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Jobs in West Palm Beach, Florida, United States
West Palm Beach, located in Palm Beach County, is one of three key cities in South Florida. The city is located about 70 miles from the Miami City Centre but is still included in the Miami Metropolitan area. Being located in Southern Florida, the city has a tropical climate which offers warm weather, high humidity, and elevated rainfall through much of the year.
The city has witnessed gradual growth since 2000 and now has a population of around 108,000 people. As with many cities in Southern Florida, the population fluctuates over the winter period when snow-birds arrive to their second homes. As much as 20% of households in West Palm Beach are second homes for people living in northern Central America, Canada, or Europe. The city’s population is diverse; although over 50% of the population is white, there is a thriving Hispanic or Latino and African-American community.
The city is largely family-orientated with 22% of households having children under the age of 18 living in them. The city is served by the School District of Palm Beach County, which manages over 26 elementary and secondary public schools. There are an additional 14 private or charter schools which serve the city. There are numerous tertiary education opportunities in and around West Palm Beach, including Palm Beach Atlantic University (PBAU), Northwood University, and Keiser University. There are additional private college institutions which offer specialized programmes in technology, culinary, and other vocations.
A Cultural Hub
West Palm Beach is home to numerous museums and exhibition centers, arts facilities, festivals, and sporting events. The Norton Museum of Art features a diverse collection of contemporary American, Chinese and European art and photography. The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens, preserve the artists home and studio as well as showcase a collection of dynamic sculptures. Additionally, the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts hosts many music, theatre, opera, and dance performances year-round. The annual cultural highlight in West Palm Beach is SunFest, a music festival which features many popular musical performers and attracts over 275,000 people every year.
For a family-friendly day out, the Manatee Lagoon discovery center, offers exhibits which educate visitors about the marina animal and Florida’s environment. Additionally, the South Florida Science Center and Aquarium, features a digital planetarium, freshwater and saltwater aquariums, as well as 50 other interactive exhibitions, to educate youth about science and technology.
West Palm beach features four main entertainment and retail areas: CityPlace, Antique Row, Northwood Village, and Clematis Street. City Place is one of the most popular and offers a variety of retail experiences including restaurants, a move theater, a comedy club, a bowling alley, numerous bars, boutique shops, and large well-known stores.
For those who enjoy an active lifestyle, the West Palm Beach Golf Course, Trump International Golf Club, and Banyan Cay Resort and Gold provide ample opportunity for a game of golf. Additionally, West Palm Beach regularly hosts various sporting events, such as the PGA Tour Honda Classic, as well as other collegiate athletics, tennis, and baseball tournaments or training programmes.
Job Opportunities in West Palm Beach
Being one of three key cities in South Florida, West Palm Beach is home to large Floridian companies, such as Florida Public Utilities, ION Media Networks, Ocwen, and The Palm Beach Post. Additionally, the city has an unemployment rate (4.6%) which is lower than the national average (5.6%), and a recent job growth rate (1.94%) which is higher than the national average (1.59%).
However, the median household income in West Palm Beach is lower than the national, state and county averages. Major employers in West Palm Beach are: Palm Beach County School District, Pratt & Witney Aerospace Engineering, Palm Beach County Board of Commissioners, Florida Crystals, City of West Palm Beach, and South Florida Water Management System.