Boca Raton, the second largest city in the Palm Beaches, is a unique place where history and innovation come together. Influenced by the renowned architect Addison Mizner, Boca Raton was constructed with an elegant Mediterranean Renaissance style that has since become a vibrant city full of rich art and culture. The city's sugar-white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters attract tourists and snowbirds alike to its pristine beaches. Pronounced Boca Rat-hone, this elite enclave in South Florida is so clean that you could literally eat off the floor; not that you would want to when there are so many award-winning restaurants to choose from.
Rest assured that, despite its name, not a single rat is seen in this city. Today, Boca Raton has a population of 97,000 people, with approximately 1,000 new residents moving to the city each year in search of all the opportunities it can offer. Described as isolated, serene, peaceful and relaxed, Boca Raton's beaches are ideal for families. The cost of living in Boca Raton is rated at a level of 128, which means it's 28% more expensive than the national average.
Visitors can enjoy the waves and sand off the Boca Raton coast from its two-mile stretch of spongy white sand and blue waters, patrolled by lifeguards. If you're moving with school-age children or thinking about starting your own family, you'll be pleased to learn that Boca Raton values quality education. It's also important to note that, since Boca Raton is a coastal community in South Florida, hurricanes and tropical storms are a real threat to the area that should be taken seriously. The housing market is booming across the country and never more so than in Boca Raton and surrounding cities in South Florida.
Be sure to attend the Boca Raton Arts Festival to celebrate local artists and listen to live music, or head to Boca Bash for a full day of boating, jet skiing, rafting and water sports. For golf lovers, check out the Allianz Championship Golf Tournament, which is part of the PGA Tour in Boca Raton. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) are about 26 kilometers from Boca Raton. There are many ungated communities around Boca Raton as well as gated or membership communities that normally have clubhouses, golf courses and services.
Prized for being a safe community with a crime rate 38 percent lower than the Florida average, young professionals and retirees alike are moving to Boca Raton. Like many South Florida destinations, Boca Raton is known for its year-round sunny skies and beautiful beaches. The highlight of Boca Raton is its stunning two-mile stretch of beach with bright sand and turquoise waters. For easy travel, Boca Raton Airport is located adjacent to the Florida Atlantic University campus and serves the Miami metropolitan area.