Sixty-eight miles from downtown Miami lies the city of West Palm Beach, Florida. Located on the coast, West Palm Beach is the oldest incorporated municipality in the South Florida area.

When explorer Ponce de Leon landed on the shores in 1513, native American tribes were already in the area. There were some disputes over land over the years, but eventually, settlers prevailed. In 1894, a group of settlers decided to incorporate the town in 1894. 

Throughout the years, there have been population booms and periods of low times during the Great Depression and the 1928 Okeechobee hurricane. During the 1950s, West Palm Beach became one of the nation's fastest-growing areas. With the invention of air conditioning, South Florida became more popular. The suburban areas grew exponentially, and in the 1990s, downtown developments surged. A high-speed passenger rail system now ties Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach together.

Palm Beach is a strip of land on the coast with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and Lake Worth Lagoon on the west. Across the lagoon is West Palm Beach, an area of about 58 square miles. 

South Florida is ripe with wetlands, so the city's west side is comprised of the Grassy Waters Preserve. This is a reservoir for the city's drinking water and a nature preserve. The city's 117,000 residents are nestled between this preserve and the canal.

Neighborhoods

West Palm Beach has historic neighborhoods and modern mansions. There are condominium complexes and single-family homes. Here are a few notable areas:

Bel Air Historic District – When one hears Bel Air, one thinks of the upscale California neighborhood. This Bel Air has homes that were built between 1925 and 1935. Before these homes were built, this area was a pineapple and coconut palm farm at different times.

Grandview Heights is one of the oldest neighborhoods in West Palm Beach. It's on the National Register of Historic Places and is close to the Rosemary Square shopping center, downtown, and the waterfront. It also borders Howard Park and the Convention Center.

Flamingo Park has homes built from the 1920s to the 1980s. The style is Mediterranean or Mission style homes and stucco bungalows. Business owners and professionals like this neighborhood as shops and sites of interest are within walking distance. The area is close to major highways and the Palm Beach International Airport.

City Place is an excellent choice for those that like to live in a downtown setting. The focus is condominiums and lofts. Living here means walking to shops, restaurants, bars, and the cinema.

Wellington is on the west end of West Palm Beach. This area used to be a vast strawberry field, and now it's filled with well-appointed homes. The neighborhood is close to the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club, with an equestrian center, a championship golf course, and access to private hangars to park your jet at the Aero Club.

Delray Beach is perfect for those who want to live near the water. There are condominiums and older homes. It's also close to the Highway or commuter train. There are many cafes and shops, and this neighborhood attracts singles, couples, young professionals, and transplants to the area.

Jensen Beach has views of the ocean. There are shops nearby, but the real appeal is the ability to watch sea turtles during nesting seasons from your single-family home or condo.

The Palisades is a gated community with luxury homes. They are between 2,400  and 3,500 square feet, most located on a private lake or preserve lot. There are hiking trails throughout the neighborhood and a host of other amenities.

Briar Bay is a gated community with seven sub-developments within its borders. There are condominiums and single-family homes. The community also has a recreation center, exercise room, pool and sundeck, and lighted tennis courts. 

Jonathan's Cove is a townhome gated community. The homes have 2 and 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, some with garages. Most homes are on a lake or canal. Amenities include a clubhouse, fitness center, swimming pool, jogging paths, and a volleyball court.

Lands of the President is a gated community situated on a golf course. The Banyan Cay Resort and Golf Club will soon open with a Jack Nicklaus-designed course. Home options include condos, single-family homes, and townhomes.

The Southend is located near the waterfront, and the homes are pricier due to their desired location. Historic homes were constructed in the 1920s and newer palatial estates, some with private docks on the intercoastal waterway.

Schools

The School District of Palm Beach County is one of the largest in the United States. There are 18 elementary, nine middle, and six high schools serving West Palm Beach and the incorporated areas surrounding the city. There are also three charter and multi-level schools and a host of private schools, including Oxbridge Academy of the Palm Beaches, Matlock Preparatory Academy, St. Ann Catholic School, and The King's Academy.

Those wanting to continue their education don't have to go far. You can choose from Palm Beach State College, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Keiser University, the Florida Culinary Institute, and Lincoln College of Technology.

Companies

While many residents commute toward Fort Lauderdale and Miami, several companies are based in West Palm Beach. These include Florida Public Utilities, ION Media Networks, and the Palm Beach Post. Other companies with a large presence include Sikorsky Aircraft, General Dynamics, CSC, and Pratt & Whitney.

Attractions

Besides the waterways and beaches, there is plenty to do in West Palm Beach.

Sports

The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals major league baseball teams hold spring training at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches. 

Palm Beach University is an NCAA Division II school that competes in basketball, baseball, and soccer. Other colleges in the area have athletic events to watch as well.

If you love golf, catch the PGA Tour Honda Classic held at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens. If you love to play, check out the Bear Lakes Country Club, Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, or dozens of other courses in Jupiter or Palm Beach.

Other sports events are polo at the Palm Beach Polo and Country Club, Tennis in Delray Beach, croquet at the National Croquet Center, and BMX racing at Okeeheelee Park.

Other Places of Interest

The Grandview Market is a must-visit during the summer months. It's a prominent farmer's market where you can take home fruits, veggies, seafood, soaps, flowers, and more. Much delicious produce is grown in Florida, and the Atlantic ocean fishermen bring in their fresh catch daily. Take advantage of this and bring home quality food for dinner.

McCarthy's Wildlife Sanctuary is open for tours. It houses sick or injured animals that couldn't be released back into the wild. You'll see tigers, leopards, hawks, macaws, and pythons.

The Palm Beach County History Museum is a great place to learn about the area's history. Some artifacts date back to the 16th century, and the museum has free admission.

The Norton Museum of Art has classic displays of outstanding works, including French impressionists, American painters, Chinese artists, and much more. There is an outdoor garden with sculptures and visiting exhibits throughout the year.

Currie Park is on the intercoastal waterway. Launch your boat from its shores, visit the maritime museum, or let your kids enjoy the playground or a game of tennis.

There are plenty of beaches to take a stroll or a dip in the warm waters. There are also several places where you can see the water animals in their native habitat. One is Manatee Lagoon, where you can learn about these sea creatures and get a glimpse of them swimming in the waters.

Shopping

Whether you are looking for high-end retail shops, outlets, or antique stores, West Palm Beach has you covered.

Clematis Street is in downtown West Palm Beach, right on the Lake Worth Lagoon. Dock your boat and shop or drive in from the suburbs. There's an interactive fountain, pavilion, a free trolley ride, dining, shopping, and nightlife. Throughout the year, Clematis Street holds festivals.

The Square is in Downtown West Palm Beach. Many restaurants include City Cellar Wine Bar & Grill, BurgerFi, Barrio, Il Bellagio, Planta, and Le Macaron. Shopping destinations include Anthropologie, H&M, Lululemon, Restoration Hardware, and Sur La Table. Cultural attractions include wellness opportunities, festivals, and a showcase of artists.

Northwoods Village has boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars, antique shops, and salons.

Moving to West Palm Beach

 

West Palm Beach is a fantastic place to live. You are enough to downtown Miami and Fort Lauderdale for nightlife and cruises. You can live near the waterfront or on the fairway of a golf course. There are great restaurants and excellent shopping destinations. You can soak up the sun cruising the waters in your motorboat, surfing off the coast, or paddling down the intercoastal waterways. If your destination is South Florida, definitely check out West Palm Beach.

 

Jeff Tricoli is a specialist, who works hard to make the home selling and buying processes as smooth as possible. He fights every day to help his clients meet their real estate goals and do what is best for their families. Whether you’re looking to sell a house, an office building, or hundreds of acres, he would love the opportunity to talk with you about putting his best-in-class marketing solutions and services to work for you.