West Palm Beach Moves Upmarket

West Palm Beach is emerging from the shadow of its affluent world-famous neighbor, Palm Beach, with new luxury condo and office towers as well as a billionaire developer aiming to transform it into the Wall Street of the South.

In Palm Beach today, President Donald Trump occupies his Mar-a-Lago compound as the rich and famous continue to snap up multimillion-dollar mansions. But since the COVID-19 pandemic, West Palm Beach, too, has attracted wealthy newcomers and big-name financial firms, as well as world-class art, entertainment, and shopping.

History of West Palm Beach

Henry Flagler, the oil magnate, founded Palm Beach during the Gilded Age, building an oceanfront resort on a barrier island. West Palm Beach, on the mainland, housed the workers who serviced the wealthy. “For decades, if you lived in West Palm Beach, people would say ‘Oh my God, you’re across the bridge’,” said Robert Kemp, a real estate broker with Douglas Elliman who’s worked and lived in West Palm Beach for over 30 years. “Then, West Palm became almost like a part of Palm Beach.”

Luxury Developments

New luxury condos are rising on the city’s waterfront. The Bristol, completed in 2019, launched the trend. The 25-story condo tower has a private restaurant, a spa and a 75-foot lap pool. It lured Sydell L. Miller, the late beauty mogul, who traded in her large Palm Beach estate and moved in.
Other upscale waterfront developments include the Olara, South Flagler House, Alba, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, and Forté on Flagler. Units in these developments, many of which are still under construction, typically start at over $1 million.
Forté on Flagler, a new luxury condominium complex in West Palm Beach is seen in early July. (Scott McIntyre/The New York Times)

Transformation Led by Billionaire Developer

Billionaire developer Stephen M. Ross is leading the makeover. Ross, who built much of Hudson Yards in New York and owns the NFL Miami Dolphins team, opened CityPlace, a mixed-use outdoor mall, in 2000. He is now renovating and expanding the 72-acre property, adding two office complexes and attracting new retail offerings, such as the Eataly market and restaurant, as well as the fashion brands Alo and Reformation.
Ross’ ambitions go beyond a simple mall. He’s spending $10 billion to turn West Palm Beach into a leading business hub and has already completed two top-tier office buildings, where Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan Chase are tenants. This year, he successfully lobbied Vanderbilt University to create a $520 million graduate campus in the city.
“The city had not had any square footage of Class A office space built since 2008,” said Mayor Keith James of West Palm Beach. “We now have close to 3 million square feet of Class A office, either built or on the books.”

Retaining Old Charm

Despite the luxury big-business transformation, West Palm Beach retains some of its old, retro charm. Mediterranean revival, midcentury modern and Spanish mission-style homes and bungalows pepper residential neighborhoods like El Cid, Southland Park, and Northwood.
But like much of South Florida, rising real estate prices represent the downside of moving to West Palm Beach. According to Zillow, the home prices have soared by about 60% since 2020.
People exercise along the waterfront in West Palm Beach. West Palm Beach is emerging from the shadow of its affluent world-famous neighbor, Palm Beach, with new luxury condo and office towers as well as a billionaire developer aiming to transform it into the Wall Street of the South. (Scott McIntyre/The New York Times)

About West Palm Beach

Location and Demographics

West Palm Beach is located in Palm Beach County, 70 miles north of Miami and 45 miles north of Fort Lauderdale. The population is approximately 127,744, according to the 2024 U.S. Census Bureau estimate. The area covers 54 square miles, with a 50% homeownership rate.

The Vibe

The city has a palm tree-lined, sun-drenched, laid-back atmosphere with a few high-rises and world-class amenities.
A flock of birds fly near The Park, a recently opened 18-hole public golf course in West Palm Beach. (Scott McIntyre/The New York Times)

Going Out and About

Restaurants

For dinner, enjoy American classics at the retro diner, Howley’s; sophisticated bites at Oceano Kitchen (in nearby Lake Worth); and Italian dishes with rooftop views at Elisabetta’s. For brunch and lunch try Sour Seed Bagels, Hive Bakery or Aioli Sourdough Bakery & Cafe.

Groceries

Bedner’s Farm Fresh Market and Don Victorio’s Market offer fresh produce, some at great prices. From October to April a sprawling farmer’s market takes over a downtown stretch of Clematis Street.

Culture

Visit the world-class Norton Museum of Art, its new wing designed by the architect Norman Foster, includes traditional and contemporary art and photography, including works by Rubens and Picasso. On Friday evenings there are talks, guided tours and live music. The Kravis Center hosts theatrical productions and concerts.

Shopping

Explore Antique Row, along Dixie Highway, for antique furniture and vintage clothing boutiques like Palm Beach Vintage and Dina C’s Fab & Funky.

Recreation

The Park, a new municipal golf course designed by the architect Gil Hanse, has an 18-hole main course and a par-three course lit for nighttime play. For nature, kayak at the Okeeheelee Park or have a waterfront stroll along South Flagler Drive.
Construction crews work to build South Flagler House, a new luxury condominium complex in West Palm Beach. (Scott McIntyre/The New York Times)

Getting There, Getting Around

Within the city, public transportation is limited, so driving is most convenient.

Rail

Tri-Rail and Brightline operate commuter rail services linking Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach and Orlando.

Air

Palm Beach International Airport is within the city and nearby airports include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport.

Neighborhoods

Like in many cities on the coast, the closer to the water, the more expensive real estate gets. West Palm Beach is no exception.

Expensive Neighborhoods

El Cid and Southland Park, east of Dixie Highway, are some of the city’s the most expensive neighborhoods, where single-family home prices can rival Palm Beach, easily breaching the $1 million mark.

Affordable Options

The Northwood areas are also mostly single-family homes, including more affordable options.

Downtown

Housing offerings in the commercial heart of the city are mostly contained to condominiums and rental buildings.
People make their way through CityPlace, a combination of shops, restaurants, and living and workspaces in West Palm Beach. (Scott McIntyre/The New York Times)

Housing

Inventory for Sale

1,881 properties are currently available for sale.

Median Gross Rent

The median gross rent is $2,500 a month.

Median List Price

The median list price is $464,333.

Schools

Public Schools

The School District of Palm Beach County is the 10th largest in the country, with 182 schools and 171,261 students.

Private Schools

The 45-acre campus of Oxbridge Academy, Barron Trump’s alma mater, skirts the border of West Palm Beach and costs up to $45,000 a year.

Conclusion

West Palm Beach is undergoing a significant transformation, emerging from the shadow of its affluent neighbor, Palm Beach. With new luxury developments, a thriving business hub, and world-class amenities, the city is becoming an attractive destination for wealthy individuals and families. However, rising real estate prices and limited public transportation are downsides to consider.

FAQs

Q: What is the current population of West Palm Beach?
A: The current population of West Palm Beach is approximately 127,744, according to the 2024 U.S. Census Bureau estimate.
Q: What are the most expensive neighborhoods in West Palm Beach?
A: El Cid and Southland Park, east of Dixie Highway, are some of the city’s most expensive neighborhoods, where single-family home prices can rival Palm Beach, easily breaching the $1 million mark.
Q: What is the median gross rent in West Palm Beach?
A: The median gross rent is $2,500 a month.
Q: What are the top attractions in West Palm Beach?
A: Top attractions include the Norton Museum of Art, The Kravis Center, and The Park, a new municipal golf course.
Q: How can I get to West Palm Beach?
A: West Palm Beach is accessible by car, rail, and air, with Palm Beach International Airport within the city and nearby airports including Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Miami International Airport.