New Construction vs. Resale in the Northern Palm Beaches
Ritz Carlton Residences, West Palm Beach
Across the Northern Palm Beaches, buyers are increasingly faced with a fundamental question: buy something brand new, or purchase an existing home and make it your own.
From luxury waterfront condominiums rising along Flagler Drive to gated golf communities taking shape farther north, new construction has become a meaningful part of the market. At the same time, many of the area’s most desirable neighborhoods remain firmly established, where resale homes and teardown-and-rebuild opportunities continue to command strong demand.
So which path makes the most sense? As with most real estate decisions, the answer depends on lifestyle priorities, timing, and long-term goals.
Understanding New Construction
New construction in this region generally falls into two categories. The first includes planned communities and new residential developments such as luxury condominiums, townhomes, and single-family neighborhoods. The second consists of teardown and rebuild projects within established communities, where older homes are replaced with newly built custom residences.
Both approaches offer modern design and updated construction standards, but they deliver very different living experiences.
New Construction Communities and Developments
From West Palm Beach up through Hobe Sound, new construction is reshaping the residential landscape, particularly for buyers seeking low-maintenance living, amenities, and contemporary design.
Alba Palm Beach, West Palm Beach
Hobe Sound
Atlantic Fields
Atlantic Fields is a private, gated residential community developed by Discovery Land Company, set across a vast natural landscape in Hobe Sound. Anchored by a Tom Fazio-designed championship golf course, the community emphasizes outdoor living and connection to nature through amenities such as a lake club, trails, and recreational spaces. Homes are designed with relaxed indoor and outdoor living in mind, offering privacy and a club-oriented lifestyle in a setting that feels distinctly Old Florida.
Palm Beach Gardens
Avenir
Avenir is one of the largest master-planned communities in Palm Beach County, thoughtfully designed around preserved green space, lakes, and connected neighborhoods. The community is planned to include extensive walking and biking paths, a resort-style clubhouse, and a future town center with retail and services. Homes are built by a range of respected builders and cater to buyers seeking newer construction paired with a cohesive, lifestyle-driven environment.
Ritz-Carlton Residences, Palm Beach Gardens
The Ritz-Carlton Residences in Palm Beach Gardens bring branded luxury living to an Intracoastal waterfront setting. These estate-style condominium residences are designed to offer spacious floorplans, refined finishes, and access to curated services associated with the Ritz-Carlton name. Residents enjoy a private, resort-inspired atmosphere while remaining close to golf, boating, and the broader Palm Beach Gardens lifestyle.
Tequesta
Forte Luxe
Forte Luxe is a boutique luxury residential project offering a limited collection of modern townhomes in Tequesta. Designed with contemporary architecture and premium finishes, the residences emphasize vertical living with features such as rooftop terraces and expansive windows. Its village location places residents close to local dining, waterfront activities, and the intimate coastal character that defines Tequesta.
Reserve at Tequesta
The Reserve at Tequesta is a newly built townhome community offering thoughtfully designed residences within a small, residential enclave. These homes feature modern layouts and contemporary finishes, appealing to buyers seeking low-maintenance living close to the water, beaches, and everyday conveniences of Tequesta. The community provides a turnkey option in a market where new construction opportunities are limited.
Jupiter and Juno Beach
Water Pointe, Jupiter
Water Pointe is a modern townhome community located in Jupiter, designed for buyers who want newer construction near the area’s beaches, waterways, and outdoor lifestyle amenities. The residences feature contemporary design and functional layouts, offering a convenient alternative to older resale properties while maintaining proximity to Jupiter’s vibrant coastal environment.
Caretta, Juno Beach
Caretta is a luxury ocean-adjacent condominium community in Juno Beach, designed to reflect refined coastal living. With modern architecture and carefully planned residences, the project emphasizes proximity to the beach, walkability, and a relaxed seaside atmosphere. Its location places residents close to Juno Beach’s natural shoreline, dining options, and small-town charm.
Palm Beach Shores
123 Ocean
123 Ocean is an intimate oceanfront residential development in Palm Beach Shores, offering a limited number of boutique condominium residences. Designed with a strong connection to the coastline, the building features expansive glass, generous outdoor spaces, and direct beach access. The development caters to buyers seeking exclusivity, privacy, and unobstructed ocean views in a highly walkable beachside setting.
West Palm Beach: A New Construction Hotspot
West Palm Beach has seen some of the most significant residential development in the region, particularly along the Intracoastal and near the downtown core.
Mr. C Residences
Mr. C Residences introduces European-inspired luxury living to downtown West Palm Beach. The project combines private residences with hospitality-driven services, offering elevated amenities, concierge support, and panoramic city and water views. Its central location places residents within easy reach of dining, culture, and entertainment.
Alba Palm Beach
Alba Palm Beach is a waterfront condominium development designed to highlight expansive Intracoastal views and refined coastal living. The residences emphasize modern design and indoor-outdoor flow, appealing to buyers who value water access, contemporary aesthetics, and proximity to downtown West Palm Beach.
The Berkley
The Berkley is a boutique condominium development focused on privacy and understated elegance. With a more intimate scale than many nearby projects, it appeals to buyers seeking a refined residential experience in a growing area of West Palm Beach.
Olara Residences
Olara Residences represents one of the larger waterfront condominium projects along Flagler Drive. Designed as a full-service residential environment, the development offers expansive amenities and a strong connection to the Intracoastal. Its scale and location make it a prominent option for buyers seeking luxury living with water views and urban access.
Nautilus 220, Lake Park
Nautilus 220 is a modern condominium project located just north of West Palm Beach in Lake Park. Designed with contemporary finishes and walkable surroundings in mind, it offers new construction close to the Intracoastal and local dining and retail, providing a more urban-coastal living experience.
The Belgrove
The Belgrove is a villa-style residential development offering a more neighborhood-oriented feel while remaining close to downtown West Palm Beach. The project emphasizes privacy, thoughtful design, and a residential scale that appeals to buyers who want proximity to the city without a high-rise environment.
Shorecrest
Shorecrest is a contemporary condominium development offering modern residences designed for comfort and simplicity. Its location near the urban core makes it appealing to buyers who want updated construction with easy access to downtown West Palm Beach and surrounding waterfront areas.
Maison d’Or, South Flagler
Maison d’Or is an ultra-luxury residential project located along South Flagler Drive. The development emphasizes architectural distinction, premium materials, and a highly exclusive residential experience, positioning itself among the most refined waterfront offerings in West Palm Beach.
South Flagler House
South Flagler House is a landmark residential development designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Comprising two elegant towers along the Intracoastal, the project emphasizes classic design, expansive residences, and panoramic water views, appealing to buyers seeking a signature waterfront address.
Ritz-Carlton Residences, West Palm Beach
The Ritz-Carlton Residences in West Palm Beach bring branded luxury living to a prime waterfront location. Residents benefit from elevated service, refined design, and a turnkey lifestyle that blends private ownership with the amenities and standards associated with the Ritz-Carlton brand.
Together, these developments illustrate how West Palm Beach is evolving into a major luxury residential destination, particularly for buyers drawn to condominium living with amenities and water views.
The Case for Resale Homes and Established Neighborhoods
Despite the growth of new construction, resale homes remain the foundation of the Northern Palm Beaches market. Established neighborhoods often offer proximity to beaches, marinas, and historic town centers, along with larger lots and mature landscaping that newer developments cannot easily replicate.
In areas such as El Cid, Northwood, Jupiter Inlet Colony, Tequesta Country Club, and older Palm Beach Gardens neighborhoods, resale homes continue to attract buyers who value character, location, and long-term neighborhood identity.
Teardown and Rebuild: A Middle Ground
For some buyers, purchasing an older home with the intent to rebuild offers the best of both worlds. This approach allows for modern construction while preserving access to highly desirable locations. When executed thoughtfully, a teardown and rebuild can deliver a custom home aligned with current design expectations and long-term value.
Final Thoughts
The Northern Palm Beaches offer an unusually wide range of residential options, from new luxury condominiums and townhome communities to established neighborhoods rich with character. Whether you are drawn to new construction, resale homes, or a custom rebuild, understanding the trade-offs between each approach is essential to making a confident decision.
From West Palm Beach to Hobe Sound, thoughtful local insight can help align the home you choose with the lifestyle you want to live.
