Singer Island: The Understated Coastal Haven Near Palm Beach
Positioned merely eight miles north of the illustrious Palm Beach, Singer Island has quietly established itself as a compelling and more accessible alternative to its famously opulent neighbour. This tranquil enclave provides residents with the same breathtaking Palm Beach coastline but without the intense social spotlight and exorbitant price tags associated with areas like President Donald Trump's exclusive Mar-a-Lago club.
A Sanctuary for Relaxation Over Recognition
According to Sotheby's realtor Yvette Davis, who spoke with the Daily Mail, the fundamental distinction lies in the island's ethos. "Palm Beach is kind of where you want to be seen. You go there to be seen. And I think on Singer Island, you don't really, it's not really important to you. You just want to relax," she explained. This sentiment captures the island's appeal to those seeking a quieter, more authentic coastal experience.
A Boater's Paradise with Practical Advantages
The island is a particular magnet for boating enthusiasts due to its exceptional location. It sits remarkably close to the Gulf Stream, with the open Atlantic Ocean just a ten-minute boat ride away and prime deep-sea fishing grounds a mere five minutes beyond that. Unlike Palm Beach, where docking can be prohibitively expensive and moorings are rarely attached directly to properties, Singer Island features an extensive network of canals capable of accommodating vessels up to 60 feet in length.
This allows homeowners to keep their boats securely behind their residences with direct, private access to the ocean. Compass realtor Meike MacGregor, a two-decade island resident, highlighted this practical benefit: "We use the same inlets, so there's no difference there. It's just you can't find anything in Palm Beach to put a boat behind."
Historical Roots and Demographic Shift
Originally part of Palm Beach before dredging created a separating inlet, the island was named after Paris Singer of the famed sewing machine family, who aided its development in the 1920s. Today, it is administratively considered part of Riviera Beach. With approximately 3,000 residents compared to Palm Beach's 9,000, it offers a more intimate community. Historically drawing seasonal residents from the Northeast, Chicago, and Canada, the island's demographic shifted significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Prior to the pandemic, it was a transient crowd, with many having a second home on Singer Island. During the pandemic, more came to the remote-like island to stay," the realtors noted. This influx triggered a dramatic property price surge, with values soaring by 100 percent during the pandemic and correcting only about 10 percent since.
Significant Property Value Differential
The financial appeal is stark. Current estimates suggest an oceanfront condo on Singer Island costs around $800,000, while non-oceanfront homes are in the $500,000 to $600,000 range. According to Zillow, the average home price on Singer Island is $841,708, a fraction of Palm Beach's staggering $2.04 million average. However, MacGregor cautions that many properties, even those not waterfront, may require substantial renovation.
Understated Ambiance and Natural Allure
The social atmosphere contrasts sharply with Palm Beach's celebrity-heavy environs, home to figures like Trump, Tom Brady, and Celine Dion. Singer Island cultivates a more demure, low-key crowd, though it is not entirely devoid of fame—celebrity chef Guy Fieri recently purchased property there, and the late Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band was a former resident.
The island is celebrated more for its natural beauty than its glamour. It serves as a critical nesting ground for endangered Loggerhead sea turtles and offers seven miles of pristine beaches. "It's a hidden gem, is really what it is," said MacGregor. "We were wedged between Jupiter Island and Palm Beach... it was always a bit of a hidden secret until COVID-19 hit and then it really took off here."
Tourism and Lifestyle Amenities
Milton Segarra, CEO of Discover The Palm Beaches, confirmed the island's growing appeal, describing its "more laid-back, coastal vibe with a strong focus on outdoor recreation and waterfront living." He also acknowledged that high-profile attention on Palm Beach, including from President Trump, has cast a beneficial global spotlight on the entire region.
Amenities are plentiful. The island is a short 20-minute drive from Palm Beach International Airport and boasts the largest spa in Florida at the Amrit Ocean Resort, which also features fitness studios and hydrotherapy. Dining options include a restaurant led by James Beard-nominated Chef Asif R. Syed, and the Singer Oceanfront Resort offers luxury stays with activities like beach yoga and poolside movie nights.
Year-round warm waters, thanks to the Gulf Stream, support snorkeling, fishing, and water sports. The island's northern end features a state park perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and nature hikes, and it's a known spot for manatee sightings from November to March.
Environmental Challenges
Despite its idyllic setting, Singer Island faces significant coastal erosion, particularly on its northern shores, where the sea encroaches on condo foundations even at low tide. Officials estimate a five-year environmental study is needed before restoration of its 47-mile coastline can begin, a timeline that worries locals. The erosion also threatens the thousands of Loggerhead turtle nests along the shoreline, adding urgency to conservation efforts for this vulnerable species, whose populations are already declining.
In essence, Singer Island presents a compelling proposition: the serene beauty and waterfront luxury of the Palm Beaches, at a markedly lower price point and with a focus on relaxed, natural living—a true "hidden gem" cautiously guarding its secret.
