Lantana

About Lantana

Lantana is a coastal city in Palm Beach County, Florida, and it has been rapidly growing in recent decades. It's now one of the largest cities in the county, as well as one of the oldest towns in the region. With its variety of entertainment options such as beaches, parks, shopping centers and more, Lantana is a thriving urban area that's becoming an increasingly popular relocation destination.

The History of Lantana

The land where Lantana now sits saw its first American settlers in the mid-1800s, after Congress passed the Armed Occupation Act of 1842. Captain Morris Benson Lyman was the founder of the city of Lantana in the late 1800s. He moved to the area in 1884 with his family, establishing a 160-acre homestead. The home they built in 1889 still stands in Lantana today. Within the short span of a year, Lyman had constructed the town's first post office, general store and trading post. As the postmaster, he had the privilege of naming the community. He chose the name Lantana Point, a nod to the wild lantana plants in the area. Later, "Point" was dropped from the name, shortening it to "Lantana," as it's known today.

It wasn't until 1921 that the town became incorporated and held its first election. In two history-making elections, the first two mayors in Lantana were women: Ellen M. Anderson and Mary S. Paddock. After World War II, Lantana experienced a population boom, like much of Florida. Interstate 95 brought significant commercial development to the area as well. Today, the town has expanded to just over 2 square miles, with a population that grows considerably during the winter months.

Living in Lantana

Lantana has the small-town feel of a cozy beach village, added to by its small geographical footprint. A number of local gatherings and events further solidify the tight-knit community, giving you plenty of opportunity to get to know your neighbors. Lantana hosts holiday events like the annual Easter egg hunt, Winterfest and a July Fourth celebration. During the early spring, families enjoy movies at the beach and concerts in the community park. The city also facilitates community efforts to clean-up the local beach, collecting trash and keeping the area pristine.

The town is divided into a handful of small neighborhoods, each with their own name and distinct identity. The Comprehensive Neighborhood Enhancement Program works with residents of each neighborhood to come up with ideas for enhancing the neighborhoods, implementing neighborhood crime watches and solving community issues.

Lantana Schools

Schools in Lantana are part of the School District of Palm Beach County. There are a number of choice programs throughout the district as well, including Montessori schools, STEM-based education, International Baccalaureate schools and more.

Resources for Moving to Lantana

Here are a few basic resources to get your started with your move to Lantana:

• Utilities: Florida Power & Light (FPL) provides electricity to the majority of Lantana homes, while water services are managed by the town's utilities department.
• Garbage and Recycling: Republic Services collects residential trash and recyclables. Your pick-up schedule will be determined by your home's location.
• Transportation: Lantana is part of the area served by the Palm Tran bus service, which provides convenient access to many surrounding cities.

Lantana Housing

Despite its small size, Lantana has a fairly active housing market with a variety of options. Prices can range well past the million-dollar mark for waterfront property, but there are plenty of more affordable options further inland.