions. Reach out to us today and start your journey to the lifestyle you deserve!

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Cari Oleskewicz

Cari Oleskewicz is a writer based in Gainesville, Florida. She has been writing about real estate, property management, travel, and active adult lifestyles for 10 years. She has delivered lectures on the importance of high-value website copy for small businesses, and has ghostwritten books for real estate investors. Before settling in Gainesville, she lived in Tampa, Florida; Baltimore, Maryland; Los Angeles, California; and Florence, Italy. Before launching her writing career, Cari was a communications and editorial strategist for a digital advertising agency in Tampa and managed the communications department of a nonprofit organization serving people with disabilities in Maryland. She has also taught middle school and writes poetry. Cari graduated from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York in 1994, with a BA in Communications/Journalism. She currently lives in Tampa, travels frequently, and recently helped her father find the perfect 55+ community to call home. View all authors