Palm Beach has long been known for its luxury estates, affluent residents, and high standard of living. However, soaring housing costs are now creating significant challenges for domestic staffing, making it increasingly difficult for families to hire and retain top household employees.

As real estate prices continue to rise, driven in part by an influx of wealthy out-of-state buyers, many private service professionals can no longer afford to live near their places of work. This shift is impacting families who rely on nannies, housekeepers, estate managers, and personal assistants to keep their households running smoothly.

Understanding these challenges and exploring solutions such as housing stipends, transportation assistance, and even employer-provided accommodations can help ensure that families continue to attract and retain the best domestic staff.

The Housing Market’s Impact on Domestic Staffing

Palm Beach County’s real estate market has skyrocketed in value, pricing out many middle-class and working professionals, including those in the private service industry.

Home prices are surging: Luxury properties are replacing once-affordable homes, making it difficult for staff to find housing within a reasonable commuting distance. (NY Post)
Rentals are scarce and expensive: With fewer rental options available, domestic employees must often relocate further away, leading to longer commutes and higher transportation costs.
Affordable housing shortages are growing: Reports indicate that 80,000 new affordable housing units are needed in Palm Beach County to keep up with demand. (WPTV)

For families hiring domestic staff, these factors translate into higher turnover rates, increased salary expectations, and staffing shortages.

Challenges for Families Hiring Domestic Staff in Palm Beach County

With housing costs continuing to climb, families in Palm Beach and South Florida are facing several challenges when it comes to hiring and retaining private service professionals.

1. Longer Commutes & Scheduling Issues

Many domestic employees now commute 30 minutes to an hour each way, often from areas like Delray Beach, Boca Raton, or Wellington. During Palm Beach’s busy season (October–April), traffic congestion makes commutes even longer. (FloridaSmart)

This can create challenges such as:

Difficulty accommodating early morning or late-night schedules
Less availability for last-minute requests or overtime
Increased fatigue and stress, impacting job performance and retention

2. Higher Salary Expectations & Employer Costs

To offset the high cost of living, many household employees now expect higher wages, gas stipends, or housing allowances. Families must be prepared to:

Offer competitive salaries that reflect the increasing cost of housing
Provide transportation or commute reimbursement for staff traveling long distances
Consider creative benefits, such as meal allowances or flexible scheduling, to retain top talent

3. Retention & Staff Turnover

Many skilled domestic employees are opting for jobs closer to their homes, leading to higher turnover rates for families in Palm Beach. This means:

More frequent hiring cycles, requiring additional time and resources
A greater need for trusted staffing agencies that can help find long-term matches
The risk of losing highly trained and trusted staff to more convenient job opportunities

How Palm Beach County Families Can Adapt to the Changing Landscape

To attract and retain the best domestic staff in an increasingly expensive market, high-net-worth families are exploring new approaches to staffing and employee benefits.

1. Reintroducing Employer-Provided Housing

Some families are reconsidering on-site accommodations for domestic staff, particularly for roles requiring flexibility or extended hours. Unlike the traditional live-in model, today’s solutions focus on comfort, privacy, and convenience.

💡 Examples of housing solutions:

Guest houses, detached suites, or in-law apartments for nannies or caregivers who occasionally stay overnight
Short-term housing assistance for seasonal or traveling staff
Shared staff housing arrangements similar to those being considered by The Breakers Palm Beach, which is exploring a dedicated employee housing campus (SFBW Magazine)

2. Offering Housing Stipends or Relocation Assistance

For families who cannot provide on-site housing, offering housing stipends or relocation assistance can help domestic employees secure housing closer to their place of work. This can:

Reduce commute-related stress and scheduling conflicts
Improve job satisfaction and retention
Allow employees to focus on their work without financial strain

3. Partnering with a Trusted Domestic Staffing Agency

Working with a professional household staffing agency can streamline the hiring process and ensure that families are matched with highly qualified candidates who are prepared for the realities of working in Palm Beach.

At My Household Managed, we:

Match families with top-tier domestic staff
Provide guidance on salary trends & employee expectations
Help navigate household staffing challenges to improve employee retention

If you’re struggling to find and retain skilled household employees due to the rising cost of living in Palm Beach, we can help.

The Future of Domestic Staffing in Palm Beach

The rising cost of housing in Palm Beach is reshaping the domestic staffing industry. As families compete for highly skilled household employees, offering competitive wages, housing assistance, and flexible accommodations is becoming increasingly important.

By staying ahead of industry trends and adapting to the challenges of an evolving real estate market, families can continue to find and retain dedicated, discreet, and highly qualified domestic staff to support their households.

Need help hiring household staff in Palm Beach?

At My Household Managed, we specialize in matching families with dedicated, discreet, and highly skilled private service professionals. Whether you're looking for a live-in caregiver, an estate manager, or a nanny with flexible accommodations, we provide personalized solutions to meet your household’s needs. Contact My Household Managed today.