The Real Estate Market Heats Up In Manalapan For The MAGA-Crowd

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Palm Beach is one of the most sought-after enclaves in South Florida—if not the world. With world-class hotels like The Breakers, exclusive restaurants, prestigious country clubs (including Mar-a-Lago), and high-end shopping, the real estate market is even more competitive than getting a reservation at Buccan. These are just a few reasons why the neighboring Palm Beach Island Town of Manalapan, which is just minutes away, is drawing just as many celebrities and notable figures, especially those aligned with the MAGA crowd.

Both Towns have very small populations, gorgeous views, and wealthy residents. However, with some major real estate deals coming to the island in recent years—Larry Ellison’s $173 million Gemini Mansion (and his acquisition of the Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa for more than $300 million), Sean Hannity’s $23.5 million home, and entrepreneur Anthony Marlowe’s purchase of an estate for approximately $16 million—could Manalapan’s cachet be on it’s way to exceeding Palm Beach’s?

Marlowe, who dubbed his beach castle MarloweLago, tells me he thinks so.

“I truly believe this is the new Golden Age of Manalapan, similar to how President Trump describes this new era for our whole country. The great Sean Hannity buying here at the end of 2024 has brought the Posh Patriot demand in Manalapan clearly to the forefront. Palm Beach Island is the center of the universe right now.”

The Problem With Palm Beach

With a small population of approximately 9245, it’s easy to understand why real estate options are rather limited in Palm Beach according to Nick Malinosky of The Exclusive Group at Douglas Elliman, who represented the seller of Hannity’s Manalapan estate, “The scarcity of prime real estate on the island of Palm Beach has naturally led buyers to look beyond its borders.”

That’s exactly how Marlowe ended up purchasing his home.

“I found the house and was lucky to have known what Manalapan was. I was looking at anything south and near Mar-a-Lago on Ocean Blvd that had sea-to-lake boundaries on Palm Beach Island. It didn’t matter to me if it was the Town of Palm Beach or the Town of Manalapan.”

Manalapan Is Secluded And Exclusive

While most of the action is in Palm Beach, many wealthy people prefer to come home to a more quiet spot. Madison Collum, Luxury Home Specialist with One Sotheby’s International, who represented Marlowe, tells me, “Manalapan is a quiet, residential area. It is just south of Palm Beach and on the same barrier island. It is very private and has been a hidden gem until recently. It doesn’t have the commercial real estate aspect that Palm Beach has, but that is part of its charm. Palm Beach is a quick and easy fifteen- to twenty-minute drive.”

It also lacks that commercial, ultra-suburban feeling of Boca Raton, which is another area that many wealthy people are attracted to. “As demand continues to outstrip supply in Palm Beach, Manalapan has become a strategic choice for ultra-high-net-worth buyers who want a trophy property without compromising on prestige or waterfront access,” explains Malinosky. “Manalapan offers an unparalleled level of seclusion and privacy that’s increasingly hard to find in Palm Beach.”

An Enclave Of Grand Estates

Manalapan also has something else that Palm Beach does not—larger estates with sweeping waterfront views and access. “With expansive lot sizes and both oceanfront and Intracoastal frontage, Manalapan homes often feature private beaches, deep-water docks, and sprawling compounds that would be nearly impossible to find in Palm Beach proper,” Robert W. Burrage of RWB Construction Management tells me. “This extra space allows for grand architectural designs, resort-style amenities, and unparalleled privacy—features that are highly attractive to discerning buyers.”

This was one of the major draws for Marlowe. “The Atlantic Ocean views feel almost dream-like. The neighbors are some of the most prominent Americans. The town is in perfect proximity to all Palm Beach and South Florida have to offer while still offering privacy.”

The Perfect Spot

With a population of approximately 420 people, it’s not only very small, Manalapan isn’t quite the tourist hot spot that Palm Beach is. “The lack of commercial development in Manalapan also ensures a quiet, residential atmosphere—something that’s become a rarity in South Florida’s luxury enclaves,” explains Malinosky.

Still, residents of Manalapan automatically have membership to Ellison’s Eau and easy access to essential conveniences like a supermarket along with a few shops and restaurants. However, Manalapan’s residents prefer this less is more approach.

Burrage tells me that for the very wealthy, Manalapan seems to check every box. “Buyers at this level prioritize security, privacy, and space—three things Manalapan offers in abundance. Unlike Palm Beach, where estates are more visible and closer together, Manalapan provides sprawling, gated properties with more extensive buffers between neighbors. There’s also the appeal of exclusivity—while Palm Beach has long been a hub for high-profile figures, Manalapan offers a more under-the-radar retreat where even the most recognizable names can enjoy their homes away from prying eyes.”

No Longer A Hidden Gem?

From viral social media accounts like Class of Palm Beach and Suebelle—Palm Beach has become a greater part of the pop culture conversation. However, with 1960 South Ocean Drive Manalapan, the most expensive home listed in America, recently hitting the market at a jaw-dropping $285 million—could it be Manalapan’s turn?

According to Collum, the answer is yes. “One could argue that this is a new era for Manalapan, with many older estates being replaced by new magnificent homes. Manalapan is no longer a hidden gem on Florida’s coastline but the next well-known enclave for the uber-wealthy.”

It remains to be seen, but right now, Manalapan is clearly having a moment with the MAGA-crowd and those aligned with them.