. . . TO THE TOWN OF LAKE PARK, FLORIDA

Exploring Lake Park, Florida: Why It's One of the Best Places to Live in 2023

Tucked away along Florida's Atlantic coast, the small town of Lake Park offers residents a high quality of life, excellent amenities, and proximity to major cities like West Palm Beach. With its low cost of living, warm weather, and tight-knit community, Lake Park has become an increasingly popular place to live in recent years. This article explores all the reasons why Lake Park is one of the best places to call home in 2023.

Living in Lake Park provides access to beautiful beaches, a thriving downtown area, and a strong sense of community. Just 25 miles north of West Palm Beach, Lake Park prides itself on its small-town charm while still providing convenient access to big city opportunities. The population of about 9,000 residents enjoys the slower pace of life and friendly atmosphere of the area. Lake Park offers residents the perfect mix of relaxation and amenities.

Where is Lake Park Located?

Lake Park is located in the northeastern section of Palm Beach County, Florida. It sits only about 5 miles inland from the Atlantic Ocean, with Lake Park's western border running along the shores of Lake Osborne. The town is surrounded by other communities like Riviera Beach to the south, West Palm Beach to the north, and Palm Beach Gardens to the east across the Intracoastal Waterway. Lake Park covers just over 25 square miles of land.

Geographically, Lake Park provides easy access to beaches along the Atlantic and boating opportunities on Lake Osborne. It's proximity to major highways makes travel convenient to tourist destinations like Walt Disney World and the attractions of Miami. The Palm Beach International Airport is only a 30 minute drive away. Lake Park's location allows it to maintain its small town feel while still connecting residents to desirable destinations.

Lake Park Demographics and Population

According to recent census data, Lake Park has a population of around 9,000 residents. The population is generally older, with a median age of 50 years old. The majority of residents are white, making up over 80% of the population. However, Lake Park is becoming more diverse, with Hispanic and Latino residents now accounting for almost 20% of the population.

Over the last decade, Lake Park has experienced steady population growth as more people discover its high quality of life. The area has seen about a 12% increase in population since the 2010 census. Experts expect this trend to continue as Lake Park attracts new residents.

The town has an exceptionally low poverty rate, with only 5% of residents living below the poverty line. This contrasts sharply with Palm Beach County's overall poverty rate of 14%. The median household income is around $63,000 annually, providing a comfortable standard of living for most.

Schools and Education in Lake Park

Lake Park has one public elementary school, one public middle school, and one public high school that serve the town's families. All three schools earn strong ratings, with the high school receiving an "A" rating from the state of Florida. This gives families confidence in sending their children to well-performing public schools.

For higher education, Palm Beach State College has a campus in nearby Lake Worth, only about 15 minutes away. Florida Atlantic University is also easily accessible to Lake Park residents, situated in Boca Raton just under an hour south. For specialized education, there are opportunities in everything from beauty schools to aviation colleges within close proximity.

The Job Market and Economy in Lake Park

The three largest employment industries in Lake Park are education, healthcare, and retail trade. This provides a diverse economic environment with options in professional careers, medical fields, and the service industry. Unemployment remains low at just 3.2% as of late 2022.

Major employers in the area include the Palm Beach County School District, Palm Beach Atlantic University, and Bethesda Hospital East. With Lake Park situated between the West Palm Beach and Port St. Lucie metro areas, many residents also find work in the finance, legal services, manufacturing, and construction industries nearby.

Lake Park benefits from steady economic growth in Palm Beach County and across South Florida. New businesses and developments continue to come to the area. The median home value sits around $355,000, but prices are rapidly rising with more interest in Lake Park real estate.

Crime Rates and Public Safety

One major advantage of living in Lake Park is the exceptionally low crime rate compared to national averages. Violent crimes like murder, rape, and assault almost never occur in the small town. Residents face a 1 in 263 chance of being the victim of a property crime like vehicle theft or burglary.

The Lake Park Police Department provides dedicated service to the community with high standards of professionalism. The town faces minimal issues with gang violence or drug-related crimes. Neighborhoods are considered very safe, making Lake Park a secure place to raise a family.

Parks and Recreation in Lake Park

From scenic waterfront parks to sports fields and playgrounds, Lake Park offers many options for spending time outdoors. The Town Commons Recreation Complex provides facilities for baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, tennis, and more. Community events like concerts and movies in the park happen throughout the year.

John Prince Memorial Park follows along the shores of Lake Osborne, offering boating, fishing, camping, and access to miles of scenic trails. Golfers can play at the Palm Beach Par 3 golf course located right in town. And Lake Park's position along the Atlantic provides plenty of opportunities for beach days and oceanfront activities.

Dining, Shopping, and Things to Do

Lake Park's quaint downtown along Lake Avenue provides a variety of locally-owned shops, restaurants, and businesses. The area has a growing arts scene, with galleries and public art displays. A farmers market takes place every Thursday for sampling fresh, local produce.

For dining, enjoy casual spots like Old Key Lime House and more upscale waterfront restaurants like Sailfish Marina. Lake Park is known for its seafood, with fresh catches coming in daily off the Atlantic coast. The area provides convenient access to endless dining, shopping, and entertainment in West Palm Beach as well.

Major events that attract visitors include the annual Street Painting Festival each December and the Lake Park Day celebration every October. Live music, food trucks, kids activities, and fireworks highlight these beloved community gatherings.

Accessibility and Public Transportation

Lake Park focuses on walkability and accessibility within the small town center. Many amenities are reachable by foot or bike from most neighborhoods. Drivers can easily navigate around the area, with parking available along Lake Avenue and side streets.

For public transportation, PalmTran provides bus service throughout Palm Beach County. The Route 43 bus runs through Lake Park, connecting to destinations like CityPlace in West Palm Beach. Palm Beach International Airport is readily accessible from Lake Park via Route 44. Public transit provides a convenient option for those without vehicles.

Choosing the Right Lake Park Neighborhood

Lake Park contains a variety of neighborhoods that may appeal to different lifestyles. Families often gravitate toward areas like Greater Lighthouse Point or Whispering Palms. These communities provide quality homes at affordable prices along with parks and easy access to schools.

For a more urban feel, Lake Park Towers offers high rise condos right in the downtown area. The Casa Loma neighborhood appeals to boating and beach lovers with waterfront access and yacht club amenities. Historic Old Palm Beach Heights has homes dating back to the 1920s with ol

In summary, Lake Park provides an outstanding quality of life through its natural beauty, strong community, high-performing schools, and convenient amenities. The charming small town feel combined with easy access to exciting opportunities in Palm Beach County make it an ideal location to put down roots. Anyone seeking friendly neighbors, recreational activities, and coastal living should consider making Lake Park their new Florida home in 2023!

Key Takeaways:

• Lake Park offers excellent amenities and proximity to major cities while maintaining a small town charm
• Steady population growth is expected to continue as more people discover Lake Park's high quality of life
• Highly rated public schools, low crime rates, and a strong sense of community make it very family-friendly
• Parks, beaches, outdoor recreation, shopping, and dining provide plenty to do year-round
• Convenient public transportation and accessibility within town make getting around a breeze
• Neighborhoods cater to different lifestyles from urban condos to family homes with water access
• Lake Park provides a wonderful blend of small town life and big city opportunities in South Florida

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