Palm Beach Gardens was founded in 1959 by John D. MacArthur. MacArthur was born in poverty in…read morePennsylvania in 1897 but he made his first million at the age of 48. He became the owner of a $1 billion empire of insurance companies, land in eight states, including 100,000 acres in Florida, and investments that included Alamo car rental and MacArthur Scotch. Words used to describe him included "cantankerous. intelligent, tenacity, ruthless."
MacArthur purchased 4,000 acres of pine forest, swamp, and cattle pastures that would become the planned city of Palm Beach Gardens. He believed there was no human habitation but it turned out that he famously had to deal with one squatter, Charlie Cooper who had a trailer and chicken coop. MacArthur moved Cooper to a house he owned with running water, a toilet and septic tank and then went quickly cleared out his old Cooper homestead. By the time MacArthur died in 1978 at the age of 80 he was the second richest man in the country. He left his $1 billion fortune and his stewardship over northern Palm Beach County with no instructions to a foundation in his name that was set up the year he died. John D. MacArthur State Park is named in his honor.
When creating Palm Beach Gardens, MacArthur wanted a garden theme with streets named after flowers and trees. The banyan tree became the symbol of the city. His first choice of town name was Palm Beach City but it was rejected for being too similar sounding to the Town of Palm Beach. One of the first things MacArthur did was to convince PGA of America to move to Palm Beach Gardens. He loaned them the money to build its first complex and he built two golf courses. He also convinced manufacturer RCA to move into town. PGA National resort community broke ground in 1978 and the Gardens Mall opened in 1988.
Today Palm Beach Gardens has over 50,000 residents and is close to 60 square miles It has grown to be the largest city by area in Palm Beach County, larger than even West Palm Beach. One of the draws to Palm Beach Gardens is that there is so much to experience.
For those seeking outdoor activities, the abundance of parks, trails, and recreational facilities ensures there's always something new to explore. Palm Beach Gardens is known for its natural beauty with meticulously manicured golf courses, parks like Gardens North County District Park and Lake Catherine Park, and natural areas such as Loxahatchee Slough, Frenchman's Forest, Prosperity Oaks Natural Area, and Blue Gill Trail.
Palm Beach Gardens also has a rich cultural scene with art shows, and concerts throughout the year. The Gardens Green Market is held every Sunday from 8 to 1 at the City Hall Municipal Campus.
For those looking to shop and dine look no further than the Downtown, a lifestyle and entertainment that opened in 2005 in Palm Beach Gardens. The 49 acre, 340,000-square-foot dining, shopping, and living center is anchored by Whole Foods Market, CMX Theatres (formerly called Cobb Theaters when the center opened), the Yard House, and Cheesecake Factory. PGA Commons is another great destination with a mix of residences, shopping, services, galleries, art, and dining. Don't miss Voo Doo Bayou Cafe, Avocado Cantina, The Cooper, and Alaina's Cafe & Bake Shoppe.
People who live in Palm Beach Gardens praise its large city amenities while still maintaining a small town feeling. Whether you're drawn by its natural beauty, cultural vibrancy, or access to whatever you may need, Palm Beach Gardens offers a sanctuary where residents can live, work, and play in a harmonious blend of luxury and leisure.