A full-fledged metropolis of over 100,000, West Palm Beach blends a seaside South Florida vibe with unfussy cosmopolitanism, allowing residents to enjoy the benefits of big city life while smack dab in the middle of the region’s most outstanding natural and cultural treasures. In 1894, West Palm Beach became the first incorporated municipality in all of South Florida. Brick and stone buildings quickly rose, while the population multiplied several times over during the 1920s and 1950s. The city played a vital part in World War II, as Palm Beach Air Force Base — now Palm Beach International Airport — trained thousands of pilots. Thanks to that airport, plus nearby highways and quite a few marinas, West Palm Beach is a place convenient to everywhere. Recreational opportunities are integral to life here, as is simply enjoying Atlantic breezes in the Florida sun.