Surrounded by pristine beaches, unspoiled nature, and charming Mediterranean-style architecture, Boca Raton is one of the most sought-after cities among Florida homebuyers.
With year-round idyllic weather, an abundance of outdoor activities, upscale shopping, dining, world class golf, and a vibrant arts scene — the close knit Boca Raton community enjoys all of this and more.
Dreaming of buying your next home in Boca Raton? Here’s everything you need to know about living in this premier paradise in South Florida.
A Short History of Boca Raton
Photo Credit: FloridaStock
Founded in 1925, the city of Boca Raton’s name was derived from the term “Boca de Ratones,” an old Spanish nickname referencing the area’s rocky inlets on ship maps from centuries ago.
The city’s development began during the height of the Florida land boom and was led by architect Addison Mizner, famous for his Mediterranean-revival style. Both buildings designed by Mizner and many that came after, inspired by his influence, still stand in Boca today, adding to the city’s unique Mediterranean beauty.
Boca Raton spans approximately 29 square miles between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. It’s the second-largest city in Palm Beach County, with a population of just under 100,000 residents. Mostly family households, some single residents, and about a quarter of the population are retirees.
Nicknamed “A city within a park,” the landscape of Boca Raton is idolized for its abundance of greenspaces. It was one of the first cities to adopt a tree protection ordinance and is full of tree-lined streets, nature preserves, and parks. This, coupled with Boca’s beautiful beaches and warm weather, it’s the kind of place everyone wants to be outdoors, which shows in the city’s booming real estate market.
The Boca Raton Lifestyle
Photo Credit: YES Market Media
Boca Raton is known for its laid-back yet upscale, coastal chic lifestyle. The perfect mix of nature with modern amenities — you’ll find beautiful beaches, parks, and preserves intertwined with upscale shopping, dining, entertainment, and golf.
Residents can enjoy quiet mornings strolling the beach, afternoons on the golf course, and evenings spent catching a show or dining out at world-class restaurants.
Boca Raton Weather
Like all of South Florida, Boca Raton has a tropical climate. This means the weather is warm and sunny with average daily temperatures staying in the 70s and 80s for most of the year.
Summer weather in Boca Raton can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching into the 90s. Rain showers are also frequent in the summer, although, as the locals will tell you, if you don’t like the weather, just wait five minutes!
While summer storms are common, they tend to move through quickly. It’s not unheard of to have perfect beach day weather just minutes after a storm rolls through.
Winter weather in Boca Raton is typically cool and dry, with temperatures in the 70s. Occasional cold fronts can bring lower temperatures but rarely drop below 50 degrees. There are still plenty of warm, sunny days in the winter, so beach days are never too far away.
Cost of Living in Boca Raton
Photo Credit: Ody_Stocker
The overall cost of living in Boca Raton is about 16% higher than the national average. This is largely due to housing costs, which are 15% higher than the national average. The slightly elevated cost of living comes with equally elevated amenities, on par with other luxury coastal cities in South Florida, such as Palm Beach or Miami.
While the cost of living may be a touch higher in Boca Raton, residents can look forward to paying lower taxes. Boca Raton has one of the lowest property tax rates among full-service cities in Florida. Boca Raton residents will pay 3.68 (millage rate, not percentage) for their property taxes while neighboring Fort Lauderdale residents pay 4.39 and Coral Springs residents pay 6.22.
Florida also has no state income tax, so you could see significant savings if you’re moving from out of state.
Safety in Boca Raton
Boca Raton is often considered among the safest cities in Florida. Crime rates in Boca Raton are lower than the national and state averages.
The city of Boca Raton also has a strong public safety system — employing a full-time police force, fire department, and emergency healthcare services.
Boca Raton Schools
Photo Credit: Jillian Cain Photography
Boca Raton has a reputation for top-notch education. The city boasts several highly-rated schools which include A-rated public schools and nationally-ranked private schools that teach Pre-K to High School students.
Higher education seekers have plenty of options to choose from, with Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Everglades University, and Palm Beach State College all having campuses in town.
Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment in Boca Raton
Photo Credit: Lacey Lin Photography
Boca Raton is a world-class destination for shopping, dining, and nightlife. Shop for unique finds and luxury goods at one of many upscale downtown boutiques, galleries, or malls. Or, spend the day shopping, dining, and catching some live music or a movie at Mizner Park — Boca Raton’s premier shopping, dining, and entertainment complex.
When it comes to dining, there’s no shortage of great restaurants in Boca Raton. Whether you’re looking for a coffee and a pastry, a cocktail and a quick bite, or a five-star fine dining experience — Boca Raton has you covered. You’ll find a variety of cafes and restaurants featuring everything from fresh seafood, steak, and farm-to-table cuisine to international culinary delights, vegan specialties, and gluten-free goodies.
Arts and Culture in Boca Raton
Photo Credit: Jillian Cain Photography
Boca Raton has a vibrant arts and culture scene from small independent galleries to the impressive, ever-expanding art collection at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. You can also enjoy various theatrical performances at the Boca Ballet Theatre and Mizner Park Amphitheater.
For a breathtaking display of Japanese art and culture, the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens is a can’t-miss. Spend the day strolling gorgeous gardens, browsing art galleries, enjoying Japanese food, and partaking in traditional tea ceremonies, art classes, or Bonsai workshops.
Things To Do in Boca Raton
Bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Florida Everglades to the west, and a city center full of shops, restaurants, museums, and more, Boca Raton has no shortage of things to do!
Visit Nature, Parks, and Beaches
Photo Credit: Margaret.Wiktor
With year-round sunshine and warm weather, there’s no better way to spend the day in Boca Raton than outdoors. The city has miles of beautiful beaches, parks, and nature trails. You can take a leisurely stroll, jog, or bike ride, or just relax and enjoy the views.
You’ll find a mix of both beaches and greenspaces in some of Boca’s most famous parks. You can swim and snorkel at Red Reef Park, enjoy a nature walk, bike ride, or day at the beach at Spanish River Park, or relax on the beach at the serene South Beach Park.
If you enjoy sports, there are plenty of athletic amenities at local parks, including volleyball, racquetball, pickleball, and shuffleboard. The city also has multiple tennis centers and racket clubs.
Meet Some Sea Turtles
Photo Credit: eporourke
Humans aren’t the only ones enjoying Boca Raton’s beaches. The area is home to sea turtles that nest on the shores from March through October. The city has an intensive sea turtle conservation program that includes monitoring and protecting nesting sites and aiding hatchlings that don’t make it to the water.
During sea turtle nesting season, you can sign up to join conservationists for nightly turtle walks and hatchling releases. You can also observe sea turtles undergoing rehabilitation for injuries at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.
Hit the Water for Boating and Fishing
Photo Credit: Mike Kuhlman
If you enjoy being out on the water, you’ll find plenty of ways to spend your days in Boca Raton. You can cruise the coastline in a boat, paddle your way up the Intracoastal in a kayak or paddleboard, or cast your line for the catch of the day. Lake Boca, which features calm, shallow water in the inlet, is a popular place for boaters to drop anchor and spend the day relaxing on the sandbar.
Book a Tee Time and Golf
Photo Credit: FloridaStock
If golf is your game, Boca Raton is the perfect place to call home! The city boasts over 30 golf courses — both public and private. You can enjoy taking a swing on greens designed by Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, and other notable golf course architects. Boca Raton is also less than an hour away from the famed PGA National Resort and other famous luxury courses and golf clubs throughout the Palm Beaches.
Take the Kids Out for Family Friendly Activities
Photo Credit: YES Market Media
Boca Raton is a very family-friendly community and you’ll find plenty to do for kids of all ages. Parks throughout the city feature expansive playgrounds, splash pads, bike paths, and other kid-friendly amenities. The popular Sugar Sand Park is home to a children’s science museum, carousel, and sports complex.
In the spring and summer, kids can enjoy Coconut Cove Waterpark featuring multiple pools, water slides, and a lazy river. Children, teenagers, and adults alike will all enjoy Boomers, the massive entertainment complex full of arcade games, mini golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and more.
Get to Know the Locals
The Boca Raton community is friendly and welcoming. Get to know your neighbors through one of the many city-hosted events, festivals, farmer’s markets, and art fairs. The city maintains a lively calendar of community events throughout the year.
Connect with like-minded individuals for all your interests through local meetup groups or classes; you’ll find everything from running groups and sailing clubs to art classes and dancing lessons. Boca Raton also has a thriving country club scene with several clubs to choose from, offering exclusive access to golf, tennis, social events, and more.
Day Trips from Boca Raton
While there’s no shortage of things to do in Boca Raton, the city also offers convenient access to many other Florida attractions. You’re just a few hours away from exploring the Everglades, Cape Canaveral, Orlando, Miami, and the Florida Keys.
Let NV Realty Host Your Search for a New Home in Boca Raton
With sunny skies, beautiful beaches, and luxury amenities, it’s no wonder so many are searching for homes for sale in Boca Raton.
Ready for your big move? NV Realty is here to help. Our Boca Raton real estate professionals make the home buying a breeze with unparalleled service and local expertise. Let us help you find your dream home in breezy Boca Raton!