North Palm or Jupiter for kids??? (Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach: rent, home, neighborhoods)

[TayLee2]

I was wondering what your thoughts were about these 2 communities? North Palm Beach and sending kids to St. Clares K-8 (cost???) ....and have use of the Golf Club or living in Jupiter with public schools such as Lighthouse of Jerry Thomas and use of the great Athletic Program Jupiter offers.
We have 2 young children ages 3 and 6.

[TriMT7]

I think Jupiter is known as being more family oriented. Not that North Palm is bad.

There are golf clubs everywhere, though, so if that's you're concern, don't worry!!

[TayLee2]

Thank you for your opinion. When I visit Jupiter... where should I visit?

[rusty78]

My wife and I have been looking into Jupiter as well and have found that for the most part if you want Jupiter Schools and especially the High School...you have to stay north of Indiantown Rd...you can google the schools and print out the area's Jupiter covers...if you cannot locate the web site let me know and I will forward the link...

[Native51]

I've generally heard good things about all the elementary schools that service the Jupiter/Tequesta area (Lighthouse/Beacon Cove, Jupiter Elem., Jerry Thomas and Limestone Creek). My oldest attends Lighthouse and we've been very happy. Limestone Creek has the area's gifted program, and Jupiter Elem. has a language program. Both Jupiter Elem. and Limestone have boundaries that include lower income neighborhoods if that is a concern, however, everyone I know with children at those schools say they are happy there. I believe the North Palm public schools are less appealing.

The high school boundary line between Dwyer and Jupiter high is Frederick Small Road (generally speaking). Jupiter High is highly regarded, and Dwyer just started and IB program, which should help the school.

Like TriMT7 says, we have over 100 golf courses here in the county. I don't think residing in a golf course community is that big an advantage unless you want to be a member and have direct course views. Home prices are certainly more affordable in North Palm Beach than most of Jupiter.

[TayLee2]

I heard that NPB Schools are not as great as Jupiter Schools so we would have to pay for private in NPB. Also.... can I enroll my kids in Jupiter Schools even if I live in NPB and plan to eventually buy in Jupiter? If not.....why? Why is school choice in NPB but not everyone can enroll in the school of their choice in Jupiter? Just curious......
Whats so great about Jupiter? It looks beautiful but why do you like it? And when I visit... where should I go?

[rusty78]

TayLee...just google William Dwyer High School that covers parts of Jupiter......and all of Albaoca (?)......and read the blog that the residents wrote......hopefully this will answer all your questions...

[Native51]

I believe the only way you could enroll your child in a Jupiter school is if the public school you are zoned for is failing.

Jupiter is great if you have an outdoor lifestyle. Close to the beach, plenty of parks, Loxahatchee River, etc. Short drive to dining and shopping along PGA Boulevard in Palm Beach Gardens. Well regarded public schools (exception being Dwyer) and good youth sports league (JTAA). Also minor league and spring training baseball at Roger Dean Stadium. Still has a more laid back vibe than other areas of the county in my opinion.

If you come down, take the family to DuBois Park on the Jupiter Inlet. The Dune Dog is a nice little place to eat with the family. The Square Grouper is a fun place for drinks (no kids). Guanabanas is a great restaurant, nice atmosphere, a bit pricey through. You can rent a canoe at Riverbend Park and paddle down the Loxahatchee. Busch Wildlife Center is also a fun place to take the kids...