Everything to Know About Moving to Boca Raton, FL
Maureen Harmonay
Thinking about a move to Boca Raton? You are not alone. New residents keep flocking to Boca Raton for the coastal lifestyle, the booming job scene, and year-round sunshine.
Before you pack the boxes, though, it helps to get clear on the high cost of living and the trade-offs that come with life in Boca Raton.
Introduction to Boca Raton
Brief History and Overview
The city of Boca Raton began as a small farming settlement at the turn of the twentieth century, shifted into resort development during the Florida land boom of the 1920s, and eventually became a corporate hub once IBM rolled in during the 1960s.
Boca Raton is home to roughly 102,000 residents inside the Boca Raton city limits, with many more in surrounding West Boca neighborhoods.
Located in Palm Beach County, the city sits forty-five miles north of Miami and twenty-five miles south of West Palm Beach, putting downtown Boca within easy reach of three major metro centers.
Why People Are Moving to Boca Raton, FL
People considering a move to Boca cite the blend of luxury living, beautiful beaches, and an economy that keeps adding high-paying jobs.
Corporate headquarters such as Office Depot and ADT, a fast-growing tech corridor, and the ever-expanding campus of Florida Atlantic University all feed that momentum.
Toss in the absence of a state income tax, and you start to see why Boca Raton is also a magnet for entrepreneurs and remote workers escaping higher-tax Florida cities farther north.
Lifestyle and Culture
Local Community and Vibe
Locals like to say the heart of Boca beats at an easygoing South Florida tempo.
You might wake up to a sunrise jog along South Beach Park, grab a cortadito at a downtown café, then drift over to Mizner Park for live music after dark.
Around Boca Raton, you’ll hear plenty of languages, meet retirees and young professionals in the same coffee line, and notice how beach attire slides right into business-casual.
Arts, Entertainment, and Events
Art lovers never run out of things to do.
The Boca Raton Museum of Art anchors a creative district that hosts the annual Festival of the Arts, while the smaller Boca museum galleries sprinkle new exhibits throughout the year.
Outdoor concerts fill Mizner Park’s amphitheater. Movie nights pop up at Sugar Sand Park.
On the sports side, the Allianz Championship golf tournament at Broken Sound draws PGA Champions every February.
Breakfast Spots and Coffee Shops
Early birds roll out of bed and straight to the breezy porch at The Boca Beach House for all-day stacks of coconut pancakes and a latte that arrives in a mason jar.
A few blocks inland, the European-style Saquella Café keeps espresso grinders humming from 7 a.m., pairing frothy cappuccinos with shakshuka and house-baked pastries. If you crave something quaint, the cash-only Tin Muffin Café opens at eleven with jam-topped popovers and quiche that sells out long before the lunch bell.
Coffee purists have two local favorites. The Seed Coffee + Juice pours nut-milk cortados and turmeric-ginger shots at its Palmetto Park and Yamato Road counters, the kind of place where laptops glow next to acai bowls until the 5 p.m. close.
Uptown on Spanish River Boulevard, Third Place Coffee Lounge roasts its own beans, hosts open-mic nights, and swaps latte art tips with regulars lingering over cold-brew flights.
Dining and Nightlife Scene
Locals love that you can bounce from spa-water wholesome to over-the-top indulgent without leaving downtown.
Early risers grab avocado toast or bone-broth bowls at Farmer’s Table near FAU, then swap flip-flops for heels at lunch and splurge on Dover sole at the white-tablecloth classic La Nouvelle Maison.
Evenings crank up the volume: the neon-lit Kapow Noodle Bar shakes lychee martinis beside bao buns, while Sixty Vines pours sixty wines on tap to pair with burrata pizzas. Steak-and-shellfish traditionalists still pack Chops Lobster Bar for prime tomahawks and a raw bar that gleams like a jewelry case.
When the plates clear, the amps come on.
The Funky Biscuit squeezes big-name blues and jam bands into an intimate room where locals sip barrel-aged rye, and Crazy Uncle Mike’s keeps its house-brewed IPAs flowing while reggae, country, and ‘80s tributes roll past midnight.
If you’d rather linger under the palms, sidewalk cafés in Mizner Park serve espresso and people-watching until last call.
Neighborhoods and Housing
Popular Neighborhoods and Their Features
Downtown Boca delivers condo towers near Mizner Park, walkable cafés, and a short bike ride to the beach.
East Boca enclaves such as Spanish River and the Sun and Surf area offer single-story ranch homes within blocks of beautiful beaches.
West Boca, west of the Turnpike, leans suburban and newer, with gated communities, golf courses, and larger amenity centers.
Places to live in Boca span sleek coastal condos, historic Old Floresta cottages, and master-planned golf estates, making it one of the best places to live for buyers who want options without leaving the county.
Housing Market Overview and Prices
The Boca Raton housing market commands premium prices.
Zillow’s Home Value Index shows an average home value of about $550,000 in mid-2025, down roughly four percent year over year, yet still higher than the national average.
In waterfront 33432, price tags push past roughly $990K, while over in 33486, they hang closer to $710K. If you’re chasing homes for sale in Boca Raton, come ready with a hefty down payment, be prepared to sign fast, and expect to face more than a few cash buyers.
Choosing the Right Area for Your Lifestyle
If you crave nightlife and short Uber rides, downtown Boca might be your spot.
Seeking space to spread out? Check West Boca’s gated sections along Palmetto Park Road.
Golf devotees drift toward clubs in Boca Pointe, Boca West, and Broken Sound.
Lovers of walkable coastal streets pick neighborhoods near South Inlet Park, where a beach sunrise sits a block away from a smoothie stand.
Cost of Living
Housing Costs
Housing rules the budget in Boca Raton.
Rents for a two-bedroom apartment run north of $2,600 a month, and single-family leases often top $4,000.
Add insurance, wind coverage near the coast is pricey, and the high cost of living becomes obvious.
Overall, the cost of living in Boca Raton sits about twenty-three percent higher than the U.S. average, thanks mostly to housing, according to a 2025 ERI index.
That contributes to the city’s reputation for a high cost of living in Boca.
Utilities, Groceries, and Transportation
Utility bills follow South Florida patterns: power spikes during humid summers, then drops in breezy winters.
Numbeo data shows an average electric, water, and trash bill of $190 per month for an 85-square-meter apartment, while internet hovers around $75.
Groceries track slightly above national norms, with milk flirting near five dollars a gallon.
At the pump, gas prices mirror the Miami and Fort Lauderdale metro average.
Tri-Rail and Brightline trains connect Boca Raton to jobs in West Palm Beach and Miami, though most residents still drive. Insurance, tolls, and congestion on I-95 add hidden costs to life in Boca Raton.
Taxes and Other Expenses
Florida famously collects no personal income tax, a big plus for many newcomers. Property taxes, however, can bite. Inside
Boca Raton city limits, combined county, city, school, and special district millage rates add up to roughly 16.6 mills, or about $8,300 per year on a $500,000 assessed value home.
Sales tax sits at seven percent in Palm Beach County.
Budget for hurricane insurance if you own a home in Boca Raton, and remember that HOA fees in luxury living communities can top $600 monthly.
Education and Schools
Public School System
Schools in Boca Raton fall under the Palm Beach County public school district, the state’s fifth-largest system.
Campuses such as Waters Edge Elementary School and Spanish River High consistently earn “A” grades from Florida’s accountability program.
Parents tracking public schools in Florida often note that Boca schools pull strong test scores and sports programs.
Private and Charter Schools
A roster of private academies stretches from Saint Andrew’s to Grandview Preparatory, giving new residents a range of tuition choices.
Charter options, including the well-regarded Don Estridge High Tech Middle, pull applicants from around Boca Raton. Each campus posts its own dress codes, curriculum focus, and admission timelines, so visiting early matters.
Higher Education Options
Florida Atlantic University anchors the north side of downtown, bringing Division I sports and a steady lineup of guest lectures.
Lynn University sits a few miles west and hosts international students in aviation and business tracks. Everglades University adds degrees in environmental policy and holistic medicine, while the University of Miami lies an hour south for graduate research ties.
Employment and Economy
Major Employers and Industries
Top employers include Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Office Depot headquarters, IBM, ADT, and a rising biotech cluster.
Business services, life sciences, and information tech dominate payrolls, and financial firms love the proximity to Miami without downtown Miami rents.
Job Market Trends
A July 2025 FAU report shows South Florida job growth outpacing national numbers, with small-business creation up nine percent over the prior year.
Remote work is booming here. Lightning-fast fiber blankets the city, and a row of coworking studios lines the strip by Boca Raton Airport.
Opportunities for Remote Workers
Digital professionals appreciate quick hops to Palm Beach International Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International, and the private-jet-friendly Boca Raton Airport.
Brightline trains shave commute times to downtown Miami meetings.
Coffee shops dot downtown Boca, and new residents swap tips on the quietest corner tables.
Outdoor Activities and Recreation
Beaches and Parks
Life in Boca Raton orbits the beach.
Red Reef Park delivers snorkeling reefs within steps of shaded picnic tables. Spanish River Park spreads dune walks and a cherished dog beach section. South Inlet Park guards the Boca inlet, while Sugar Sand Park, with its science playground, keeps inland afternoons cool under live oaks.
Beautiful beaches line the coast from South Beach Park up to West Palm Beach, giving locals a choice of the best beaches in the state on any weekend.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center showcases rescued sea turtles and coastal hammocks, turning an ordinary stroll into a marine-biology class.
Golf and Sports
Golf courses stitch through gated communities and city parks.
The Allianz Championship golf tournament draws crowds each winter to Broken Sound Club, and casual rounds unfold at Boca Raton Municipal’s eighteen holes.
Hockey fans cheer the Florida Panthers on in Sunrise. Runners mark their calendars for the Spring Boca Raton Airport 5K that loops under jet trails.
Boating and Water Activities
Kayakers launch from Spanish River into the Intracoastal. Anglers book charters through South Inlet Park for runs to the Gulf Stream. Weekend cruisers sometimes venture to the Florida Keys for reef fishing, yet zip back to the dock in time for a sunset at beautiful Boca Raton’s waterfront parks.
Transportation and Getting Around
Public Transit Options
Palm Tran buses weave through Boca, connecting downtown Boca Raton to West Boca and the Town Center district.
Tri-Rail offers commuter rides to Miami or West Palm Beach during rush hours. Brightline’s downtown Boca station cuts the travel time to Fort Lauderdale to roughly twenty minutes once the line opens full service later this year.
Driving and Traffic Patterns
I-95 slices north–south and backs up before 8 a.m. Weekday congestion peaks near Glades Road exits. Locals sometimes skirt traffic by using Dixie Highway or US-1 around Boca Raton.
Parking downtown gets tight during holiday shopping at Town Center at Boca Raton, so plan extra minutes if you need a spot near the mall’s new Tesla Superchargers.
Proximity to Airports and Other Cities
Palm Beach International Airport sits thirty miles north, while Fort Lauderdale Airport lies twenty-five miles south along I-95.
Boca Raton Airport handles private flights and occasional charters, giving executives a ten-minute hop to downtown Boca offices.
Miami International Airport stays within an hour-plus drive, traffic permitting.
Pros and Cons of Living in Boca Raton
Advantages of the Area
Residents rave about year-round warm weather, upscale dining, plentiful golf courses, and access to multiple beaches, parks, and water sports.
They enjoy first-rate health care at Boca Raton Regional Hospital and big-city arts without the daily grind of Miami traffic. The city offers amenities such as Mizner Park concerts, luxury shopping at Town Center, and quick Brightline rides to Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach.
Potential Drawbacks
The flip side of paradise is cost.
Housing prices and Boca Raton property tax bills are higher than in many Florida cities, insurance for coastal homes can be steep, and summer humidity sits heavy.
Traffic snarls when snowbirds arrive, and condo boards sometimes levy special assessments for seawall or roof repairs.
Prospective buyers should weigh the higher than the national average expenses against paycheck gains and lifestyle perks before making the leap.
Tips for Moving to Boca Raton
Best Time of Year to Move
Autumn months, from late September to early November, offer cooler air and lower humidity. Movers charge less after the peak summer season, and hurricane activity usually tails off by late fall, reducing weather headaches for those relocating to Boca Raton.
Setting Up Utilities, Internet, and Services
Electricity comes through Florida Power & Light. Expect an online setup process that takes fifteen minutes. Comcast Xfinity and AT\&T Fiber split most internet coverage.
Trash pickup and water fall under the city of Boca Raton services if you live in town; West Boca uses county providers.
Know before moving to Boca that HOA approval can delay cable hook-ups, so file paperwork early.
Settling Into the Community
Join a weekend beach cleanup at Red Reef Park, catch a lecture at Lynn University, or volunteer with Gumbo Limbo to meet neighbors.
Downtown Boca farmers markets pop up on Mizner Boulevard, letting newcomers chat with local growers while snacking on empanadas.
Things to know before moving include the city’s love of outdoor festivals, from craft beer fests to the yearly festival of the arts that lights up Mizner Park.
FAQ’s About Moving to Boca Raton
Is the cost of living in Boca really that high?
Yes, overall expenses sit more than twenty percent above national averages, with housing leading the charge. Groceries, utilities, and health care come in a few points higher than U.S. norms, but the absence of a state income tax can offset some of those costs.
How does Boca Raton compare to nearby cities like Miami or Fort Lauderdale?
Boca stays smaller and less hectic than Miami, yet offers many of the same coastal perks. Prices run higher than some Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods but lower than Miami waterfront districts, giving newcomers a middle ground between big-city bustle and suburban calm.
What is the job market like for newcomers?
Corporate headquarters, a cluster of med-tech firms, and an expanding university research sector keep unemployment low. Remote workers benefit from fast fiber internet and multiple coworking spaces sprinkled around downtown Boca.
Are there good parks beyond the beautiful beaches?
Absolutely. Sugar Sand Park features a hands-on science center, Spanish River Park hides shaded boardwalks through mangroves, and South Inlet Park offers fishing along the jetty when the surf looks too rough for swimming.
Does Boca Raton offer reliable public transportation?
You can jump on Tri-Rail or Brightline for quick runs to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or West Palm; Palm Tran buses loop around town; and a tap on your phone summons a ride-share when needed. Most folks still steer their own wheels, but the expanding train lines are finally giving commuters a legit rush-hour alternative.