Palm Beach Gardens vs. Wellington: Golf, Gated Communities & Schools Compared

If Palm Beach County were a playlist, Palm Beach Gardens (PBG) would be smooth jazz on the PGA corridor and Wellington would be the equestrian remix—family-friendly, parks everywhere, and weekend tournaments galore. This guide compares lifestyle, housing, HOAs, schools, commute, insurance, and “true all-in” costs so you can pick with confidence.

Numbers, fees, and rules vary by property and change over time. I can send you a live, side-by-side sheet with current comps and all-in monthly for your shortlist.

1) Vibe & Lifestyle

Palm Beach Gardens (PBG)

  • Golf-centric with PGA National, abundant gated communities, upscale shopping/dining (PGA corridor, Downtown PBG).

  • Newer master-planned pockets like Alton offer resort-style amenities and walkable town centers.

  • Easy beach access via Donald Ross or PGA Blvd; minutes to Jupiter.

Wellington

  • Equestrian capital—national shows in “season,” but year-round suburban comfort: parks, cul-de-sacs, and community events.

  • Strong youth sports culture, wide sidewalks, and a calmer “stay-close-to-home” rhythm.

  • Beaches are a drive, but green space is the point.

Pick PBG if you want golf/amenities + coastal proximity.
Pick Wellington if you want space, parks, and equestrian-adjacent lifestyle.

2) Housing, HOAs & Amenities

PBG

  • Mix of classic clubs (PGA National), gated non-club communities, and newer master-plans (Alton) with pools, gyms, and pickleball.

  • HOAs range from moderate (non-club) to higher (club or resort-amenity level).

  • Many CBS homes; newer builds = impact glass & modern roofs.

Wellington

  • Subdivisions with community pools, playgrounds, and sidewalks; some areas non-HOA.

  • Larger lots are common vs. coastal markets.

  • Amenity HOAs tend to be moderate; equestrian properties vary widely (and may be non-HOA).

Always check: What the HOA includes (lawn, cable/internet, security), rules (parking, pets, rentals), budgets/reserves, and approval timelines.

3) Schools & Programs

  • Both areas are popular with families; verify zone maps and choice/magnet options by address (these change).

  • PBG offers proximity to a mix of public and private schools; Wellington is frequently cited for strong public school options and youth activities.

Pro tip: If school is the driver, request a school-zone shortlist with comps and commute overlays.

4) Commute, Roads & Everyday Errands

PBG:

  • Excellent access to I-95/Turnpike, PGA Blvd/Donald Ross east-west corridors.

  • Quick to beaches, PBI ~20–25 minutes (traffic permitting).

  • Errands are easy: Costco, Gardens Mall, grocers, medical.

Wellington:

  • Turnpike access is strong; I-95 is farther east.

  • PBI typically ~20–30 minutes depending on pocket.

  • Big-box and local retail clustered along Forest Hill, Southern, and SR-7.

5) Insurance & “True All-In” Costs

  • Wind/homeowners: Driven by roof age, impact protection, and wind-mitigations—newer builds in either market tend to quote better.

  • Flood: Separate policy; required by lenders in higher-risk zones (less common inland Wellington). Many owners choose coverage even outside high-risk zones.

  • All-in monthly = Mortgage + Taxes + Wind + Flood (if any) + HOA/Club fees + Utilities/Internet. Clubs may add membership dues/food mins—budget them.

6) Golf & Clubs vs. Parks & Horses

PBG / Clubs:

  • PGA National and multiple club options; verify mandatory vs. optional membership, initiation, and dues.

  • Non-club gated options exist if you want amenities without club commitments.

Wellington / Parks & Equestrian:

  • Equestrian venues (WEF, polo) set the seasonal tone; even non-riders enjoy parks, paths, and open spaces.

  • Equestrian properties involve different due diligence (zoning, drainage, barns, set-backs).

7) New Construction Snapshot

  • PBG: Limited land = select higher-end communities (e.g., Alton newer phases); premium pricing but strong demand.

  • Wellington: Fewer large new-builds; many buyers pick well-kept resales with room to update.

  • Nearby Westlake/Royal Palm Beach can provide additional new-build options if you’re Wellington-curious but want newer homes.

8) Who Chooses What?

  • PBG buyers: Golfers, beach-adjacent families, and anyone who wants coastal access + upscale amenities.

  • Wellington buyers: Families prioritizing schools, parks, larger lots, and a quiet suburban pace—and equestrian fans.

9) 30/60/90-Day Decision Plan

  • Days 1–30: Budget + pre-approval; request two shortlists (PBG vs Wellington) with all-in monthly and school/commute overlays.

  • Days 31–60: Tour 2–3 representative neighborhoods per city (one gated, one non-gated; add a club option if relevant). Pull insurance quotes early.

  • Days 61–90: Pick finalists; compare offer terms, inspection risk, and timelines; run offer strategy that protects your dollars.

How I Help You Choose (and win)

  • Side-by-side comparison (comps, HOA/club fees, wind/flood, utilities).

  • School-zone & commute overlays tuned to your routine.

  • Offer strategy & negotiation (price, terms, timelines) using live market behavior.

  • Contract-to-close coordination with weekly updates.

FAQ

Is Palm Beach Gardens more expensive than Wellington?
It depends on club membership requirements, proximity to the coast, and age/size of the home. Use a property-specific comp and cost sheet.

Are club memberships mandatory in PBG?
Some communities require them; others are optional or non-club. Always confirm initiation, dues, and minimums.

Do I need flood insurance?
Lender-driven by FEMA zone. Inland Wellington may have lower flood risk; many owners choose coverage anyway. Quote both areas for apples-to-apples.

Which area is better for schools?
Both have popular options. Verify by address and program (IB, STEM, arts). Build your shortlist around school zones that fit.