West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach is another coastal city that is in the midst of a huge growth spurt. While most new construction centers around the City Place area downtown, developers are also building along the water on the Intracoastal waterway. Originally it was developed as a place for the service people working on Palm Beach Island for the Gilded Age millionaires to live. Then came the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s and thousands of people migrated south to stake their claim to property in the Sunshine State. The good times did not last long and a hurricane in 1926 leveled a large portion of the area. In the early 2000s, the historic neighborhoods in West Palm Beach were realized for the unique style and historic importance. Old Northwood, El Cid, Northwood Shores and several other historic neighborhoods exploded in value. Those neighborhoods are still very popular and expensive. You can still find great deals out West and have the benefit of living only a short drive from City Place and historic downtown area around Clematis Street.