Beautiful, Glamourous Boca Raton
Boca Raton, Florida, located 45 miles north of Miami, is a city historically known for its luxury, resort-like society and a population of around 98,000. It was planned as a resort community and developed by a local architect 1925. Boca Raton offers five miles of beautiful beaches, 47 parks, and a blend of easygoing and dynamic living. The city has an upscale, small-town feel yet maintains the attractions of a bigger metropolis.
Boca Raton is home to four excellent universities: Palm Beach University, Everglades University, Florida Atlantic University, and Lynn University. It also hosts Chris Evert's Evert Tennis Academy, drawing tennis students of all ages from all over the world.
Boca’s Status and People
Boca Raton has a reputation as a beach playground for the well-heeled. It carries on that reputation today: Forbes ranks Boca Raton as having three of the ten most expensive gated communities in the United States, including The Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, The Sanctuary, and Le Lac. The city has a growing job market, a thriving tourist industry, and a strong healthcare sector. It's known for its easy transportation with I-95 running through the center of the city. Boca Raton is a diverse community with a mix of residents and a wide range of cultural offerings.
The cost of living in Boca is 28% more than the national average, and the average home price last year was around $600,000. Home prices are up more than 10% over the prior year, as demand for this beach resort town continues to rise.
Life in the Sunshine
Outdoor activities include Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, a 20-acre coastal preserve with aquariums and a Sea Turtle preservation facility. Locals also frequent the Daggerwing Nature Center with art galleries, labs and interactive educational programs to learn about the native creatures.
There are outstanding public parks, like Red Reef Park, a clean beach park for snorkeling and surfing. There is also Sugar Sand Park, a 132-acre park which offers all sorts of recreational activities for families. It has the popular Children's Science Explorium and the Willow Theatre, as well as an indoor gymnasium and playgrounds. Loads of fishing tour options abound, as well as jet ski tours, both right off the local beaches.
Culture Abounds in Boca
Boca Raton is truly a cultural playground, having developed its art galleries, historical museums, theaters, and music venues over almost 100 years. The Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum is housed in the Historic Town Hall, and the city is known for its historic significance as a home to a significant number of Holocaust survivors. Additionally, it has played a role in the early training of some of the best tennis players through The United States Tennis Association Training Center Headquarters.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art is over 70 years old, and features exciting exhibits from locals and artists from all over the world. For a further taste of history, the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum showcase Broadway's finest costumes. Boca Raton has also been the birthplace of celebrities like Ariana Grande, Carson Rowland, and Eric Andre.
The Boca Raton Resort & Club, known as the “Big Pink Hotel, has been featured in films through the years. It was built in 1926 and modeled after Spanish castles. Today it’s a Waldorf Astoria resort on 356 acres and caters to every need with its many dining options and adventure sports.
Parks, Shopping and Family Fun
Boca Raton offers a wide range of activities aside from beaches and water activities, including shopping, dining, and entertainment. The Shops at Boca Center is the spot for high-end luxury shopping. There is also University Commons, across from the University, anchored by Whole Foods and larger national chain restaurants and stores like Barnes and Noble and Nordstrom Rack. There is Mizner Park, with an outdoor walking path passing upscale shopping and dining. Town Center Mall is an indoor shopping mall popular with residents, with larger department stores and smaller retail venues.
In summary, Boca Raton is a gorgeous beachside city that seems to have it all: history and culture, luxury, education, and family-friendly features make it a desirable destination for those seeking the resort-like side of Florida life. With such a diverse range of ways to stay active, and plenty of arts and culture venues, it’s an exciting, vibrant place to live.
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