Emerald Dunes - West Palm Beach, FL

The golf course at Emerald Dunes opened in 1990, and then the housing part was added in 2006. The original designer, Tom Fazio, overhauled the clubhouse and the golf course of the community in 2012.

When looking for arts and culture, residents can easily reach the Cruzan Amphitheatre just outside this neighborhood. In nearby West Palm Beach, you find a thriving arts scene, including the Norton Museum of Art, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and the Palm Beach Opera.

The surrounding area has countless annual events you can attend. Some options include the Palm Beach Arts & Antiques Fair, the Palm Beach Boat Show, the Palm Beach International Jazz Festival and the Palm Beach Wine and Food Classic.

This neighborhood doesn't include its own restaurants or nightlife venues, but you don't have far to drive to reach some. The area around this neighborhood features a mix of chain restaurants, such as LongHorn Steakhouse and Applebee's. It also includes independent Asian, Italian and other ethnic food restaurants.

Within walking distance of the neighborhood, nearby Lake Point Center includes some chain restaurants where you can grab a meal. This shopping center also gives you the option of Italian food at Lutina's Pizza, among other places.

When hunger strikes, your best bet is to drive along nearby Okeechobee Boulevard and choose one of the many restaurants lining it. Go to Taste of India for spicy and traditional Indian fare. You have a full menu of lamb, tandoori, samosa, naan and other Indian specialties. If you really have a taste for Indian food, you can take advantage of this restaurant's buffet meals, which give you a good bang for your buck.

When in the mood for Latin American cuisine, consider Los Parceros to try Colombian food. This restaurant is based around grabbing a quick bite, although it has tables, so you can sit and relax if you prefer. You find a selection of Colombian fast food on the menu, including empanadas, picada grande, arepas and yucca frita in large portions. Sit to enjoy the fun atmosphere or grab your food to take it back home. Los Parceros also has a food truck it sets up in West Palm Beach.

Those looking for a fun night out go to Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach for nightclubs and live music. The best nightclub is The Pawnshop Lounge, which features 1960s- and 1970s-themed elements mixed with current styles. It has DJs playing top hits and special effects to create an exciting atmosphere for dancing. You can also take Okeechobee Boulevard straight to City Place, a shopping center that has restaurants, bars and a comedy club.

Residents generally travel the Villas at Emerald Dunes by car. Public parking is not available, although the neighborhood has parking for residents and guests. You can’t hail a cab from the street, but you can call a cab company or use Uber to have a cab pick you up. Public transportation options are not available within the neighborhood, although Okeechobee Boulevard and Vista Parkway, which connect with the neighborhood’s entrance, have bus stops.

Emerald Dunes sits right beside Okeechobee Boulevard and Florida’s Turnpike, a convenient location to connect with the rest of South Florida. You can walk this neighborhood, which includes sidewalks for safety. If you want to ride your bike, this residential neighborhood is a prime spot, but be aware that the neighborhood doesn't have bike lines.

Just outside the neighborhood sits the Grassy Waters Preserve, which has various trails, including the Owahee Trail, that you can hike or bike. A little farther away, Dyer Park has basketball courts, baseball fields, biking trails, picnic areas and other features for families and couples to enjoy. Haverhill Park provides tennis and racquetball courts, a playground, picnic pavilions and a trail for exercising that includes 20 exercise stations along its length. These free parks do not offer annual events, but Grassy Waters has some activities, such as tours and educational programs.

The average rental rate of $1,122.50 for a one-bedroom residence in Emerald Dunes falls below the average for the city of Royal Palm Beach. Expect to pay about $4 for a beer and $2 for a trip on the Palm Tran bus from here to the city center of Royal Palm Beach. Gas prices in this area hover at 10 percent higher than the rest of the country.

Most of the stores in this area are chain stores such as Best Buy, Ross and Kmart. You can find boutiques in West Palm Beach, including Dina C’s Fab & Funky, which sells consignment clothing and accessories.

For most of your shopping, you'll need to leave the immediate area. If you want the mall experience, visit the high-end Mall at Wellington Green or the Gardens Mall in Palm Beach Gardens. To get a value on clothing and other items, try the Palm Beach Outlets, which offer name brands at lower prices. To get a downtown shopping experience, visit the chain stores at City Place in West Palm Beach, or visit independent boutiques in downtown Lake Worth.

For grocery shopping, residents of this neighborhood have numerous options, including chain stores such as Walmart Neighborhood Market, Publix and Winn-Dixie. They also have small independent stores available, including Gourmet Services for gourmet options, Southeastern Food Supply for Asian groceries, BMJ Foods for regular groceries and Quality Produce Suppliers for fresh produce.

You also have farmer's markets in this area for fresh produce and handmade goods. Go to the West Palm Beach Green Market, Farmer's Emporium or Don Victorio's Market.