City Place's Comeback: Inside West Palm Beach's New Live-Work-Play Downtown

City Place in West Palm Beach has transformed so much over the past 10 to 15 years that it now belongs in the same conversation as Las Olas, Mizner Park, and Atlantic Ave — and with an Equinox, The Laurel apartments, and new office towers at 10 and 15 City Place, it isn't finished yet.

I'm Joe Vairo — a 2x eXp ICON Agent, ranked the #3 real estate agent in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine, and founder of the Vairo Group, ranked the #3 real estate team in Fort Lauderdale. I track City Place closely because West Palm Beach's downtown core is increasingly competing directly with Fort Lauderdale and Delray for the same buyers and renters. Here is the full breakdown.

Where City Place Fits Into the South Florida Downtown Conversation

City Place has historically taken a back seat to Las Olas, Mizner Park, and Atlantic Ave in Delray, but that's no longer the full picture. The neighborhood is far more built out than it was a decade or 15 years ago, and there's still more coming, which is pushing it into the same tier as those more established downtowns.

What's Already Open at City Place Right Now

The dining lineup includes the brand-new Itale, the Cheesecake Factory, El Camino, the new Fuku, and Pura Vida, alongside shopping anchored by Moxie's. On the daily-needs side, there's a Publix on site, so residents can walk to get groceries without leaving the neighborhood. The fitness scene got a major addition with the arrival of Equinox, something the area lacked until now.

Why The Laurel Is City Place's Live-Work-Play Blueprint

The Laurel apartment building sits directly on top of Equinox, which is the clearest example yet of City Place's live-work-play direction. A resident at The Laurel can walk downstairs for a workout, cross the street for work, grab happy hour at Moxie's, and be back home within a few blocks, all without a car.

Is City Place Becoming a Real Office Destination?

Yes. New office space has already been delivered at City Place, with additional office space underway at 10 City Place and 15 City Place. That combination of new office inventory alongside residential and retail is what's enabling the live-work-play pitch to actually function for residents rather than just being a marketing phrase.

What This Means for Buyers and Renters Considering West Palm Beach

For anyone comparing West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale or Delray, City Place's added Brightline access is a real differentiator — residents who occasionally need Miami or Fort Lauderdale have a direct rail option nearby, and Palm Beach and Worth Ave are also close by. Combined with new office space landing at 10 and 15 City Place, the area is becoming a legitimate option for buyers who want walkability without giving up a commute-free option to nearby cities.

Is Downtown West Palm and City Place the Best Downtown in South Florida?

I think it's now firmly in the conversation with Las Olas and Atlantic Ave, even if it's not quite there yet. The rate of new delivery — Equinox, The Laurel, new dining, and now office towers — is faster than what's happening in the other two right now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What amenities does City Place have now?

Equinox, a Publix, and restaurants including the Cheesecake Factory, El Camino, Fuku, Pura Vida, and the new Itale, plus shopping anchored by Moxie's.

Can you actually live and work at City Place?

Yes. The Laurel apartments sit above Equinox, and new office space is already delivered with more coming at 10 City Place and 15 City Place.

Is City Place connected to Miami and Fort Lauderdale?

Yes, the Brightline station is right around the corner, giving residents a direct rail option to both cities.

How does City Place compare to Las Olas and Atlantic Ave?

It's becoming genuinely competitive with both, according to the pace of new restaurants, residential, and office space landing there.

Want to Talk Through the City Place Opportunity?

I'm Joe Vairo with the Vairo Group. If you want an honest, current conversation about buying, renting, or investing near City Place, reach out.

📲 Text or call me at 954-830-1126

📩 Email me at [email protected] anytime — I respond personally

Joe Vairo is a 2x eXp ICON Agent, South Florida real estate agent, and Fort Lauderdale Magazine's #3 ranked agent in Fort Lauderdale. The Vairo Group, ranked the #3 real estate team in Fort Lauderdale, specializes in waterfront properties and luxury relocation in the $1M+ market.

Watch the original Short: West Palm Beach Has Changed More Than You Think | The Future of City Place