What if your daily “commute” meant turning a key in a golf cart and cruising to the marina, park, or a neighbor’s backyard? In North Palm Beach, that picture is real life. You get a small coastal village feel, easy access to the water, and a social rhythm that happens in parks, at docks, and yes, along local streets where carts are part of the scene. In this guide, you’ll learn how golf carts fit into daily life, what the rules are, where the water and parks draw you on weekends, and what to know if you’re considering a move. Let’s dive in.
Golf carts in daily life
If you spend a morning in North Palm Beach, you’ll see carts rolling to Anchorage Park, neighbors chatting from the driver’s seat, and kids hopping in for a short ride to a friend’s house. Even local leadership has embraced the idea; a regional story spotlighted the village manager who chose a golf cart over a car for daily trips, a window into how normal this is around town. That kind of low-stress mobility sets the tone for errands and quick visits across the village core.
Carts also show up as community fun. During the annual Heritage Festival, residents decorate carts and line up for a parade, then gather for a day of music and activities. The event is a great snapshot of how carts, parks, and neighbors come together in a family-friendly way.
The Heritage Festival’s decorated cart parade is a local favorite and a perfect introduction if you’re new.
Rules that keep carts safe
Carts feel casual, but the rules are clear. The Village adopted an ordinance in May 2021 that allows golf carts on Village-owned streets. Higher speed arterials that are not Village-owned are off-limits, including Northlake Boulevard, U.S. 1, Alternate A1A, and Prosperity Farms Road. That network lets you move around neighborhoods while keeping carts away from faster traffic.
State law also matters. Florida statutes define golf carts and low-speed vehicles and set baseline equipment and operational standards. Municipalities then map where carts can run. If you plan to use a cart, review both state rules and the Village’s page that explains what streets are permitted.
- Read the Village overview in the Golf Cart Law page
- See Florida’s definitions and rules in Chapter 316
Age and ID rules changed recently. As of July 1, 2023, operators under 18 must have a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license to drive a golf cart on public streets, and adults need to carry a government-issued photo ID when required. The Village highlights this update so families can plan around it.
Carts are different from low-speed vehicles (LSVs). An LSV is a street-legal cart that meets higher standards like headlamps, turn signals, a VIN, registration, insurance, and seat belts. That affects where it can go and who can drive it under state law. Also note that carts are not allowed on park walking or jogging paths. In parks, you are limited to park roads and parking areas.
For full details on local rules and prohibited streets, start with the Village’s Golf Cart Law page and check your HOA for any community-specific policies.
Waterfront access and marinas
If time on the water is part of your plan, North Palm Beach makes it easy. Anchorage Park is a hub for boating and paddling with a resident-only boat ramp, wet and dry storage for residents, two fishing piers, a kayak and paddleboard launch, pavilions, and sports fields. Many community events happen here, so you can expect weekend meetups and evening activities throughout the year.
Private marinas round out the picture. Old Port Cove, North Palm Beach Marina, and related facilities serve both locals and visiting boaters with fuel, slips, ship stores, and concierge-style services. Old Port Cove and its sister facilities were acquired by national operator Safe Harbor Marinas, which expanded capacity and service levels for the area’s boating community. If you keep a vessel, you’ll want to explore waitlists and slip options across these marinas.
- Explore resident ramp and storage at Anchorage Park
- Learn about the Old Port Cove acquisition by Safe Harbor in this report
Beaches and wild places
Ten minutes from village streets, you can be on a boardwalk above an estuary, spotting wading birds and paddlers sliding through a calm lagoon. That’s John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, the region’s signature state park with nearly two miles of natural beach, a nature center, and access for kayaks. It offers a quieter, more natural coastal experience than many built-up beach zones nearby.
When you want a simple beach day or a sunrise paddle before work, MacArthur Beach delivers a reliable routine. It is also a favorite with visiting friends and family, thanks to easy trails and educational programs.
- See features and programs at MacArthur Beach
Parks, trails, and events
North Palm Beach invests in everyday recreation. Recent work at Anchorage Park added a 10-foot hard-surface trail and improvements to the kayak launch, making it easier to walk, roll, or push a stroller along the water. Across the village, you will find playgrounds, courts, and open lawns that host concerts, fairs, and seasonal gatherings.
The community calendar is active, from trivia nights to seasonal camps and outdoor movies. You’ll often see a casual lineup of golf carts along the edge of the lawn at park events, where neighbors set up chairs and talk while the kids play.
- See the Anchorage Park trail upgrades in the Recreation Trails Project
December brings a regional favorite: the Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade. The illuminated flotilla moves along the Intracoastal Waterway with great viewing from North Palm Beach north to Jupiter. Plan on hot cocoa, waterfront vantage points, and that only-here South Florida holiday feel.
- Check dates and viewing tips for the Holiday Boat Parade
Homes and neighborhoods
The Village blends single-family waterfront homes, golf-course properties, canal estates, and condominium towers, including the Old Port Cove peninsula. It is a low-to-medium density place with a high owner-occupancy rate and a strong second-home population in winter.
For a high-level baseline, Census/ACS 2020–2024 data shows a population in the low 13,000s and a median value for owner-occupied housing around 513,000 dollars. Private market indices that track listings and sales have reported higher typical values in recent years, with late-2025 snapshots near the 600,000 dollar range. Different data sources measure different things and update on different timelines, so use those figures as directional and always time-stamped.
- See population and ACS housing values in Census QuickFacts
If you are comparing a canal-front single-family home to a condo in Old Port Cove, you will see a wide spread in pricing, fees, and maintenance needs. A quick strategy call can help you map neighborhoods to your budget and lifestyle goals.
Getting around day to day
Within the Village, many errands are cart, bike, or short-drive trips, depending on where you live. Sidewalk coverage varies, and walkability ranges from car-dependent blocks to somewhat walkable areas near the village center and U.S. 1. For countywide travel, Palm Tran bus service runs along major corridors with stops near the Village, and you can connect to larger hubs with a transfer.
Most residents use cars for regional trips and keep a cart for local moves. The big takeaway is simple: carts are great for village-owned streets, but plan a car for crossing arterials.
Cart and boat buyer checklist
Before you buy, use this quick checklist to avoid surprises:
- Confirm your cart type. A basic golf cart is not the same as an LSV. Review equipment, registration, and insurance rules in Florida’s Chapter 316.
- Verify where you can drive. Check which streets are allowed and which arterials are off-limits on the Village Golf Cart Law page.
- Note the age and ID rule. As of July 1, 2023, under-18 drivers need a learner’s permit or license.
- Ask your HOA. Some private communities set stricter cart, parking, or charging rules than the Village.
- Plan for storage and charging. Think about garage space and outdoor outlets that meet code.
- If you own a boat, confirm access. Review the resident-only ramp, storage waitlists, and rules at Anchorage Park, and compare options at nearby private marinas.
Why people choose North Palm Beach
Daily life here feels easy and connected. You can launch a kayak at sunrise, swing by the marina in the afternoon, and meet friends at a park in the evening, with much of it accessible by cart on village streets. The community calendar, the water, and a small-village pace make it an appealing base for full-time residents and seasonal owners alike.
If you want a local guide to match neighborhoods, HOA nuances, cart rules, and waterfront options to your goals, reach out. You will get practical advice, fast answers, and a plan that fits how you live.
Ready to explore your options in North Palm Beach and nearby communities? Contact Stefan Levine P.A. to get a free local market consultation.
FAQs
Can you drive a golf cart across Northlake Boulevard or U.S. 1 in North Palm Beach?
- No. Carts are allowed on Village-owned streets only, and major arterials such as Northlake Boulevard, U.S. 1, Alternate A1A, and Prosperity Farms Road are excluded. Review details on the Village Golf Cart Law page.
Do you need a license to drive a golf cart on North Palm Beach streets?
- Yes, for younger drivers. As of July 1, 2023, operators under 18 need a valid learner’s permit or driver’s license; adults should carry photo ID as required. See the Village summary and Florida Chapter 316 for specifics.
Where can residents launch a boat or kayak in North Palm Beach?
- Anchorage Park has a resident-only boat ramp, resident wet/dry storage, two fishing piers, and a kayak/paddleboard launch. Check amenities and policies on the Anchorage Park page.
What community events define North Palm Beach’s vibe?
- The Heritage Festival’s decorated golf cart parade and the regional Palm Beach Holiday Boat Parade are annual highlights. Learn more about the Heritage Festival and the Holiday Boat Parade.
What are typical home values in North Palm Beach?
- Census/ACS 2020–2024 shows a median value for owner-occupied housing around 513,000 dollars, while private indices have reported higher typical values in recent years. See Census QuickFacts and ask a local agent for current, property-specific pricing.
