Your EZ Home Search Moving Guide to Jupiter, FL

Did you know that despite its name, Jupiter, FL has no affiliation with the giant gas planet in our solar system? Instead, this charming coastal town got its name from a mistranslation!

Originally named by the Spanish as “Jobe,” their pronunciation of the local Native American language they encountered, the British anglicized it from “Jove” (Roman Zeus) to “Jupiter,” leaving us with the unique and celestial-inspired name we know today.

Life in Jupiter proves you don’t need to rocket across the stars to live exceptionally. So get ready to explore the earthly wonders of Jupiter, FL, where the only thing astronomical is the beauty of its sunsets.

About Jupiter

For those seeking an idyllic slice of Florida beach life, Jupiter delivers that classic laid-back vibe with waterfront dining, roaring surf, and boating access galore. Thanks to the Loxahatchee River, Intracoastal waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean, find 40 miles of pristine waterfront and beaches, making it an ideal place to look if you dream of living waterfront. Plus, it’s packed with land-based outdoor activities, too, like world-class golf and discount shopping outlet mall.

Jupiter’s rich history dates back to the Native Americans who first roamed the lands. Miami Indians referred to the area as “Hobe,” meaning “where the north wind blows,” spelled “Jobe” in Spanish, Florida’s first colonizers.

Jupiter was formally founded in the late 1800s after members of the United States Navy charted the narrow inlet waterways connecting the Loxahatchee River to the Atlantic Ocean. The natural inlet was a vital shortcut for many vessels, especially those involved in the early shipping of pineapples, tomatoes, and oranges.

Over time, Jupiter evolved from a sleepy fishing village to one of Florida’s most sought-after waterfront living destinations. Development took off in the 1950s, in the post-World War II baby and construction boom. You can still see its old Florida roots in the charming architecture of more established downtown areas and out in the rural hammocks.

Even as it developed, Jupiter tried to preserve what made it so special in the first place. That means you can appreciate Florida’s natural beauty through its inland wildlife management areas, swampy estuary nature preserves, rivers, beaches, and offshore reefs. One of its standout features is the Loxahatchee River, among the two rivers in Florida to have a “Wild and Scenic” River designation and boasting crystal-clear waters. And those views from Jupiter Inlet and its lighthouse are truly postcard-perfect.

What is the cost of living in Jupiter, FL?

The most influential factor in the cost of living is housing. Jupiter’s housing market runs more expensive than the national rate by almost 67%. If you’re moving to Jupiter, this will be the biggest expense, but not your only one. Jupiter is in high demand, with a growing population of over 60,000. Groceries, transportation, and miscellaneous costs are the national and state averages. The only category where you might find some budget savings is utilities.

Jupiter’s job market

Your job prospects in Jupiter are mixed, but the city does have a low unemployment rate of 2% as of 2023. It has many homegrown businesses, a booming tourism industry, and opportunities for remote work. Sales is the largest industry, followed by office and admin support roles and executive positions. More work is in white-collar jobs than blue-collar jobs.

Nearby headquarters of larger corporations include Dubois Aerospace, Dycom Industries, and PGA Golf Club.

Jupiter is part of Palm Beach County, a significant agricultural producer for Florida, with a $2 billion economic impact. Much of this is in western Palm Beach, which you can see if you move into western Jupiter. Many of the city’s developments are on former farmland.

Other leading industries in the greater area include distribution and logistics, financial services, and health care.

Education in Jupiter

No matter your life stage, Jupiter offers educational opportunities. Children aged K-12 have access to the Palm Beach County School District, one of the nation’s largest school systems. In 2023, Jupiter Farms Elementary ranked among the state’s top 50 elementary schools, while Beacon Cove was in the top 75. Jupiter High School was in the top 100 high schools in the state.

Adults can expand their knowledge base at the Florida Atlantic University MacArthur Campus. Students like its small-campus setting but are still part of a larger system with the resources of a much larger research-based institution at their disposal. The campus is also home to the Harriet L Wilkes Honors College, a free-standing college with a rigorous curriculum in multiple fields of study.

Jupiter Health Care

When it comes to medical care, Jupiter is well-equipped. The main hospital is Jupiter Medical Center, an independent non-profit with over 200 beds and many board-certified physicians, including a full team of primary care doctors. The Leapfrog Group rated it an “A” hospital for safety in 2023.

Palm Beach County operates a health center in Jupiter for low-cost, basic care and public health programs.

Another major hospital, JFK Medical Center North Campus, is twenty miles away in West Palm Beach.

Jupiter’s Real Estate Market

The climate isn’t the only hot thing in Jupiter. People want to live in paradise; for many, Jupiter sums it up. Its proximity to beaches, attractions, and laid-back vibe appeals to all types of homebuyers.

Jupiter’s landmass covers a vast area from the Florida mainland to the barrier islands. It includes about 15 recognized neighborhoods that usually break down further into planned communities. Whether you’re looking for a single-family house or condo by the beach or waterfront property on the Intracoastal Waterway, something will appeal to home buyers looking in this active market.

As of June 2023, there were 664 homes for sale in Jupiter, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $37.5 million. The median price for a home in Jupiter was $975,000, which was up almost 5% year-over-year.

Check out a few of the popular neighborhoods to live in Jupiter.

Amenities of Jupiter

So what can you do once you’re settled into your new Jupiter home?

Let’s start with golfing at some of the top-rated courses in the country, like The Champions Club or Abacoa Golf Club. Players have 16 courses to play within the city limits, and many are designed by leading golf architects like Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, and Greg Norman. If you get bored of the local tropical fairways and water features, another 80 courses await within 20 miles. Unsurprisingly, with so much quality course access, some of golf’s biggest names have settled into Jupiter.

Perhaps you’re into a different sport, like baseball. Catch a Major League Baseball spring training game at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium and complex, which is also home to four minor league teams, too. The stadium hosts the St. Louis Cardinals and the Miami Marlins for their annual spring training season.

And then there’s the beachfront lifestyle. Do everything from relax in the sun to sailing and saltwater fishing. The jewel-toned waters are famous for their color and abundant wildlife. Snorkel the rock formations at Coral Cove Park. Swim at Jupiter Beach Park, or take the pup to Carlin Park for beach time. Or, get over the water by climbing the iconic Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse, a view some call the best in Palm Beach County.

But you don’t just have the Atlantic seaboard and Jupiter Inlet for boating and water sports. Residents love kayaking and paddleboarding on the scenic and peaceful Loxahatchee River.

One of Jupiter’s many boat launch points is Riverbend Park, a natural preserve that, besides boat launches, has horse trails and archaeological sites. A quiet paddle through the cypress stands transports you to a different world. The park is just one of the many parks and preserves throughout Jupiter.

Nearby’s Jonathan Dickinson State Park is the largest in Southeast Florida and exemplifies Jupiter’s commitment to preserving its scenery. Experience wild Florida on land or water as the park covers coastal sand hills, upland lakes, scrub forests, and the Loxahatchee River. While there, check out some unique historical attractions like a secret World War II training camp, the story of the shipwrecked Quaker merchant for whom the park is named, and the legend of the Wild Man of the Loxahatchee.

Perhaps you’d prefer a more modern experience, like shopping. Visit Harbourside Place for an urban shopping experience with a coastal vibe. Located along Jupiter’s Intracoastal Waterway, the venue features more than 15 stores and name-brand restaurants like BurgerFi and Tommy Bahamas. On weekends and holidays, catch live performances at the beautiful waterfront amphitheater.

Moving to Jupiter

No matter how you choose to explore Jupiter or live here permanently, the opportunities for adventure are endless. Best of all, you don’t have to buy a seat on SpaceX to get here. Jupiter’s conveniently along I-95 and easy to reach from south Florida’s airports. So, whether you’re looking for a vacation home, part-time resident, or what to call Florida home all year, let a local real estate agent guide you to living in Jupiter.