With over 100,000 residents and a fast-growing reputation as one of Florida’s most desirable places to live and do business, the city of Palm Coast is on the rise. Located along Interstate 95 in northeast Florida, this vibrant city is strategically positioned between Jacksonville, Orlando, and Daytona Beach. Palm Coast offers a powerful combination of connectivity, coastal charm, and forward-thinking development initiatives, making it an increasingly attractive hub for businesses, families, and investors alike.
“Palm Coast’s strategic location along I-95 provides unparalleled connectivity for businesses and residents,” says Craig McKinney, Economic Development Manager. “There are thousands of communities across the U.S. that will never be able to say the busiest Interstate on the eastern coast cuts right through their city. For us, it’s a strategic asset that we certainly love to promote.”
Palm Coast’s accessibility is a major advantage for industries reliant on logistics, transportation, and distribution. Interstate 95 not only offers direct regional market access but also connects to Jacksonville Port (JaxPort), one of the busiest shipping hubs in Florida. The city’s location within Foreign Trade Zone 46, the largest in Florida, offers a variety of incentives to businesses engaged in import/export activities.
Foreign Trade Zone 46 serves as a powerful tool for businesses engaged in international commerce, enabling companies to defer, reduce, or even eliminate customs duties, an especially valuable advantage in today’s global economy. Additionally, Palm Coast’s proximity to JaxPort facilitates direct deliveries and a more efficient customs process, further enhancing its appeal to importers and exporters.
Beyond trade, the city actively promotes its competitive cost of living and affordability for both residents and entrepreneurs. Compared to metro hubs like Orlando and Jacksonville, Palm Coast offers lower real estate costs, a more relaxed lifestyle, and fewer overhead burdens for new and expanding businesses. “It allows entrepreneurs to launch and grow businesses with lower overhead, and it enables employees to enjoy a higher quality of life with the cost of living here,” says Brittany Kershaw, Director of Communications & Marketing. “It’s a win-win for talent retention and economic vitality.”
The city of Palm Coast also facilitates business growth through its economic development partnerships and streamlined permitting processes. City officials work closely with JAXUSA Partnership and the Flagler County Department of Economic Opportunity to match businesses with local incentives, workforce training, and available real estate.
As Palm Coast evolves, it’s doing so with intentionality. One of the city’s most exciting developments is The Promenade at Town Center, a transformative downtown project designed to foster a walkable, mixed-use environment. The vision includes retail spaces, dining, residential units, and public gathering areas, forming a dynamic urban core in the heart of the city.
The Promenade is a significant milestone in Palm Coast’s journey toward establishing a vibrant downtown district. It’s emerging as a lively, pedestrian-friendly hub where locals and visitors alike can live, dine, shop, and engage with the community. Its walkable design and integrated mix of uses exemplify the city’s goal of creating a modern yet welcoming urban center.
While The Promenade is currently the most visible and well-known development, city officials hint at even more exciting projects in the works. Though details remain under wraps, these future initiatives promise to further enhance the downtown experience and underscore the city’s ongoing momentum in revitalization and smart urban growth.
In addition to commercial and residential growth, Palm Coast’s urban planning incorporates sustainable infrastructure and accessible design. Emphasis is placed on walkability, bike-friendliness, and smart growth principles. The city regularly solicits public feedback and integrates residents’ voices into its long-range development plans.
For many residents and visitors, Palm Coast’s appeal goes far beyond business—it’s about lifestyle. With 130 miles of interconnected trails weaving through parks, preserves, and neighborhoods, outdoor living is seamlessly integrated into everyday life. “You can basically get from one side of the county to the other using just the trail system, whether you’re walking, biking, or skateboarding,” says Kershaw. “It certainly encourages an active and healthy lifestyle and is a big tourist draw as well. People come from all over the region to enjoy our trails.”
These trails connect to 13 premier parks and over a dozen annual events hosted by the city’s Parks and Recreation Department. From family-friendly festivals to arts and cultural events and live music, Palm Coast fosters a strong sense of community and inclusion.
While the beach itself is technically outside the official city limits, it remains a major draw. Located just seven miles away, the nearest stretch of coastline boasts roughly six miles of undeveloped dunes, free from hotels, restaurants, and homes. This pristine natural setting offers a stunning and unobstructed view of the Atlantic Ocean, adding immense value to the quality of life in the area. Palm Coast also holds the unique distinction of having the shortest distance from an I-95 exit to the beach—just three miles. This geographic quirk enhances both tourism and convenience.
Of course, safety and cost of living are two more reasons why families and businesses are choosing Palm Coast. “Our law enforcement and fire departments are phenomenal, and strong public safety encourages a high level of quality of life,” Kershaw says. “Palm Coast has continually been recognized as one of the safest cities in Florida.”
Despite rapid growth, the city has remained committed to affordability through responsible fiscal planning. The City Council continuously works to maintain a low ad valorem tax rate, making it easier for families and business owners to thrive. “Through long-term financial planning and our strategic action plan, the city is able to offer high-quality services while keeping costs low,” Kershaw notes. That strategic planning includes maintaining roadways, lush public landscaping, and clean, safe neighborhoods. “People will comment that they know they’ve entered Palm Coast just by how well everything is maintained,” she adds.
Palm Coast also invests in smart city infrastructure, including traffic management systems, green energy incentives, and data-driven planning tools. These initiatives ensure that as the city grows, it remains efficient, responsive, and sustainable.
High-quality education is another pillar of Palm Coast’s success story, and the city boasts an A-rated public school district in Flagler Schools, as well as a robust technical and higher education network. “We have great partnerships with Flagler Schools, Flagler Technical College, and universities like Daytona State College, University of North Florida, and Jacksonville University,” says McKinney. “That gives us a local pipeline of talent, which is critical to companies looking to relocate.”
Having educational institutions nearby ensures residents have access to lifelong learning opportunities while creating a skilled workforce pipeline for local employers. Whether it’s certification-based training or four-year degrees, the city’s academic infrastructure supports a broad range of career pathways. Additionally, Palm Coast has partnered with business incubators and startup organizations to foster innovation and entrepreneurship among students and professionals. This investment in talent development is key to sustaining long-term economic vitality.
As the city grows, leadership is focused on preserving Palm Coast’s identity. “We’re at a really exciting point in our growth,” Kershaw shares. “Palm Coast is committed to maintaining a balance between natural beauty, smart development, and that small-town charm, even though we’ve surpassed 100,000 residents,” she says.
That delicate balance between innovation and preservation is what sets Palm Coast apart. From its clean streets and abundant green spaces to its welcoming community vibe and dynamic economic opportunities, Palm Coast isn’t just a city that’s growing; it’s a city that’s thriving.
“Palm Coast is open for opportunity, whether it’s a small business looking to grow, a large business looking for a new home, or an investor seeking value,” says Kershaw. “We really believe Palm Coast has something for everyone.”
With new downtown developments underway, proximity to global trade routes, unmatched recreational offerings, and a community committed to excellence, Palm Coast stands at the crossroads of possibility. It’s a place where businesses find logistical advantages, families find safety and affordability, and everyone finds room to grow.
As Florida continues to attract attention on the national stage, the city of Palm Coast is carving out a unique position as a forward-looking community rooted in quality of life and opportunity. Whether you’re visiting the beach, relocating for a job, or investing in your next venture, Palm Coast is ready to welcome you.
