Boca Raton is an affluent Florida community located in the southern part of the state.
The city is home to about 100,000 people who can afford its wealthier lifestyle.
Good education, a thriving economy, and low crime are some of its positive aspects.
But the main attraction is two miles of sensational beach property located within a majestic scenic backdrop.
If you’ve got your eye on settling in Boca Raton, here’s what you should know before deciding to make this city your home.
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Pros of Living in Boca Raton, FL
Every city has its positive and negative aspects.
Knowing a bit about each gives you a balanced picture of what to expect.
Here are some of the positive aspects of joining the Boca Raton, FL community:
1. Pristine Beaches
Boca Raton has some of the most beautiful beach properties in the state AND they’re not crowded!
That’s because the beaches are reserved as much as possible for Boca Raton residents.
Boca Raton beaches feature soft, white sands and refreshing waters in a clean, relaxing environment.
South Beach Park is a family favorite and offers beautiful views of the sun setting over the ocean.
Red Reef Park features an amazing butterfly garden and a boardwalk offering fantastic views of the Intercoastal waterways.
2. Upscale Living
Boca Raton is known for its prestigious properties and luxury living.
You can choose from any number of upscale neighborhoods to call home.
There are country-club properties with higher-end amenities for those who can afford this lifestyle.
Non-country club/non-HOA neighborhoods offer homes at more reasonable costs.
Keep in mind, however, that Boca Raton real estate is pricey and not for everyone.
3. Job Market
There are jobs to be had in Boca Raton in a wide variety of industries.
Young professionals can establish a career in finance, banking, IT, software development, retail, healthcare, education, and tourism, just to name a few.
Office Depot, the GEO Group, and Luxury Resorts are just a few of the corporations headquartered in Boca Raton.
Other major employers include BMI Gaming, Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Vitacost, IBM, ADT Security, and Florida Atlantic University.
A low unemployment rate and high median salary offer incentives for working in this area.
4. Great Schools
By moving to Boca Raton, you give your kids access to some of the top schools in the country.
Virtually every public school in the area has an A rating for their academic standard.
There are 13 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 4 high schools in the area to give your kids a solid K-12 grade education.
Florida Atlantic University is the only public institution of higher learning in the city.
Lynn University and Everglades University are private colleges.
Additional college options can be found in the nearby cities of Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami.
5. Low Crime
Boca Raton taxes go toward funding public services like the city’s police force and sheriff’s office.
This bolsters the protection residents receive against crime.
The result is lower crime rates in Boca Raton than in neighboring regions.
You can have peace of mind knowing you’re at low risk of becoming a victim of property or violent crime.
6. Vibrant Culture
The arts and culture are alive and well in Boca Raton, which is another plus in its favor.
The Mizner Park Amphitheater in downtown Boca features an array of concerts and festivals annually.
At the Boca Raton Museum of Art, you can view displays of modern, contemporary, and European art.
The Fine Arts Show and Festival of the Arts highlight the talents of local, national, and international artists.
When it comes to music, The Funky Biscuit is the place to go for live performances of blues, rock, jazz, or funk.
Classical music fans can get their fill of orchestral concerts and recitals at Lynn University Conservatory of Music.
7. Great Food
Boca Raton’s restaurants feature foods from almost every cuisine imaginable.
In addition to American dishes, you can enjoy the best that Greek, Italian, Peruvian, Cuban, Indian, and Japanese cuisine has to offer.
Whether you dine at a high-end restaurant or a casual eatery, you can expect a meal that’s delicious and satisfying.
Some of the local favorites include Matteos for Italian food, Arun’s for Indian cuisine, and Taki Omakase for Japanese delights.
8. Fusion of Urban & Suburban Lifestyles
Living in Boca Raton gives you the best of both worlds – a suburban lifestyle with the city amenities you love best.
The city balances a fine arts cultural scene with the beauties of nature found in local preserves, beaches, and parks.
Large corporations, chain stores, and outlets share the economy with mom-and-pop shops.
The downtown district is just minutes away from neighborhoods that offer the peace and quiet of suburban life.
The fusion of urban and suburban lifestyles makes Boca Raton an ideal community for young and old alike.
Cons of Living in Boca Raton, FL
As “rosy” as living in Boca Raton sounds, there are a few thorns.
Here are some of the negative aspects of living in Boca Raton, FL:
1. Cost of Living
Boca Raton’s upscale lifestyle comes with a price.
The cost of living in this Gold Coast city is incredibly high.
Living here can cost as much as $3,200+ monthly – and that’s just for one person!
That puts Boca Raton in the top 0.1% of expensive cities to live worldwide.
It’s more expensive to live in Boca Raton than it is to live in Miami!
Utilities and healthcare are about the only expenses that are on par with other cities in the state.
2. Housing Costs
Property costs in Boca Raton are 45% higher than the U.S. average.
The median listing of a home in February 2023 was approximately $600,000.
Home costs in certain neighborhoods can exceed a million dollars.
Rentals are also expensive, averaging over $2,000 a month for a 1,000 sq. ft. apartment.
If your income falls short of these expectations, you’d do well to choose another city as your home.
3. Traffic Problems
Like many thriving cities, Boca Raton struggles with traffic.
The commutes to and from nearby cities for work can be long and tedious.
Tourism only adds to the chaos by causing more traffic jams.
During rush hour, congestion can bring traffic to a full stop.
Residents often make more progress driving on side streets than on main thoroughfares.
4. Hurricanes/Flooding
When you live in Boca Raton, hurricanes come with the territory.
Hurricane season extends from June through November.
During this time, there’s always the risk of severe storms, hurricanes, and flooding.
Hurricane prep entails stocking up on necessities and having an evacuation plan in case you’re ordered to leave by the authorities.
Hurricanes bring the threat of water and wind damage, downed power lines, and tornadoes.
If you own a waterfront home, there’s always the risk of flooding.
By purchasing flood insurance, you’ll have the financial means to recover from a flood disaster.
5. Humidity
If the heat doesn’t get to you in Boca Raton, the humidity will!
High humidity levels can make it extremely unpleasant to be outdoors.
Many people stay in their AC homes until the evening when temperatures start to cool off.
Boca Raton weather can be unpredictable in summer, sunny in the morning and stormy in the afternoon.
Torrential thunderstorms may last an hour before clouds dissipate and the sun returns in full force again.
6. Lack of Public Transport
Personal vehicles are a must for Boca Raton residents as public transport is sorely lacking.
City buses do run but with irregular schedules, inconsistent stops, and unreliable arrival times.
There is no shuttle or rail system to speak of.
An alternative to owning a vehicle is getting a bike.
7. Poor Nightlife
Unlike other vacation hotspots, Boca Raton has no real nightlife.
Nighttime entertainment is limited as the few bars and clubs in the city don’t stay open late at night.
Even supportive businesses like grocery and convenience stores close by 11 p.m.
If you want to drink or party into the wee hours with friends, you’ll need to go to Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, or Miami for nocturnal fun.
8. Bad Neighborhoods
Although the city enjoys a low crime rate, there are risky neighborhoods you should avoid.
Boca Raton does have a history of gang activity and drugs.
Low-income neighborhoods like Pearl City and Lincoln Court are prone to gang or drug-related crime.
Theft, muggings, and robberies occur more often in Lincoln Court than anywhere else in the city.
Drug overdoses are on the rise in Boca Raton due to opioid and heroin addiction.
Pros and Cons of Living in Boca Raton, FL – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Boca Raton, FL | Cons of Living in Boca Raton, FL |
|---|---|
| 1. Pristine Beaches | 1. Cost of Living |
| 2. Upscale Living | 2. Housing Costs |
| 3. Job Market | 3. Traffic Problems |
| 4. Great Schools | 4. Hurricanes/Flooding |
| 5. Low Crime | 5. Humidity |
| 6. Vibrant Culture | 6. Lack of Public Transport |
| 7. Great Food | 7. Poor Nightlife |
| 8. Fusion of Urban & Suburban Lifestyles | 8. Bad Neighborhoods |
Boca Raton Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Boca Raton Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: HIGH
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Boca Raton have an airport?
Yes!
It’s located 2 miles NW of the city’s business district.
The airport caters to aircraft privately owned by individuals or companies.
Other nearby airports include Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Miami International.
Is Boca Raton a family-friendly community?
Boca Ratan has much to offer families who can afford to live here.
The city’s beaches are one of its major attractions.
You can also plan outings to The Science Explorium, Willow Theater, Butterfly World, Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, and other family-friendly attractions.
A family picnic at any one of the city’s lovely parks is always a hit with kids.
How is the job market in Boca Raton, FL?
Job openings are available in numerous industries ranging from tourism to healthcare, retail, education, IT, and finance.
The city’s proximity to Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach provides additional opportunities for employment.
Boca Raton Regional Hospital, Home Depot, and Florida Atlantic University are among the city’s top employers.
How much does it cost to live comfortably in Boca Raton?
Singles can get by with an income of $1,000, not counting housing costs.
A family of four may need around $3,700+, not counting rent or mortgage.
Boca Raton is an affluent community offering fancy amenities that are costly.
Is Boca Raton a good place to retire?
If you have a good pension, Boca Raton is a great place to live!
In fact, the city is a popular retirement community, offering such amenities as art, theater, fine dining, a relaxing beach scene, and more.
As Florida has no state income tax, your pension will go further.
Boca Raton, FL offers pristine beaches, upscale living, a thriving job market, great schools, low crime rates and vibrant culture; however it comes with a high cost of living, expensive housing prices, traffic problems during rush hour and hurricane risks.
As a Boca Raton resident for over a decade, I can attest to the gorgeous beaches and vibrant cultural scene here. However, the high cost of living can be a real downside, especially for those on a budget.
One of the best parts about living in Boca Raton is the sense of community – there are always events and activities happening. On the flip side, the traffic can be a nightmare during peak tourist seasons.
I moved to Boca Raton for the amazing weather and outdoor lifestyle, and it’s been worth it for that alone. But be prepared for hurricane season – it’s a major concern for residents every year.
Living in Boca Raton means access to top-notch healthcare facilities and excellent schools for families. However, the lack of affordable housing options can make it challenging for young professionals to put down roots here.
The restaurant scene in Boca Raton is fantastic, with a diverse range of cuisines to explore. Just be aware that the summer heat can be intense, and outdoor dining isn’t always the most comfortable option.