West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is a city located in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. It is one of the three main cities in South Florida. The population was 99,919 at the 2010 census. The University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) estimates a 2018 population of 111,398, a 4.9% increase from 2010. It is the oldest incorporated municipality in the Miami metropolitan area, having been 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.

History

West Palm Beach was established by Henry Flagler, a real estate tycoon, railroad pioneer, and partner of John D. Rockefeller in Standard Oil, as a community to house the servants working in the two grand hotels on the neighboring island of Palm Beach, across Lake Worth.

Geography

West Palm Beach is located at 26.7150° N, 80.0534° W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the 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.

Economy

The economy of West Palm Beach is driven by tourism, real estate, and financial services. The city is also the location of the corporate headquarters for several large companies.

Education

The city is served by the Palm Beach County School District. The district operates traditional schools, magnet schools, and charter schools throughout the county.

Transportation

West Palm Beach is served by Palm Beach International Airport, and by the Tri-Rail and Amtrak train services.

Notable people

Numerous celebrities and notable individuals have resided in West Palm Beach, including Donald Trump, Jimmy Buffett, and Michael Jordan.

See also

• Palm Beach County
• South Florida
• Henry Flagler

External links

• Official website