If you’ve been searching for an affordable yet modern place to live in South Florida, you might have felt the pinch of high home prices in popular Palm Beach County cities like Boca Raton, Delray Beach, and Boynton Beach. Maybe you’ve even looked further north to Lake Worth, Wellington, or West Palm Beach, only to find homes within your budget that feel outdated or lack the fresh appeal you desire. If this sounds like your story, then I have fantastic news for you: Westlake, Florida, is the perfect city for you.

Westlake is one of Florida’s newest cities offering brand-new homes, modern amenities, and a family-friendly atmosphere — all at prices that are affordable compared to many other areas in South Florida. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about living in Westlake Florida, including its history, real estate market, schools, amenities, and more. Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Westlake Florida
• Real Estate in Westlake: Affordable, Modern, and Family-Friendly
• Education in Westlake: Quality Schools for Every Age
• Attractions & Things to Do in Westlake
• Why Choose Living In Westlake Florida?
• Frequently Asked Questions About Living In Westlake Florida
• Final Thoughts

Introduction to Westlake Florida

Westlake officially became the 39th city in Palm Beach County in 2016, making it a very young city in terms of development and community life. Its name is a nod to Weston, a master-planned city in Broward County built in the 1980s. Like Weston, Westlake is a carefully designed, master-planned community that started essentially from scratch.

Located in the northwestern part of Palm Beach County, Westlake sits north of Loxahatchee Groves and Lion Country Safari, south of The Acreage, east of the Lake Okeechobee region and farmland, northwest of Royal Palm Beach, and west of Loxahatchee. This strategic location offers a countryside suburban vibe while keeping you connected to the larger urban centers.

The city began development when Minto Communities, an award-winning developer and homebuilder, purchased 3,800 acres for $51 million. Later, they added another 200 acres to the project in November 2019. In addition, Wellington Regional Medical Center invested $12.3 million to buy 35 acres to establish a healthcare presence in the growing community.

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, the population was just 96 residents. Fast forward to now, and Westlake’s population is close to 2,000 residents and growing rapidly. With this growth, Westlake offers an exceptional blend of tranquility and convenience.

Real Estate in Westlake: Affordable, Modern, and Family-Friendly

One of the biggest draws of living in Westlake Florida is the real estate. Unlike many parts of South Florida where older homes dominate the market, Westlake’s communities are all brand new, built from the ground up. Whether you prefer townhomes, single-family homes, or luxury estate homes, Westlake has something for you.

The neighborhoods here are gated and governed by homeowners associations (HOAs) that offer resort-style amenities tailored for families and active lifestyles. As of December 2023, Minto Communities has sold over 2,000 homes in Westlake, and based on current growth trajectories, the city is projected to reach full residential buildout by 2026 or 2027.

Westlake is approved for up to 4,500 homes and 2.2 million square feet of commercial development, which is already booming. A new Publix grocery store opened in summer 2023, and two retail centers are slated to open in 2024, bringing more dining and shopping options to residents.

What’s remarkable about Westlake is that it has positioned itself as an affordable alternative to the skyrocketing housing prices near the coast. Most homes in Westlake are priced to appeal to young families and mid-level professionals, with only a handful of estate homes valued above $1 million. This pricing strategy keeps the community accessible without sacrificing quality or modern conveniences.

One of the standout programs in Westlake is the Welcome Heroes Program. As a sign of gratitude, Minto offers a 3% discount on the purchase of a new home to healthcare workers, teachers, police officers, firefighters, military personnel, and government workers. This discount can be applied either to the base purchase price or closing costs, saving buyers thousands of dollars upfront — a game-changer considering the typical down payment, closing, and moving expenses.

Recently, Minto unveiled plans for four new affordably priced townhome neighborhoods, with prices starting in the mid-$300,000 range. With three floor plans available, these homes represent some of the best values in South Florida’s current market.

If you’re considering investing in Westlake, now is an excellent time to lock in prices before the city’s growth drives them higher. Currently, two communities — The Pines and The Woodlands — are the only ones with lots still available for sale. However, several sites are open for future development, so keep an eye out for new opportunities.

Education in Westlake: Quality Schools for Every Age

For families considering living in Westlake Florida, education is a top priority. The city is served by several reputable public schools, including:

• Loxahatchee Groves Elementary School
• Osceola Creek Middle School
• Seminole Ridge Community High School

In addition to public schools, Westlake residents have access to a variety of private schools in the surrounding area, such as:

• Cambridge School
• Greenacres Christian Academy
• Northern Private School
• Sacred Heart Catholic School
• St. David’s Episcopal School
• Suncoast Christian Academy
• Trinity Christian Academy

For higher education, major universities are within a convenient distance, including Florida Atlantic University, its Jupiter campus, and Palm Beach Atlantic University.

Attractions & Things to Do in Westlake

Westlake is designed with families and active lifestyles in mind, and one of its biggest highlights is the Westlake Adventure Park. This community centerpiece offers a wide array of amenities that make everyday living feel like a vacation.

At Adventure Park, residents can enjoy:

• Swimming in the lagoon pool
• Gliding down the tower slide
• Keeping fit in the lap pool designed for adults
• Kids playing at the splash pad
• Relaxing at shaded pavilions and cabanas
• Expansive lawns for parties and celebrations
• Basketball courts
• Dog park
• Adventure playground
• Outdoor concert pavilion

Minto Communities invested a whopping $22 million to develop Adventure Park, recently completing its final phase. The park also features four full-length, lighted basketball courts and a versatile multi-purpose building known as The Lodge — perfect for community meetings, social events, and activities.

While Westlake currently has a suburban feel with fewer restaurants and nightlife options, the city is rapidly growing. With new retail centers opening soon, it’s only a matter of time before dining, shopping, and entertainment venues flourish to match the community’s expansion.

Why Choose Living In Westlake Florida?

Choosing where to live is one of the most important decisions you’ll make, and Westlake offers a unique package that combines affordability, modern living, community spirit, and convenience. Here’s a quick recap of why Westlake might be your ideal home:

• New Construction: All neighborhoods and amenities are brand new, giving you a fresh start with modern designs.
• Affordability: Compared to other Palm Beach County cities, Westlake offers competitively priced homes that appeal to families and professionals alike.
• Community-Oriented: The city is master-planned with families in mind, featuring resort-style amenities and social spaces.
• Great Location: Enjoy a countryside suburban vibe while being only 38 minutes from West Palm Beach’s nightlife and ocean.
• Educational Options: Access to quality public and private schools, plus nearby universities.
• Growth Potential: With ongoing development, Westlake presents excellent investment opportunities.
• Hero Discounts: The Welcome Heroes program offers significant savings for essential workers.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Living In Westlake Florida

Is Westlake Florida a good place to raise a family?

Absolutely. Westlake is designed with families in mind, featuring safe, gated neighborhoods, excellent schools, and family-friendly amenities like Adventure Park. The community atmosphere is welcoming and active.

How affordable are homes in Westlake compared to other Palm Beach County cities?

Westlake offers more affordable housing options compared to coastal cities like Boca Raton and Delray Beach. Prices start in the mid $300,000s for townhomes, with most homes priced to suit young families and mid-level professionals.

What types of homes are available in Westlake?

The city features a variety of housing options including townhomes, single-family homes, and luxury estate homes. All neighborhoods are new and maintained by HOAs with resort-style amenities.

What amenities does Westlake offer?

Westlake boasts the Adventure Park with pools, playgrounds, basketball courts, a dog park, and event spaces. Retail development is growing, with grocery stores like Publix already open and more restaurants and shops coming soon.

Are there good schools in Westlake?

Yes, Westlake is served by reputable public schools and offers easy access to several private schools and nearby universities.

How far is Westlake from major cities and attractions?

Westlake is about 38 minutes from West Palm Beach, providing access to the beach, nightlife, and cultural activities while maintaining a quieter suburban lifestyle.

Does Westlake offer any programs for essential workers?

Yes, the Welcome Heroes program provides a 3% discount on new home purchases for healthcare workers, teachers, police officers, firefighters, military, and government workers.

Final Thoughts

Living in Westlake Florida offers a fresh start in one of South Florida’s newest and most promising communities. With its affordable, new homes, family-friendly amenities, and strategic location, Westlake is quickly becoming a top choice for people looking to relocate or settle down in Palm Beach County.

Whether you’re a young family, a professional, or an essential worker looking for a community that values you, Westlake has a lot to offer. As the city continues to grow and develop, now is the perfect time to explore your options and consider making Westlake your new home!