Thinking about moving to South Florida, but not sure where to start? Consider Boca Raton, a beautiful city located along Florida’s eastern Atlantic coast. With miles of pristine beaches and endless upscale shopping, Boca Raton offers something for every lifestyle. The city is known for its high-end real estate, with most neighborhoods featuring gated communities and homeowners’ associations (HOAs).
From exclusive country clubs to family-friendly neighborhoods, Boca Raton boasts a diverse range of living options. It’s also a popular destination for retirees, with a wide selection of independent and assisted living communities. To help you find your perfect fit, we’ve compiled a list of the best neighborhoods, gated communities, and retirement communities in the area.
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Old Floresta
Old Floresta is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Boca Raton. Designed by Addison Mizner in the mid-1920s, this charming community was among the first to adopt Boca Raton’s signature Spanish Mediterranean architecture. It features a lush landscape with tree-lined streets, scenic lakes, and diverse plant life. As the first designated historic district in Boca Raton, Old Floresta takes pride in preserving its historic charm.
Centrally located, Old Floresta is just minutes from Mizner Park and downtown Boca Raton, offering convenient access to shopping, dining, and entertainment. It’s also less than three miles from the beach. Unlike many of the surrounding areas, the neighborhood is not gated and does not have a homeowners association (HOA), offering more flexibility than many nearby communities.
With its beautiful homes, historic charm, and prime location, Old Floresta stands out as one of Boca Raton’s most distinctive communities. Homes come at a premium, with a median sale price of $1,675,000, but the absence of annual HOA fees offers some long-term savings.
Millpond
Millpond is a quaint, family-friendly neighborhood known for its strong sense of community. Full of quiet cul-de-sacs, winding roads, and towering pine trees, Millpond offers small-town charm right in the heart of Boca Raton. Just minutes from I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, it’s a convenient location for commuters and also close to downtown Boca Raton and Mizner Park.
The neighborhood boasts a wide range of outdoor recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy access to four private parks, lakes, tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, walking and biking trails, and open playing fields. Throughout the year, the community hosts various events and activities that add to its friendly and peaceful atmosphere. With abundant green spaces and walkable streets, you might find it hard to stay indoors, even in your equally beautiful home.
Homes in Millpond sit on generous lots, providing privacy and picturesque surroundings. The median home price is $1,200,000. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of Boca Raton’s top amenities and a close-knit neighborhood feel, consider Millpond.
Royal Oak Hills
Royal Oak Hills is another charming neighborhood located just outside of downtown Boca Raton. Developed in the 1960s with a unique “model row” concept, the community features ten original home designs. While many homes have been remodeled over the years, each one still reflects its original architectural model. The palm tree-lined streets create a peaceful, welcoming atmosphere that is ideal for families.
Instead of a mandatory HOA, Royal Oak Hills offers a voluntary membership to the Royal Oak Hills Association. Contributions help fund neighborhood signage, lighting, beautification projects, and a variety of social events throughout the year. These include an annual block party, food trucks, movie nights, holiday celebrations, and chili cook-offs. It’s easy to find a sense of community here.
If you’re looking for historic architecture, a strong neighborhood spirit, and a central location, Royal Oak Hills might be the perfect fit. The median home price is $912,500, and with no mandatory HOA fees, there’s even more opportunity for savings.
Gated Communities
Gated communities are a staple of Boca Raton real estate. If you’re seeking extra privacy, security, and resort-style amenities, check out some of the best gated communities in the city. Whether you want immediate access to a golf course or desire a luxurious lifestyle, Boca Raton has the community for you.
Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club
The Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club is the epitome of luxury living. Ranked among the most exclusive gated communities in the world, Royal Palm features sprawling estates, some exceeding 20,000 square feet. The community spans 450 acres and includes approximately 700 homes, many situated on golf course lots or deep-water canals.
Ideally located directly on the water and just minutes from downtown Boca Raton, Royal Palm offers an unmatched lifestyle for boating and golf enthusiasts. Residents can access open water directly from private docks and enjoy world-class amenities, including a premier yachting facility and a Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course right in their backyard.
Access to the community is limited to just two entry points, with 24/7/365 security provided by State of Florida Certified Armed Officers, ensuring the utmost privacy and safety.
Membership in the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club is by invitation only and is not required for residency. However, those invited to join gain access to one of the most prestigious yacht clubs in the world.
Unsurprisingly, Royal Palm is also one of the most expensive residential communities in the United States. Home prices range from $2 million to over $40 million, with a median listing price of $14 million.
It offers classic luxury with waterfront views, gold access, & a strong sense of community, a kind of place you drive by and immediately think, ‘This is Boca.’
Paul Herskovitz, Founder & CEO of Discount Lot
The Oaks at Boca Raton
Despite being a newer gated community, The Oaks at Boca Raton captures the essence of “Old Florida.” With its rich architectural style and lush landscaping, The Oaks exudes a sense of quiet luxury. Unlike many other exclusive country clubs, it does not require equity fees, but still offers a full suite of upscale amenities.
Residents enjoy access to twelve tennis courts with professional staff, a two-story clubhouse, a full-service spa and fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a full-sized basketball court. Whether you’re interested in an early morning yoga class or a midday massage, it’s all right at your fingertips. The community is also family-friendly, featuring a dedicated children’s area within the clubhouse and a variety of activities for all ages.
The Oaks is made up of several subdivisions, offering a wide range of home styles and price points. From charming one-story residences to expansive five-bedroom homes with libraries and dens, there’s something for everyone. The median home price is approximately $2.7 million.
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Retirement Communities
Looking to retire in Boca Raton? With sunny skies, a laid-back atmosphere, and access to excellent healthcare, it is a great place to retire. Additionally, the lack of state income tax is a major draw for retirees. Here are some retirement community options with a variety of care options, from fully independent to assisted care living.
Veranda Club
The Veranda Club is one of the best retirement communities in Boca Raton, offering a lively lifestyle surrounded by beautiful grounds, personalized care, and a wide range of amenities. The community provides both independent and assisted living options that offer support for daily tasks such as dressing, grooming, and medication management.
Residents enjoy miles of scenic lakeside walking paths, a heated outdoor pool, and a senior-friendly fitness center. Wellness is a priority, with group classes like yoga and water aerobics designed to promote both physical and mental well-being.
Veranda Club fosters a strong sense of community through frequent social events and classes held on-site, as well as regular excursions to museums, shopping centers, and sporting events. A dedicated concierge service is available to help with everything from move-in coordination to booking tickets and handling packages. Additional services include professional housekeeping, a full maintenance team, and transportation options—giving residents more time to relax and enjoy life.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful environment with gourmet dining or an active lifestyle filled with fitness and social activities, Veranda Club offers something for everyone. Floor plans range from studio suites to spacious two-bedroom apartments. Pricing varies by care level, with rates starting at $2,132 for independent living and up to $3,295 for assisted living, depending on the plan that best fits your needs.
The Meridian at Boca Raton
For those seeking a luxury retirement option, The Meridian at Boca Raton offers an elevated lifestyle with award-winning care. Named Best of Senior Living 2024 by A Place For Mom, The Meridian provides premier supportive independent living, assisted living, and memory care. Notably, the community features several distinctive programs, including:
- Rev6 Vitality: an innovative exercise and mobility program developed by the renowned Dr. Edythe Heus.
- Montessori Moments in Time: a specialized memory care program for residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
- Music and Memory: a therapeutic program using personalized music to stimulate memory and emotional well-being.
Residents at The Meridian enjoy a relaxed yet enriched lifestyle, supported by a private chef, a dedicated activities coordinator, a personal driver, and a warm, attentive staff. At the heart of the community lies a landscaped courtyard with grilling and BBQ stations, an on-site dog park, and walking trails.
Wellness is prioritized with a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga and Pilates studio, and a variety of fitness and wellness classes. Social connection is easy to find through a number of shared spaces and activities such as movie nights, beading, backgammon, and knitting groups.
Residences at The Meridian are spacious and thoughtfully designed, offering private balconies or patios, vaulted ceilings, walk-in closets, and beautiful views. With its luxurious amenities, exceptional care programs, and scenic setting, The Meridian does come at a premium. Floor plans range from studio to two-bedroom apartments. Prices start at $4,500 and go up to $6,600, depending on the unit and level of care.
Conclusion
Boca Raton has a wide range of housing options, from charming neighborhoods to premier gated communities. With each neighborhood having distinct amenities, community activities, and architectural styles, there is something for every type of lifestyle. You can expect to find lush grounds and beautiful homes, no matter where you end up. While some neighborhoods, such as Old Floresta and Royal Oak Hills, do not have HOAs, most places require HOA memberships and annual fees.
Boca Raton is also home to some of the best retirement communities in the country. This coastal city is a popular choice for retirees due to its year-round sun, golf and racket sport opportunities, and tax benefits. Whether you choose award-winning communities with specialized memory care or walkable, social ones, you are sure to find excellent care.
With such a rich array of neighborhoods and communities, you’re sure to find your perfect new home in Boca Raton. So, consider leaving your skis behind in favor of golf clubs as you make the move to this stunning coastal city.
FAQs
Some of the best neighborhoods to live in Boca Raton, FL, include Old Floresta, Millpond, and Royal Oak Hills. These neighborhoods stick out as non-gated, with Old Floresta and Royal Oak Hills lacking mandatory HOAs. All of these areas are community-focused and family-friendly, offering small-town charm despite their central locations. For those looking for upscale Boca Raton real estate, look at gated communities such as the Royal Palm and the Oaks at Boca Raton.
Boca Raton has some of the best, most exclusive gated communities in the country. The most famous is the Royal Palm Yacht and Country Club, home to some of the most affluent families in the world. Residents have direct access to the ocean, a signature championship-designed golf course, and sprawling estates. Another premier gated community is the Oaks at Boca Raton. With beautiful grounds, endless amenities, and charming architecture, the Oaks is one of the best places to live in Boca Raton, FL.
Boca Raton is a popular place to retire due to its warm temperatures, outdoor recreation, and lack of state income tax. Some of the best retirement communities are Veranda Club and The Meridian at Boca Raton. Both offer independent and assisted living with a wealth of amenities. Veranda Club is more affordable, while the award-winning Meridian comes at a higher price point.
Elisa Miller grew up in Chicago and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in English and Communications. If she is not lost in a book, she can be found running, watching 30 Rock, or doing a puzzle.
