Hi,
I am sending my 21 year old to West Palm Beach where he got his first real job. His work is on Banyan Blvd. We are looking at apartments and of course, I am most worried about safety. I know safety is not guaranteed for anyone but can you suggest areas that might be better than others? He has a list of places he's going to see next week. Inscription, Tortoise One, Loftin Place, Oversea, to name a few. Having said that, he can drive farther away if it's a better idea than staying downtown. I guess I'm just hoping for any thoughts at all. I see Palm Beach Gardens isn't too far either but again, I have no idea of the area. I guess, is there a neighborhood/area to avoid, please? Thank you for any information!

We have spent some winters in West Palm Beach, but not in the center of the town.

I'm glad you mentioned Palm Beach Gardens. I think that area is much nicer than West Palm Beach...especially the downtown area.

West Palm Beach downtown has been developed within an inch of its life....lots of high rise condos but also some small eateries. I cannot imagine any danger staying in that area. Great Saturday Greenmarket, walk to shopping and entertainment......

Anything remotely skeevy would be to the west where there may be still a few ungentrified streets but I kind of doubt there would be any danger and those are private homes and apts where your son is not likely to be looking. Great designer furnishings sale on some Saturdays at Kofskis but your son would likely not have much intreat in that, nor the very upscale antiques" stretch along Dixie Highway where there are some good restaurants.
I pass through downtown when I go to the Greenmarket and to eat at a restaurant I like in Palm Beach....it's nice and upscale but there are a few rental buildings on the edge of(not cheap).
I looked only at Tortoise One but it looks as if your son would be lucky to have a place there.

Thank you for your thoughts! I'm glad to know.

This is helpful, thank you. I'm happy to know about the Greenmarket and walkability. It is also nice to know there are a few places he can grab dinner if he wants. I would love to see designer furnishings at a discount or any antiques! But alas, he will buy for necessity. I will visit though so this is nice for me to know. Yes, the rentals are not cheap (not that I expected them to be) but he is trying to decide to commute or pay to live close. A decision he'll have to make next week. This is great, thank you so much for your reply!