A Postcard from West Palm Beach city, Florida
Sitting outside, listening to the concert, it's hard to think of living in a confined cold city any more. This second home of ours is turning into a place we come back to season after season, since it offers such a relief from the extremes up north. Our kids love it here too, and are quickly learning to "dive right in". We have yet to explore the whole coast, but now that we have our own vacation home, there's lots of time.

  

About West Palm Beach, Florida
Who wouldn't want sunny skies, balmy weather, gorgeous ocean and a sparkling, lively town center? Those are just some of the reasons West Palm Beach leads the pack in desirable second home locations. Another is the big "families welcome" attitude of the town. With first class shopping, dining, arts and culture, and year round recreation, there's not much missing from West Palm Beach, unless you love snow! West Palm Beach, across the lake from its resort sibling, Palm Beach, lies along the Atlantic Coast, and capitalizes on its major resource: Beauty. Created as a commercial center to support the nearby resort, it has come into its own as home and resort location, with a newly revitalized downtown. The Gulf Stream keeps the area comfortable with mild breezes to cool down the sun in the summer.
 
West Palm Beach lies smack in the center of the 47-mile long Palm Beach county, which begins at Jupiter and ends at Boca Raton. The use of the term "West Palm Beach" can be misleading, as some people consider the area between West Palm Beach and Boca Raton to be one unit. However, West Palm Beach is a city in and of itself. As an in-demand location, the cost of a home there continues to rise. However an investment not only buys you a vacation home, it is a sure income producing source as well.

Housing
Median Home Cost, according to NAR: 2004: $267,000
Median Home Cost, year 2000, according to Census: $98,000

According to the local chamber of commerce, prices have increased by 19% in the first quarter 2004 compared to the same period only one year ago. Using the 2000 census figures, it is useful to look at West Palm Beach in relation to the rest of the county towns, and the county as a whole. While the prices reflect the 2000 Census, not todays market prices, the relative positioning shows why West Palm Beach is growing rapidly.

Local History
The City of West Palm Beach was officially established in 1894, with a resident population of 500. Its boom as a resident and visitor destination was in full swing by 1920.  The 1893 vision of a first class resort and nearby city resulted in Palm Beach as the resort, and West Palm Beach as its commercial center.  Proud of its long history, many of the neighborhoods are now on the national historic register. One marvels at the present day value of homes which cost $10,000 in the 1920's boom time. 

An Average Lifestyle
While many residents work hard welcoming visitors, no one seems to neglect a chance to enjoy the community events that the city offers regularly. Community appears to be the number one reason that people choose West Palm Beach over other locations, with over 42 distinct neighborhoods keeping people connected. Children are very much a part of the City of West Palm Beach, with a full set of recreational parks and activities designed just for them.

Things to Do
• Scuba dive in the Atlantic
• Golf at one of the 160 courses in Palm Beach County
• Hone your tennis with master teachers
• Hike or canoe in Grassy Waters Preserve, a wetlands sanctuary with native Florida wildlife
• Window-shop in exclusive boutiques in downtown City Place
• Kayak at MacArthur Beach State Park
• Boat and Waterski at OkeeHeeLee Park
• Charter a Yacht and go deep sea fishing
• Relax on 47 miles of white sand beaches in Palm Beach County

Cultural Activities
• Palm Beach Opera
• Palm Beach County Youth Symphony
• Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
• Downtown Outdoor Concerts
• Norton Museum of Art
• South Florida Science Museum
• Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens
• Armory Art Center

Location
West Palm Beach is located in Palm Beach County in southern Florida, along the Atlantic Ocean.

Palm Beach County includes the following cities:
North Palm Beach County: Jupiter, Tequesta, Juno Beach, Lake Park, Singer Island, Palm Beach Shores, Riviera Beach, Central Palm Beach County: West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, South Palm Beach, South Palm Beach County: Ocean Ridge, Delray Beach, Highland Beach, Boca Raton

Elevation
21 feet about sea level
Size: 51 square miles
Distance to other major cities:
Fort Lauderdale, Florida: 42 miles
Miami, Florida: 67 miles
Orland, Florida: 143 miles

Getting There
Palm Beach International Airport

Weather
Annual Average Temperature: 78
(average low in January of 55.9, average high in August of 90.1)
Annual Average Rainfall: 61 inches

Population
Population 82,103
Median Age, 2000: 36.7
Population over 65: 16%
Total Population Within the county: 1,131,400 (see table below)

Economics
Median Household Income: 36,774

Education
Palm Beach Community College (in Lake Worth, 7 miles)