This exclusive island enclave is divided into three sections known as the Estate Section, Mid-Town, and the North-End. The North-end is known for its residential neighborhoods and family atmosphere. Zoning restrictions impede the construction of condos and commercial spaces, ensuring that the North End will remain residential.

Mid-Town in Palm Beach is home to island shopping and dining mixed with luxury mansions, townhomes and condominiums. While the Estate Section is comprised of old and new sprawling mansions that span an entire block between Lake Worth and the Atlantic Ocean. It is also home to the famous Worth Avenue, one of the world’s most extravagant shopping destinations.  Filled with luxury boutiques, high fashion couturiers and jewelry shops, it is a landmark and destination in its own right.

The town of Palm Beach was incorporated April 17, 1911, but the first pioneers arrived in Palm Beach in 1872. The island is said to have received its name from a shipwreck called the “Providencia”. In 1894, Standard Oil founder and railroad magnate Henry Morrison Flagler’s Royal Poinciana Hotel was finished and became the winter destination for the elite. Just two years later, The Breakers Hotel opened its doors solidifying Palm Beach as a playground for the wealthy.

In 1902, Flagler built himself Whitehall, today known as the Henry Morrison Flagler Museum. A fire destroyed the historic Breakers Hotel, originally known as the Palm Beach Inn, in 1903, at which time Flagler ordered the reconstruction of a larger, more luxurious hotel that opened in 1904.  But it was once again destroyed by fire in 1925. At that time, it was replaced by the majestic Palm Beach landmark we see presently.

Today, this world-renowned island destination for all things opulent, is the winter escape for the rich and famous, business and industry leaders, and now another President. Its year round population of just over 10,000 blossoms to a seasonal population of over 30,000. It operates under a Council-Manager form of government consisting of an elected Mayor and five-member council. There are three miles of public beach, along with world-class golf and tennis facilities. The residents of Palm Beach donate more money per capita to charities than any other community in the country.