Hello From

West Palm Beach!

 

 

“The Heart of Palm Beach County`”

Anna Maria Island

West Palm Beach

A City in and the County Seat of Palm Beach County, Florida

 

West Palm Beach is a vibrant city on Florida’s southeast coast, offering a mix of cultural attractions, beautiful waterfront views, and year-round sunshine. Known as the commercial and cultural hub of Palm Beach County, the city combines historic neighborhoods with modern high-rises, bustling entertainment districts, and easy access to the Intracoastal Waterway and Atlantic Ocean. With its lively arts scene, shopping, dining, and outdoor activities, West Palm Beach has become a desirable place for both residents and visitors seeking coastal living with big-city amenities.

Deerfield Beach Fishing Pier

West Palm Beach, Florida. Skyline on the Intracoastal waterway at twilight.

Photo by Sean Pavone via Canva

Location & Size

West Palm Beach, Florida is located in Palm Beach County on the southeast coast of Florida.

It sits along the western shore of the Intracoastal Waterway, directly across from the island of Palm Beach and about 70 miles north of Miami. The city is part of the greater Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach metropolitan area and serves as the county seat of Palm Beach County

Founded

West Palm Beach was founded in the late 19th century as part of Henry Flagler’s grand vision to develop Florida’s east coast. Flagler, a Standard Oil magnate turned developer, extended his Florida East Coast Railway southward in the 1890s and built luxury hotels on nearby Palm Beach Island. To support this resort community, he created a separate town across the Intracoastal Waterway for the workers, tradesmen, and businesses that serviced Palm Beach.

In 1894, West Palm Beach was officially incorporated, making it the oldest municipality in South Florida. Early development centered on Clematis Street and the downtown waterfront, where small businesses, homes, and boarding houses sprang up. The arrival of the railroad fueled rapid growth, and the city became a hub for commerce, agriculture, and tourism.

From its origins as a support town for Palm Beach, West Palm Beach grew into a thriving city of its own, balancing historic charm with modern expansion.

WEST PALM BEACH WEATHER

Population

Approximately 120,000 residents

Known For

  • The Clematis Street entertainment and dining district

  • Norton Museum of Art and performing arts venues

  • Annual SunFest music festival along the waterfront

  • Proximity to the luxurious island of Palm Beach

  • Historic districts like Flamingo Park and El Cid

  • A growing downtown with modern residential towers

Cost of living

  • Median Household Income: around $64,000

  • Median Home Price: approximately $450,000–$475,000

  • Median Rent: about $2,100–$2,600 per month

Things to do

  • Explore Clematis Street for nightlife, dining, and shopping

  • Visit the Norton Museum of Art or Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

  • Walk along the West Palm Beach GreenMarket (ranked one of the best in the U.S.)

  • Take a boat ride or water taxi on the Intracoastal Waterway

  • Enjoy outdoor events like SunFest and the Palm Beach International Boat Show

  • Visit the nearby Palm Beach Zoo and South Florida Science Center

Fun Facts

  • West Palm Beach was founded by Henry Flagler as a community for the workers building his resorts and railroad in Palm Beach.

  • It is the oldest incorporated city in South Florida.

  • The city’s GreenMarket has been voted the best farmers market in America multiple times.

  • West Palm Beach is often called the “Gateway to the Palm Beaches” because of its central location.

Nearby Cities

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