West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach History

Henry Flagler was an oil and railroad tycoon, who partnered with the famous John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil. In addition, he was a major real estate developer, building two of the area's most luxurious hotels - The Breakers Hotel and Royal Poinciana Hotel on Palm Beach Island. He founded West Palm Beach as a community to house the employees who worked in his hotels.  Since then, West Palm Beach has changed quite a bit. The city's scenic waterfront areas, shopping destinations, sunny palm tree-lined streets, and year-round outdoor festivals all contribute to the opulent lifestyle that it's residents and visitors enjoy.

West Palm Beach homes for sale are popular because they tend to be spacious and well-maintained the average home here is 2,720 square feet! These properties range from quaint historic cottages in Northwood Hills and El Cid, to luxury estates in gated communities, the finest of which offer Intracoastal access or views of the local fairways.

Downtown West Palm Beach

Downtown West Palm Beach is a hub for some of South Florida's premier hot spots... Clematis Street.  The shopping, cafes, and entertainment of City Place are frequented by residents from all over and of all ages.  When you're in the mood for luxury, West Palm Beach is just a quick ride across the Intracoastal Waterway to Palm Beach where The Breakers and Worth Avenue are prepared to pamper you. West Palm Beach also offers a world-class cultural atmosphere with the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts and Ballet, as well as the Norton Museum of Art, both within the city limits.

The downtown area experienced massive growth and development during the real estate boom in the mid-2000s, with several new condominium buildings erected along the waterfront of Clear Lake and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Edge, One City Plaza, Two City Plaza, The Slade, The Prado, and The Whitney are just a few of the newly built residential condominium developments constructed during that time in West Palm Beach.

South of Southern (SoSo)

SoSo (South of Southern) is a fantastic neighborhood nestled South of Southern Boulevard in coastal West Palm Beach, Florida. With historic homes from the 20's, classics of the 60's, and new construction available, water access, great schools, close to the international airport... SoSo is HOT!  Residents are gravitating towards this district in West Palm Beach, where many newly constructed residential developments just minutes from the water meld with the older historic properties that give the area its unique charm.

What's it like to live in West Palm Beach, Florida? Well, this is an urban city with a vibrant downtown area that's grown by leaps and bounds over the past few decades. Its population doubled between 2000 and 2010 but the local government has been careful to preserve its small-town feel by running farmer's markets, maintaining five family-friendly public parks, and helping small businesses to thrive. 

West Palm Beach offers several subdivisions within the large city, from western suburban communities to the downtown West Palm Beach area and waterfront homes along Flagler Drive, to historic homes in El Cid or Northwood Hills, there's really something for everyone in West Palm Beach. Downtown West Palm Beach has undergone a dramatic transformation in the last few years.  Clematis Street and City Place have both been revitalized and renovated, making it the vibrant and attractive place it once was.

Shopping and Restaurants

Downtown West Palm Beach is known for its walkability in areas like The Square (formerly Rosemary Square and City Place) and Clematis Street. The Square offers downtown living at its finest, just steps from LA Fitness, Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, City Cellar Restaurant, Rocco's Tacos, luxury office buildings, shopping boutiques, and grocery stores. 

Retail therapy can take many forms when it comes to West Palm Beach shopping. The Square features some of the area’s finest upscale retail options, while the colorful boutiques in Northwood Village or SoSo may appeal to more casual browsers. Antique Row, an inviting district featuring more than 40 specialty shops and art galleries, is a far cry from your average flea market. Here, you can discover one-of-a-kind treasures ranging from 19th-century bric-a-brac to fine art and statement vintage furnishings. During the winter, don't miss Saturday's waterfront GreenMarket, with over 70 vendors selling everything from fragrant tropical flowers to fresh-baked bread and perfectly ripe local produce.