More information about West Palm Beach, FL

Located 68 miles north of downtown Miami West Palm Beach currently has a population of over 108,000 residents and is the county seat for Palm Beach County. It is the oldest municipal community in the Miami area having been incorporated in 1894, two years before Miami.

A Brief History

Dating way back to 1513 Juan Ponce de Leon found close to 20,000 Native Americans living in the area. By 1763 when the English gained control the natives were wiped out by war, enslavement and diseases. More Native Americans moved into the area from Alabama and Georgia. This resulted in three different wars from 1818 to 1858. West Palm Beach was initially settled in the 1870s. It saw consistent growth from 1890 into 1920 with most residents involved in tourism or fruit and vegetable production. In the 1920s the market quadrupled in size. Growth was quiet during the Depression years and then picked up again with the construction of the
Palm Beach Air Force Base during WWII.

West Palm Beach Today

Here are just a few of the revitalized neighborhoods that give the community its character. The Bel Air Historic District was built around 1925 for tradesmen. The area originally was known the raising of coconut palms and ferns. Then there is Central Park. A collection of subdivisions it dates back to 1884. The historic pier is now at the foot of Southern Boulevard. El Cid is an area known for Mediterranean revival and mission style homes. This area was at one time a pineapple plantation. Another area that was known for pineapples is Flamingo Park. With more mission style homes built between 1921 and 1930 on a coastal ridge many of them have a view of the ocean. One of the oldest neighborhoods is Grandview Heights. Developed between 1910 and 1925 it has a great collection of early craftsman-style bungalows. The city has several large employers in General Dynamics, Pratt and Whitney Rocketdyne, Sikorsky Aircraft and Cemex. A large part of the community participates in the tourism industry in one way or another. Part of that industry includes Spring Training Baseball, the PGA Tour Honda Golf Classic, Polo and Equestrian fields and activities, tennis, croquet and BMX racing.

Paradise

The residents are proud of their community. Whether it is the definition of living in the city with big city benefits and small town ambiance, or working in the expanding industries of healthcare, technology and manufacturing services or simply visiting because of the gorgeous weather there is much to experience. There are land  adventures and water opportunities. You’ll find fantastic dining venues and four top tier shopping districts. The beaches stretch north and south for miles. Smooth sand beaches that are easily accessible. The number of waterways ducking in and out create enhancing excitement as well. The beautiful climate makes it a destination for all ages and family fun. The dry season, November through April, sees an average temperature of 80 degrees. The wet season, May through October sees the temperature sneak up to 90 degrees with a tropical fee. West Palm Beach is indeed a destination.