West Palm Beach is the largest city and county seat of Palm Beach County, Florida, sitting on the western shore of the Intracoastal Waterway directly across from the barrier-island town of Palm Beach. Roughly 128,000 residents call the city home, and its role as the commercial, governmental, and cultural hub of one of Florida's most populous counties gives it an outsized presence in the region. The city's origins trace to the late 19th century, when it was established as the mainland working and service community for the resort enclave developing across the water on Palm Beach island. That relationship still shapes its character: West Palm Beach is where the region's courthouse, county government, businesses, hospitals, and cultural institutions are concentrated, while Palm Beach island remains a residential and resort destination. Henry Flagler's railroad and hotels drew early development, and the city grew through the Florida land boom of the 1920s, an era that left behind the Mediterranean Revival, Mission, and Craftsman homes that still define many of its historic neighborhoods. Today West Palm Beach is a diverse city with a walkable downtown core. The Clematis Street entertainment district and the waterfront stretch along Flagler Drive anchor a concentration of restaurants, offices, and high-rise condominiums. The city is also the cultural center of the Palm Beaches, home to the Norton Museum of Art, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, and a cluster of theaters and galleries. Families are drawn to its established residential neighborhoods and the School District of Palm Beach County, while commuters benefit from a Brightline rail station, Amtrak service, and Palm Beach International Airport just west of downtown. The city suits people who want urban convenience, cultural amenities, and easy access to the ocean, with Atlantic beaches minutes away. The Intracoastal Waterway runs along the city's eastern edge, offering boating and waterfront recreation throughout the year.