Wellington, Florida, is a village of about 66,000 people just west of gorgeous Palm Beach. As the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World,” Wellington is best known for one thing — horses. Wellington is a center for polo, dressage, showjumping, and other equestrian sports. Of course, horses are not all this wonderful town has to offer, though! It's a gorgeous community that’s conveniently located and a great place to live — especially if you enjoy warmer climates.
If you are looking for a new home in the heart of it all, let Darlene Streit be your guide to luxury properties for sale in Wellington. Read on for her guide to this incredible area.
History of Wellington, FL
The village is named after Charles Oliver Wellington. Charles Wellington purchased 18,000 acres of swampland at the edge of the Everglades, using the western section as a landing strip. That strip is now named Flying Cow Road.
At the time the property was mostly swampland. But within two years, the Florida Legislature created the Acme Improvement District. And after another four years, the land was being drained and prepared for development. Wellington was the first chairman.
Drainage made Wellington a location for agriculture, and parts of the land were sold to farmers. The most important crop was strawberries, and to this day, you can find some of the best strawberries at the local farmers’ markets in Wellington, Florida.
Location and Housing
Only 66 miles north of Miami, 13 miles west of Palm Springs, and 17 miles west of Palm Beach, Wellington brings balance — a small town close to the big city. Wellington is also within close proximity to Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades, and many excellent beaches. Although Wellington is not directly on the coast, it is not that far inland. The nearest airport is Palm Beach International, which is only 15 miles away.
Wellington is an upscale village in Palm Beach County, where the median sales price of single-family homes as of June 2022 was $620,000. With all the Wellington homes available for sale, you will need the right luxury home real estate agent to help you pick one that suits your family's needs!
Climate
Florida's climate is fantastic for people who don't like winter. It can get very warm (not to mention humid) in the summer. Generally, winter is the most comfortable time, and some residents choose to vacation somewhere cooler to get away from the August heat.
The climate means that many of Wellington's best events happen in December and January — when it’s much more pleasant to be outside.
Government
Despite its relatively large size, Wellington is still considered a village. It is governed by a Village Council, which consists of five elected members who appoint a Village Manager to handle daily business affairs. This is called a Council-Manager form of local government. The council holds monthly public meetings, at which you can make public comments either by reading them or by giving them to the Vice Mayor. The meetings are also live-streamed on Wellington TV, a local television channel that provides public service programming and information about village amenities and services.
Schools
Wellington has two public high schools and a number of middle and elementary schools. If you prefer to send your child to a private school, Wellington is home to the Wellington Collegiate Academy, a highly-rated school for children in first through eighth grade with a special emphasis on their fantastic music program. There are also highly-rated daycares in the area that provide numerous educational opportunities for your children. With the abundance of single-family homes, the overall quiet of the community, and the variety of outdoor activities available, your children will have a wonderful time in Wellington.
Shopping
In Wellington itself, your best option for recreational shopping is The Mall at Wellington Green, which offers a variety of retailers, a movie theater, and frequent events, including Zumba and Musical Bingo. Wellington also has a variety of grocery stores, including Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.
If what you are looking for can't be found, you are a matter of minutes from downtown Palm Beach, which has every luxury designer to meet your shopping needs.
Dining in Wellington, FL
You don't have to leave Wellington to find good food, either. Two top-rated restaurants here are Agliolio Wellington, which offers fresh pasta, an awesome wine list, and artisanal cocktails, and Stonewood Grill & Tavern, a classic American restaurant with interesting offerings including sweet tea brined pork chops, hand-cut steaks, and house-made key lime pie. The area offers a variety of other dining establishments, including a quality bistro, a breakfast cafe, and a variety of Asian cuisine and sushi offerings.
Things to do in Wellington, FL
From horses and incredible golfing, there is no shortage of fun activities in Wellington.
Winter Equestrian Spectacular
The equestrian season hits full swing in January with the Winter Equestrian Festival, which lasts twelve full weeks and is the largest hunter/jumper equestrian event around. Showjumping is enjoyable for everyone! Be sure to come out to see how dressage riders teach their horses to dance. There are many other shows throughout the year at the Wellington International Equestrian Center.
Wellington celebrates polo season. Watch this fast-paced game throughout the season, and finish with the International Gay Polo Tournament at The International Polo Club Palm Beach. The action on the field is fabulous, and so is the action in the tailgating scene. Regulars create elaborately themed parties that bring in spectators from all over. Plus, if you want to ride or learn to ride, the area has plenty of equestrian centers where you can polish off your boots.
Beaches
Photo Courtesy of Visit the USA
Florida wouldn’t be Florida without beaches. While Wellington is slightly inland, it's within striking distance of some great surf. Lake Worth Beach features Benny's on the Beach at the base of the pier and is fantastic for breakfast and seasonal ocean-to-table fish. The restaurant is run by Jeremy Hanlon, so you know it's good.
Another public option is Phipps Ocean Park, which has tennis courts, cabanas, picnic tables, and its own boardwalk. If you want a more secluded destination, check out the John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, which offers incredible kayaking, hiking, and many educational opportunities for kids and adults.
Golf
In the heart of Wellington is Wellington National Golf Club, which has a completely restored 18-hole course, a great 19th hole, and a fitness center. Also in the village are the Wanderers Club (which offers a game room, fitness center, and tennis courts) and the Wycliffe Golf & Country Club with two courses, tennis and pickleball courts, and multiple restaurants.
There are numerous other options in the area — and so many golf carts that the village has restricted them to certain roads! Regardless of your skill level, you can always find a place to work on your game.
Nature
Photo Courtesy of Wellington Environmental Preserve
Tired of the big city? You aren't that far from the Everglades, but you don't even need to go that far. The Wellington Environmental Preserve is right next to the village. It may be a rainwater catchment area, but it has a butterfly garden, observation tower, and miles of walking trails. Also close by is the Peaceful Waters Sanctuary, a wetlands park with elevated boardwalks and displays.
To truly get out into nature, you’ll have to go a little further afield. In addition to the Everglades, there are a number of Wildlife Management Areas within a short drive. The closest is the JW Corbett Wildlife Management Area, home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. There are nature trails, hiking trails, campgrounds, miles of roads open to bicyclists and equestrians, and opportunities for hunting and fishing.
Entertainment in Wellington, FL
As already mentioned, the bright lights of West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami are not too far. Wellington itself has multiple movie theaters and the Wellington Amphitheater, which hosts concerts, plays, outdoor movie nights, and school events. There are often food trucks parked in the lot.
As a quiet and family-oriented village, Wellington doesn't have a huge nightlife scene. Palm Beach is only minutes away, so you won’t be deprived of a night out.
Ready to get started?
Wellington, Florida, is a quiet and family-orientated village that is strongly connected to the rest of Florida. With stunning single-family homes and great weather, making Wellington your home base is a great decision if you like golf, horses, beaches, and everything else Florida has to offer.
If you’re seeking that idyllic Wellington home, reach out to Darlene Streit, a luxury home real estate agent in Wellington, FL whom you can count on. With over 20 years of experience as an agent and over $2B+ in career sales to back her up, Darlene Streit is your trusted guide to Wellington real estate. Call Darlene Streit at (561) 531-2727 or e-mail [email protected] today!
