Ever picture a morning beach walk on the Atlantic and a sunset cruise on the Intracoastal in the same day? If you are weighing a coastal move, Singer Island offers a rare blend of beach, boating, and relaxed island pace within the greater West Palm Beach–Boca Raton–Delray Beach metro. You want clarity on daily rhythms, housing options, commutes, costs, and what it takes to settle in smoothly. This guide gives you a practical look at life on the island so you can decide if it fits your goals. Let’s dive in.
Singer Island at a glance
Singer Island is a narrow barrier island in Palm Beach County with oceanfront on one side and the Intracoastal Waterway on the other. It is primarily residential, with a mix of high‑rise condos, low‑rise buildings, and a limited number of single‑family homes. The northern end features protected natural areas and parkland, while most development sits along the central and southern stretches.
Seasonality shapes daily life. High season runs November through April, bringing fuller beaches, more visitors, and expanded hours at restaurants and services. Off‑season is quieter with higher heat and humidity, plus regular afternoon thunderstorms. You will find many residents plan their day around beach time, boating and fishing, and short trips to the mainland for errands.
Housing options and costs
Condo‑driven inventory
Condos dominate the housing stock on Singer Island, especially oceanfront and Intracoastal towers. Many communities offer amenities such as pools, doormen, covered parking, and sometimes marina slips. You will also find some low‑rise condos and townhomes, plus a small number of single‑family homes, often on the Intracoastal side or in nearby Palm Beach Shores and Riviera Beach.
HOA fees and assessments
With a condo‑heavy market, monthly HOA or condo fees are a key part of your budget. Fees often cover building insurance, maintenance, pool and common areas, elevators, and sometimes flood or wind mitigation measures and reserves. Review recent and upcoming special assessments, reserve studies, and meeting minutes before you commit. This is especially important for older high‑rises that may have elevator, roof, or structural projects in the pipeline.
Short‑term rentals and rules
Rules for rentals vary by municipality and by building. Some associations allow seasonal or short‑term rentals, while others restrict them. Investor buyers should verify local ordinances and the condo’s governing documents early, and confirm minimum lease terms, caps, and application processes.
Insurance realities
Coastal properties have unique insurance considerations. Lenders commonly require flood insurance where applicable, and wind coverage is a standard part of the risk profile. Building type, floor level, and elevation can influence premiums. Obtain quotes early in your search so you understand total carrying costs.
Beach, parks, and boating life
Beaches and access
Singer Island is known for wide Atlantic beaches with public access points. Parking can be tight during peak season, so plan for early starts and off‑peak visits. Swimming, sunbathing, beach walks, and shore fishing are part of the daily routine for many residents.
Parks and nature
The island’s north end features protected coastal habitat with walking trails and nature programming. Nearby, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park offers kayaking, paddleboarding, birding, and access to nearshore reef and snorkel spots. Nature lovers will appreciate how close these resources are to home.
Marinas and boating
Boaters use marinas and slips on the Intracoastal side of the island and in adjacent Riviera Beach. Access to inlets and waterways is straightforward, and seasonal boating traffic tends to rise in winter. Ask about slip availability, waitlists, and whether slips can transfer with a unit. Port of Palm Beach activity is visible from certain vantage points, which can influence views and noise, particularly near the inlet.
Getting around and commutes
Road access and drive times
Singer Island connects to the mainland by bridges and causeways. Most residents rely on cars for daily needs and work commutes. In typical traffic, expect approximate drive times of 15 to 30 minutes to downtown West Palm Beach, 10 to 20 minutes to Palm Beach, 20 to 35 minutes to Delray Beach, and 25 to 40 minutes to Boca Raton. Peak season can add time, especially around bridges and popular beach access points.
Transit and biking
Public transit to the island exists but is limited compared with mainland corridors. Some commuters drive to Tri‑Rail or Palm Tran park‑and‑ride locations. Walking and biking work well for short trips on the island, though infrastructure varies by street, so plan routes for safety.
Parking reality
Beach and park parking can be constrained in high season. Street parking rules and permits vary by municipality, and condominium visitor parking often has strict time limits. Build extra time into weekend and holiday plans.
Relocation logistics and risk
Hurricanes and flood risk
Singer Island is a coastal, low‑elevation area with hurricane and storm surge exposure. Look for impact glass, shutters, and updated building codes, and make a hurricane plan for your household. Many buyers review FEMA flood maps and obtain insurer quotes early to understand their true risk and deductible options.
Building age and inspections
Florida has increased scrutiny of high‑rise buildings. Review engineering and inspection reports, reserve studies, and maintenance histories, especially for older towers. Ask about elevator modernization, roof status, concrete restoration, and any large projects that could trigger special assessments.
Utilities and internet
Electricity is provided by a regional utility, and water and sewer are municipal or county based depending on location. Broadband is widely available, but speeds and providers vary by building. Verify service levels for your specific address.
Healthcare and schools
Major hospitals and urgent care options are on the mainland in West Palm Beach. Plan your routes to emergency care and typical medical providers. For K–12, public schools fall under the School District of Palm Beach County. Many families also consider nearby private options based on their needs and commute preferences.
Taxes and residency
Florida has no state income tax. If the property will be your primary residence, review homestead exemption guidelines and filing timelines with the county property appraiser. Property taxes vary by jurisdiction, so confirm millage rates and current assessments for each address.
Choosing the right property fit
Ocean vs Intracoastal
Oceanfront living delivers sunrise views and immediate beach access. Intracoastal properties offer boating convenience, calmer waters, and sunset vistas. Consider wind exposure, salt air, and view corridors when comparing buildings and stacks.
Floor height and views
Higher floors can offer broader ocean or water views and may reduce street noise. Lower levels can provide quicker access to amenities and may feel more connected to the beach. Evaluate view impact from nearby buildings, the port, or causeways.
Seasonal use vs full time
If you plan to be here only in season, confirm rental policies for off‑season flexibility. Full‑time residents should evaluate parking, commute reality, and weekday service access on and off the island.
Investor considerations
If rental income is part of your plan, verify minimum lease terms, renewal windows, and tenant approval timelines. Understand how HOA fees, insurance, and potential assessments affect net yields. The island’s seasonal demand can support premium pricing at certain times, within association rules.
Singer Island relocation checklist
- Define your lifestyle priorities: oceanfront, boating access, or walkability to beach and dining.
- Set a total cost budget that includes HOA fees, insurance, and reserves for assessments.
- Obtain early quotes for homeowners, wind, and flood insurance.
- Review condo documents, reserve studies, inspection reports, and recent meeting minutes.
- Confirm rental, pet, and renovation rules for your short list of buildings.
- Drive your commute during both off‑peak and peak‑season hours.
- Check marina slip options, waitlists, and transfer rules.
- Map medical providers, schools, grocery stores, and pharmacies on the mainland.
- Create a hurricane plan and confirm shutter or impact‑glass details.
Work with a trusted coastal advisor
Selecting the right building stack, view orientation, and association can change your day‑to‑day life and long‑term costs. You deserve a senior advisor with deep local knowledge, discreet guidance, and access to on‑ and off‑market options along the Jupiter–Palm Beach corridor. If you are considering Singer Island for a primary, secondary, or investment property, connect with Carla Christenson to discuss a tailored strategy for your move.
FAQs
What is daily life like on Singer Island?
- It follows a relaxed beach and boating rhythm, with busier months from November through April and quieter, hotter months in late spring through early fall.
What housing types are most common on Singer Island?
- High‑rise oceanfront and Intracoastal condos are most common, along with some low‑rise condos, townhomes, and a limited number of single‑family homes.
How long are typical commutes from Singer Island?
- In normal traffic, plan roughly 15–30 minutes to downtown West Palm Beach, 10–20 minutes to Palm Beach, 20–35 minutes to Delray Beach, and 25–40 minutes to Boca Raton.
How do HOA fees impact my budget on Singer Island?
- Condo and HOA fees often cover building insurance, maintenance, amenities, and reserves, so they are a significant part of total carrying costs.
Are short‑term rentals allowed in Singer Island condos?
- Rules vary by municipality and by association. Confirm minimum lease terms, application steps, and any rental caps in the condo documents.
What should I know about insurance and flood risk?
- Coastal properties may require flood and wind coverage. Premiums vary by building type and elevation, so obtain quotes early and review FEMA flood maps.
How crowded are beaches and parking in peak season?
- Beaches and parking are busiest from November through April. Early arrivals and off‑peak visits help, and some areas have permit or time limits.
What building issues should I review before buying a condo?
- Ask for engineering and inspection reports, reserve studies, elevator and roof status, and details on recent or planned special assessments.
Where do families typically handle schools and healthcare?
- Public schools are part of the School District of Palm Beach County, and major hospitals and urgent care are on the mainland in West Palm Beach.
