Boca Raton is renowned as one of the most elegant and luxurious coastal towns in the world. Situated in Palm Beach County, just a short distance from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it is a top choice for Americans looking to retire in Florida. However, Boca Raton’s appeal extends far beyond U.S. borders. The city is also highly sought after by international residents and vacationers, offering a welcoming community for people from all over the world.
Why live in Boca Raton?
Despite being a relatively small city (about 100,000 inhabitants), Boca Raton is very complete and is on par with the big cities in Florida.
There are several reasons that make the city an ideal destination to live in South Florida. Here are some:
- A pleasant, tropical climate almost all year round;
- Beautiful beaches;
- Several parks and green spaces;
- A+ public and private schools and great universities (Learn more about Boca Raton schools and universities);
- Real estate prices are still affordable, especially when compared to Miami;
- Dining & Shopping;
- Some of the best golf courses in the US;
- Boca offers canals and Lake Boca for boat and motorboat lovers. On the last Sunday of April, the Boca Bash, an informal boating event on Lake Boca, traditionally takes place);
- Prime location in South Florida: The city is very close to Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
And the list could go on! Are you thinking about living in Boca Raton? Then be sure to read the next topic to understand how the city is subdivided and where the best condos and communities are located.
Best neighborhoods and condos to buy property in Boca Raton
If you are thinking about buying a property in Boca Raton, it is important to understand how the city is subdivided and also the best condos and communities in the region.
There are three main sub-regions:
- Eastern Strip: Boca East;
- Central Strip: Central Boca and;
- Western Strip: West Boca.
Boca East is the coastal part of the city. Precisely because of its proximity to the sea, it is there that the most luxurious and expensive condominiums in the city are located. Boca East is also home to the main shopping center, shops and restaurants that make up the city’s downtown.
The central part (Central Boca) and western strip (West Boca) are home to some of the most interesting residential condominiums. They are more affordable options compared to the luxurious condominiums on the eastern strip.
In Boca Raton, the city’s neighborhoods are often confused with the condominiums. Most neighborhoods are named after the condominium or community itself, since the city’s development and construction was extremely well planned.
Another particularity of the region is that the condominiums in Boca Raton have different characteristics, which make all the difference when deciding where to buy. Many of these condominiums are “Country Clubs”, that is, Country Clubs and have extra fees, in addition to the normal condominium fees, as well as a membership fee.
To understand in detail the types and differences of condominiums in Boca Raton, click this article.
For this reason, when you go to the market to choose your house or apartment in Boca Raton, be sure to seek the advice of an experienced broker in the region.
In this context, Boca Raton is on the list of the most desired cities near Miami, as it offers great condominiums at prices considerably cheaper than Miami.
What to do in Boca Raton: Attractions and tours
Beaches in Boca Raton
Most of Boca Raton’s beaches are within protected and natural parks. Some are more remote and far from shopping centers. However, all offer excellent infrastructure to visitors, such as parking, bathrooms, showers and areas for picnics and barbecues. Some offer rental services for chairs and equipment for snorkeling and water sports. Almost all beaches are characterized by calm, crystal-clear waters with pleasant temperatures, ideal for the whole family.
The main beaches in the region are South Inlet Park, South Beach Park, Red Reef Park in Boca Raton and Spanish River Park.
Neighboring cities, a few minutes away by car, also offer beautiful beaches. This is the case of the city of Deerfield Beach, which is worth a visit.
Shopping in Boca Raton
For those who enjoy shopping, Boca Raton is a privileged destination. In addition to offering several stores and malls, the city is very close to the largest outlet in the world, Sawgrass Mills (about a half-hour drive).
Downtown Boca offers a series of shopping streets and boulevards with designer stores.
The Town Center Mall is the main shopping center in the region. In addition to being a pleasant stroll and offering excellent restaurants, you will also find brands such as Macy’s, Forever 21, H&M and Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bloomingdale’s, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, among others. To see the entire store directory, click here.
Another must-visit shopping destination in Boca Raton is Mizner Park. This open-air mall features charming architecture and cozy decor, creating the perfect setting for a pleasant stroll, much like a boulevard. It’s an ideal spot for families!
Where to eat in Boca Raton
There is no shortage of great dining options in the city and surrounding areas. There are several restaurants, bars, pastry shops, cafes, ice cream parlors and snack bars for all types of public, from the most demanding to the most popular.
The highlight is the Six Tables a Restaurant, located in Mizner Park, which offers contemporary cuisine.
If you want to satisfy your craving for Brazilian food, how about having breakfast at a typical green and yellow bakery? We are talking about Casa do Pão, a Brazilian bakery near the famous beach that is a must-see.
Another tip is the Irish restaurant Dubliner, in the “pub” style, ideal for happy hour.
See other tips for tours and things to do in Boca Raton
In addition to beautiful beaches, shops and restaurants, the city also offers a rich cultural side. See below for some tips to include on your list of things to do in Boca Raton.
How about cycling a little? Boca Raton is among the most “Bike Friendly” cities in the USA
Those who cycle know that the activity is very enjoyable. In addition to being healthy, cycling maximizes the experience of getting to know the destination better and paying attention to details that we often don’t notice when driving. Cycling in groups or with the family is even more fun.
The good news is that Boca Raton was recently considered one of the most “Bike Friendly” destinations in the entire USA. The city ranked 55th for the entire country and 27th for the state of Florida.
There are more than 130 kilometers of bike paths, paved shoulders and trails.
Butterfly World
Have you ever visited a butterfly garden before? I highly recommend it! The colorful and peaceful atmosphere is indescribable.
When you’re in Boca, be sure to visit Butterfly World, considered the largest butterfly garden in the United States. There are countless species of butterflies, each more beautiful than the last.
Butterfly World is located in a neighboring city, Coconut Creek. It’s only a 15-minute drive away.
Butterfly World also has some species of birds on display in aviaries. Learn more about Butterfly World by clicking here.
Want to get a taste of what awaits you there? Watch this video we selected on YouTube:
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
How about investing a little in your children’s environmental education? And ours too? Gumbo Limbo Nature is an environmental center, geared towards families, that aims to raise awareness about the preservation of our planet. It is a different and enriching experience, where visitors walk along a trail suspended over the forest and enjoy the giant aquariums with various marine species.
The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center also has a wing for the rehabilitation of sea turtles.
Next door is a park with tables and barbecue areas, with a bathroom. Take the opportunity to visit Gumbo and then have a picnic or barbecue in the park.
Learn more about the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center on the official website
In the video below you can also take a Virtual Tour and learn a little more about the experience:
Sugar Sand Park
On your list of things to do in Boca Raton, be sure to include Sugar Sand Park. It is a small amusement park, with a Splash Pad and rides. The kids will love it! The highlight is the huge carousel. Learn more about the park’s rides and attractions at this link
Watch a video about Sugar Sand Park below, filmed in 2015, but which gives a good idea of what the park is like today:
Museums to visit
Even though it is a relatively small city, Boca Raton offers three famous museums that are worth visiting: 1 – Museum of Art, 2 – Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens and 3 – Boca Raton Historical Society Museum.
The Museum of Art displays several sculptures and modern works.
The Morikami Museum has beautiful Japanese gardens and there is a restaurant where you can enjoy oriental cuisine. The Morikami Museum aims to bring a little of Japanese culture. There are several courses that you can take. There is an entrance fee, but it is worth the visit. It is great for those who want to relax and enjoy beautiful landscaping, in addition to learning a little about Japanese immigration to Florida.
The Historical Society Museum offers interactive experiences where visitors can learn a little about the first settlers of Boca Raton. There you will also learn about the origin of the city’s name “Boca Raton”. Did you know that the name has nothing to do with the mouth of a rat, as many people think? The origin is related to the maps of Spanish sailors from the 17th century. Learn more about the origin of the name in this article
Where is Boca Raton and what county it belongs?
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the city is located on the southeast coast of Florida, in Palm Beach County. A great advantage of the city is that it is only a 45-minute drive from Miami and 25 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, the two major centers of southeast Florida.
The short distance from Boca to Miami and Fort Lauderdale allows residents to enjoy the benefits of both major cities and, at the same time, live a more peaceful life in Boca Raton.
Interested in buying a house in Boca Raton?
CAP International is a global real estate agency specializing in Florida. Want to learn more about opportunities in the real estate market in Boca Raton or another city in Palm Beach County? Then contact me right now and chat with me on WhatsApp: +351 91 252 9601 (Carlos Barros).