– the City I Can’t Get Enough Of ❤️
In this new series where we’ll explore the cities of South Florida, let’s open the curtain with the one I live in myself, and fall in love with every morning: Boca Raton. It didn’t earn the nickname “City Within a Park” for nothing; morning walks filled with eucalyptus scents, evenings under a pink sky glowing over Mizner’s domes, and the ocean just steps away… The soul of the city holds the peace of a seaside town and the amenities of a thriving metropolis all in one.
Boca Raton’s story begins with traces of native settlements and agricultural roots; in the 1920s, it gained its identity through the Mediterranean Revival plans of visionary architect Addison Mizner. During World War II, the Boca Raton Army Air Field became a radar training base, changing the city’s trajectory; in later decades, it was marked on the global stage as the birthplace of the IBM PC. Today, that legacy still breathes in the BRiC campus.
It’s important to note that the city’s municipal boundaries don’t always overlap with its postal addresses; many “Boca Raton” addresses are actually outside city limits and fall under Palm Beach County. Since this may create differences in taxes, services, or regulations, buyers should always confirm these distinctions when moving here.
Population and prosperity are among the first questions people ask before relocating. In 2024, Boca’s population surpassed 100,000; median household incomes are significantly higher than the U.S. average. According to the 2023 ACS, Boca’s median household income is about $110,000—evidence of a highly educated and professional workforce.
One of Boca Raton’s greatest advantages is its location. The city sits right in the heart of South Florida; northward it’s close to West Palm Beach, southward you can easily reach Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is about 30 minutes away, while Palm Beach International can be reached in less than half an hour. Miami International is slightly farther, but still within an hour’s drive. For residents, this accessibility makes both business and daily life easier. And thanks to the Brightline high-speed rail stop in Downtown Boca, traveling modern and fast between Miami and Orlando is now a reality.
Each neighborhood opens the door to a different lifestyle. If you love historic character, Old Floresta’s tree-lined streets showcase Mizner’s signature architecture. For walkability, East Boca around Mizner Park and the Golden Triangle delivers. For waterfront living, Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club and The Sanctuary offer deep-water canals and luxury estates. Further west, country-club communities like Boca West, Woodfield, St. Andrews, and Broken Sound combine golf, racquet, and wellness amenities all in one. Just keep in mind that some clubs require mandatory membership with significant fees—always review community rules before buying.
Boca’s architecture itself is full of variety. From Mediterranean villas carrying Mizner’s influence to newly built homes with modern lines, the range is wide. Alongside oceanfront condos and downtown residences, large-scale master-planned communities throughout the city attract new generations of buyers. This diversity ensures Boca’s appeal never fades. Some families lean toward historic homes with character, while others seek out sleek, modern communities.
Market data confirms the picture. As of summer 2025, Boca’s typical home value is about $630,000 (Zillow), while median rent for a one-bedroom apartment hovers around $2,100/month (Zumper). Of course, each neighborhood has its own dynamics, so these numbers should be taken as a general orientation. As a Realtor, I’m always available to guide families through how this variety plays out in both established and new developments.
The strong demand here is also fueling new projects—so much so that they deserve an article of their own. Which communities are coming, what price ranges are offered, and which types of families they attract? These are the details I’ll be sharing with you in a dedicated upcoming piece.
Schools are one of Boca’s brightest points for families. Florida schools are graded A–F, and Palm Beach County has maintained an overall “A” district grade for both 2023–24 and 2024–25. Boca and West Boca public schools reflect this achievement: Boca Raton Community High, West Boca Raton Community High, Spanish River High, Boca Raton Community Middle, Addison Mizner K–8, and many others consistently earn top marks. Beyond core academics, these schools also offer AP (Advanced Placement) and AICE (Cambridge) programs, giving students the chance to earn college credits in high school and graduate with internationally recognized certifications.
Additionally, Palm Beach County offers Choice Programs, opening options beyond assigned zones. Families can apply through a lottery system to magnet schools, IB programs, STEM academies, or arts-focused schools. This means the attendance zone rule applies only to community schools; Choice programs are accessible through acceptance and lottery.
Boca is also home to outstanding private schools. Saint Andrew’s School, Pine Crest, Donna Klein Jewish Academy, and American Heritage are some of the most sought-after, offering IB diplomas, arts and sports academies, smaller class sizes, and specialized curricula. Families here often balance the strength of public schools with the tailored opportunities of private education.
When it comes to buying a home, school choice is critical: if your target is a community school, you must live within the attendance zone; if you’re aiming for a Choice or private school, then applications and admissions take priority. And once we start working together, I’ll help you evaluate each of these details step by step.
Higher education also keeps the city vibrant, with Florida Atlantic University’s main campus and Lynn University adding a youthful, academic energy to daily life.
Why Boca for everyday living? From a Realtor’s perspective: “proximity” and “flow.” Beaches, parks, shops, hospitals, and schools are all within about a 20-minute radius. Mizner Park and the Boca Museum of Art, Town Center mall’s shopping and events, the Wick Theatre’s performing arts, plus a calendar full of festivals and concerts keep social life lively. Families love days at Sugar Sand Park and the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center—these are some of Boca’s sweetest routines.
As for beaches, I’d name three favorites: Red Reef Park, where shallow reefs invite snorkeling among colorful fish; Spanish River Park, offering both ocean and lagoon views plus the famous Bark Beach for dogs; and South Beach Park, known for its wide sandy stretches. Be sure to check the city website for current parking and permit details.
On transportation, let’s be realistic: Boca is car-oriented. Palm Tran buses, Tri-Rail (Yamato Road station), and the Brightline station downtown provide north–south alternatives, while the El Rio Trail offers biking and jogging paths. Still, for daily errands, driving is often the most practical. Walk Score rates most of Boca as “car-dependent / some transit.” For residents with accessibility needs, Palm Tran Connection also provides door-to-door paratransit service.
On healthcare, Boca’s core is anchored by Boca Raton Regional Hospital (Baptist Health), along with the Marcus Neuroscience Institute and Lynn Cancer Institute, creating a powerful medical ecosystem. This 400-bed hospital leads the region in cardiology, women’s health, orthopedics, and emergency care. At the same time, nearby institutions—Cleveland Clinic in West Palm Beach, Delray Medical Center, and Holy Cross Health in Fort Lauderdale—are all within a 15–30 minute drive, practically city-distance for Boca residents. This ensures broad, accessible, and trusted healthcare coverage.
For seniors, the support system is equally robust. The Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services and the Area Agency on Aging provide meals, transportation, counseling, and activities through a strong network. Community centers and local parks also run 50+ programs year-round.
And of course, in homebuying decisions, the trio of school selection, location, and lifestyle is the strategy. For families with children, it starts with the right school and then the right home within that zone. For university-focused buyers, it’s about access to FAU/Lynn, internships, and campus life. For club living, membership requirements and budgets matter; for coastal homes, technical factors like water depth, frontage, and storm protections come into play. In Boca, the right home is almost always hidden within the right neighborhood.
In closing: Boca Raton is a city that is rooted in history, inspiring confidence through education, enchanting with its beaches, making daily life easier, and offering a clean, peaceful atmosphere.
If you’d like to see more photos and everyday glimpses of life in Boca Raton, feel free to join me on Instagram: @NazNest_Realtor.
If you’d like to learn more about Boca Raton, follow its activities, explore places to visit, or take a closer look at the city’s history, I highly recommend checking out the official City of Boca Raton page: https://www.myboca.us/
In this first piece of our series, as a mother of two who has been fortunate to benefit from these opportunities and proud of making such a good decision, I wanted to shine a light for families considering moving here—and gave the floor to Boca. If you have questions—especially about school zones, community rules, or the daily routines and distances that shape real-life decisions—I’m here to walk through them with you.
Warm regards,
