Encompassing five miles of Atlantic coastline, there’s no question that Boca Raton, Florida is a highly desirable place to live. The laid-back seaside community boasts of abundant green spaces, deluxe shopping and dining, outstanding learning institutions, and a blossoming arts and culture scene. The endless amenities attract people of all ages, supplying residents and visitors with tranquil landscapes to de-stress and fun-filled, engaging activities.
Overview of Boca Raton, FL
Boca Raton is the second largest city in the Palm Beaches, nestled along Florida’s southeastern coast between Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach. It’s home to a flourishing business community that emerged from the local IBM campus’ development of the personal computer in 1967. Since then, more than 30 companies, including large corporations and innovative startups, have established their corporate headquarters in Boca Raton.
The peoples of the Glades Culture were the earliest known inhabitants of the Boca Raton area up until the 18th century. However, in the 1890s, pioneers traveled to the area with the construction of the Florida East Coast Railway and the Florida East Coast Canal. By the early 1900s, Boca Raton transformed into a small agricultural community, with many farmers cultivating pineapple. In 1925, the town of Boca Raton was incorporated. The town council later tapped architect Addison Mizner to draw up a plan for a world-class resort community, leading to the development of his hotel, the Cloister Inn.
What started as a tiny rural area about a century ago has emerged into a thriving metropolitan chock full of cultural richness, history, class, and natural beauty.
Today, around 100,000 people reside in this picturesque coastal city.
The Schools in Boca Raton, FL
A few universities call Boca Raton home, along with a plethora of top notch K-12 schools. College students have the option to attend and enroll in an array of degree programs at the nationally ranked Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Everglades University, and Palm Beach State College.
Boca Raton also offers top-rated K-12 schools. The city is part of the Palm Beach County School District, which includes 182 schools and serves around more than 189,000 students. Schools within the Palm Beach County district offer choice programs, giving students from elementary through high school a wide range of career and technical education themed curriculum to choose from.
Parents have plenty of early education options to choose from, including Addison Mizner and Somerset Academy Boca, a tuition-free charter school focused on the sciences that serves elementary and middle school students. Families also can choose to enroll their kids at Don Estridge High Tech Middle School with a curriculum concentrated on technology.
Meanwhile, Boca Raton Community High School offers several specialized courses in different fields, including international education, culinary arts, medical sciences, early childhood teacher education, Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Additionally, the Spanish River Community High School provides outstanding educational programs for its students, such as the Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) program and three Choice Academy programs in biotechnology, law, and entrepreneurship. The school has one in-house early childhood program as well.
In Boca Raton, families and students have many high-quality education choices to pursue that align with their learning goals.
Commuting and Transportation in Boca Raton, FL
If you’re looking to get around Boca Raton via transportation service, you can either take the Tri-Rail or the Palm Tran. The Tri-Rail is southeast Florida’s commuter rail line, spanning 72 miles from Miami to Mangonia Park. It has 18 stations and passes through three counties: Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach. Palm Tran is a bus system that travels all over Palm Beach County, making stops in major destinations, including from Palm Beach to the Glades and Jupiter to Boca Raton. Brightline, a high speed passenger train, travels between Miami and Orlando with stops in major destinations, including Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach.
Now, if you have a travel itch, two major international airports are less than 30 miles away: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport. Boca Raton also has a local airport that caters to the business, flight training, and recreational needs of the area’s residents.
Recreation, Parks, and Open Spaces in Boca Raton, FL
There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy in Boca Raton. Visitors and residents can educate themselves about the resident sea turtles, various native fish, and other marine life at the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, a 20-acre coastal preserve located on a barrier island. Or wander through the center’s butterfly garden and check out the onsite marine science laboratory and sea turtle hospital.
Spanish River Park is another option for nature lovers. Climb up the 40-foot observation tower to admire the greenery or explore the tunnels hidden below Boca Raton’s Ocean Boulevard that lead to a beach full of sand dunes. Visitors also can host a picnic with friends or family under the shade of banyan trees.
Let’s not forget to mention Boca Raton’s Daggerwing Nature Center, an ideal spot to walk along an elevated boardwalk through a swamp or hike to view the diverse range of plant and animal life. Or explore the artificial reefs at the expanded snorkel trail at Red Reef Park.
If you’re on the hunt for a relaxing spot to dip your toes in the ocean water, look no further than South Beach Park Pavilion. With its pavilion, playground, and grills, this is a perfect place for families to relax and spend quality time together, whether that’s tanning on the soft sand or surf fishing.
Culinary and Shopping Experiences in Boca Raton, FL
In search of upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment in the area? Mizner Park in downtown has a long list of high-end shops and specialty boutiques combined with a mix of food options to satisfy the taste buds, from New Orleans cuisine to Mexican food. Or swing by the Town Center at Boca Raton and browse the luxury stores, including Versace and Louis Vuitton. Make sure to grab a bite at one of the many casual eateries or treat yourself to gourmet seafood dining at Petrossian Rendez-vous Cafe or a mouthwatering steak at The Capital Grille.
In midtown Boca, the Meat Market in the Renaissance Hotel offers a full menu of delicious entrees plus cuts of meat and seafood. If you’re craving classic Italian cuisine, Lynora’s Boca Raton in uptown Boca provides authentic, flavorful meals amid an elegant atmosphere. The Boca Beach House and SeaSpray Inlet Grill offer patrons waterfront dining paired with appetizing fare and beverages.
Cultural and Arts Scene in Boca Raton, FL
The vast selection of art and performing arts activities in Boca Raton provides a culturally enriching experience to residents and visitors. In downtown Boca, near the Federal Highway and Palmetto Park Road intersection, you’ll stumble upon tons of art galleries, including the Rosenbaum Contemporary and the Boca Raton Museum of Art.
The Mizner Park Amphitheater hosts a variety of events, such as the State of the City Community Celebration and the City of Boca Raton Seafood Festival.
Other activities include the Children’s Science Explorium, the Youth Orchestra of Palm Beach County, the Boca Raton Historical Society, the Boca Ballet Theatre, or The HARID Conservatory. The cultural and arts scene in Boca Raton has something for everyone.
Are You Ready to Move to Boca Raton, FL?
Boca Raton is the ultimate coastal living experience. From swimming along a snorkeling trail to luxury shopping, this city has activities for all types of residents, whether you’re a student looking for quality education or a family wanting to settle down in an area with loads of recreational opportunities.
Interested in learning more about this beautiful, scenic city? Get in touch with a local expert strategist to discover more about the community or to find your next home in Boca Raton.
