Best Small Cities in America to Move to Before They Get Too Popular - Thrillist
Anneliese Schwyter
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Delray Beach, Florida
The laid-back South Florida beach fantasy is very, very real
Population: 67,000
It’s not just for grandparents anymore. In the past decade, Delray has begun to use the word “hip” to precede something other than “replacement.” Atlantic Avenue has transformed from a daytime retiree corridor to the top nightlife destination in Palm Beach County, with clubs like Salt7 and Il Bacio drawing partiers from all over South Florida. Top Miami burger joints like Rok:Brgr and Batch have opened outposts up here, joining an already-strong lineup of destination restaurants like Brule Bistro and Vic & Angelo's.
Yet Delray still captures the essence of the old-school South Florida. Traffic is light (exceptions: during the Garlic Festival or annual tennis tournament), you can actually find beach parking, and flip-flops are perfectly acceptable dinner attire. Add in one of the region’s best breweries at Salt Water and you’ve got the rare coastal Florida city that hasn’t overbuilt itself into oblivion. -- Matt Meltzer