The Jewish community in Palm Beach County, Florida has changed in a big way, according to the latest demographic survey. Defying its image as a retirement haven, young families are the largest growing segment of the population, with median age dropping from 70-years-old in 2005, to 60-years-old today. 

In addition to being younger, households were different in other ways—over half are Interfaith families and a surprising 20% of respondents described themselves as barely paying their bills or poor. 

The Palm Beach metro area has more Jewish residents than Miami, Northern New Jersey and Detroit, and is predicted to expand further in the next two decades. 

Since my sister lives there, and I’ve witnessed changes in the area firsthand, I agree with their findings. 25 years ago, it was uncommon to see day cares, nursery schools and/or play groups; everything was geared towards seniors. Today, there are tons of organizations and activities that cater to kids and younger parents. Each stream of Judaism is available, from Secular Humanist to Ultra Orthodox. Some of the public schools even take the Jewish holidays off, Kosher food is plentiful and there is a lot of support and awareness from non-Jewish citizens. 

While it’s much too hot for me to live there year-round, it’s wonderful for extended vacations in the winter. I love the Judaica stores, beaches and Jewish museums. There is also a nice feeling of “Jewishness” in  Florida that you don’t experience in most places, outside of NY or Israel.