What to Know About West Palm Beach's SoSo

The trendy Southend neighborhood of West Palm Beach is affectionately referred to as "SoSo" (South of Southern). This gorgeous coastal community lies between the intersections of Flagler Dr and South Dixie, stretching from Southern Blvd all the way over to the Canal. Here in this dynamic area on Florida's coast, you can find an abundance of activities and incredible scenery.

The SoSo housing landscape consists primarily of historic or renovated homes, many of which were built between the 1940s and 1950s. Architecturally diverse with a blend of varied styles, such as ranch-style concrete block homes, mid-century modern designs, and even ultra-modern or Mediterranean architecture, SoSo is loved because it doesn't specialize in just one single design trend.

Residents enjoy the proximity to Palm Beach, Boca Raton, and Lake Worth, as well as the Palm Beach International Airport for long-distance adventures. SoSo welcomes an active way of life, and residents are often found walking or biking along Flagler Drive while taking in the stunning waterfront views.

If you are considering a move to SoSo, let's explore more about what you can expect to find in this slice of West Palm Beach real estate.

SoSo offers spectacular waterfront vistas along the Lake Worth Lagoon, with endless water excursions on the horizon, from paddle boarding to parasailing, kayaking, and canoeing. Lake Worth Lagoon also hosts fun-filled events, such as LagoonFest, where you can explore the exhibits and booths, watch a bird show, take a boat tour, and sample great foods.

In the West Palm Beach area, temperatures mostly stay in the 70s and 80s year round, keeping the water warm for swimming and adventure whenever your heart desires. Residents of SoSo can also drive over to neighboring Palm Beach to enjoy surfing the ocean waves.

The aptly named West Palm Beach paradise wouldn't be complete without its signature attractions: beaches. While SoSo is not Atlantic shoreline-facing, residents of SoSo can enjoy nearby sandy spots like Lake Worth Beach, John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Summa Beach Park, and Juno Beach Park — favorites among locals who spend their weekends basking in the sun. Plus, the ocean waves of Palm Beach are just across the Southern Boulevard Bridge. 

The South Dixie Corridor boasts a number of shops ready for exploration. For shoppers who prefer vintage items and those on the hunt for a great deal, Antique Row in West Palm Beach, bordering SoSo, is the perfect place to begin your retail excursion. This stretch of Dixie Highway has everything you’ve hoped for when it comes to antique shopping, whether the goal is luxury or finding a steal. Located conveniently close to the Southern Boulevard Bridge, it boasts over 40 galleries, vintage shops, decor stores, and other charming hideaways for serious shoppers and casual browsers alike.

Just a hop, skip, and jump away lies the mesmerizing Warehouse District, home to Grandview Public Market. Here, you’ll encounter an array of delicious eats, drinks, and unique boutiques.

Apart from the alluring tropical environment, shopping spots, and lagoon views that SoSo has to offer, it is also home to some of Florida's highly-rated schools. South Olive Elementary School educates young minds from grades K-5, offering additional instruction in fine arts, music education, library media, and more. Grades 6-8 attend Conniston Community Middle School, preparing students for success in high school and beyond through advanced placement and college readiness courses. Forest Hill Community High School provides a well-rounded education for high school students along with athletics programs.

Cafe Sapori is a top dining spot, promising a meal you won’t soon forget. From the Margherita pizza and grilled European sea bass to the fried calamari with spicy marinara, the menu here is simply delightful. Don’t skip dessert, either, as Cafe Sapori offers up Sicilian cannolis, apple strudel with hazelnut, classic tiramisu, a range of gelato flavors, and much more.

Howley’s Restaurant is a trendy historic diner with a 1950s theme. Menu standouts here include the classic French toast, the California croissant, the blackened Mahi sandwich, and more. Enjoy your meal and groove to the jukebox. Darbster Restaurant is another popular eatery in SoSo. This plant-based bistro offers delectable meals of organic salads, NY pasta, plant-based burgers, and more. Finally, if you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss out on Earth and Sugar for its signature cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and cereal treats.

SoSo features an array of educational and fun activities for the whole family. The Cox Science Center and Aquarium is the perfect place for a family day out, with planetarium shows, field trips, science demonstrations, aquarium feedings, alligator petting, arts and crafts, and more. Families can also spend an afternoon at Summa Beach Park or South Olive Park, where you’ll find sports fields, a gymnasium, racquetball courts, a splash pad, picnic pavilions, walking trails, and playgrounds for a fun time in the sun.

Nature lovers have endless opportunities to revel in the great outdoors. Along with the shimmering waterfront views as you stroll down Flagler Drive, SoSo is home to various parks, including Bill Moss Hillcrest Paseo, Dreher Park, Mary Brandon Park, Summa Beach Park, and more.

The nearby Okeeheelee Park covers 1,700 acres and promises a ton of fun activities, from hiking and cycling to horseback riding and BMXing. If you’re up for even more adventures, enjoy a kayak or canoe trip around the Bingham Island Audobon Preserve to enjoy the fantastic views and catch glimpses of native birds.

Are you searching for a floral and serene atmosphere? Head to Mounts Botanical Garden and the Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, each showcasing beautiful art hidden in the foliage. The nearby Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is always a go-to spot for a fun day out, featuring numerous exhibits and up-close encounters with koalas, flamingos, capybaras, otters, and more.

If golf is more your style, The Park West Palm features a newly redeveloped 18-hole course, a nine-hole short course, a short-game space, two putting greens, a clubhouse, a practice range, and instructional programs to hone your skills. With tricky sand traps, rolling terrain, and gorgeous greens, The Park West Palm promises a fun, challenging game.

From retail adventures to basking in the Florida sun, SoSo offers a unique slice of West Palm Beach. If you're sold on the Southend lifestyle, top-producing Broker Associate Samantha Curry is ready to make your homeowning dreams come true. She will connect you with remarkable properties in West Palm Beach real estate and guide you through the entire process of finding the perfect new home. Contact Samantha today to learn more about achieving all your real estate goals.