Delray Beach has undergone a major revitalization in recent years, and there are more plans in store for making the city even more vibrant. The changes that have been made have brought several eateries, stores and entertainment venues to the downtown area, which has also resulted in a growing demand for residential real estate. Delray Beach offers luxury housing that puts residents close to all that the city has to offer, from trendy boutique stores to beautiful beaches. Here’s a closer look at how Delray Beach has changed over the years.
Where It All Started
Delray Beach’s roots date back to the late 1800s, when it was named Linton after its founder, a US Congressman named William S. Linton. In 1927, what was once a small pioneer town became known as the City of Delray. The city experienced a real estate boom in the 1920s and 1930s, followed by slower yet continuous change and another boom in the 1970s as the population grew.
Recent Revitalization
Although Delray Beach underwent another housing boom in the 1970s, things slowed down a bit afterwards, then picked up again when the city decided to revitalize the downtown area by turning it from a sleepy city center to a bustling one filled with residents and vacationers.
In 2002, the city came up with the Downtown Master Plan, which resulted in millions of dollars being invested in a variety of public and private development projects. These investments paid off as the city experienced unprecedented growth and an increasing demand for housing. Over the past ten years, the downtown area has become filled with offices, retail stores, restaurants, art galleries and entertainment venues that have attracted new residents.
What Delray Beach Offers
Delray Beach offers residents the best of both worlds. There are plenty of places to shop, eat and keep busy in the downtown area, but the city isn’t as crowded as other places in south Florida. Unlike Fort Lauderdale to the south and West Palm Beach to the north, Delray Beach provides residents with a quieter, calmer living experience. Those who live here can wander along the beach or stroll along Atlantic Avenue and the streets of downtown without having to maneuver through throngs of tourists.
Residents who make their home in the downtown area can walk out their door and, within minutes, be seated at Caffe Luna Rosa, Lemongrass Asian Bistro or Tryst, or many other quaint restaurants, where they can enjoy a delicious meal. Afterwards, they can do a bit of shopping at the city’s upscale fashion boutiques, arts and crafts shops or other stores. Downtown Delray Beach features an interesting mix of retail stores that resembles trendy big city spots, such as SoHo in New York, while also offering a relaxed, small-town vibe.
The city also has a number of entertainment venues, including the Delray Beach Playhouse, the Cornell Museum of Art and American Culture and the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. For those who enjoy the outdoors, Delray Beach offers two intracoastal parks, oceanfront parks, athletic fields and eight community parks.
Future Plans
Delray Beach has several privately and publicly funded projects in the works for the next few years. These projects are aimed at making the city an even more livable and convenient place for residents. The city has included feedback from those in the community to determine which projects to undertake. Some of these include the NE 3rd Streetscape and Beautification project, the East Atlantic Ave. Pedestrian Improvements project, the opening of the Beluga Wine Bar and Restaurant and the opening of the I-PIC Theater. Mixed-used developments offering retail, office and residential uses will also be built.
Real Estate
Delray Beach offers an impressive variety of real estate properties for those looking to settle in the revitalized city. From luxury condos in the downtown area to quaint town homes to sprawling oceanfront homes, buyers can find the ideal place to call home. Those who prefer to buy a home in the downtown area will also have more options available in the coming years as more developments are built.
Florida Exclusive Living has a wide range of luxury properties available in Delray Beach. Please contact us for more information on finding your next home in Delray Beach or the surrounding cities.