Boca Raton Relocation Guide

Interested in relocating to Boca Raton?

Boca Raton is a magnificent city and exudes excellence in schools, employment, and homes offering a variety of lifestyle choices that fit all kinds of demographics, budgets and lifestyle pursuits. Boca Raton provides the perfect setting for those who want an active lifestyle with all kinds of sporting pursuits such as golf and water-sports and also more leisurely pursuits such as country-club and resort lifestyles with affordable homes to meet just about every price range.

Boca Raton is in Palm Beach County and conveniently located between Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach International Airports, three international ports, as well as an executive airport.

With 46 parks, 44 miles of bike lanes and 4 miles of sparkling golden public beaches – it's easy to enjoy the active outdoor lifestyle the city provides. Whether your sport is cycling, tennis, golf, swimming, scuba-diving, surfing or paddle-boarding – Boca Raton has a plethora of land and water activities year-round. Thirty corporate headquarters call Boca Raton home, and the community continues to attract a well-diversified industry base in both technology and tourism.

Those moving here will find that Downtown Boca is both family-friendly and country-club relaxed. It's both a leisurely and exciting destination that always has something fun to offer. All this comes with beautiful architecture and inviting public spaces.

Living close to downtown has never looked sweeter. Luckily, downtown Boca has a variety of stunning new residential properties you can call home. Luxury apartments, classic condominiums and single-family starter-homes are usually located minutes away from restaurants, community events, shopping plazas, parks and so much more.

Boca Raton residents and the local work-force looking for fun will find an array of fabulous events year round with no cold weather constraints that most of the country has. Top among them, the concerts, cultural festivals, and movie screenings at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, an outdoor yoga festival and an annual Brazilian Beat Festival.

Dining in Boca Raton is a foodie’s dream come true, with an abundance of restaurants featuring savory cuisines from around the globe. After-hours, beer gardens, lively pubs, and intimate wine bars are among the offerings to suit all palates and budgets.

The hot retail market downtown is anchored by Mizner Park to the north and Royal Palm Place to the south. Both areas are mixed-use destinations that feature top-notch shopping, dining, and living.

SHOPPING IN BOCA RATON

Town Center at Boca Raton

Town Center, located West of I-95 on Glades Road, is one of Palm Beach County's most expansive malls. At Town Center, you'll find Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Sears, and Nordstroms. Also, there are over 220 exclusive specialty stores such as Cartier, Tiffany's, Williams Sonoma, The Gap, Kate Spade, Louis Vuitton, Pottery Barn, and Godiva.

The mall's magnitude ensures a huge variety of retail options for all kinds of styles. The Food Court offers an array of options to satisfy your hunger and thirst cravings. Valet parking completes the experience and, to top it off, you can even get a car wash while you shop.

Town Center at Boca Raton
6000 Glades Road, Boca Raton, 561.368.6001
simon.com/mall/town-center-at-boca-raton

Mizner Park

Better known as "Downtown Boca," the area around Federal Highway and East Palmetto Park Road is a prime shopping area. The newly landscaped and redeveloped area features a wide array of goods and services including skin care, salons and spas, clothing stores for adults and children, high end- retail stores, travel agencies, gift boutiques, art galleries, fine clothing, and fine jewelry.

Throughout the year, there are street parties that showcase local talent and exciting activities for the entire family.

Mizner Park is centered around a Spanish-styled courtyard featuring over 40 shops, plenty of office space, apartments and town-homes. Opened in 1991, the park features a unique mix of specialty boutiques, restaurants, national retailers, a movie theater, an amphitheater and the Boca Raton Museum of Art and park-sponsored community events. Just down the street from Mizner Park, wander through Royal Palm Place, the oldest shopping center in Boca. The plaza has 80 shops in a Spanish-style, shopping complex. The courtyards and fountains are a charming backdrop to several restaurants and more shopping.

Mizner Park

327 Plaza Real, Suite 315, Boca Raton, FL 33432
https://www.miznerpark.com/en.html

The Shops at Boca Center

Boca Center offers a collection of designer shops and upscale boutiques in the heart of Boca Raton. Whether you're looking for the latest in trendy sunglasses or European fashion trends, nursery furniture or fine art and jewelry, you can find everything at Boca Center.
You can also get your errands done with many bank locations, fine wines and spirits, a grocery store, cell phone stores and more.

The Shops at Boca Center

5200 Town Center Circle, Suite 105
Boca Raton, FL 33486
(561) 361-9804
http://bocacenter.com/

Restaurants in Boca Raton

The nightlife might not like South Beach in Miami, but the dining scene sure is. Here are Boca restaurants worth trying right now.

Rafina Greek Taverna

With seating that overlooks the water, you will be transported to the Greek isles. If the ocean view doesn't do it, the Greek dishes will. Made with fresh and locally-sourced ingredients, the menu fuses traditional entrees, such as lamb chops with fresh herbs, garlic and the charbroiled octopus appetizer drizzled in olive oil and red wine sauce, with more contemporary additions such as the baby back ribs and the lamb empanada. The drink list features premium Greek wines plus imaginative craft cocktails, all with the traditional Greek touches... minus the plate-throwing! OPA!!!!

Dishes to Try:

Shrimp and octopus ceviche ($15); Avgolemono Greek soup with egg and lemon ($5); spinach pie "spanakopita" ($15)

Rafina Greek Taverna, Boardwalk at Boca Raton, 6877 SW 18th St., Boca Raton / 561.409.3673 / rafinaonline.com

Abe & Louie's

This Steakhouse strives to make the dining experience a memorable one, thanks to its sleek, wood-accented dining room and top-notch staff serving tender hunks of beef and hearty, traditional sides. Creamed corn - not a dish I would usually waste stomach space on, is a worthy use of your precious belly real estate. The combination of smoky bacon, sweet summer corn and caramelized shallots bound by a rich white sauce is creamy, smoky and summery indulgence.

2200 Glades Rd.; 561.447.0024
http://abeandlouies.com/

Chops Lobster Bar

The Atlanta-based seafood standout stands out on the crowded upscale Boca restaurant scene with its unique atmosphere — think dimly-let steakhouse with soft music meets New England Oyster Bar. Try the bone-in filet mignon or the flash-fried lobster. Happy Hour is every day of the week and not just Mon-Fri.

101 Plaza Real South; 561-395-2675
http://buckheadrestaurants.com/restaurant/chops-lobster-bar-br/

Twenty Twenty

Situated within Royal Palm Place, this fine-dining establishment serves creative New American fare made with local, sustainable ingredients, such as line-caught seafood, duck tacos with orange gastrique to delectable rosemary gnocchi, in a cozy, hues of purple space. The chef got three gold medals at the Culinary Olympics in Germany - enough said.

45 Via Naranjas; 561-990-7969
http://twentytwentygrille.com/

Casa D'Angelo

This rustic but elegant Italian restaurant in Boca Raton continues to impress discerning Floridians with warm hospitality and takes traditional Tuscan cooking taken to new heights. It boasts an expansive wine list and an overall elegant feel. Signature dishes include the lasagnette D'Angelo, the chef's signature lasagna, made with a thick ragu, homemade mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Zagat gave this an honorable mention in their "Truffle Time" guide with all kinds of truffilicious temptations including an elevated Caesar salad with black truffle dressing and risotto with porcini mushrooms, black truffle shavings and Alba truffle oil.

171 E. Palmetto Park Rd.; 561-996-1234
http://www.casa-d-angelo.com/

M.E.A.T Eatery and Taproom Boca

There's an impressive selection of carnivore-centric fares, like the "Inside-Out Juicy Lucy" made with cheese and a bacon-stuffed Angus beef patty. Does freshness matter to you? Then this little tidbit should impress you. They smoke their meats on site and make their sausage in-house. It's won national accolades for best burger for those of you that like no-nonsense unpretentious food. On the menu dishes like the house-smoked pulled pork, lobster rolls, and wings and pork rinds won't disappoint. They were featured on the Food Network show, Diners Drive-Ins and Dives. The homemade chorizo and chimichurri sandwich are lip-smacking good also and best washed down with craft beer or a glass of wine from their extensive lists.

980 North Federal Hwy.; 561-419-2600
http://www.meateatery.com/

Farmer's Table

Adjacent to the Boca Wyndham Hotel is this American eatery offering farm-to-table dishes at a price that is wallet-friendly. Nutritious and nourishing with no deprivation involved, meals explode with color and flavor. The owners are eco-conscious and strive to make your meal creative and consistently delicious with wellness and yumminess at the forefront. Want chemical, hormone, pesticide or antibiotics in your meats? No-where to be found here. Get lost in the lush tropical patio over the signature Buddha bowl (stir-fried garden-fresh vegetables, udon noodles, and shrimp) or the luscious herbed trout with sweet potato hash.

1901 North Military Trail; 561-417-5836
http://www.farmerstableboca.com/

SuViche

Sushi and Pisco share the stylish spotlight at Suviche. For those of you that are Pisco-virgins, you are about to be seduced. Pisco is the national spirit of Peru. It is a clear, high proof spirit distilled from several types of grapes. They have extensive offerings of "macerados" or pisco-infusions with herbs, tropical fruits and spices. These smooth spirits are perfect for mixing cocktails or sipping straight. Some of the new cocktails include “The Prenup” made with coconut macerado pisco, mango, cilantro, and rum, then topped with a lime peel, torched and served with a flame. Suviche has such a sense of style and is modern and retro looking with seating outside and inside.

Dishes to try:

SuVama ceviche ($11.95/bowl), Arroz Chaufa with chicken ($8.95), Perfection roll ($11.50)
Suviche, 401 E. Las Olas Blvd., Ste. 150, Fort Lauderdale / 954.656.3663 http://www.suviche.com/

Top Employers

Boca Raton is the second-largest city in the Palm Beaches and it covers 30 square miles and has five miles of beautiful beaches. It was incorporated in 1925 at the height of the Florida land boom. Renowned Florida architect, Addison Mizner was commissioned by the town council to plan a world-class resort community. All over Palm Beach County, you can see Mizner's Spanish-Mediterranean influences in many landmarks, commercial and civic buildings such as the Boca Resort and Country Club and Boca Town Hall.

While many Florida towns and counties rely heavily on tourism, Boca Raton's economy has developed in many other sectors such as telecommunications, computer software and is a major hub for education with outstanding colleges such as Florida Atlantic University. Thirty corporate headquarters and two major universities call Boca Raton home which provides for a diversified industry sector as well as an educated, talented and skilled workforce.

With over 1.4 million people, Palm Beach County is Florida's third most populated area with a projected population of almost 2 million by 2050. It is also Florida's wealthiest county with a per capita income of $68,000 according to the U.S. Department of Commerce. According to Forbes Magazine, the county ranks as #19 in the Best Places for Businesses and Careers.

Palm Beach County is the preferred leisure destination for over 2 million people per year, among them the most affluent consumers in the world, making tourism a major industry as well.

Technology is a major industry, with aerospace giants such as Lockheed Martin that operate here. As the original home of IBM's first desktop personal computer, the county has a strong communications technology industry that is supplemented by the talent produced by both Florida Atlantic University and Digital Media Arts College.

For all these reasons and more, Palm Beach County is ranked by Forbes Magazine as the #19 in Best Places for Business and Careers in the United States.

The following is a list of Boca Raton's largest employers which includes corporations and government/municipal organizations in a range of industries.

FirstService Residential

6300 Park of Commerce Blvd.
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-4045
www.fsresidential.com

FirstService Residential is a leading residential property management company, providing full-service, professional management services to more than 6,500 properties and over 1.5 million residential units across many U.S. states. The firm has over 14,000 employees with almost 1,000 in the Palm Beach County. FirstService properties include condominiums as well as single-family home Homeowner Associations (HOAs) and active adult communities, and mixed-use developments, as well as multi-family and investor-owned rental properties for institutional and private equity clients.

National Council on Compensation Insurance [NCCI]
901 Peninsula Corporate Circle
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-893-1000
www.ncci.com

NCCI is an insurance rating and data collection company specializing in workers' compensation. Operating with a not-for-profit philosophy, NCCI annually collects data covering more than four million workers compensation claims and two million policies. Since 1923, NCCI analyzes industry data and trends and develops tools and services in support of its mission to foster a healthy workers compensation system. It offers a range of solutions, such as underwriting resources, data tools, residual market information, terrorism risk insurance, state regulatory activities, employee leasing information, and other resources for workers compensation professionals. With over 925 employees, NCCI is one of the largest employers in Palm Beach County.

Boca Raton Resort & Club

501 E. Camino Real
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
888-543-1277
www.bocaresort.com

With almost 1,300 staff, the Boca Raton Resort & Club is the showpiece of Mizner's South Florida-Mediterranean revival style architecture. This landmark is one of the most beautiful and beloved buildings in the area. Amenities include a beach, two golf courses, a 50,000 sq. Ft. spa, seven pools, and a 24/7 fitness center, plus 30 tennis courts, a kids' club, and a surf school. There are seven restaurants and bars, plus pool and beach-side dining.

City of Boca Raton

201 W. Palmetto Park Road
Boca Raton, Florida 33432
561-393-7700
www.myboca.us

The City of Boca Raton supports the business community and facilitates economic development programs to create and maintain economic sustainability and viability. An Economic Development Fund was created and funded to provide incentives for companies seeking to relocate to Boca Raton or to expand their existing business in the city. Boca Raton has established partnerships with the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, The Business Development Board of Palm Beach County and The Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce.

Office Depot (headquarters)

6600 North Military Trail
Boca Raton, FL 33496
1-800-463-3768
www.officedepot.com

Office Depot is a leading provider of office supplies, business products and services delivered through a combination of retails stores and e-commerce. Office Depot employs 2,000 people at its headquarters location in Boca Raton. In addition to office supplies and furniture, it also provides a variety of services including copy and print, technical services, mailing, and shipping. The company has combined annual sales of approximately $14 billion and employed about 66,000 associates with businesses in 59 countries. The company operates 2,200 retail stores, e-commerce sites and a business-to-business sales organization.

Boca Raton Regional Hospital

800 Meadows Road
Boca Raton, FL 33486
561-395-7100
www.brrh.com

Boca Raton Regional Hospital employs 2,500 people. Born out of compelling community need in 1967, it is a not-for-profit, advanced medical center with 400 beds, over 2,100 employees and more than 800 primary and specialty physicians on staff. The Hospital is a recognized leader in Cardiovascular Care, Oncology, Women’s Health, Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine and the Neurosciences, all of which offer state-of-the-art diagnostic and imaging capabilities. Boca Raton Regional Hospital is one of only four hospitals in Palm Beach County to be designated by the Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration as a Comprehensive Stroke Center.

Florida Atlantic University

777 Glades Road Boca Raton, FL 33431
561-297-3000
www.fau.edu

FAU is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with high research activity. FAU offers more than 180 undergraduate and graduate degree programs within its ten colleges in addition to a professional degree from the College of Medicine. The Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine opened in 2011. FAU is part of Florida's state university system. Established in 1961, today FAU serves 31,000 students, with 1,600 academic staff and 1,500 administrative staff.

RELOCATING OR STARTING A BUSINESS IN BOCA RATON

Palm Beach County is one of the economic powerhouses driving South Florida's economy. With no state income tax and low corporate taxes, Florida is a highly attractive location for business and the many construction cranes all over the skyline in Palm Beach County are a testament to its current growth. The trend in Palm Beach County is for more housing and development with a rising population along with steadily Boca Raton Relocation Guide increasing property values which all help to support a flourishing business climate surrounded by beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine.

Florida offers a highly favorable tax environment:

• No corporate income tax on subchapter S-corporations.
• No state personal income tax guaranteed by Constitutional provision.
• No corporate franchise tax on capital stock.
• No state-level property tax assessed.
• No corporate income tax on limited partnerships.
• Half of Palm Beach County's Corporate Headquarters are located in Boca Raton.

If you are interested in relocating your business to Boca Raton, your business may qualify for certain incentives; the level of assistance depends on the wage scale and number of jobs/benefits your company provides.

There are a variety of resources for early stage and established companies to finance their ventures, from government funding to matching grants to local investment firms. Below are a few of the financial resources available.

Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer: These are federal funding programs specifically for small businesses to perform R&D needed by the participating agencies.

Enterprise Florida Phase "0" Grant Program: Provides grants of up to $3000 to support preparation of a Phase I proposal.

SBA Loan Program: U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)-approved loan program designed to help owners of small businesses purchase commercial real estate. Over 98% of companies in the state of Florida are viewed as "small businesses" by the SBA.

Start-up Financing: Funding provided for product development and initial marketing.

Florida First Capital Finance Corporation: This organization assists companies in the packaging of Recycling Loans, and Energy Loans.

Industrial Development Revenue Bonds: They may be used for financing expansion of two types of companies: Manufacturers and non-profit organizations.

Enterprise Florida Bond Program: This state-run program is available for manufacturing projects between $800,000 and $2 million.

Where can you get more information?

Business Development Board of Palm Beach County

561.835.1008

https://www.bdb.org/incentives/access-to-capital/

Palm Beach School Districts – Boca Raton Area Schools

Palm Beach County is known nationwide for education and exceptional schools. Since 2006 Palm Beach County school districts have worked hard to receive an "A" rating county-wide. The high school graduation rate for Palm Beach County last year was 79% which was among the highest rates in the state of Florida. The graduation rate is expected to keep rising, and this has been the sixth year in a row there has been an increase in the graduation rate. The student-teacher ratio is 15:1 which is higher than the national average of 16:1.

The average private school tuition in Palm Beach County is $8,400 for elementary schools and $12,200 for high schools. The average student-teacher ratio at a private school is 10:1.

Boca Raton schools are no exception and offer fine public schools, charter schools and private schools for residents. Boca Raton schools pride themselves on smaller classrooms, advanced learning methods and a success rate higher than most schools in the nation. Academics, extracurricular activities and sports have made them very successful.

You'll find exceptional education and schools throughout Boca Raton regardless of whether it is a private school, charter or public school. For additional resources about the schools in Boca Raton, read school reviews by parents and staff, go to www.GreatSchools.net. There are over 114 public and private schools in Boca Raton, so we have assembled a sampling of some of the very top schools to get a sense of what is offered for your child.

Here is a list of

Elementary Schools

Addison Mizner Elementary School
https://www.greatschools.org/florida/boca-raton/2272-Addison-Mizner-Elementary-School/

Watch a short video about what teachers and kids have to say about Addison Mizner
https://vodcast.palmbeachschools.org/player/C1CM8

Read what parents have to say
https://www.greatschools.org/florida/boca-raton/2272-Addison-Mizner-Elementary-School/#Reviews

Calusa Elementary School
https://www.greatschools.org/florida/boca-raton/2297-Calusa-Elementary-School/
Calusa elementary is committed to providing highly-trained professional educators, partnering with parents and community to offer a world-class education where the most innovating, researched-based instructional practices are utilized: together we will ensure that each student has the opportunity to reach their highest potential, developing skills and ethics to become responsible citizens.

Read what parents have to say
https://www.greatschools.org/florida/boca-raton/2297-Calusa-Elementary-School/#Reviews

Waters Edge Elementary School
https://www.greatschools.org/florida/boca-raton/2338-Waters-Edge-Elementary-School/
This school is rated above average in school quality compared to other schools in the state. Students here perform above average on state tests, are making above average year-over-year academic improvement, and this school has above average results in how well it’s serving disadvantaged students.

Read what parents have to say https://www.greatschools.org/florida/boca-raton/2338-Waters-Edge-Elementary-School/#Reviews

BOCA RATON COMMUNITY MIDDLE SCHOOL

http://www.edline.net/pages/boca_raton_middle_school

Each classroom in our new building is equipped with multi-­media equipment and the school serves a population of 1347 students in grades six through eight with 135 faculty and staff members.

Read what parents have to say
https://www.greatschools.org/florida/boca-raton/2274-Boca-Raton-Community-Middle-School/#Reviews

Loggers' Run Community Middle School
http://www.edline.net/pages/loggers_run_community_middle_

Loggers' Run has over 1,000 students for grades 6-8. A Center of Excellence "A" AND rated "5 Star School", Loggers' Run has special academic programs such as Medical Sciences that includes either Forensic Research or Medical Career Training, a Law Program with Job Shadowing, A Culinary Arts Program with Cooking Competitions and Performing Arts with Concerts, Plays and Musicals.

Read what parents have to say
https://www.greatschools.org/florida/boca-raton/2287-Loggers-Run-Community-Middle-School/#Reviews

Private Schools

There are quite a few private schools in Palm Beach County that are either faith-based, prep schools for college or private schools that specialize in specific learning such as arts and theater, technology and more. Some Palm Beach private schools offer dual enrollment meaning while your high school student attends school, they will receive college credit at the same time they are attending high school. The private schools in Boca Raton area are exceptional and ranked in the top of the nation.

American Heritage School of Boca/Delray

http://www.ahschool.com/
Nestled among 40 acres, this top private school has the highest number of National Merit Scholars in the country as well as getting consistent rankings for math, science, and history nationwide. This rigorous private school starts at Pre-k all the way to 12th grade. The schools serves 4,200 students and the teacher-student ratio is 8 to 1. There was a 90% passing rate of all A.P exams (52% was the average pass rate for Florida schools.)

Read what parents have to say
https://www.greatschools.org/florida/delray-beach/4158-American-Heritage-School---Boca-Delray/#Reviews

Saint Andrew’s School

https://www.saintandrews.net
Saint Andrew's School is a nationally recognized Pre-K to 12, day and boarding institution that is an independent school in the Episcopal tradition but is welcoming of all faiths. There is an 80% college acceptance rate among graduates at top-ranked competitive colleges and universities. The six main tenets of Saint Andrews are Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service.

Read what parents have to say
https://www.niche.com/k12/saint-andrews-school-boca-raton-fl/

Pine Crest School in Boca Raton

https://www.pinecrest.edu
Pine Crest School in Boca Raton was ranked second in the nation by the Washington Post in 2012. It has Pre-k all the way to high school and offers both day and boarding options. For more than 90 years it has a curriculum that is rooted in academic excellence with outstanding sports and arts programs as well.

At the Pine Crest School, pre-kindergarten through grade eight students enroll. Graduates of the Boca Raton campus eighth grade complete their college preparatory education in the Upper School on the Fort Lauderdale campus. The Pre-k, kindergarten elementary programs focus on providing a well-balanced curriculum that meets the individual needs of each child in literacy, mathematics, science, computer science, social studies, technology, and the arts. Additional after-school programs include things like: tennis, swim, robotics, ballet, music lessons and orchestra.

Read what parents have to say
https://www.greatschools.org/florida/boca-raton/3352-Pine-Crest-School---Boca-Raton/#Reviews

If excellent knowledge is a priority for you and you plan on relocating, Boca Raton is an excellent choice due to its exceptional schools, fabulous shopping, employment opportunities and diversified real estate. For more information contact Palm Beach Premier Real Estate today.

DOG-FRIENDLY THINGS IN BOCA RATON

You'll find plenty of dog-friendly establishments in Boca, especially since there are plenty of outdoor activities such as parks and outdoor restaurants that are welcoming of leashed dogs.

Dog Beach Information Spanish River Park 3001 North Ocean Blvd

A portion of Spanish River Park has been designated as "dog-friendly." Local dogs are allowed with a permit at this dog-friendly beach at Spanish River Park. To purchase a permit, applicants must provide documentation proving residency. Dogs must be leashed when entering and departing the dog beach. Owners may park in Spanish River Park and enter Bark Beach with a valid City or Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District Beach Parking Permit, or by paying the applicable daily rate at the Spanish River Gatehouse. Permits are effective yearly from October 1 to September 30.

BOCA BEACHES

South Inlet Park
http://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Locations/South-Inlet.aspx
South Inlet Park is a pure, clean beach with beautiful views and an ideal place to take the family and relax. There are lots of lovely tropical fish and a great spot for kids to snorkel. Those inlet rock barriers attract unique sea life easily seen while snorkeling. They have bathrooms and showers for you to clean off when sandy. The beach also comes with a playground for kids to play in.

Red Reef Park

http://www.mybocaparks.org/red-reef-park
The 67-acre, oceanfront park offers a myriad of amenities amid beautiful, natural scenery. The Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is also located inside of here which is a destination itself. LINK TO GUMBO LIMBO.

There are many artificial reefs that are close to shore which soon became home to many different organisms and marine life. A These "artificial reefs" are most often made out of limestone, concrete, and occasionally decommissioned ships that become beautiful marine habitats for algae, corals, and other marine life. Marine life then uses this man-made structure to hide, live and dwell so there is often an abundance of fish and sometimes coral on the artificial reef.

It's also eerily exciting to explore a sunken ship underwater and swim through the galley, rooms and the deck. Some of the marine life you can see here include turtles, sergeant majors, parrot fish, barracuda, eels, and rays.

It's is a shallow beach dive which is protected by lifeguards and ideal for beginners. Scuba diving is not permitted here, but snorkeling and free diving are.

KID-FRIENDLY THINGS IN BOCA RATON

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center
http://www.gumbolimbo.org

Animal Adventure Day Camps, Sea Turtle Adoptions, Butterfly Gardens, Outdoor Reef Aquariums and Dig the Dunes Sea Turtle Rescue Day as well as Scholarship and Grant Opportunities for high school, and college students are among some of the exciting things at Gumbo Limbo. How can anything be boring with a name like that? Gumbo Limbo’s 20 acres on the protected barrier island provide refuge to many varieties of plants and animals - some rare or endangered. It also represents a commitment to protect South Florida’s natural resources by our staff and volunteers.

The Children's Science Explorium

http://www.scienceexplorium.org
The Children's Science Explorium is a hands-on science center designed for children 5 – 12 years of age. They offer fascinating and interactive exhibits, programs and camps that bring the physical sciences to life.

From rockets to molecules, the museum engages and teaches children about the fantastic world of science! A great place to spend a few hours with plenty of hands-on activities will keep your kiddos entertained. The Carousel on-site is only $1.

Patch Reef Park

http://www.patchreefpark.org
Patch Reef Park has fifty-five acres of passive and active recreation facilities. Park facilities include a community center, softball and baseball fields, soccer/football fields, basketball courts, a fitness trail, a children’s playground, picnic pavilions and tennis courts. It has a huge playground and swings and a water play area so bring swimsuits. The pirate ship on the playground will provide plenty of little pirates loads of giggles and fun.

ARTS AND CULTURE IN BOCA RATON

Boca Ballet Theatre
http://www.bocaballet.org/

Boca Ballet Theatre is a nationally recognized non-profit dance organization providing the finest in classical ballet training and performances incorporating the most celebrated professional dance talent from throughout the globe. It is the 5th largest dance company in Florida and one of the top civic companies in the United States.
Boca Ballet Theatre performed The Nutcracker for more than 800 Elementary school students, watch here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S1VYjbgLE0

Boca Raton Museum of Art
https://www.bocamuseum.org/

The Boca Museum of Art has a permanent collection from both established and rising artists as well as traveling collections. There is also a variety of art classes for children, artist lectures and art films. The Museum plays a crucial role in enhancing the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of Boca Raton and has maintained the reputation of being one of South Florida's leading cultural institutions, attracting more than 200,000 visitors annually to its galleries and programs.

Mizner Park Amphitheater

https://www.miznerpark.com
Boca’s premier venue for community and culture, The Mizner Park Amphitheater is a state-of-the-art outdoor amphitheater, colonnade and concert green which accommodates 4,200 people, opened in November 2002. Events include a variety of community events, city events, and commercial shows.

Sunset Cove Amphitheater
http://discover.pbcgov.org/parks/amphitheaters/Pages/Sunset-Cove.aspx

Sunset Cove Amphitheater is a sizable entertainment facility capable of hosting up to 6,000 patrons for national acts, tribute bands, festivals, community fundraisers and family movies. Sunset Cove hosts several community events including the annual July 4th Concert and Fireworks event, which attracts thousands, and free public events such as local musical concerts and family movies.

SPORTS IN BOCA - LAND AND SEA

<3>Scuba Diving and Snorkeling</3>

Palm Beach County has dozens of natural and artificial reefs and with year round sunshine this makes diving an almost year round activity you can partake in.... even in the rain. Most of the dive sits are in Palm Beach, Boynton and Jupiter as long as a few in Boca Raton.

For a comprehensive list of artificial dive sites, click here.
http://discover.pbcgov.org/erm/Publications/ArtificialReefLocations.pdf#search=boynton

Palm Beach County's coastal waters are scattered with natural coral formations that are part of the Florida Reef Tract, the only living barrier coral reef in the continental United States and third largest in the world. Creating additional areas for fishing, diving, and snorkeling protects natural reefs from overuse. These "artificial reefs" are most often made out of limestone, concrete, and occasionally decommissioned ships that become beautiful marine habitats for algae, corals, and other marine life. The city of Boca Raton has set aside manatee, mangrove, sea grass and sea turtle zones that restrict development.

Parks

The Northeast Everglades Natural Area (NENA) includes over 165,000 acres of natural Florida lands and more than a dozen activity and education centers connected by unique trail and information systems. You can hike, bike, or horseback ride from one site to another.

Golf

It is never too cold to play golf in South Florida. There are more than 22 courses throughout Boca Raton, 16 private, two semi-private, one executive, and three public.

Public Golf Courses

Boca Raton Municipal Golf Course
8111 Golf Course Road 561.483.6317 (Pro Shop and facility)

Red Reef Executive Golf Course
1111 N. Ocean Blvd. 561.391.5014

Southwinds County Golf Course
19557 Lyons Road 561.483.1305

Osprey Point Golf Course
12551 Glades Rd. Boca Raton, FL 33498 (561) 482-2868

Birding

Birding enthusiasts can spot hawks, warblers, owls, woodpeckers and turkeys.

www.gumbolimbo.org

Gumbo Limbo Nature Center

Spanish River Blvd & NW 8th Ave, Boca Raton, FL

Florida Atlantic University

Pondhawk Natural Area Parking available at Spanish River Library,
1501 NW Spanish River Blvd, Boca Raton

Yamato Scrub Natural Area 701 Clint Moore Road, Boca Raton

Home is where the heart is

Boca Raton is known for its beauty, and its homes are no exception. The city is recognized for its magnificent residential communities and its plentiful housing. Whether it is a modest bungalow, a spacious beachside condominium with a breathtaking mansion, there is a home to satisfy you within your budget requirements

With the range of prices comes a unique diversity of residential choices, from the modest contemporary home to an extraordinary dream home, complete with tennis courts and helicopter pads!

There are developments designed to attract every possible demographic group. With the city of Boca Raton, there are charming middle class and upper-scale neighborhoods. Some mid-priced communities include Boca Square, Lake Floresta, Boca Del Mar and Boca Pointe. Some of the upper-end communities include Old Floresta, Woodfield Hunt Country Club and New Floresta.

Although these are some of the more high-scale communities, there are plenty of reasonable homes and communities.

The older, coastal communities, many of which feature ocean or Intracoastal views, tend to be more upscale, particularly around the Boca Raton Resort & Club. In the newer areas in West Boca, you will find beautifully manicured, planned urban developments, as well as amenities included, country-club living.

Whether you crave an active outdoor cosmopolitan lifestyle including country club communities offering year-round golf and tennis or the waterfront for boating fishing and water sports, a different fine restaurant for every evening of the year, a smattering of theatre and music, a thriving economy, outstanding schools and higher education and a thriving business environment and access to three international airports and a comfortable tax situation.

If you are a potential home buyer and have very little knowledge of buying a home, you can feel confident to know that we are with you every step of the way and you'll understand the home buying process and come out as a well-educated home-owner! Palm Beach luxury home buyers can expect discretion and valuable real estate services saving you time and energy.

We service Boca Raton and the surrounding areas and have assisted many home buyers and sellers through successful real estate transactions. Our clients/customers success is our top priority. Our real estate professionals can assist you with single family homes, condos, townhouses, villas and vacant land. While there are many real estate agents to choose from, we are honest; we won't twist your arm to buy a piece of property just to earn a commission. At Palm Beach Premier Real Estate our clients needs and expectations are met to the best of our ability.

We are short sale specialists and foreclosure experts and close transactions pretty quickly due to our systems, helpful contacts and expertise. We have extensive experience in getting homes sold with Chinese drywall, something that has come up frequently during home inspections.

When it comes to real estate pricing, we have that down to a science and would never let you overpay and will bring to you the best real estate deals that meet your criteria.

We live, work and play in Boca and know the area well and would love the opportunity to gain your trust and earn your business. Contact Palm Beach Premier Real Estate, take a minute and view our testimonials now.

If you are considering the Boca Raton area, visit www.palmbeachpremierproperties.com or call us. We would love to help.