Palm Beach has well-patrolled and clean, sandy beaches. There is a one-block wide strip of flat oceanfront residential land on the seaward side of Gold Coast Highway.

The inland side of the highway has flat residential land, including canal estates, rising to ridges with good ocean views. The southern part of the Gold Coast, from Palm Beach south, is generally regarded as a little more laid back than the northern parts.

Residential

Single exclusive beachfront homes typically range from $545,000 to $1.5million, with the main activity around $600,000.

Modern two and three-bedroom three storey walk-up units sell from $150,000 to $180,000, with most activity around $170,000.

Rentals

Two-bedroom units from $115 a week; three-bedroom units from $160-$185; three-bedroom houses $170 to $250 and three-bedroom canal-front homes $200 to $400.

Shopping

The Pines shopping centre is the largest in the southern part of the Gold Coast and is on the Palm Beach-Elanora border.