Talk of the Town: Boca Raton
Did you know that the region of South Florida stretches over 100 miles along the coastline? Saying you’re from this area or are looking for homes to purchase here requires a little more specification given the large amount of area the term “South Florida” encompasses. Perhaps you want to live in a more metropolitan area like Miami or West Palm Beach, or maybe a smaller coastal town like Boynton Beach or a development in Weston is more your fancy. Regardless of your preferences, even those example towns we just listed are all a substantial distance away from one another! If you’re searching for a rental property or to buy a home here in South Florida, you’ll probably want to familiarize yourself with the many different cities and townships this area has to offer. While the best way to do so is to find an experienced local realtor you trust (like our agents!) to be your guide, having your own background knowledge of our slice of paradise is a good idea, too. To help you do this, we’re starting our “Talk of the Town” blog post series, where we’ll feature different cities in our area and do a mini-profile on each to give you a better idea of the local scene, cost of living, lifestyle, and more! In this installment, we’re profiling Boca Raton, an up-and-coming yet quaint city located directly between the West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale areas.
Setting the Scene
Quiet luxury in a laid-back, coastal destination accurately describes living in Boca Raton. Known for its shopping, parks, golf courses, and other resort-style amenities, Boca Raton is perfect for those looking for upscale surroundings all within a family-centered, quaint community. Iconic spots like Mizner Park and The Boca Raton (formerly known as the Boca Raton Resort) are some of the most recognizable spots for tourists and locals alike, providing popular shopping, dining, and vacation-like pursuits. Private beaches and sprawling golf courses dot the city, balancing the many budding urban features in progress, like a Brightline train station, high-end residences, and more. Surrounding these features are a variety of residential neighborhoods, from townhouses to single-family homes, giving families, retirees, and more plenty of options for finding a fitting community.
A Peek at the Housing Market
Boca Raton offers every type of property under the sun, including high rise condominiums, townhouses, single family homes, high-end resort residences, and more. As the city grows, more modern, 21st century-style architectural designs dominate the appearance of homes, but more traditional, charming neighborhoods like Old Floresta still stand for those looking for a different feel. Given the city’s central location and arsenal of amenities, rental and purchase prices can greatly vary depending on location and home type. According to Realtor.com, the median home listing price comes in at around $650K, while the median rental price is about $3.8K/month. Inventory fluctuates constantly given high demand, so having a trusted, experienced realtor (like one of ours!) on your side is essential if you're looking for homes in this city.
Our Favorite Spots
Whether you’re new to the area or are looking to experience classic Boca, here are our top spots around town to do just that:
Kapow Asian Noodle Bar: Located in Mizner Park, this popular Asian tapas & noodle spot is great for date night or gathering with a group of friends for drinks on the weekend.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center: Get connected with Boca’s nature scene at this educational preserve and animal rehabilitation center, complete with rescued sea turtle tanks, a butterfly garden, boardwalk, and more.
Tom Sawyer’s: Enjoy a traditional country brunch with family at this down-to-earth, rustic spot.
Spanish River Beach: Experience our pristine beaches at Spanish River, our favorite beach in the area because of its privacy and seclusion-- but also its dog-friendly area!
Southwinds Golf Course: Play a round or two at our favorite public golf course in the area; it gives all the features of a private course in one accessible, beautifully maintained fairway.
Boca Raton is our home-base here at Collins & Company. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, local presence to help you find your perfect listing in our city, give us a call or send us an email today.