You're driving down I-95, the salt air is finally starting to hit your vents, and you see the sign for Atlantic Avenue. You know you've arrived in one of the coolest spots in South Florida. But then it hits you—or maybe a buddy asks while you're grabbing a taco at Proper Grit—what county is Delray Beach in, exactly?
It’s Palm Beach County.
Honestly, if you got it confused with Broward or even Miami-Dade, don't sweat it. The whole "Gold Coast" feels like one giant, palm-tree-lined megalopolis sometimes. But Delray is firmly tucked into the southern end of Palm Beach County, acting as the sophisticated, slightly artsy sibling to the glitzy powerhouse of West Palm and the quiet, manicured lawns of Boca Raton.
Why the County Line Actually Matters
Knowing that Delray is in Palm Beach County isn't just for trivia night at Salt7. It dictates everything from who picks up your trash to how much you're forking over in property taxes.
Palm Beach County is massive. Like, geographically larger than the states of Rhode Island or Delaware massive. Because it's so big, the county services are pretty robust. If you're living in the 33444 or 33483 zip codes, you're dealing with the Palm Beach County School District—the tenth-largest in the nation.
Tax-wise, as of early 2026, Palm Beach County residents are seeing a bit of a "new normal." While the COVID-era price spikes have finally leveled off, the median home price in the county is hovering around $490,000. In Delray specifically? It’s often much higher, especially if you want to be east of Federal Highway.
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The Identity Crisis: Delray vs. The Neighbors
It’s easy to see why people get turned around.
South Florida is a weird place where one city bleeds into the next. To the south, you have Boca Raton (still Palm Beach County). To the north, you’ve got Boynton Beach (also Palm Beach County). But keep driving south just a few more minutes past Palmetto Park Road, and suddenly you’re in Deerfield Beach.
Boom. You've crossed into Broward County.
Delray Beach sits in this perfect "Goldilocks" zone. It has the high-end shopping and "see and be seen" vibe of Palm Beach, but it kept its historic bones. You can walk through the Marina Historic District and see cottages from the 1920s, then walk two blocks and hit a rooftop bar that feels like Manhattan.
A Quick History of the Name
Did you know Delray wasn't always Delray?
Back in the late 1800s, a guy named William Linton (a Congressman from Michigan) bought a bunch of land here and named it—wait for it—Linton. It was a farming community. People were growing pineapples and tomatoes.
Then a brutal freeze hit.
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Linton packed up and left. The remaining settlers decided the name "Linton" was bad luck. In 1898, they renamed it Delray, after a neighborhood in Detroit. Eventually, the town on the mainland and the settlement on the beach merged in 1927 to create the City of Delray Beach we know today.
Living the Palm Beach County Life in 2026
If you’re looking to move here or just visiting, here is the current vibe of the county landscape:
- The Beach: Delray Municipal Beach is still the crown jewel. It’s one of the few places in the county where the "downtown" is actually walkable to the sand.
- The Arts: Pineapple Grove is the soul of the city. Between the murals and the Arts Garage, it feels less like a corporate development and more like a real neighborhood.
- Real Estate Realities: If you're buying in 2026, expect to pay a premium for the 33483 zip code. We're talking median prices over $1.6 million for single-family homes near the water. HOA fees in the downtown condos are no joke either, often ranging from $400 to over $1,200 a month.
- The Commute: Being in Palm Beach County means you’re about 20 minutes from PBI (Palm Beach International) and about 35-40 from FLL (Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International). Most people here still drive, though the Brightline station in nearby Boca or West Palm is a total game-changer for getting to Miami without losing your mind in traffic.
Beyond the Atlantic Avenue Bubble
While most people think of Delray as just "The Ave," being part of Palm Beach County gives you access to some wild nature just a few miles west.
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You’ve got the Wakodahatchee Wetlands and Green Cay. These aren't your typical city parks. They are part of the county's water reclamation system and have boardwalks where you can see alligators, turtles, and about a billion species of birds. It’s a reminder that before the condos and the boutiques, this part of the county was pure Everglades.
Actionable Steps for Newcomers or Visitors
- Check the Jurisdictions: If you're looking at property, verify if it's "City of Delray Beach" or "Unincorporated Palm Beach County." It affects your utility rates and police response (City PD vs. County Sheriff).
- Get a County Parks Pass: Palm Beach County has an incredible park system. If you're a local, look into the frequent user permits for boat ramps or dog parks like the one at Lake Ida.
- Visit the Morikami: It’s technically in Delray but feels like a different world. It’s a massive Japanese garden and museum that honors the Yamato Colony, a group of Japanese farmers who settled in this part of the county in the early 1900s.
- Stay Updated on Assessments: If you're eyeing a condo, 2026 is the year of "the great stabilization." Most buildings have finished their structural integrity reports following the state-mandated changes. Just make sure to ask your realtor if the building’s reserves are fully funded.
At the end of the day, Delray Beach is the heart of southern Palm Beach County. It’s got the history, the beach, and just enough "edge" to keep it interesting. Whether you're here for the nightlife or the quiet life in Lake Ida, you're officially in one of the best spots in Florida.