THE ACREAGE, FLORIDA

By  Mike Miller March 14, 2026

The Acreage is a census-designated unincorporated area in western Palm Beach County that is home to about 41,654 people. It is out in the boondocks 18 miles northwest of West Palm Beach.

The Acreage has large spacious homesites, many dirt roads, woods and marshes, and a distinctly rural atmosphere.  It also has an interesting modern history:  modern to me implies anything after World War Two.

HISTORY OF THE ACREAGE, FLORIDA

The story of The Acreage starts in 1897 in Belarus, Russia with the birth of Samuel Friedland.  He came to the United States in 1903 and began the business journey of many immigrants that always amazes me.

The Birth of Indian Trail Ranch

In 1956 Mr. Friedland purchased 100 square miles in western Palm Beach County. This area is about 64,000 acres and he paid about $19 an acre.

The land was originally developed as Indian Trail Ranch and Mr. Friedland intended to grow citrus and other crops and produce for his grocery stores.

Some of the land was also set aside for the workers he anticipated would want to live in the area.  That land was the genesis for much of The Acreage.

In 1957, the Indian Trail Improvement District (ITID) was established by the Florida Legislature as a special taxing district to manage water control, canals, roads, and infrastructure on the land.

This helped drain and develop the area for agricultural and later residential use and is still in operation today.

THE ACREAGE, FLORIDA TODAY

Others want more paved roads to relieve the heavy traffic and congestion on the main roads in and out of The Acreage. 

Another problem they point out is flooding that occurs every year that sometimes ends up with several closed roads.

There are no water and sewer systems in The Acreage.  The residents rely on wells and septic tanks;  most lots are at least one acre in size.

There is a small shopping center near the center of The Acreage with a Publix, Ace Hardware, Circle K, Burger King, a bank, and other local businesses.  A popular restaurant here is Lewis Prime Grill and a branch library is next door.

The continued peaceful nature of this area is uncertain.  It is surrounded by several nature preserves and abuts several heavily developed residential areas.  Many locals are pushing for incorporation and more urbanization.

HOMES FOR SALE IN THE ACREAGE

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