Chances are that you may have heard about Palm Beach before thanks to the many TV shows and movies that featured the Florida city, as well as the county of the same name. Still, you might be surprised to find out that there exists a West Palm Beach that lies – well – west of Palm Beach. Moreover, West Palm Beach is the capital of Palm Beach County.
Here, all your burning questions about West Palm Beach will be answered to give you a better grasp of the things to expect when living in this vibrant city. From its economic pulse to its housing market, from its exciting retail hubs to its adventurous dining scene – we will let you take in the full essence of living in West Palm Beach through this guide.
History
West Palm Beach dates back to the late 19th century when railroad magnate Henry Flagler decided to extend the Florida East Coast Railway down to Florida’s southernmost point. This move opened up the area for development. More people became drawn here by the easy access to beaches, particularly wealthy visitors who proceeded to build grand vacation homes – many of which still stand and can be visited by visitors today – along the waterfront.
West Palm Beach was incorporated as a town on November 5, 1894, then declared a city ten years later; after which it quickly became the economic and cultural center of Palm Beach County.
After West Palm Beach’s real estate boom that transformed the city into a bustling urban center in the 1920s, the construction of the Palm Beach International Airport in the old Morrison Field followed in 1936. This further boosted both migration and tourist arrivals.
During World War II, Palm Beach County played an important role in the war effort as Morrison Field was converted into a training facility, and the county’s shipyards were used in building and repairing ships for the Navy. When the war ended, WWII veterans discovered the beauty of the Palm Beach area and decided to relocate here. West Palm Beach also benefited from this post-war attention.
The 1950s and 1960s saw a political uprising in West Palm Beach that eventually led to the desegregation of many public facilities in the city.
In recent years, West Palm Beach underwent a major revitalization of its downtown area with the entry of new restaurants, shops, residential buildings, and services. Travel between West Palm Beach and Miami also became more convenient after the Brightline high-speed train service began operating between the two cities in 2018.
Today, West Palm Beach has grown into a vibrant and welcoming city known, not just for its amazing amenities and stellar attractions but also for its friendly residents and laid-back atmosphere.
Location
West Palm Beach is nestled in the southeastern region of Florida and is located 68 miles north of Miami. As mentioned earlier, there is a City of Palm Beach and a City of West Palm Beach. What separates these two neighboring cities is the Lake Worth Lagoon. West Palm Beach is still connected to the Florida mainland while Palm Beach is situated on a barrier island that faces the Atlantic expanse.
Given West Palm Beach’s strategic location, the city is blessed with easy access to most of South Florida, from the region’s airports to the dazzling coastal urban centers, as well as cozy nature retreats. There’s the I-95 and the Florida Turnpike that make road travel to various destinations in the Sunshine State from West Palm Beach easy and convenient.
Weather
Much like the rest of Florida, West Palm Beach enjoys a warm, tropical climate, with the city enjoying constant sunshine and temperatures of 59°F to 89°F for most of the year. It does have its share of colder temperatures due to rainfall, though, and this is almost twice as much as the national average. But rain is a wonderful respite to soaring temps, especially during summer months in West Palm Beach like July and August.
Winter temps are pleasant here as there are zero chances of snow. This is why West Palm Beach and the rest of the state are preferred haunts of snowbirds escaping the freezing temperatures in their respective places of origin. A good number of them fall in love with the city and decide to settle here for good.
Life Style
Nature, climate, and geography play a large part in molding the kind of lifestyle one could expect when living in West Palm Beach. There’s a wide variety of outdoor activities that may or may not involve water, including biking, hiking, and boating.
Much of the high-octane activity in West Palm Beach happens in its downtown area. Downtown West Palm Beach pulsates with energy from sun up to sundown because this is where you’ll find a vibrant art and culture scene, as well as a plethora of world-class restaurants and shopping destinations. History is also given its own pedestal here. The wealth of attractions and things to do in the Center of Paradise – as locals would call their downtown area – makes living in West Palm Beach one that is full of surprises every day.
What Does Living In West Palm Beach Feel Like
Living in West Palm Beach is best described as living in Paradise, with the city boasting some of the most remarkable amenities, attractions, and activities one can find in The Sunshine State. Below are your questions about this thrilling city in Palm Beach County – answered.
Who lives in West Palm Beach
More than 117,000 people call West Palm Beach home. NeighborhoodScout.com also notes that the city has a relatively young population, most of which are “single, educated, and upwardly mobile career starters.” The city also has one of the most diverse populations in the state, with its residents representing racial and ethnic groups from all over the world.
West Palm Beach has been home to several notable residents throughout its history, such as singer-songwriter Tori Amos, award-winning actress Glenn Close, legendary sports icon Michael Jordan, professional tennis players Venus and Serena Williams, rockstar Cassadee Pope, and actor Tommy Lee Jones.
What’s the economic climate in West Palm Beach
As a coastal city, West Palm Beach’s economy is primarily hinged on tourism, followed by healthcare, and the technology industries. In addition, the city is home to a diverse range of businesses, from small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations, all of which help propel the city’s economy to even greater heights.
The city’s residents currently earn a median household income of around $57,000. While this may be a couple of thousands lower than the national average, this is easily offset by the lack of income tax in Florida, which means West Palm Beach’s residents get to take home more of their pay compared to those outside of the state.
How’s the educational system in West Palm Beach
West Palm Beach has a diverse selection of top-performing public and private institutions that can adeptly provide the highest quality of education for their children.
Public schools in the city are under The School District of Palm Beach County (SDPBC), the tenth-largest school district in the United States in terms of enrollment. SDPBC manages some of the highest-rated public schools in the county, including West Palm Beach institutions such as Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts, Suncoast Community High School, and Bak Middle School of the Arts.
West Palm Beach residents who prefer to bring their children to private schools can consider Cardinal Newman High School, The King’s Academy, and American Heritage School – currently among the top-rated private learning institutions in Palm Beach County.
Those keen to pursue higher education, meanwhile, will be delighted to know that the city is home to several reputable universities such as Palm Beach Atlantic University, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business, nursing, and ministry; and Keiser University, which has a wide range of programs related to healthcare, business, and technology.
Where can I shop in West Palm Beach
Having access to some of the best retail spots is part and parcel of living in West Palm Beach, with the city offering everything from high-end luxury stores to local boutiques. Here are some of the best shopping spots in the city:
- CityPlace: This premier shopping and dining destination is located in the heart of Downtown West Palm Beach. An outdoor mall, CityPlace has well over 80 shops, including national retailers such as H&M and Sephora, as well as local boutiques.
- Antique Row: Located in the city’s art and design district, Antique Row is home to over 40 of West Palm Beach’s best antique shops and art galleries, all of which sell everything from vintage furniture to fine art pieces.
- Clematis Street: A vibrant and eclectic shopping district in the downtown area, Clematis Street is where you’ll find an amazing mix of retail stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues that give this place a cosmopolitan vibe.
- The Square: Still found in Downtown West Palm Beach, this vibrant multi-use space has a well-curated mix of more than 50 shops and restaurants, making it a popular destination for those looking to sample the best of South Florida’s dining and retail scene.
- Worth Avenue: Known as the “Rodeo Drive of the East Coast” and located just a short drive away from Downtown West Palm Beach, this iconic street is home to high-end boutiques, luxury brands, and world-class restaurants. The palm trees lining the streets and the buildings’ Mediterranean-style architecture make this the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll in the city.
What is there to see and experience in West Palm Beach
Here are several great attractions that you can enjoy whenever you want when living in West Palm Beach:
- Norton Museum of Art: This West Palm Beach museum boasts a collection of over 8,200 artworks, making it one of the top cultural institutions in South Florida. The museum’s impressive collection includes pieces by Picasso, Matisse, and Monet, as well as those by American and Chinese masters. It also has a beautiful sculpture garden and hosts a variety of rotating exhibitions on contemporary art and photography throughout the year.
- Delray Beach: Found around 20 miles south of West Palm Beach, Delray Beach is the perfect venue for sun, sand, and surf. It’s also another colorful Palm Beach city with a lot to offer from quaint cafes to energetic nightlife.
- Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society: This 23-acre zoo found in West Palm Beach’s Dreher Park has a menagerie of over 550 animals from all around the world, including giant tortoises, tigers, koalas, and sloths. The zoo also offers a range of educational programs and events, including active wildlife conservation programs.
- Ocean Reef Park: Dedicated to the conservation of the local marine life, this nature park has over 700 feet of guarded, explorable reefs that make it an excellent destination for those who may be into snorkeling and freediving. Lifeguards are stationed around the area to ensure the safety of swimmers.
How’s The Real Estate Pulse Of West Palm Beach
At present, West Palm Beach’s housing market is relatively relaxed, with the housing stock being more capable of accommodating the huge demand. This means prospective buyers are more likely to negotiate on a more steady footing with sellers and get their dream home in the city.
Home values in West Palm Beach have been on a consistent upward trend for almost three years already, hiccuping only slightly in January 2023 but getting back on its feet by the next month. As of February, homes for sale in West Palm Beach, FL were sold at a median price of $350,000, up by 31.9% year-over-year.
Note, though, that home prices in the city will depend largely on factors such as amenities and their location. For instance, homes in the in-demand and upscale neighborhood of El Cid have a median listing home price of $4.5 million, whereas properties in the city’s more affordable locations such as the Villages of Palm Beach Lakes have a median listing home price of around $290,000.
Homes for sale in West Palm Beach typically consist of single-family homes, condos, and multi-family residences. These homes typically sit on large, spacious lots, and feature unbeatable ocean views and easy access to premium amenities. Homes for sale in West Palm Beach also typically boast multiple bedrooms and bathrooms, ample storage space, and top-quality furniture and appliances. Luxury condos in the area, for their part, have features such as smart home technology, custom furniture, professional-grade kitchens, and updated appliances.
What architectural styles are popular in West Palm Beach
Given the city’s history and its vibrant cultural identity, living in West Palm Beach means being surrounded by a rich and diverse set of architectural styles among its buildings and residences. Below are the most popular ones:
- Victorian. Popularized in the late 1800s, this style is characterized by ornate details, such as gingerbread trim, turrets, decorative brackets, wrap-around porches, and intricate woodwork.
- Tropical Vernacular. First explored in the 1950s, this design’s most noticeable characteristic includes open, airy spaces that allow for natural ventilation – a perfect style for Florida’s humid climate.
- Mediterranean Revival. One of the most popular architectural styles in West Palm Beach, this rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, drawing its influences from Spanish and Italian architecture.
- Monterey Style. A unique blend of Spanish and Colonial Revival designs, Monterey-style homes are characterized by low-pitched roofs, wrap-around porches, and distinctive balconies supported by columns. This style first emerged in the early 20th century and has since become a popular choice among many homeowners in the area.
- Mission Revival. Seen as a nod to the city’s Spanish heritage, Mission Revival architecture is known for features like arched doorways and windows, as well as the incorporation of materials such as stucco and red tiles.
- Georgian Revival. Another popular style in West Palm Beach, Georgian Revival architecture is characterized by brick or stone exteriors, grand entryways, and classical elements such as columns. This traditional style experienced a revival in the early 20th century and is known for giving houses a timeless and regal flair.
- Art Deco. Popularized in the 1920s and 1930s, this whimsical style is characterized by bold geometric shapes, vibrant colors, and streamlined designs.
- Mid-Century Modern. Developed in the post-World War II era and popularized in the 1950s and 1960s, this style carries clean lines, simple shapes, and the use of materials such as concrete, glass, and steel. This style has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, thanks largely to buyers who lean towards a more minimalist and streamlined lifestyle.
Find Your West Palm Beach Real Estate Today
If you’re looking to experience the perks of living in West Palm Beach, give me – top-notch West Palm Beach Realtor Suzanne Frisbie – a call.
I’ve been dealing in real estate transactions in West Palm Beach since 1989. Throughout my time in this industry, I have helped countless high-profile buyers and sellers in navigating the West Palm Beach housing market. My tools of the trade are my in-depth understanding of market conditions and trends, as well as my data-driven and analytical approach to customer service.
Planning to get your very own West Palm Beach home? Simply get in touch with me and the rest of the Frisbie Palm Beach Team at 561.373.0941 or send us an email here to get started.