Top 9 Places to Live in Boca Raton, FL

Amongst the palm trees and beaches of South Florida awaits the upscale town of Boca Raton. Even among Floridians, Boca has a reputation for being over the top. Some words used to describe Boca include “swanky,” “luxurious,” and “glamorous.”

Why does Boca Raton have a reputation for being upscale? Maybe it’s the beautiful beaches and five-star country club resorts. Or perhaps it’s the elaborate custom-built Mediterranean-inspired homes with lush tropical landscaping.

Whether you’re looking to purchase your forever home or just want a beautiful getaway spot to escape the hustle and bustle of life’s everyday routine, come discover why so many people choose Boca Raton for their South Florida home.

Where is Boca Raton?

Part of Florida’s famous Palm Beach County, Boca Raton is a historic resort town about midway between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale on Florida’s South Atlantic coast. Driving to the airport and cruise port at Fort Lauderdale will be about 30 minutes, while West Palm Beach is about 40 miles. If you take the toll roads, Miami is about an hour’s drive south.

For getting around the coast, I-95 runs north-south through western Boca Raton, while the A1A runs along the barrier island to Highland Beach and Deerfield Beach.

What is life like in Boca Raton?

Around 99,0000 people called themselves Bocanites as of 2022, and projections from Palm Beach put the community at 125,000 residents by 2050.

Boca Raton’s past demographics suggest a retirement destination, and there are plentiful retirement communities adding to Boca’s robust amenities. However, the demographics are changing, and city leaders expect more younger professionals working in high-tech and financial services. There’s already an influx of companies working in these sectors, plus healthcare and software.

Boca Raton is renowned for its upscale and luxurious neighborhoods. Its reputation as an affluent community is reflected in its cost of living, which is about 21% more expensive than the national average. Housing costs are about 45% more expensive; only utilities cost less in Sperling’s category breakdown. MIT estimates it would take a family of four with one adult working $73,654 after taxes to cover their essential living expenses in Boca Raton.

Besides its opulent architecture, Boca is one of the few cities committed to lowering climate change impact by setting a net zero carbon emissions goal by 2050.

Mizner Park is one of the central landmarks of Boca Raton. This upscale district mixes its collection of luxury boutiques and restaurants with residential living. A park-like environment complements the Mediterranean design, resplendent with fountains and manicured walkways. But Mizner Park isn’t the only shopping destination, with boutiques at the Town Center at Boca Raton and Royal Palm Place.

Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, fishing, or beach sports. Visitors can enjoy nature trails, a butterfly garden, an observation tower, and educational exhibits. Public beachfront access is available through South Beach Park, Red Reef Park, and Spanish River Park. Also on the island is Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, where visitors learn about the local coastal hammocks, mangrove forests, and protected marine habitats.

The Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is part of the Boca Raton landscape. Built on a former army air base, around 15,000 students attend the public research institution for studies in computer engineering, business, and education.

Bocanites tend to appreciate art and culture, which is ever-present in the prominent art venues and community events. For instance, Boca Raton Museum of Art displays contemporary and modern artworks with galleries highlighting sculpture, photography, and painting. Residents attend outdoor cultural events, concerts, and theatrical performances hosted at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. And thousands come for the well-known Festival of the Arts BOCA, a multi-day event with internationally recognized performers and speakers in dance, music, literature, and other art forms.

Resort-style living dominates Boca Raton, and no resort is as prestigious or famous as the historic Boca Raton Resort & Club. The world-class amenities include a private beach, golf courses, a marina, pools, a spa, and fine dining options.

What is real estate like in Boca Raton?

Boca’s real estate is known for its luxurious look and appeal. Spanish and Mediterranean architecture dominates, but you can also find single-family homes, townhomes, and condos in other styles. Many homes lie behind gated communities or private walled estates. The closer to the coast you are, the more opulent the homes and the higher the prices.

To give you a snapshot on Boca’s pricing, the April 2023 median list price was $680,000, down 2.3% year-over-year. May 2023 had 2,008 listings priced between $70,000 and $52M.

So where can you live in Boca Raton? Here are a few recognized Boca Raton neighborhoods to familiarize you with the area.

Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club

One of the most exclusive communities in the world, Royal Palm possesses luxurious waterfront homes, a private yacht club, and an 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Members are treated to top-of-the-line service whenever they dock their yacht at the private marina or head to the clubhouse for five-star dining.

This community takes the privacy of residents and members seriously with its 24/7 surveillance and gated entrance. And it’s conveniently located near Mizner Park and many upscale restaurants.

The architecture and gardens are divine, with Mediterranean and Spanish-inspired custom homes on richly landscaped estates. The combination of exclusivity, privacy, and breathtaking views helps residents feel like royalty­–and some might be at a median price point of $17 million in April 2023.

Boca West

Boca West is a large neighborhood of breathtaking landscapes and impressive amenities that cater to those with discerning tastes. Best of all, this resort-style living community is only ten minutes from downtown Boca Raton.

Here, residents can spend their time playing one of the world-class golf courses designed by three leading golf architects (Nicklaus, Palmer, and Dye), practicing on one of 30 hydro tennis courts, relaxing in an opulent spa, or eating from six exquisite dining options.

But don’t think this neighborhood is just for the adults. Boca West’s aquatic center has a splash pad for kids and a lap pool. Everything about the Boca West experience exudes affluence, from its impeccably manicured lawns to its private, award-winning country club. There’s a reason why it’s been a Reader’s Choice no. 1 country club in Florida and a top club in Florida.

With over 1,400 acres of land and 55 communities, there’s no shortage of living options, including patio houses, villas, townhomes, garden flats, and single-family homes. April 2023 had 118 homes for sale at a Boca affordable price of $310,000.

The Oaks

Part of West Boca Raton, this gated community is filled with sprawling estate homes and meticulously manicured landscapes winding around the namesake golf course and country club.

Known as a more family-friendly community, The Oaks is zoned for some of Boca Raton’s top-rated schools. Besides championship golf, the amenities include open spaces, pools for getting the kids’ energy out, and tennis and basketball courts. And it’s all secure behind two manned entrances, a security wall, and a gate with 24/7 roving monitoring.

The 470 Mediterranean-inspired homes are contained within 282 acres, with most built since 2022. The Oaks had 19 homes for sale at a median list price of $2.7 million in April 2023.

Mizner Lake Estates

Mizner Lake Estates is the epitome of luxury living, nestled within the prestigious Boca Raton Resort. A community of only 15 estate-style properties, each one is custom designed to perfection. From the grand entrance ways to the marble countertops, no detail was overlooked. Expect gourmet kitchens, master suites fit for royalty, and exquisitely designed outdoor living spaces with infinity pools, spas, and outdoor kitchens.

The opulent lifestyle at Mizner Lake Estates includes the option to become a member of the Boca Raton Club, with its award-winning golf courses, resort-style pools, fitness center, health spa, and pro shop.

In April 2023, Mizner Lake Estates had four homes for sale ranging from $9.9M to $16M.

Boca Pointe

Although it’s technically not in Boca Raton, most people consider the  adjacent unincorporated area part of the city.

Its members-only country club, The Club at Boca Pointe, boasts a Jack Nicklaus-designed 18-hole golf course, a day spa, and two lounges for dining and relaxing. The fitness center spans 40,000 sq ft with top-of-the-line equipment, an aerobics studio, racquetball, and 29 tennis courts. Even better, the membership options are flexible, enabling you to select from social, tennis, or golf packages.

Across the 1,000 acres are sparkling lakes and reservoirs teeming with wildlife, green spaces, and vivid tropical landscaping. Shopping is available at the 18th Street Shopping Village, also known as Boardwalk. The amenities include an in-community fire rescue station.

There are 28 Villages of Boca Pointe available in nearly every home style imaginable, from luxury condos and garden villas to single-family homes. The communities are gated for security and privacy. Boca Pointe had 56 listings at a median of $604,000 in April 2023, down 7.1% year-over-year.

Woodfield Country Club

Becoming a resident of Woodfield Country Club makes you a member of one of South Florida’s top country club communities.

Not only will you reside in one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the area, but you will also have access to countless amenities reserved for members only. From an impressive 18-hole championship golf course to a state-of-the-art 90,000-square-foot golf pro shop, this community’s perks are unmatched. It’s hard to match the 20-court tennis center, pristine pools and spas, and exclusive, 3,000 sq ft children’s clubhouse.

Woodfield has 1,300 large estates, single-family homes, villas, and townhouses divided into 20 neighborhoods within Woodfield Country Club. Its median price of $1.7 million was for 52 listings in April 2023.

Downtown Boca

The Downtown District is a hub for city dwellers seeking the finest in entertainment, events, and activities. With the glittering Intracoastal waterway running adjacent to the stunning Royal Palm Place and Boca Resort and Club, residents can enjoy the breathtaking views and soak in the extravagance of their surroundings.

With newly built townhouses and condos, living downtown places Boca’s upscale amenities within walking distance. That includes world-class dining, fitness studios, and the nightlife scene. In addition to the townhomes, some historic single-family homes are around the downtown area. Downtown Boca is the perfect choice for those seeking a lifestyle that’s anything but ordinary. It had 92 homes for sale at a median list price of $2.2 million.

Boca Del Mar

Development kicked off in 1971, and Boca Del Mar is still getting better. Today it has a reputation as one of the best places to live in Boca.

Sprawling over 2,300 acres, the community perks include bicycling trails, top-rated schools, local shopping, and world-class golf courses. Safety and security are a top priority, and gated communities with 24-hour surveillance are available for residents desiring an extra layer of protection.

For those seeking an active lifestyle, Parque Placido is minutes away to go walking or biking. And if golf is your game, Jack Nicklaus designed the local course and it will not disappoint. The top-notch pro shop and practice facilities will help you easily perfect your swing. Join the Via Mizner Golf and Country Club to access the well-maintained tennis courts, a fitness center, and delectable restaurants.

With its charming neighborhoods, stunning views, and varied housing options, Boca Del Mar remains a popular choice attracting buyers seeking the best quality of life but at a more affordable price point. The homes available are designed to cater to varying tastes and come in townhomes up to mini-mansions with top-of-the-range features and amenities. In April 2023, the median listing home price in Boca del Mar was $529K, with 122 listings.

Boca Raton Hills

This enclave of homes lies in the downtown area between Palmetto Park and Glades Road. Living near Boca’s downtown area has many perks and benefits, such as having no homeowner’s association, unlike many of Boca’s neighborhoods.

Residents live just minutes from the beach and the city’s best restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues. Residents can stroll throughout the neighborhood taking in the beautiful, lush greenery on their way to shopping at Mizner Park.

The safe and friendly streets make the community ideal for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. The housing options include spacious townhomes and single-family homes with two-to-three bedrooms and fenced-in backyards. Boca Raton Hills had 19 homes for sale at a median price of $360,000.

Living in Boca Raton

As you can see from these chosen neighborhoods and their amenities, Boca Raton’s lifestyle is exceptional. With high-end shopping centers, multiple fine dining options, and world-class amenities, residents indulge in a sophisticated living experience set against Florida’s Atlantic coast. It’s no wonder this South Florida city is synonymous with luxurious living.