Many know West Palm Beach as a beautiful South Florida city, and it certainly lives up to that reputation. It is a city known not only for its beautiful beaches and stunning scenery, but also for a rich arts and culture scene, plenty of things to do, and no shortage of friendly people. It has a diverse and welcoming population, including a vibrant and thriving LGBTQ community. If you’re thinking of finding your next home in West Palm Beach, chances are, you’ll find plenty about it to love!
A Look at West Palm Beach's History
Like much of Florida, the area that is now West Palm Beach was originally inhabited by Native American tribes and subsequently by the Spanish before eventually becoming part of the United States. The population of the West Palm Beach area remained relatively small until the late 1800s when magnate Henry Flagler arrived in the area and began building hotels and resorts. Since that time, West Palm Beach has been a popular tourist destination. It is also a diverse city with a thriving arts and culture scene, a great deal of diversity, and many welcoming neighborhoods.
A Few Fun Facts About West Palm Beach
Read more fun facts about West Palm Beach here.
West Palm Beach’s LGBTQ Community
West Palm Beach is a city with a thriving and diverse LGBTQ community that is supported by various resources, including:
PFLAG Palm Beach is West Palm Beach’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization. PFLAG is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country and has 500 chapters with more than 200,000 members in the United States. PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community, and offers monthly support meetings, as well as resources, advocacy, and networking opportunities for the LGBTQ community, friends, and allies.
What's the Weather Like in West Palm Beach?
West Palm Beach residents can expect to experience plenty of the sunshine that Florida is so well-known for, and generally, any time of year is a good time to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors. Winters are usually fairly mild, while summers are typically hot and very humid. The average high temperature in July is around 90° F and the low in January is around 56° F. From June through to September, afternoon thunderstorms are a common occurrence. West Palm Beach receives an average of 63 inches of rain per year, and no snow.
Can’t-Miss Events in West Palm Beach
Palm Beach Pride is one of the area’s most popular annual LGBTQ pride celebrations, and one that you won’t want to miss. It is a two-day festival that typically takes place at Lake Worth Beach. Whether you enjoy parties, parades, networking opportunities, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, you’ll be able to enjoy that here. This is one celebration that you will want to be sure to put on your calendar!
One of the largest waterfront music and arts festivals in Florida takes place in Downtown West Palm Beach every May. The lineup is eclectic, the performances are top-notch, and it’s a great place to have fun and enjoy live music in the Florida sunshine.
The Best Neighborhoods in West Palm Beach
If you're considering moving to West Palm Beach, you will find that the entire city is very welcoming. Unlike some cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in West Palm Beach is sprinkled throughout the city, so there are many neighborhoods that would make wonderful places to call home. This is why it’s always advised to contact a West Palm Beach gay realtor who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find the perfect home in the ideal neighborhood. The current median list price of homes for sale in West Palm Beach is around $415,000.
Arts and Entertainment
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts
The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts has four venues that host a wide variety of plays, concerts, and other excellent performances throughout the year. It is home to the Miami City Ballet, the Palm Beach Opera, and the Palm Beach Pops. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy a show for yourself!
If you love art, you won’t want to miss the chance to enjoy the Norton Museum of Art. This amazing museum includes a variety of excellent and inspirational permanent and rotating exhibits. On Thursdays, the museum also offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the collection while listening to indie bands or enjoying delicious offerings from a variety of food carts.
Parks and Recreation
The Grassy Waters Preserve is a beautiful preserve where visitors can truly enjoy a glimpse of wild, untouched Florida nature. Wide sheets of sawgrass, once the River of Grass, feeds directly into the Everglades. This makes the park not only beautiful but home to a wide variety of native wildlife that can be enjoyed along the trail.
One can’t truly enjoy all that West Palm Beach has to offer without exploring the beautiful beaches themselves. With miles and miles of beautiful coastline, there is plenty of opportunity for snorkeling, swimming, diving, or simply relaxing in the beautiful Florida sunshine.
West Palm Beach Nightlife
The four blocks of Clematis Street encompass some of the most popular nightlife in the area. The Street is lined with many bars and restaurants and ends in the City Commons, a waterfront area that includes docks, an amphitheater, and a fountain. Every Thursday is Clematis by Night, a concert series in the park, an event which is always enjoyed by many.
H.G. Roosters has long been one of the most popular LGBTQ bars in the West Palm Beach area. Don’t miss your chance to stop by and enjoy a drink, some food, and plenty of fun here.
Contact a West Palm Beach Gay Realtor Today
If you're ready to make a move to West Palm Beach, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in West Palm Beach, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a West Palm Beach gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!
