The Top 8 Pros and Cons of Living in Palm Coast FL in 2023

Is Palm Coast, Florida a good place to live? There are numerous pros and cons of living in Palm Coast FL in 2023, so we found the top 8 things to consider.

Are you looking for a calm, mid-sized city to move to? Palm Coast is located in Flagler County on the East Coast of the Sunshine State, which is also known as “the quieter side of Florida.”

It features a warm and friendly suburban feel with all the benefits of living in a coastal city.

Maybe you would love to get lost on its 19 miles of beaches, go kayaking on a Saturday morning, or enjoy some peace and quiet at a local park.

Palm Coast offers a lot of opportunities for everyone, but it certainly delivers the most joy to retirees and families looking to settle down.

It is a good area to relocate to due to its low prices and good job options. At the same time, active retirees will love all the outdoor activities available, such as biking, hiking, fishing, golfing, and kayaking.

If you are planning to change your residence and wondering, “is Palm Coast, Florida a good place to live?”, then this is the right place to find out!

Pros and Cons of Living in Palm Coast FL – Top 4 Pros

1. Low Cost of Living

With all the prices skyrocketing these days, you will be pleased to hear that Palm Coast still features a relatively affordable life.

While the pros and cons of living in Palm Coast FL are many, inexpensive living is one of the major highlights of living in this area.

The overall cost of living here is 2% lower than the national average, while the prices of goods and services, groceries, health, and transportation are also more consumer-friendly than the average Florida and national averages.

Time to start packing your suitcases!

2. Affordable Housing Prices

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If you are searching for a place to buy a long-term home, Palm Coast may be a strong option for you.

In Palm Coast, a lot of residents actually own their properties, which also boosts the community spirit.

While you may need to pay more to rent an apartment, the average home and mortgage prices are significantly lower than the national average. If you are looking for a waterfront home, this is a big deal.

In fact, the average price for a home on Zillow now is around $300,000 to $350,000, which isn’t bad for a beachfront paradise.

When researching the pros and cons of living in Palm Coast FL, you will find this as a major benefit!

3. The Job Market is Diverse and Expanding

It’s good to know that Palm Coast has experienced positive job growth, with the job market increasing by 1.9% over the past year.

Palm Coast used to be more of a hidden gem, but it has been growing a lot recently. The future job growth stands at 43.94%, which is quite impressive and also higher than the U.S. average.

Although the average income and household income are lower than the national average, the city is quite affordable and the unemployment rate is lower than the U.S. average.

So, is Palm Coast, Florida a good place to live to find good jobs? It looks like it will only get better and better.

4. Stunning Biking and Hiking Trails 

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Of all the pros and cons of living in Palm Coast FL, this one is our favorite. In Palm Coast, you can have a lot of fun and enjoy the nice weather outside all year round.

If you are looking to get your heart pumping, try some hiking or biking. Palm Coast’s scenic hiking trails should not be missed.

Meanwhile, adventure junkies can try out the Mala Compra Mountain Bike Trail.

For those of us seeking something less challenging, a ride on the beautiful St. Joe Walkway in Palm Coast Linear Park is a perfect chance to also enjoy the waterway and wildlife!

Pros and Cons of Living in Palm Coast FL – Top 4 Cons

1. Limited Entertainment and Indoor Activities

As much as we love the outdoor recreation it offers, Palm Coast falls short when it comes to things to do around the city indoors.

Shopping in a large mall on weekends? Not really an option. Going for a night out? You will not find a huge variety of bars and restaurants here.

However, the city is well connected and you can get to the Disney theme park in 2 hours as well as nearby cities like Daytona, Jacksonville, and Orlando

2. Strict Code Enforcement

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Are you used to having a lot of liberty regarding the appearance of your house and property?

In Palm Coast, there are a lot of association-governed communities with stringent rules that you must follow.  

For instance, you cannot have any vehicles (trailers, RVs, boats, etc.) on your property if they are not properly stored in your garage.

Additionally, business advertisements (signs or work vehicles) are also not allowed. 

There are several other similar ordinances, but at least it keeps the neighborhood nice and neat!

Is Palm Coast, Florida a good place to live for those seeking individuality and no HOAs? It would probably be safer to look elsewhere.

3. The Crime Rate is a Bit Higher

If you are searching, “is Palm Coast, Florida a good place to live?”, don’t miss out on this surprising information.

The total crime rate is 13% higher in Palm Coast than the Florida average. But, the good news is that Palm Coast is safer than 21% of the US cities and the crime rates have been decreasing.

Is that comforting enough? There are surely more pros and cons of living in Palm Coast FL to consider. For those who are not too worried, this city still might be very appealing!

4. There is Room for Education Improvement 

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This is a significant point on our list of the pros and cons of living in Palm Coast FL. Palm Coast schools spend a bit less per student than the US average ($9,200 while the national standard is around $12,000).

But, the results are still pretty strong. Areavibes gave Palm Coast a “B” grade and you will be pleased to know that the average test score are higher than the Florida and national rates.

Still, there is room for improvement since this city was more traditionally known as a retirement community.

However, many new families have been moving in and changing the dynamics of the education system as well.

Is Palm Coast Florida a Good Place to Live? Summary

We’ve put together this list of the pros and cons of living in Palm Coast FL to help you determine if it is the right place for you to move to or not.

This city is a perfect place for adventurers and outdoor lovers, with good prices and job options. Still, there are a few downsides to consider. 

Ultimately, is Palm Coast, Florida a good place to live? We encourage you to think about your own needs and plans for the future before relocating!

If you want to find out more about all of Florida, see what cities made our list of the best places to live in Florida.