Looking for a peaceful place to enjoy the sunshine? Then you’ll love living in Boca Raton.
Going by its local nickname of “Boca”, most Boca Raton residents feel this charming city is a great place to live. Along with its beautiful beaches and great Florida-style climate, Boca Raton is also known for its luxurious lifestyle and amazing shopping destinations.
But before you make this huge move, you are probably thinking: Is Boca Raton a good place to live? Yes, Boca Raton is a good place to live because it offers a blend of nature, upscale amenities, and a relaxed coastal lifestyle. Enjoy beaches, parks, and cultural attractions like the Boca Raton Museum of Art. The area features excellent schools, luxury shopping, dining, and a vibrant community feel.
Learn everything you need to know before moving to Boca Raton in this ultimate guide! Get all the interesting facts and information you’ll want to know about living in Boca Raton!
Table of Contents
Is Boca Raton a Good Place to Live?
Boca Raton is a good place to live, offering pristine beaches, vibrant arts and culture, top-rated schools, and excellent dining options. Outdoor enthusiasts living in Boca Raton enjoy parks and nature reserves, while families love attractions like Sugar Sand Park.
However, the city has a higher cost of living, traffic congestion, and is prone to hurricanes with recorded wind events. It makes quality disaster insurance necessary. Overall, Boca Raton FL is a good place to live because it appeals to many seeking an upscale yet relaxed vibe and a luxurious coastal lifestyle.
Where Is Boca Raton Florida?
Boca Raton is in Palm Beach County, in southwest Florida. Knowing where is Boca Raton Florida is important when you are considering moving to Boca Raton and want to know more about the area. Similarly, knowing which county is Boca Raton in comes in handy when you want to hire the best moving company in Boca Raton for a smooth relocation.
The name Boca Raton itself traces back to the Spanish phrase “boca de ratones,” meaning “rat’s mouth,” a historical navigational term for jagged rocks at a river inlet.
Living in Boca Raton offers easy access to other cities in Florida. It’s situated about 46 miles north of Miami, near the areas of Highland Beach, Deerfield Beach, and Delray Beach. If you’re thinking about moving to Boca Raton from Miami or one of the nearby cities, our Boca Raton movers will gladly take you there.
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How Many People Live in Boca Raton – Population & Demographics
Growing at a rate of about 1,000 new residents per year since the turn of the century, the Boca Raton population is now 102,235, with a median age of 43.5 years old, according to the Census Reporter.
Forty four percent of the Boca Raton population is composed of people aged 50 years and older. It shows that Boca Raton FL is a popular community for older families, and there are many seniors living in Boca Raton. At the same time, the city also attracts a growing number of young professionals drawn to its strong job market and coastal lifestyle.
Boca Raton Demographics
While the area isn’t as diverse as nearby South Florida cities like Miami, Boca Raton demographics show that the racial and ethnic makeup of residents living in Boca Raton is 74.7% white (70.8% non-Hispanic), 15.7% Hispanic or Latino, 5.6% Black or African American, 2.8% Asian, and 13.2% two or more races. Overall, the population of Boca Raton has become slightly more diverse over the years.
Boca Raton demographics show that the gender of residents living in Boca Raton is pretty even, with a slight advantage for men at 51%, followed closely by women at 49%. The foreign born population is 20.3%.
What Is the Median Household Income in Boca Raton?
The Boca Raton median household income is $121,629, which is 150% higher than the rest of median income of $77,735 in Florida. The per capita income in Boca Raton is $82,337, nearly double Florida’s $43,582.
Florida is also one of the few states with no state income tax, which stretches every dollar further for residents at every income level. So, if you are wondering is Boca Raton a good place to live for financial reasons, the answer is yes! Boca Raton offers great salaries and income opportunities.
Is Boca Raton Safe?
Living in Boca Raton is exceptionally safe, particularly regarding violent crime. According to the latest FBI City Agency data, the city’s total crime rate is 1,848 incidents per 100,000 people, which is approximately 20% lower than the national average. The safety margin is most significant in violent crime, which is 52% lower than the U.S. average.
While property crime (primarily larceny and shoplifting) occurs at a rate of 1,677 per 100,000 in Boca Raton, it still remains roughly 14% below the national benchmark, making the city one of the more secure municipalities in Florida, the city one of the more safe communities in Florida.
The Boca Raton Police Department handles crime in the community with the assistance of 217 officers and 110 civilian employees.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Boca Raton?
With fantastic beaches and fun places to visit across town, you’ll never have any trouble finding exciting things to do in Boca Raton. Whether you’re looking for beach life at Red Reef Park or Spanish River Park, golf courses at the Royal Palm Yacht Country Club, or you want to spend a weekend looking at art at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, living in Boca Raton offers something for everyone.
Beyond the beaches, Mizner Park is one of the city’s most beloved destinations. It is an open-air shopping and entertainment district along Palmetto Park Road that combines dining, retail, and cultural events in one walkable setting. Nearby, Royal Palm Place offers boutique shopping and alfresco dining in a charming garden-style plaza.
Culture lovers will also appreciate the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum, a one-of-a-kind venue that stages Broadway-caliber productions and houses one of the largest costume collections in the country.
As the area continues to grow, you’ll also see great places to shop in Boca Raton, such as Trader Joe’s, Walgreens, Kmart, CVS, Whole Foods, and Town Center at Boca Raton.
South Beach Park
Speaking of beaches, South Beach Park is a 24.5-acre area where visitors living in Boca Raton can enjoy daytime access to swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. As one of the most popular attractions in Boca Raton, it’s also a common spot to catch a glimpse of unique wildlife.
South Beach Park, 400 N State Road A-1-A, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 393-7810
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Boomers!
Another one of the best places to visit for families living in Boca Raton is Boomers!, a fun spot for all ages. Offering go-karts, an arcade, mini-golf, rock climbing, laser tag, batting cages, and more, you can spend an entire day here and still want to keep going. You won’t even have to leave to grab food because they already have burgers, pizza, and drinks onsite at the café. It’s one of the best things to do in Boca Raton with kids.
Boomers!, 3100 Airport Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33431 (561) 347-1888
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Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a great place for both adults and children if you’re looking for interesting activities while living in Boca Raton. Visit their neat butterfly garden, boardwalk trail, or outdoor aquariums for a day of learning and entertainment. You can even adopt a sea turtle as a sponsor, helping them make their way back to the ocean.
Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, 1801 N Ocean Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 544-8605
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Where to Eat in Boca Raton | Boca Raton Restaurants
Is it time to eat? Living in Boca Raton means access to a thriving dining scene filled with great restaurants spanning every cuisine and price point. Here are a few of the top Boca Raton restaurants.
Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria
One of the top restaurants in Boca Raton is Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria, where you can enjoy some of the most delicious wood-fired pizzas in town. This great place to eat in Boca Raton also offers your choice of yummy steak, chicken, or pasta dishes.
Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar Pizzeria, 100 E Palmetto Park Rd, Boca Raton, FL 33432, (561) 336-6699
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Farmer’s Table
Then, there is Farmer’s Table, where you can enjoy great American cuisine in a rustic-chic atmosphere. Whether you want breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, this Boca Raton restaurant has a little bit of everything. Some of their most popular menu items include omelets, flatbreads, brick chicken, short ribs, grilled salmon, BBQ brisket, and more.
Farmer’s Table, 1901 N Military Trl, Boca Raton, FL 33431, (561) 417-5836
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Ichiyami Buffet & Sushi
Ichiyami Buffet & Sushi is another amazing place to eat in Boca Raton, with its large, modern buffet setting. Enjoy all-you-can-eat sushi, including nigiri, sushi rolls, fried rice, and a hibachi grill. You’re sure to leave with a full belly after eating at this awesome Boca Raton eatery.
Ichiyami Buffet & Sushi, 145 SE Mizner Blvd, Boca Raton, FL 33432, (561) 395-7977
Is Living in Boca Raton Expensive? | Boca Raton, FL Cost of Living
Before moving to Boca Raton, you’ll want to consider the cost of living. A good way to assess an area’s affordability is to look at the cost of living index. It compares the prices of typical consumer goods to the rest of the US, which is represented by 100.
The COLI for the area is 116.1, which indicates the cost of living in Boca Raton is about 16.1% more expensive than the rest of the country. While the housing market is the main reason for the difference, other expenses like groceries and local transportation are also a bit higher.
Boca Raton Homes for Sale
According to Redfin, the median price of homes for sale in Boca Raton, FL is $930,000, while the average price per square foot is $474. Make sure you take a look at Boca Raton, FL homes for sale to see what you can afford with your budget.
Boca Raton Rentals
About 25% of individuals moving to Boca Raton are renters looking to lease a home or apartment. Rentcafe shows the average rent in Boca Raton is $2,921 per month. The average price of rent in Boca Raton is typically between $2,373 per month for a one-bedroom and $3,969 for a three-bedroom location.
What Are the Typical Expenses in Boca Raton Florida?
Knowing the average expenses is an important part of answering the question “Is Boca Raton a good place to live?
According to Numbeo, some of the other average expenses for people living in Boca Raton include:
- Meal at a fast-food restaurant: $13
- Meal at an inexpensive dine-in restaurant: $25
- Three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant: $100
- Gallon of milk: $3.07
- Loaf of bread: $4.35
- One dozen eggs: $4.27
- Chicken fillets (2 pounds): $14.27
Boca Raton Neighborhoods | Where to Live in Boca Raton
Covering an area of about 32 square miles, Boca Raton communities are beautiful, comfortable, and family-friendly. Living in Boca Raton offers a variety of lifestyles, from families with kids to retirees seeking peace and quiet. The city features a mix of gated communities and open neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality.
Camino Gardens is one of the city’s most charming established neighborhoods, known for its tree-lined streets, mid-century homes, and strong neighborhood identity. Woodfield Country Club is a premier gated community in West Boca offering golf, tennis, and resort-style amenities.
Boca Falls is another popular gated community on the western edge of the city limits, prized for its spacious homes, top-rated schools, and quiet suburban atmosphere.
With great options all over the city, some of the best Boca Raton neighborhoods are:
- Pearl City
- Century Village
- Yamato
- West Deerfield Beach
- West Boca
In the southeast corner of Palm Beach County, zip codes in Boca Raton include 33431, 33432, 33433, 33434, 33444, 33445, 33486, 33487, and 33496. You can plan on a 561 area code if you get a new phone number after moving to Boca Raton.
Boca Raton Schools
If you’re living in Boca Raton with children, your kids will be joining about 17,600 students already living in the area. Making up about 16% of the population in Boca Raton, local children are part of the highly ranked Palm Beach School District, which oversees strong public schools at every grade level.
With great education programs all over the city, the top schools in Boca Raton include:
- Addison Mizner Elementary School
- Calusa Elementary School
- Don Estridge High Tech Middle School
- D. Henderson University School & FAU High School
- Spanish River Community High School (Ranked 41st top high school in Florida)
- Boca Raton Community High School (Ranked 48th top high school in Florida)
- Palm Beach State College and Palm Beach Community College are also excellent options for local graduates and continuing education students.
Are There Private Schools in Boca Raton?
Yes. Fusion Academy and Boca Raton Christian Schools are two notable private schools open to students living in Boca Raton. Two colleges in Boca Raton offer secondary education to students in town. The Florida Atlantic University campus in Boca Raton is the university’s main campus, offering strong degree programs in business, education, and nursing. Lynn University is another good option for local graduates to consider.
Boca Raton Jobs
While most people living in Boca Raton work nearby, some commute from Boca Raton to West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and even Miami. The primary industries in Boca Raton are aerospace and aviation, cleantech, financial and professional services, information technology, life sciences, logistics, and distribution.
The largest employers offering reliable jobs in Boca Raton include:
- Office Depot Headquarters
- IBM Corporation
- Cancer Treatment Centers of America
- US Foods
- CareersUSA
- ADT
- American Household, Inc.
Payscale shows that the average salary in Boca Raton is $74,000 per year. From pastry chef to administrative assistant, there are a variety of great Boca Raton jobs available. You can even find city of Boca Raton jobs in the local government.
Boca Raton Weather
Boca Raton enjoys a warm tropical climate that makes outdoor living a year-round pleasure. With only about 46 miles from Boca Raton to Miami, you can expect a near-identical tropical climate loved by everyone who both lives and visits there. The weather in Boca Raton brings warm, humid summers with temperatures ranging from the upper 70s to the low 90s. Winters are generally short and wet, with temperatures ranging from the low 60s to mid-70s and 60 inches of rain per year.
This beautiful Boca Raton weather offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy amazing outdoor activities at Red Reef Park, Sugar Sand Park, and Spanish River Park.
Does Boca Raton Have Flooding Issues?
Yes, Boca Raton can experience flooding, especially during heavy rain, high tides, or storm surges. Low-lying areas and neighborhoods near canals or the coast are more prone to flooding. However, the city has invested in drainage systems and flood management to reduce risks.
Does Boca Raton Get Hurricanes?
Yes, Boca Raton is located in a hurricane-prone region of South Florida. Hurricane season runs from June to November, with peak activity between August and October. While direct hits are not frequent, the area can still experience strong winds, heavy rain, and storm surge from nearby hurricanes.
Tips for Living in Boca Raton
- Join a growing Miami suburb that locals love.
- Enjoy loads of fun things to do and hot restaurants.
- Make sure the cost of living fits your budget.
- Living in Boca Raton means great neighborhoods, dependable schools, and good jobs.
- You’ll love the Boca Raton climate.
- You have plenty of ways to travel, as the Boca Raton Airport (BCT) is just outside downtown Boca Raton, while the Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is 25 miles away, the Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FTT) is 25 miles away, and the Miami International Airport (MIA) is 45 miles away.
Boca Raton Map
Here’s the map of Boca Raton FL, which highlights things to do, restaurants, neighborhoods, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Boca Raton FL
What Is Boca Raton Known for?
Boca Raton is known for its upscale lifestyle, beautiful beaches, golf courses, luxury communities, and strong business presence. It also features top-rated parks, shopping centers, and cultural attractions like the Boca Museum of Art and the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum.
Is Boca Raton a Good Place to Raise a Family?
Yes. Boca Raton is considered family-friendly due to its highly rated public schools, safe community, parks, and access to healthcare and recreational activities.
Is Boca Raton Considered Wealthy?
Yes. Boca Raton is widely regarded as an affluent city. It has high property values, luxury real estate, and a higher-than-average household income. Moreover, Florida’s lack of a state income tax also adds to its financial appeal for high earners.
Why Is Boca Raton So Popular?
Living in Boca Raton FL is popular because of its warm tropical climate, coastal living, strong job opportunities, luxury amenities, and a high quality of life. These qualities attract everyone from retirees to young professionals.
Is Boca Raton a Suburb Of Miami?
No, Boca Raton is not a suburb of Miami. Boca Raton is an independent city. It is located about 45 miles north of Miami, though both cities are part of South Florida.
What County Is Boca Raton in?
Boca Raton is located in Palm Beach County, South Florida.
What Is the History Behind the Name Boca Raton?
The name Boca Raton comes from the Spanish phrase “boca de ratones.” It loosely translates as “rat’s mouth,” which referred to a navigational hazard, jagged rocks near a waterway’s inlet. The city has a rich history that includes the iconic Cloister Inn, built in 1926 by architect Addison Mizner, which set the tone for the Mediterranean Revival architecture that defines Boca Raton today.
What Was the Role of Japanese Farmers in Boca Raton’s History?
In the early twentieth century, Japanese farmers played a significant role in developing Boca Raton’s agricultural economy, particularly in cultivating pineapples and other crops in the area. Their contributions are part of the broader multicultural history that shaped modern Boca Raton.
What Is the Closest Airport to Boca Raton?
The closest major airport is Fort Lauderdale International Airport, about 25–30 minutes away. Palm Beach International Airport and Miami International Airport are also accessible nearby options.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Move to Boca Raton?
The best time is typically between November and April when the weather is cooler, drier, and outside of peak hurricane season.
Is Boca Raton Walkable?
Boca Raton is moderately walkable. Some areas, especially downtown near Mizner Park and Palmetto Park Road, are pedestrian-friendly, but most neighborhoods require a car.
What Are the Key Differences Between East Boca, Central Boca, and Boca West?
East Boca is closest to the ocean and is more expensive and walkable. It is oriented around beach life and the Intracoastal Waterway. On the other hand, Central Boca is a more balanced location with suburban neighborhoods, good schools, and shopping along Royal Palm Place and surrounding areas. Boca West is a premier gated community known for golf, tennis courts, amenities, and exclusivity just inside the western city limits.
Are There Beautiful Beaches in Boca Raton Florida?
Yes. Boca Raton has clean, scenic beaches with clear water and well-maintained parks. South Inlet Park and Dog Beach at North Beach Pavilion are local favorites, making the city a popular destination for residents and visitors alike.
Moving to Boca Raton? Contact Us for a Free Quote!
Planning on moving to Boca Raton? Call the best Boca Raton movers with Meehan’s Family Moving at (561) 904-6000 or fill out the request a quote form for a free moving estimate!
