Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens? Choose Jupiter if you want beaches, the inlet, the river and a coastal town feel. Choose Palm Beach Gardens if you want golf communities, big shopping centers and quicker access to I-95, the Turnpike and the airport. The two are only about 10.5 miles apart, so you can enjoy both from either one.
The towns are close in size, about 62,000 to 64,000 residents each, and share a lot: good roads, popular public schools, plenty of parks and strong demand from buyers. The differences show up in day-to-day life, home styles, price points and even flood insurance. This guide puts them side by side so you can decide which one to tour first.
Key takeaways
- Jupiter is a coastal town with ocean beaches, the Jupiter Inlet, the Loxahatchee River and spring training baseball at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium.
- Palm Beach Gardens is an inland city built around golf and shopping, home of PGA National and The Gardens Mall, with the nearest beaches in Juno Beach and Jupiter.
- Redfin reported an August 2026 median sale price of $715,000 in Jupiter and $800,000 in Palm Beach Gardens. Both cover every home type, so compare similar homes, not medians.
- The two are about 10.5 miles apart by road. Palm Beach Gardens is a few miles closer to the airport and downtown West Palm Beach.
- Flood insurance discounts differ: Jupiter residents get a 25% NFIP community discount, while Palm Beach Gardens had none as of April 2024.
Jupiter vs Palm Beach Gardens: how do they compare at a glance?
Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens are neighboring north Palm Beach County communities of similar population, but Palm Beach Gardens covers more than twice the land. Jupiter had about 62,350 residents on 21.63 square miles in 2025, while Palm Beach Gardens had about 63,883 on 58.71 square miles, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.
| Jupiter | Palm Beach Gardens | |
|---|---|---|
| Population (July 2025 estimate) | 62,350 | 63,883 |
| Land area (2020) | 21.63 sq mi | 58.71 sq mi |
| Origins | Incorporated as a town in 1925 | Announced by John D. MacArthur in 1959 |
| Median sale price (Redfin, August 2026) | $715,000 | $800,000 |
| Drive to DJT airport (typical) | About 19 miles | About 15 miles |
| Ocean beaches | Jupiter Beach Park, Carlin Park, DuBois Park, Coral Cove Park nearby | Nearest beaches are in Juno Beach and Jupiter |
| Signature spots | Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, Harbourside Place, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium | PGA National, The Gardens Mall, Downtown at the Gardens |
| Public high schools | Jupiter Community High School | Palm Beach Gardens Community High School, William T. Dwyer High School |
| NFIP flood discount (CRS, April 2024) | Class 5, 25% | Class 10, none |
Two notes on the table. Redfin’s medians cover every home type sold, from condos to estates, so they move with the mix of sales each month. And school assignments depend on the exact address, not the town name, so always check zoning before you buy.
What is it like to live in Jupiter?
Living in Jupiter means life oriented around the water. Jupiter is the northernmost town in Palm Beach County, set where the Loxahatchee River meets the Jupiter Inlet and the Atlantic. Residents spend weekends at the beach, on boats, paddling the river or at spring training games, and the town keeps a relaxed, coastal feel.
The inlet and the lighthouse
The red brick Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse was first lit on July 10, 1860, and still guards the inlet. It is the town’s best-known landmark, and the grounds include a museum and a natural area. Across the water, Harbourside Place is an outdoor center on the Intracoastal Waterway with restaurants, shops, a hotel and a waterfront amphitheater that hosts live music.
Beaches and the river
Jupiter’s beaches include Jupiter Beach Park, Carlin Park and DuBois Park, and Coral Cove Park sits a little north on Jupiter Island. The Loxahatchee River is Florida’s first federally designated Wild and Scenic River, and part of it runs through Jonathan Dickinson State Park, just north of the county line. Kayaking, fishing and boating are part of everyday life.
Baseball and Abacoa
Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, on Main Street in the Abacoa area, is the spring training home of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins. It also hosts both teams’ Class A affiliates, the Jupiter Hammerheads and the Palm Beach Cardinals, so there is baseball well beyond February and March.
Leaning toward Jupiter? See homes for sale in Jupiter, from condos to waterfront homes.
What is it like to live in Palm Beach Gardens?
Living in Palm Beach Gardens means golf, shopping and planned communities close to major roads. The city grew from a 1959 plan by landowner John D. MacArthur and today is known for PGA National, The Gardens Mall and Downtown at the Gardens. Many neighborhoods are gated and built around golf courses, clubs and community amenities.
Golf and PGA National
PGA National Resort is the city’s golf landmark. Its Champion Course hosts the Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches, a PGA TOUR event scheduled for February 25 to 28, 2027. Golf shapes the city well beyond the resort, with many communities built around private or semi-private courses and clubhouses.
Shopping and dining
PGA Boulevard is the main shopping street. The Gardens Mall opened in 1988, and Downtown at the Gardens, another of the city’s main retail centers, sits nearby. Restaurants, offices and medical buildings cluster along PGA Boulevard and Northlake Boulevard, so many residents can run most errands within a few miles of home.
Beaches and the water
Palm Beach Gardens is mostly inland, with many lakes and canals, and the closest ocean beaches are a short drive east in Juno Beach and Jupiter. Juno Beach Park and the Juno Beach Pier are popular choices. Some Palm Beach Gardens neighborhoods sit along the Intracoastal Waterway, where boat docks are common.
Which is more expensive, Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens?
Palm Beach Gardens had the higher median sale price in August 2026: $800,000, compared with $715,000 in Jupiter, according to Redfin. Both were up from a year earlier. A median mixes condos, townhomes and single-family homes, so the gap between two similar homes can be smaller, larger or reversed.
Redfin’s August 2026 snapshot showed:
- Jupiter: median sale price $715,000, up 15.3% from a year earlier, with 372 homes sold in August.
- Palm Beach Gardens: median sale price $800,000, up 14.3% from a year earlier, with 434 homes sold in August.
Prices vary most by location within each town. In Jupiter, homes on the ocean, the Intracoastal and the Loxahatchee River sit at the top of the market. In Palm Beach Gardens, homes in established golf and country club communities set the high end. Both towns also have older condos, townhomes and non-gated neighborhoods at lower price points.
When you compare costs, look past the price. Add HOA or club fees, which can be significant in golf communities, plus property taxes and insurance. Our closing costs guide and homestead exemption guide help you estimate the rest.
How far apart are Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens, and how is the commute?
Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens are about 10.5 miles apart by road, roughly a 20-minute drive. Both towns have I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike exits. Palm Beach Gardens is closer to downtown West Palm Beach and the airport: typical trips to the airport are about 15 miles from Palm Beach Gardens and about 19 miles from Jupiter.
What that means day to day:
- Working in West Palm Beach or further south: Palm Beach Gardens trims a few miles off each trip, and its PGA Boulevard interchanges give quick access to I-95 and the Turnpike.
- Working in Jupiter or Martin County: Jupiter keeps your commute short and puts Tequesta, Hobe Sound and Stuart within easy reach.
- Flying often: President Donald J. Trump International Airport (code DJT, formerly PBI) is reachable from both. Allow more time in winter season traffic.
- Taking the train: The nearest Brightline station for both towns is in West Palm Beach, and the nearest Tri-Rail station is Mangonia Park, just north of West Palm Beach.
US-1 and A1A connect both towns along the coast through Juno Beach and North Palm Beach, which is a slower but pleasant drive.
How do the schools compare?
Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens are both served by the School District of Palm Beach County, so they share the same district rules, calendar and choice program process. Jupiter’s main public high school is Jupiter Community High School. Palm Beach Gardens has two: Palm Beach Gardens Community High School and William T. Dwyer High School.
| High school | Location | Examples of programs |
|---|---|---|
| Jupiter Community High School | 500 N. Military Trail, Jupiter | Environmental, Engineering, Medical Sciences, Army JROTC choice academies; Law and Legal Studies |
| Palm Beach Gardens Community High School | 4245 Holly Dr., Palm Beach Gardens | Pre-Medicine, Global Business and Entrepreneurship, Television and Film Production, Culinary Arts |
| William T. Dwyer High School | 13601 N. Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens | International Baccalaureate, Academy of Finance, Early Childhood Teacher Education Academy |
Programs listed on each school’s website as of October 2026. Many are choice programs that families apply to, so a student can attend a program outside the zoned school.
Always check the address
School zones do not follow city limits neatly, and boundaries can change. Look up any home you are considering with the school district’s boundary tool before you make an offer, and note choice program deadlines in December and January.
Does flood insurance cost differ between Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens?
Flood insurance can cost less in Jupiter for policies through the National Flood Insurance Program. FEMA’s Community Rating System gave Jupiter a Class 5 rating as of April 2024, worth a 25% discount on NFIP premiums. Palm Beach Gardens was Class 10, which carries no discount. Private flood policies set their own rates.
The discount is only one part of the picture. What matters most is the specific property:
- Flood zone. Homes in high-risk zones such as AE or VE with a federally backed mortgage must carry flood insurance.
- Elevation. An elevation certificate shows how high the home sits compared with expected flood levels and can change the quote a lot.
- Location. Waterfront homes in Jupiter carry more flood risk than homes on higher ground inland, whatever the town discount.
Look up the flood zone for any address before you make an offer, and get a flood quote during your inspection period. Our flood zones and flood insurance guide shows how, and our 4-point and wind mitigation guide covers the homeowners policy side. Confirm all quotes with a licensed insurance agent.
What types of homes will you find in each?
Both Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens offer condos, townhomes and single-family homes, but the mix differs. Jupiter leans toward waterfront and beach-area homes, river and Intracoastal properties, and neighborhoods such as Abacoa. Palm Beach Gardens leans toward gated golf and country club communities and newer planned neighborhoods west of I-95.
Jupiter
- Oceanfront and Intracoastal condos near the beaches and the inlet.
- Waterfront single-family homes on the Intracoastal, canals and the Loxahatchee River, many with docks.
- Established neighborhoods of single-family homes east and west of US-1.
- Abacoa, a large planned area around Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium with single-family homes and townhomes.
Palm Beach Gardens
- Gated golf and country club communities, some with membership requirements or fees.
- Single-family neighborhoods without golf, popular with families.
- Condos and townhomes near PGA Boulevard and the shopping districts.
- Some Intracoastal homes in the eastern part of the city.
In either town, ask early about HOA rules, club fees, pet and rental limits, and the age of the roof and windows. Those details affect both your monthly costs and your insurance.
Which is right for you, Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens?
Jupiter is usually the better fit for buyers who want the beach, boating and a coastal town feel, while Palm Beach Gardens usually suits buyers who want golf, club amenities, big shopping and shorter trips south. Neither is better overall. The right choice depends on how you spend your weekends and where you work.
| If you want… | Start with |
|---|---|
| Ocean beaches close to home | Jupiter |
| Boating, fishing and kayaking | Jupiter |
| A golf or country club community | Palm Beach Gardens |
| Major shopping and dining nearby | Palm Beach Gardens |
| A shorter drive to West Palm Beach and the airport | Palm Beach Gardens |
| Spring training baseball down the street | Jupiter |
| A lower NFIP flood premium for the same risk | Jupiter |
The best test is a weekend in each: a morning at the beach and lunch on the water in Jupiter, then an afternoon on PGA Boulevard and a drive through a few Gardens communities. Visit at rush hour too, so you know what the commute feels like.
Want to tour both? Shakir works from North Palm Beach, between the two, and can set up a day of showings in each.
What about nearby towns like Juno Beach, Tequesta and North Palm Beach?
Juno Beach, Tequesta and North Palm Beach are smaller neighbors worth a look if neither Jupiter nor Palm Beach Gardens feels quite right. Juno Beach sits between the two on the ocean, Tequesta borders Jupiter to the north on the Loxahatchee River, and North Palm Beach lies just south of Palm Beach Gardens on the Intracoastal.
- Juno Beach is a small beach town of about 3,900 people, known for its 990-foot pier and one of the busiest sea turtle nesting beaches in the world. Most homes are condos.
- Tequesta is a quiet village of about 6,000 people with established single-family streets and riverfront homes, close to Coral Cove Park and Blowing Rocks Preserve.
- North Palm Beach is a waterfront village ringed by the Intracoastal Waterway, with a public Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course and many canal homes.
Read the full Jupiter guide and Palm Beach Gardens guide, or see how all the towns compare in our guide to moving to Palm Beach County.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jupiter or Palm Beach Gardens better for families?
Both Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens are popular with families, with public schools in the same countywide district, many parks and plenty of single-family neighborhoods. Jupiter suits families who want the beach and the water, while Palm Beach Gardens suits those who want community amenities and shopping. Check school zoning for each specific address.
Does Palm Beach Gardens have a beach?
Palm Beach Gardens is mostly inland, and its nearest ocean beaches are in neighboring Juno Beach and Jupiter. Juno Beach Park and the Juno Beach Pier are a short drive east of the city. Some Palm Beach Gardens neighborhoods do sit on the Intracoastal Waterway, where boat access is available.
How far is Jupiter from Palm Beach Gardens?
Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens are about 10.5 miles apart by road, usually a drive of around 20 minutes. I-95, Florida’s Turnpike, Military Trail, Alternate A1A and US-1 all connect them. Because they are so close, many residents of each town work, shop and dine in the other.
Which town is closer to the airport?
Palm Beach Gardens is closer to President Donald J. Trump International Airport, formerly Palm Beach International. Typical trips from the airport are about 15 miles to Palm Beach Gardens and about 19 miles to Jupiter, according to Uber’s average route data. Traffic in the winter season can add time to either drive.
Is flood insurance cheaper in Jupiter than Palm Beach Gardens?
For National Flood Insurance Program policies, Jupiter residents get a 25% community discount through FEMA’s Community Rating System as of April 2024, while Palm Beach Gardens had no discount. The actual premium still depends on each home’s flood zone, elevation and building details, so always get a quote for the specific property.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Jupiter town, Florida
- U.S. Census Bureau, QuickFacts: Palm Beach Gardens city, Florida
- Town of Jupiter, New Resident Guide
- City of Palm Beach Gardens, About PBG
- Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum, Lighthouse Facts
- Florida State Parks, Wild and Scenic Loxahatchee River
- Town of Jupiter, Northern Palm Beach County eco-tourism guide
- Harbourside Place
- MLB, Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium
- PGA TOUR, Cognizant Classic in The Palm Beaches 2027
- PGA National Resort, nearby beaches
- Redfin, Jupiter housing market
- Redfin, Palm Beach Gardens housing market
- Rome2Rio, Jupiter to Palm Beach Gardens
- Uber, airport to Palm Beach Gardens route
- Jupiter Community High School, Choice and In-House Programs
- Palm Beach Gardens Community High School
- William T. Dwyer High School, Our Programs
- Palm Beach County, Community Rating System
This article is general information, not legal, tax or insurance advice. Rules, rates and deadlines change, so confirm the details with the official source, a Florida real estate attorney, your title company, your insurance agent or a tax professional before you rely on them.
With over 10 years of experience as a successful real estate agent, I have proudly helped hundreds of happy buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals. I’m passionate about helping clients find their dream homes, sell their properties with confidence, and navigate every step of the process with ease. My commitment to personalized service, strong relationships, and exceptional results makes every real estate journey a rewarding experience.
REALTOR® with Continental Properties, Inc. in North Palm Beach. Florida license #3346934.
