Linda R. Olsson Inc., Realtor

For decades, homes for rent in Palm Beach served as winter getaways for industry leaders, celebrities, political legends and anyone else who could accommodate the price tag. Today, there is still an entrenched connection with the descendants of those founders, as Palm Beach remains a tradition for families looking to escape the snowy weather of the northern regions of the U.S.

The island is an attractive alternative for newcomers as well. We see an influx of people associated with the world of professional sports, both U.S. and foreign nationalities, because of the unbeatable winter weather. 

Vacationers arrive ready to unwind on the beach, or take a break from the activities of daily life. They leave with the glow of restoration and time in the south Florida sunshine. 

The Desired Destination 

When Standard Oil founder Henry Flagler discovered Palm Beach in 1893, it was a tangled forest of palm trees, pineapple groves, and native foliage. The central attraction was the pathways all throughout the abundant vegetation. Original settlers used boats to navigate the island, as there were no inroads, only walkways wheelchair trails. 

Mr. Flagler set about to alter the landscape of his newfound paradise. He began building what would at one time be the largest wooden structure in the world, his Royal Poinciana Hotel. At that point, there were no bridges or roadways connecting Palm Beach with the mainland, so Mr. Flagler built a rail line with service to his hotel. 

As more affluence arrived in Palm Beach, the need for additional accommodations tagged along in the train cases. The world of real estate development opened up for the adventurous few who dared hack down timber and vines to make way for luxury vacation rental homes in Palm Beach.

What To Do In The Winter

Setting the scene for fun in the sun during winter months, Palm Beach became legendary for social activities. Invitations arrived, and the whirlwind of parties fostered the air of frivolity along the corridors of South Florida's lavish homesteads. 

People like Estee Lauder, founder of the cosmetics company that bears her name, and Victor Farris, inventor of the milk carton, were famous for their winter extravaganzas. 

Notably, Palm Beach still holds title to some of the winter season's most coveted occasions. The Coconut's New Year's bash is a carryover from the Depression-oblivious days of Palm Beach. Held at the Flagler Museum, as it was when the building was still a private residence, the Coconut's Party is still invitation-only, although the fantastic fireworks display is visible all over Palm Beach County. 

Rental Homes in Palm Beach

The architecture might evolve in Palm Beach, but the appeal is still the same, an exceptional hideaway from Ole Man Winter. Added to the mix of properties for rent in Palm Beach are townhomes, condos, and Midtown bungalows, offering shelter from the cold in a variety of shapes and sizes. 

Of course, there are still 12,000 square foot beachfront mansions available for rent during peak Palm Beach season. Some of the original dwellings in Palm Beach are currently on the rental market. You can temporarily acquire a stately Mediterranean-style villa built in the 1920s and renovated for a contemporary lifestyle. 

Other options include in-town single-family homes and homes available for long-term lease throughout the island. Many come equipped with furniture, in-ground pools, access to the beach or the Intracoastal. On occasion, houses arrive on the rental market with access to deep-water docks for private yachts. 

Peak Season and Off-Season

High season for rental homes in Palm Beach is typically November through March. Each proprietor has their definition of what they consider "Seasonal," but, for the most part, it is the traditional winter months. 

Off-season makes up the remaining months, usually May through October. You will see rental prices increase during peak months, as demand is highest during that time. 

Search for Rental Homes in Palm Beach 

If you're a newcomer to the rental market of Palm Beach, we are here to assist you in your search. Making the leap from a hotel to a house can be overwhelming if you're not familiar with the amenities of the different areas of Palm Beach. 

Vacation activities predicate the most appropriate property for your holiday. North End homes offer quiet, beach proximity, while Midtown classics invite visitors to participate in an action-packed revelry. 

Search for rental homes in Palm Beach here, or contact us for personal service.