Recently named one of the best places to live for families by Fortune, Wellington, Florida, stands out with its world-famous equestrian scene, private communities, top-rated schools, kid-friendly amenities and access to Miami, a culturally vibrant metropolis just 90 minutes south. We spoke with Joy Kairalla, an agent at The Agency Wellington, to explore why this southeast Florida town attracts families from across the country.
What specific neighborhoods in Wellington are attracting buyers with families most right now?
Any homes that fall under the Binks Forest Elementary school zone are the more desirable search locations for families currently. Binks Forest Elementary is among one of the top schools in the state so when out-of-state families are looking to relocate, this school zone is often at the top of their search criteria.
What about these areas do you think appeal to buyers with families?
Wellington itself is a designated golf cart community. This luxury provides the option of skipping school drop-off lines saving tremendous amounts of valuable time on busy weekday mornings.
Overall, what are some of the region’s biggest attractions or amenities that appeal to young and growing families?
Wellington is unique in the way it offers a “small town feel” while being moments away from world-class shopping, fine dining and arts, along with international travel in Miami—which is about 90 minutes south.
On a typical Thursday evening, you will find your neighbors enjoying a food truck invasion hosted at a handicap-accessible park, while you sing along to your favorite songs being covered by local talent at the village’s amphitheater.
Are any industries or local employers attracting new residents and buyers?
Wellington is the winter equestrian capital of the world. Events such as the Winter Equestrian Festival and high-goal polo matches make it the #1 destination in the world for horse enthusiasts.
What home amenities or features are buyers with families seeking right now?
Aside from school zones, amenities families are looking for in the village of Wellington are homes with pools, gated communities, homes on larger than average plots of land, and homes that have either been updated or new construction requiring impact windows and doors. Many buyers are coming from out of state so the idea of being “storm-ready” is attractive.
Have you seen any increase in home buyers or renters from a certain region?
The majority of buyers recently have been from out of state—California, Minnesota and New York, to name a few. Most are coming for the family-friendly atmosphere, and the ability to raise their families in a safe community.
Do you have any notable stats or data about the Wellington market over the past year?
The market in Wellington tends to hold stronger than many of the surrounding areas, due to the uniqueness of what the Village has to offer, as well as the outstanding parks and recreation services they provide. Values continue to go up and now is always the best time for families that are looking. Too many people lose out by waiting, Wellington is very desirable and when you find the right house, you better not sleep on it!
For more insight into current market trends and the world’s most dynamic real estate destinations,
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Who is Buying Property in Barcelona Now; Buying Real Estate in Cape Cod;
Why Buyers Love Steamboat Springs, Colorado; A Closer Look at the NorCal Real Estate Market; Santa Barbara & Montecito Real Estate Insights from Eric Haskell, and Today’s Golf Course Home Market, Palm Beach to Palm Springs.
