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Boca Raton is considered one of the most elegant and luxurious cities in the world. Located in Palm Beach County, close to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, this destination is a favorite among Americans seeking to retire in Florida. However, it’s not just Americans who are drawn to Boca Raton for vacations or living. The city is well-known among foreigners and is home to a large, diverse community.
Why Live in Boca Raton?
Despite being a relatively small city with only about 100,000 inhabitants, Boca has everything you could dream of. Here are several reasons that make the city an ideal place to live in South Florida:
- Pleasant and tropical climate almost all year round
- Beautiful beaches
- Various parks and green spaces
- Top-rated public and private schools and excellent universities (Learn more about the schools and universities of Boca Raton)
- Real estate prices still accessible, especially when compared to Miami
- Gastronomy & Shopping
- Some of the best golf courses in the USA
- Boca offers canals and Lake Boca for lovers of boats and speedboats.
- Privileged location in South Florida: The city is close to Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
And the list could go on and on! If you’ve been thinking about living in Boca Raton, then be sure to read the next section to understand how the city is divided and where the best condos and communities are.
Best Neighborhoods and Condos to Buy Property in Boca Raton
If you’re thinking of buying property in Boca Raton, it’s important to understand how the city is divided and the best condos and communities in the region. There are three main sub-regions:
- East Strip: Boca East
- Central Strip: Central Boca
- West Strip: West Boca
Boca East (East Strip) is the coastal part of the city. Due to its proximity to the beach, it features the most luxurious and expensive condos. Boca East is also home to the main commercial center, shops, and restaurants that make up the city’s downtown.
In the central part (Central Boca) and west strip (West Boca), you’ll find some of the most interesting residential condos. These are more affordable options compared to the luxurious condos in the East strip.
In Boca Raton, the neighborhoods are often synonymous with condos. Most neighborhoods are named after their respective condo or community, as the city’s development and construction were extremely planned.
Click here to understand in detail how the city is divided and the best neighborhoods in Boca Raton.
Another particularity of the region is that the condos in Boca Raton have different characteristics, which make all the difference when deciding where to buy property in the area. Many of these condos are “Country Clubs,” which means additional fees on top of the regular condo fees, along with a membership fee.
To understand in detail the types and differences of condos in Boca Raton, check out this article. And remember, when looking for a house or apartment in Boca Raton, be sure to seek the advice of an experienced real estate professional in the region.
What to Do in Boca Raton: Attractions and Activities
Beaches in Boca Raton
Most of Boca Raton’s beaches are within protected natural parks. Some are more secluded and far from commercial areas. However, all offer great infrastructure for visitors, such as parking, restrooms, showers, and picnic and barbecue areas. Some offer chair rentals and equipment for snorkeling and water sports. Almost all beaches boast calm, crystal-clear waters with a pleasant temperature, 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’ drive away, also offer beautiful beaches, such as Deerfield Beach, which is worth visiting.
Shopping in Boca Raton
For shopping enthusiasts, Boca Raton is a privileged destination. Besides offering various shops and malls, the city is very close to the world’s largest outlet, Sawgrass Mills (about half an hour by car).
The center of Boca offers a series of shopping streets and boulevards with designer stores.
Boca’s downtown offers a series of commercial streets and boulevards with designer stores. The Town Center Mall is the main shopping center in the region. Besides being a pleasant stroll and offering excellent restaurants, you’ll also find brands like Macy’s, Forever 21, H&M, Apple, Abercrombie & Fitch, Bloomingdale’s, Hugo Boss, Lacoste, and others. To see the full store directory click here.
Another mall that must be on your list of things to do in Boca Raton is Mizner Park. This outdoor mall is not only beautiful, but it is also home to many exciting retailers.
Where to Eat in Boca Raton
There is no shortage of great dining options in the city and surroundings. There are various restaurants, bars, sweet shops, cafes, ice cream parlors, and snack bars for all types of taste buds, from the most picky to the most adventurous.
There is no shortage of great gastronomic options in the city and surroundings. There are several restaurants, bars, sweets, cafes, ice cream parlors and snack bars for all kinds of public, from the most demanding to the most popular.
The highlight is Six Tables a Restaurant, located in Mizner Park, which offers contemporary cuisine.
If you want to kill the nostalgia of Brazilian food, how about a breakfast in a typical green and yellow bakery? We are talking about Casa do Pão, a Brazilian bakery near the famous beach and which is a must-visit.
Another tip is the Irish restaurant Dubliner, in the “pub” style, ideal for a happy hour.
Other Tips for Activities and Things to Do in Boca Raton
Besides beautiful beaches, shops, and restaurants, the city also offers a rich cultural side. No matter what you are into, here is a list of things to do in Boca Raton:
Boca is among the most “Bike Friendly” cities in the USA
If you’re into cycling, Boca might be a perfect place for you to be at. Boca Raton was recently considered one of the most “Bike Friendly” destinations in the entire USA. The city ranked 55th in the country and 27th in the state of Florida. There are over 130 kilometers of bike lanes, paved shoulders, and trails. Not only is biking a very healthy activity, but it is a great way to get to know this beautiful city while noticing details that you wouldn’t notice while driving.
Butterfly World
Have you ever visited a butterfly house before? We absolutely recommend it! When in Boca, don’t miss visiting Butterfly World, which is considered the largest butterfly house in the United States.
Butterfly World is located in a neighboring city, Coconut Creek, just 15 minutes by car. This attraction also features some bird species displayed in aviaries. Learn more about Butterfly World by clicking here.
Want a glimpse of what awaits you there? Check out this video we selected on YouTube:
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
How about investing a little in your children’s environmental education? And wow too? Gumbo Limbo Nature is an environmental center, aimed at families, which aims to stimulate awareness about the preservation of our planet. It is a different and enriching experience, where the visitor walks at a trail suspended over the forest and enjoys the giant aquariums with several marine species.
The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center also brings a wing for sea turtle rehabilitation.
Next door there is a park with tables and barbecue areas, with 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
Check out this video so, you can take a Virtual Tour and get a glimpse of the experience:
Sugar Sand Park
On your list of things to do in Boca Raton, be sure to also include Sugar Sand Park. It is a small amusement park with a Splash Pad and rides. Learn more about the park’s rides and attractions here, and check out this video:
Museums in Boca Raton
Even though it is a relatively small city, Boca Raton offers three famous museums that are worth a visit: 1 – Museum of Art, 2 – Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens and 3 – Boca Raton Historical Society Museum.
The Museum of Art shows several sculptures and modern works.
Morikami brings beautiful Japanese gardens and on site there is a restaurant where you can enjoy oriental cuisine. The proposal of the Morikami Museum is to bring a little of Japanese culture. There are several courses you can attend. The entrance fee is paid, but it’s worth the tour. Great for those who want to relax and enjoy a beautiful landscaping, in addition to knowing a little about Japanese immigration in Florida.
The Historical Society Museum brings interactive experiences where the visitor can learn a little about the first settlers of Boca Raton. There you will also learn about the origin of the city name “Boca Raton”. Did you know that the name has nothing to do with a mouse mouth, as many people think? The origin is related to the maps of the Spanish sailors of the 17th century.
Where is Boca Raton?
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, the city is located on Florida’s southeastern coast, in Palm Beach County. A significant advantage of the city is that it is only 45 minutes by car from Miami and 25 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, the two major centers in southeastern Florida. The short distance from Boca to Miami and Fort Lauderdale allows residents to enjoy the benefits of both major metropolises while living a more
About AMG International Realty
AMG International Realty is a global real estate company specializing in Florida. Want to know more about real estate opportunities in Boca Raton or another city in Palm Beach County? Then get in touch right now and chat with me on WhatsApp: +1 305 761 2655 (Heloisa Arazi).