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Lake Worth Beach, FL

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Lake Worth Beach, FL

Lake Worth Beach, previously named Lake Worth, is a city in east-central Palm Beach County, Florida, United States, located about 63 miles (101 km) north of Miami. The city's name is derived from the body of water along its eastern border known as the Lake Worth Lagoon, which was named for General William J. Worth, who led United States Army forces during the last part of the Second Seminole War. Lake Worth Beach is situated south of West Palm Beach, southeast of Lake Clarke Shores, east of Palm Springs, and north of Lantana, while a small section of the city also partitions the town of Palm Beach. The 2010 census recorded a population of 34,910, which increased to 42,219 in the 2020 census. Lake Worth Beach is within the Miami metropolitan area, which was home to an estimated 6,138,333 people in 2020.

While archaeological evidence indicates that the Jaega inhabited nearby areas thousands of years ago, Samuel and Fannie James, an African American couple, became the first known settlers in modern-day Lake Worth Beach in 1885, filing a homestead claim on 187 acres (76 ha). Fannie James operated the Jewell Post Office from 1889 to 1903 to serve the few residents who lived between Lantana and West Palm Beach. A land development scheme by Bryant & Greenwood in the 1910s allowed buyers to receive a parcel of land if they purchased a lot in present-day Greenacres. Consequently, the population increased from 38 in July 1912 to 308 only five months later. The town of Lake Worth was incorporated in June 1913. Thereafter, Lake Worth grew rapidly during the 1920s land boom and in the decades following World War II. Residents voted to change the official name to Lake Worth Beach in 2019.

Today, Lake Worth Beach is a city featuring several historic neighborhoods, such as the National Register of Historic Places-listed College Park and Old Lucerne, while the downtown area also has dozens of buildings that are part of the Historic Old Town Commercial District. Lake Worth Beach is one of the most ethnically and racially diverse municipalities in Palm Beach County. Several cultural events are hosted annually in the city, including a street painting festival, several ethnic festivals, and Palm Beach Pride, one of the largest LGBTQIA+ pride festivals in Florida.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.81 square miles (18 km²), of which 5.89 square miles (15 km²) is land and 0.92 square miles (2 km²) (13.51%) is water.

Several geographical features in Palm Beach County somewhat confusingly share the name "Lake Worth." The city of Lake Worth Beach is named after a lagoon which is officially known as the Lake Worth Lagoon. This lagoon opens to the Atlantic Ocean at the Port of Palm Beach via the Lake Worth Inlet. The next closest inlet exists farther south in Boynton Beach. The port and two inlets are all distant from the actual city of Lake Worth Beach. The lake is a long channel that spans much of east-central and northeastern Palm Beach County; Indeed, the Intracoastal Waterway traverses the length of the lagoon. The manmade inlets to the ocean have replaced the natural freshwater with saltwater, such that the lagoon is now an estuary, instead of a true lagoon.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has mapped most of Lake Worth Beach in the Southern Florida Flatwoods land resource area. Deep, poorly drained acidic sandy soils are typical for the area; they have gray topsoil, white subsoil, and a dark hardpan. Much of Lake Worth Beach is built on a rapidly drained white or gray sand which is too dry and infertile to support vigorous plant growth. The western outskirts of Lake Worth Beach are in the Southern Florida Lowlands area. Topsoils there are sandy, but the subsoils have a much higher content of clay and the soils are relatively fertile. As in the flatwoods, these soils are poorly drained for many purposes unless drainage systems are installed.

Although the incorporated city of Lake Worth Beach is small geographically, as is common in Palm Beach County, a large unincorporated urbanized area with a Lake Worth postal address lies to the west of the city. Only two zip codes are within the city's boundaries, 33460 and the eastern edge of 33641, while 33449, the remainder of 33461, 33462, 33463, and 33467 zip codes are located outside the city limits but may use a Lake Worth mailing address. Thus, The Palm Beach Post noted in 2019 that there are more mailing addresses for Lake Worth (an unincorporated area) than Lake Worth Beach (the proper, incorporated area).

Promoting health and wellness, Lake Worth Beach accommodates numerous fitness centers, yoga studios, and wellness clinics. The Spa at PGA National Resort offers a variety of massages including Swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, and aromatherapy massages, in addition to other spa treatments. Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island provides a range of massage therapies including their signature "Heaven in a Hammock" massage, deep tissue massage, and reflexology. LA Fitness offers a variety of fitness equipment, group fitness classes, personal training services, and amenities like pools and saunas. 24-Hour Fitness provides a range of fitness equipment, group exercise classes, personal training options, and amenities such as steam rooms and whirlpools. Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access to its facilities, a variety of workout equipment, personal training services, and virtual classes. Planet Fitness is known for its affordable membership options and offering cardio and strength equipment, group fitness classes, and a judgment-free atmosphere.

Top Sites in Lake Worth Beach, FL are Lake Worth Playhouse, Lake Worth Beach Golf Club, and The Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts. 

Population: 42,219 (2020). Elevation: 5 m (16 ft). ZIP Codes: 33460. Area codes: 561, 728. Area: 17.65 km² (6.81 sq mi²).

FAQs

What is the crime rate in Lake Worth Beach, FL?

The crime rate in Lake Worth Beach is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 27 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Lake Worth Beach is 1 in 36. Based on FBI crime data, Lake Worth Beach is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Florida, Lake Worth Beach has a crime rate that is higher than 82% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

Is Lake Worth Beach, FL a good place to live?

One of the greatest benefits of living in Lake Worth is its location. Situated just south of West Palm Beach, Lake Worth offers easy access to the vibrant downtown area of West Palm Beach, known for its lively atmosphere and cultural events. Additionally, Lake Worth is close to other nearby areas such as Lantana, a charming fishing village with an artsy vibe, and Wellington, a popular destination known for its equestrian events. Lake Worth boasts several highly-rated schools, making it an attractive choice for families with children. The area offers diverse educational options, including charter and magnet schools.

What is Lake Worth Beach, FL known for?

The city offers a wide range of recreational activities and cultural attractions that make it an ideal place for all ages to enjoy. There are numerous restaurants and shops lining the streets, as well as parks and beaches with breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. Residents can take advantage of numerous educational opportunities, including top-ranked public schools, colleges, and universities. In addition, there are plenty of job opportunities available in the area. Public transportation is also conveniently available to help residents get around town quickly and efficiently.

Sources

City of Lake Worth Beach

Wikipedia

Bestplaces

Neighborhoodscout

Living in Palm Beach

The Spa at PGA National Resort

Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island

LA Fitness

24-Hour Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Planet Fitness

Lake Worth Playhouse

Lake Worth Beach Golf Club

The Benzaiten Center for Creative Arts

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