North Star

Northern Palm Beach County has become a hotbed of real estate and commercial development in recent years in large part because its political leadership won’t allow just anything to be built. More than two decades ago, it began developing a comprehensive- and well-thought-out vision for what would make the area attractive to developers, businesses, and potential residents.

“What we’re doing here is based on what the residents are asking for,” says Chelsea Reed, mayor of Palm Beach Gardens. “We’re trying to make sure those who have lived here and those who are coming can find a place they can call paradise.”

Along the Intracoastal Waterway, luxury waterfront condominium developments such as Nautilus 220 and The Ritz-Carlton Residences are beginning to rise from the concrete. New office buildings are also part of the equation, with companies like Florida Power & Light Company among the enterprises that are choosing to either base themselves in the area or expand their operations there. Golf courses such as Jack Nicklaus’ and Justin Thomas’ Panther National, and virtual golf ventures such as Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports have arrived as well. Add to that great schools such as The Benjamin School, new hospitals, a large mall, and award-winning fire and safety services, and you’ve got a place that has become the ne plus ultra of South Florida’s live, work, play communities.

“For investors to buy in, they have to know what leadership is willing to support,” says Kelly L. Smallridge, president and chief executive officer of the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County. “And what [the North County] has created here is something that will last a long time and not change with political leadership. Its culture, ambience, cleanliness, and safety make [Northern Palm Beach County] desirable, and that’s what families want.”

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