The largest community in Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach began as a “worker city” when Henry Morrison Flagler came to develop the area. He decided Palm Beach would be a resort and West Palm Beach would house the workers and be the commercial hub of the area. Flagler began his quest in 1893 and the town was incorporated November 5, 1894. It soon grew to an active frontier town sporting the character of the Wild West.
In the 1920’s, the city quadrupled in size and the investments poured in but the boom was short-lived when hurricanes, the depression and worried investors’ pull-out hurt the city. It took years for renewal but in the 1950’s and 60’s, West Palm Beach was one of the fastest growing areas in the country. It now has over 100,000 permanent residents.
In 1966, Palm Beach International Airport’s main terminal was dedicated and now over 6 million passengers pass through its gates every year.
The town is the regional hub of government, education, commerce and the arts, not to mention shopping, dining and entertainment. As the county seat, it is home to many governmental offices including the judicial complex. City Place, an outdoor retail locale opened in 2000 and is a major attraction for locals and visitors and Clematis Street, a bustling area with hot nightlife, cool boutiques and many friendly faces. Put the two areas together and you will discover a multitude of diverse spaces for living and working.
Looking for some artistic flair? West Palm Beach has you covered. The Kravis Center offers a selection of world-class theater, dance, symphony, opera and family entertainment in a state-of-the-art performance venue. The Norton Art Museum features rotating exhibits and a captivating permanent collection. If you are looking for something with a bit more charm, say antiques, just drive down Dixie Highway to visit Antique Row.
West Palm Beach’s educational resources are remarkable with the small Christian University, Palm Beach Atlantic, the nationally ranked public high school of the arts, Alexander W. Dreyfoos, and numerous other public and private schools.
You can hardly beat living in West Palm Beach with its charming historic neighborhoods, water-front condos, loft apartments and more. If this sounds like you, contact Perez and DuBois Real Estate. Our knowledge of the area, sensitivity to your needs and cunning negotiation skills will help get you in the abode of your dreams.
