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At the turn of the 20th century, South Florida’s popularity grew as travelers arrived in Palm Beach by the way of Henry Flagler’s railroad. This part of the Sunshine State became so popular, it earned the name “America’s First Resort Destination.” Across the water, the population of West Palm Beach quadrupled between 1920 and 1927; after the Great Depression, West Palm Beach rebounded as veterans moved south, turning this metropolitan area into the fourth fastest-growing area in the United States between 1950 and 1960. Today more than 100,000 people call West Palm Beach home year-round, making it the largest city in Palm Beach County and where you will find the seat of county government and the judicial complex. More than 1.5 million people live in Palm Beach County, with an average age of 45.

Not only sunseekers and snowbirds find themselves in West Palm Beach, though. The greater Palm Beach County region also houses 13 major industry clusters including life sciences; The Herbert Wertheim UF Scripps Institute of Biomedical Innovation Technology and Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience are two of the 700 life science companies here. On the healthcare front, Cleveland Clinic is building a new 150-bed hospital in West Palm Beach to complement its longstanding outpatient center.

Financial services play a big role in “Wall Street South,” with more than 300 hedge fund, private equity and financial service firms, including Goldman Sachs, Blackrock and Blue Sea Capital. West Palm Beach’s Flagler Financial District, less than a mile from Palm Beach County Convention Center, sits at the heart of this burgeoning area. Here you will find One Flagler, a 25-story office tower housing many of these titans of finance that opened earlier this year.

Technology remains one of the fastest-growing business segments in the county; the region boasts more than 1,900 companies supporting more than 12,000 jobs with an average salary of $124,139. To that end, West Palm Beach is making a concerted effort to attract more of the industry, specifically quantum computing, artificial intelligence and fintech.

In support of these efforts, and in recognition of the United Nations declaring 2025 the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, earlier this year the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County hosted a series of high-level conversations with industry leaders.

“Palm Beach County is uniquely positioned to become a leading force in quantum computing and AI,” said Matt Cimaglia, founder and managing partner, Quantum Coast Capital. “By proactively developing talent and integrating these technologies into our educational systems, the region will secure its legacy as a global center of innovation — ensuring sustained economic growth for decades ahead.”

West Palm Beach is developing that talent by welcoming Vanderbilt University’s new graduate school campus with plans to offer a 1,000-student program focusing on business, data science and AI.

In addition to technology, life science and financial services, additional industries that thrive in and around West Palm Beach include healthcare, manufacturing and corporate headquarters.

PHOTO: © BDB JOCK FISTICK

CHECKING IN WITH KELLY SMALLRIDGE
President and CEO of the Business Development Board, Palm Beach County

What makes West Palm Beach conducive to startups and attractive to entrepreneurs?
West Palm Beach is a super cool place for startups and entrepreneurs because it blends an exciting, high-energy business environment with an unbeatable quality of life. The city is vibrant and hip, offering a dynamic ecosystem where professionals can thrive both personally and professionally.

Many entrepreneurs are drawn to West Palm Beach because it’s rich in culture, entertainment and outdoor activities — whether enjoying waterfront dining at Bradley’s, catching live music at the amphitheater or exploring the arts scene at Norton Museum. Weekends are filled with fun things to do, making it an attractive place for young professionals looking for both career growth and a balanced lifestyle.

I strongly believe what truly sets West Palm Beach apart is its inclusive and welcoming business community. It’s easy to make meaningful connections in a short amount of time, which is critical for startups looking to scale quickly. Unlike larger, overwhelming cities, West Palm Beach is easy to navigate, with an approachable network of investors, mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs. Access to capital is strong (the county has 59 billionaires and 71,000 millionaire households), and with nearby universities fueling talent and innovation, it’s a place where businesses can launch, grow and succeed with real support behind them.

Which industries does West Palm Beach attract?
West Palm Beach attracts a diverse range of companies. While the city has long been a hub for business service professionals in law, accounting and real estate, there is now a growing wave of tech entrepreneurs choosing to establish themselves here.

What is on the horizon for new industries coming onto the scene?
A new effort led by a coalition of public and private leaders, alongside our economic development board, aims to position West Palm Beach as the next “Silicon Beach,” with a strong focus on bringing AI and quantum computing to the area. On top of that, tech companies from California are looking to the city for a relocation or expansion of their company.

With access to both top talent and capital, West Palm Beach offers the perfect environment for entrepreneurs to thrive. Its exceptional quality of life combined with seamless connectivity through the Brightline train and nearby airports ensures easy access to major national and international markets. The city’s strong educational foundation — including top-tier universities, excellent K–12 schools and the recent arrival of Vanderbilt — makes it an appealing destination for young families and companies seeking to attract and retain top talent.

DIVERSIONS
Filled with art, culture, entertainment, events, restaurants and nightlife, West Palm Beach offers plenty to keep you busy. Pop into the Norton Museum to browse an impressive collection of 19th- and 20th-century masterpieces by European and American artists, or enjoy the Florida sunshine at Mounts Botanical Garden. Catch a show at Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, or watch the boys of summer prepare for their seasons at CACTI Park of The Palm Beaches, where the Houston Astros and Washington Nationals take to the field for spring training.

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Shop ’til you drop in Northwood Village, just north of downtown West Palm Beach, for art galleries and eclectic shops in a bohemian atmosphere. Or cross the bridge to shop Worth Avenue, often referred to as the Rodeo Drive of the East yet established long before Rodeo Drive. Saks Fifth Avenue opened its first store outside of New York on Worth Avenue in 1926, and today top designers found along the avenue include Cartier, Chanel, Gucci and Hermès.

Aside from West Palm Beach and Palm Beach, explore the other 37 cities and towns that stretch from Boca Raton to Jupiter, not to mention the region’s 47 miles of coastline that run along the Atlantic Ocean.

With all there is to do, it is no wonder West Palm Beach ranked the No. 1 Trending Destination in the United States in the 2025 Tripadvisor Traveler’s Choice Best of the Best Awards.

LODGING
THE BEN, AN AUTOGRAPH COLLECTION HOTEL
This waterfront boutique hotel blends the city’s early history as an untamed tropical paradise with the glamour and luxury of today.
251 N. Narcissus Ave., West Palm Beach
$$$$

THE BREAKERS PALM BEACH
Stay in Flagler’s The Breakers Palm Beach, the second iteration of which celebrates 100 years next year, and feel like royalty.
1 S. County Road, Palm Beach
$$$$$

THE COLONY HOTEL
For a memorable stay, book a room at The Colony Hotel in nearby Palm Beach. Each guestroom and suite in the iconic hotel is uniquely decorated for a charming stay.
155 Hammon Ave., Palm Beach
$$$$$

DINING
HARRY’S BAR & RESTAURANT
The iconic Harry’s in New York City opened its West Palm Beach location in 2023, proving an instant hit. Choose from fresh seafood, classic entrées or prime steaks.
384 S. Rosemary Ave., West Palm Beach
$$$$$

PLANTA
This high-end, plant-based restaurant will make you rethink eating vegan. Ingredi- ents for elevated dishes are sourced locally; do not sleep on the bang bang broccoli.
The Square, 700 S. Rosemary Ave., Suite 142, West Palm Beach
$$$

SPRUZZO
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean for lunch, dinner or Sunday brunch at this rooftop restaurant at The Ben. One dish to share is arroz de mariscos with lobster, mussels, shrimp and local white fish in a tomato- saffron-cilantro butter broth.
251 N. Narcissus Ave., 8th Floor, West Palm Beach
$$$$

JUST THE FACTS
Time zone: EDT, GMT -4; EST, GMT -5
Phone code: Country code: 1 City code: 561 or 728
Currency: U.S. dollar                                                                                                                        Key industries: Life sciences, information technology, financial services, distribution logistics, corporate headquarters. West Palm Beach focuses on bringing AI and quantum computing to the area.

COMING AND GOING
Generally, international visitors traveling for business or tourism to the United States must first obtain a nonimmigrant visitor visa for a temporary stay. Applications may be completed online.

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
English

INFO TO GO
With so much happening in the region, it is a pleasant surprise that traveling to West Palm Beach is easy, with more than 200 daily flights on 12 major airlines arriving into Palm Beach International Airport, about 4 miles from city center. For more flight options, Brightline and Tri-Rail rail service connect West Palm Beach to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, about 50 miles south, and Miami International Airport, about 75 miles south.