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West Palm Beach, FL

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West Palm Beach, FL

West Palm Beach is a city in and the county seat of Palm Beach County, Florida, United States.[11] It is located immediately to the west of the adjacent Palm Beach, which is situated on a barrier island across the Lake Worth Lagoon.

It is the largest city in Palm Beach County, and at the time of the 2020 census, its population was 117,415. West Palm Beach is the principal city of the Miami metropolitan area, which was home to 6.14 million people in 2020. It is the oldest incorporated municipality in the South Florida area, incorporated as a city two years before Miami in November 1894. West Palm Beach is located approximately 68 miles (109 km) north of Downtown Miami.

The beginning of the historic period in South Florida is marked by Juan Ponce de León's first contact with native people in 1513. Europeans found a thriving native population, which they categorized into separate tribes: the Mayaimi in the Lake Okeechobee Basin and the Jaega and Ais people in the East Okeechobee area and on the east coast north of the Tequesta. When the Spanish arrived, there were around 20,000 Native Americans in South Florida. By 1763, by the time the English gained control of Florida, the native peoples had been all but wiped out through war, enslavement, or European diseases.

Other native peoples from Alabama and Georgia moved into Florida in the early 18th century. They were of varied ancestry, but Europeans called them all "Creeks." In Florida, they were known as the Seminole and Miccosukee Indians. The Seminoles clashed with American settlers over land and over escaped slaves who found refuge among them. They resisted the government's efforts to move them to the Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. Between 1818 and 1858, three wars were fought between the Seminoles and the United States government. By 1858, there were very few Seminoles remaining in Florida.

The area that was to become West Palm Beach was settled in the late 1870s and 1880s by a few hundred settlers who called the vicinity "Lake Worth Country." These settlers were a diverse community from different parts of the United States and the world. They included founding families such as the Potters and the Lainharts, who would go on to become leading members of the business community in the fledgling city. The first white settlers in Palm Beach County lived around Lake Worth, which at the time was an enclosed freshwater lake, named after Colonel William Jenkins Worth, who had fought in the Second Seminole War in Florida in 1842. Most settlers engaged in the growing of tropical fruits and vegetables for shipment to the north via Lake Worth and the Indian River. By 1890, the U.S. Census counted over 200 people settled along Lake Worth in the vicinity of what would become West Palm Beach. The area at this time also boasted a hotel, the "Cocoanut House", a church, and a post office. The city was platted by Henry Flagler as a community to house the servants working in the two grand hotels on the neighboring island of Palm Beach, across Lake Worth in 1893, coinciding with the arrival of the Florida East Coast railroad. Flagler paid two area settlers, Captain Porter and Louie Hillhouse, a combined sum of $45,000 for the original town's site, stretching from Clear Lake to Lake Worth.

On November 5, 1894, 78 people met at the "Calaboose" (the first jail and police station located at Clematis St. and Poinsettia, now Dixie Hwy.) and passed the motion to incorporate the Town of West Palm Beach in what was then Dade County (now Miami-Dade County). This made West Palm Beach the first incorporated municipality in Dade County and South Florida.

According to the United States Census Bureau, this city has a total area of 58.2 square miles (151 km²), of which 55.1 square miles (143 km²) is land and 3.1 square miles (8.0 km²) (5.26%) is water. Due to vast areas of wetland immediately to the west of the city's downtown, growth took place to the north and south in a linear fashion. Until the 1960s, the city was no more than several blocks wide but over 100 blocks in length. Large-scale development finally expanded to the west of the city with improved access and drainage in the 1960s. However, the city boundaries were not expanded much except for the "Water Catchment Area", an uninhabited area in the northwest part of the city. Known as Grassy Waters, it now serves as a reservoir for the city's drinking water as well as a nature preserve.

Health and wellness are integral to West Palm Beach's identity, with a range of resources promoting a healthy lifestyle. The city's healthcare sector is robust, featuring institutions like St. Mary's Medical Center and Good Samaritan Medical Center, ensuring access to quality medical services. 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 West Palm Beach, FL are Norton Museum of Art, Manatee Lagoon, and Mounts Botanical Garden.

Population: 124,130 (2023). ZIP codes: 33401–33422. Area code: 561. Elevation: 13 feet (4 meters). Area: 58.2 square miles (150.7 km²).

FAQs

Is West Palm Beach, FL a good area?

West Palm Beach is considered one of the nicest places to live in South Florida, and while you’ll find large, expensive mansions, there are also lots of affordable places to live. There are retirement communities that cater to those 65 and older, as well as great schools for those folks with kids. And the strong job market pays professionals well, which is a big reason why so many decide to make the move to West Palm Beach. The cost of living in West Palm Beach, FL, clocks in at 114.1, compared to the average U.S. cost of living of 100.

Is West Palm Beach, FL expensive?

Compared to neighboring Palm Beach, West Palm Beach is the significantly more affordable option for Florida coastal living. Palm Beach’s cost of living is 97% higher than the Florida average, and median home prices in the area are $955,600. Meanwhile, West Palm Beach’s cost of living is only 8% higher than the Florida average, with a median home price of only $198,100. Plus, Florida has no state income tax, so if you’re relocating from another state, living in West Palm Beach can help you further stretch your dollar.

Is there a difference between Palm Beach and West Palm Beach, FL?

First of all, West Palm Beach does not have a beach. Think of West Palm Beach as the mainland, and just across the bridge is the island of Palm Beach, and yes, you can walk. So, now that we’ve established that Palm Beach is the island, and West Palm Beach is the city across the bridge…what’s the difference? Short answer…billionaires. Palm Beach Island is home to 32 billionaires including former President Trump, Rod Stewart, James Patterson, and Billy Joel. West Palm Beach has grown up from its humble origins as a worker city, and it’s quite nice. Expect excellent restaurants, museums, theatres, and shopping. Yep, even the Palm Beach crowd frequently crosses the bridge to enjoy all that West Palm Beach has to offer.

Sources

City of West Palm Beach

Wikipedia

PODS

Extra Space

West Palm Beach Food Tour

St. Mary's Medical Center

Good Samaritan Medical Center

LA Fitness

24-Hour Fitness

Anytime Fitness

Planet Fitness

Norton Museum of Art

Manatee Lagoon

Mounts Botanical Garden

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