Palm Beach County, Florida, is home to an extensive collection of exclusive island communities, each offering its own unique blend of luxury, privacy, and coastal charm. Featuring waterfront homes with Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway frontage, single-point-of-entry neighborhood access, world-acclaimed bespoke amenities, and the ideal mix of unrivaled elegance in a laid-back coastal lifestyle, these communities define the pinnacle of residential luxury.
Whether you're searching for unparalleled privacy, architectural refinement, deep water dockage, a historic estate, or simply an unspoiled piece of paradise in and around West Palm Beach, these communities capture the spirit of South Florida's elite lifestyle.
Below, we look at the standout island neighborhoods where location, lifestyle, and legacy converge.
Everglades Island (Palm Beach)
Our tour begins near the heart of West Palm Beach on Everglades Island. Technically part of Palm Beach, this single-street enclave features only 55 homes situated just off the mainland, encircled by the Lake Worth Lagoon. This prestigious island community features a curated collection of waterfront estates, each with panoramic water views and private docks. What sets Everglades Island apart is its Old Palm Beach pedigree, which offers the heritage and architectural significance that sophisticated buyers appreciate—many of its most impressive homes are hidden from view by towering hedgerows and dense tropical vegetation. It's understated, serene, and exquisitely located within reach of Worth Avenue, the Everglades Club, and the Society of Four Arts.
Ibis Isle (Palm Beach)
Five miles south of Everglades Island, near Palm Beach's southernmost boundary, you'll find Ibis Isle, one of the region's true hidden gems. From its nondescript entry off S Ocean Boulevard, this boutique island community features a limited number of single-family homes and luxury condos, many with unobstructed views of the Intracoastal or scenic lagoons. Known for its quiet sophistication and proximity to the upscale lifestyle of Palm Beach, including the Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach and the Mar-a-Lago Club, and boasting a less than five-minute walk to the beach fronting the Atlantic, Ibis Isle perfectly suits buyers seeking an intimate waterfront enclave that delivers both luxury and low-key living.
Hypoluxo Island (Lantana)
Between Lantana and South Palm Beach, Hypoluxo Island is a lush residential haven home to more than 300 properties. Among the largest such communities on the Intracoastal Waterway, the island maintains a sought-after seclusion thanks to mature tropical landscaping and a quietly affluent aesthetic. Homes situated along the island's outer edge enjoy expansive Intracoastal views and direct water access via private docks—a handful of residences feature intimate stretches of private beach. Hypoluxo's interior properties offer manicured gardens and walkability to the Old Key Lime House and Lantana Bicentennial Park on the mainland, as well as the Lantana Nature Preserve and Plaza Del Mar, featuring boutique shopping and dining center on the adjacent barrier island. It's a peaceful alternative to more high-profile destinations, ideal for those who appreciate privacy and community in equal measure.
Manalapan
Few communities in Florida—and arguably the country—compare to the Town of Manalapan in terms of prestige. Situated on a narrow barrier island between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal Waterway, the Manalapan is home to some of the most significant estates in the region, including residential properties that stretch south from the Eau Palm Resort and feature both private Atlantic beachfront and Intracoastal deep water frontage. Ultra-luxury is the baseline here, with many homes commanding nine-figure price tags. Residents enjoy unmatched privacy, including a section of the town only accessible via a single gated entry on Hypoluxo Island. Unsurprisingly, the area is a magnet for billionaires and boldface names seeking discretion and grandeur.
Inlet Cay (Ocean Ridge)
Tucked into the seaside town of Ocean Ridge, Inlet Cay is an intimate waterfront community that flies well under the radar compared to the more notable communities to the north—the community greatly benefits from being hidden away from N Ocean Boulevard by Ocean Inlet Beach Park and a series of high-end condo communities. Originally developed in the 1950s, this enclave of luxury homes sits along the Intracoastal Waterway and boasts deepwater dockage and quick ocean access—an undeniable draw for yachting aficionados. Architectural styles vary from vintage Florida ranch to sleek contemporary estates, and lot sizes tend to be generous, offering both space and seclusion. It's a rare blend of small-town quiet and coastal sophistication.
Tarpon Island (Palm Beach)
Finally, we circle back to our original starting point, just off Everglades Island at the unparalleled private opulence that is Tarpon Island. Unlike anything else in Palm Beach County, the 2.3-acre man-made jewel is the area's only private island, boasting 360-degree water views and connected to the mainland by a small bridge. The island's lone residence recently underwent a dramatic transformation, emerging as a 21,000-square-foot estate with every imaginable luxury. Panoramic views, total privacy, and the cachet of living on your own island make Tarpon a truly unmatched offering and one of the most coveted properties in South Florida.
Secure Your West Palm Beach Lifestyle with a Trusted West Palm Beach Expert
Palm Beach County's island communities offer more than prime real estate—they're a gateway to a lifestyle defined by exclusivity, tranquility, and waterfront luxury. If you're considering a move to one of these prestigious enclaves or want to explore more of the Palm Beach or West Palm Beach luxury real estate scene, including purchasing, valuation and listing, new developments, or custom home remodeling, contact Wendy Paskow Real Estate today to start your journey into West Palm Beach's extraordinary residential property market.