Considered by many to be the ultimate retirement destination, Boca Raton is located along the southeast coast of Florida just about equal distance between West Palm Beach to the north and Miami to the south.
This fantastic southern Florida community boasts a tropical climate, easy access to international airports, and a nearly endless supply of golf courses…amongst other popular retirement activities. And that’s not even starting on the classic Mediterranean architecture and the fabulous art museums!
Simply put, “Boca” is paradise. This is the place that most people have in mind when they dream of a laid back Florida retirement lifestyle.
Boca Raton History
The city of Boca Raton was originally settled in 1895, but things really started to take off during the Florida land boom in the 1920s. It was during that time that the first version of the famous Boca Raton Resort & Club was built, making Boca Raton a true resort destination.
By opening a manufacturing plant in the area during the 1960s, IBM was a key player in the development of the Boca Raton area. Since then, the city has grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations and retirement communities in all of Florida.
Boca Raton Demographics
That growth continues to this day according to U.S. Census data. Boca Raton was home to 74,764 people at the time of the 2000 census, but that number grew to 84,392 in 2010 and was estimated to be closer to 91,332 in 2014.
Of the people who call Boca Raton home, 19.8% are 65 or older and another 26.7% fall between the ages of 45 and 64. The media age is 43 years old and there are 95.1 males for every 100 females.
Boca Raton is considered a very affluent community. The median family income in 2007 was $92,057, and the city is home to three of the ten most expensive gated communities in the country.
Boca Raton Lifestyle
For many residents, the Boca Raton lifestyle revolves around country club activities like golf and tennis. With more than 30 different golf courses to choose from, you will never get tired of hitting the links.
Exploring the outdoors is another popular activity in Boca Raton. Residents are able to visit amazing beachfront parks like Red Reef Park, Spanish River Park, and South Inlet Park Beach. There are also other outdoor destinations to explore like Sugar Sand Park, Daggerwing Nature Center, and the amazing Gumbo Limbo Nature Center.
Boca Raton Culture
Cultural entertainment is a big part of the Boca Raton lifestyle. Residents frequent places like the Willow Theatre, the Slow Burn Theatre, the Wick Theatre & Costume Museum, and the FAU University Theatre for regular stage shows. There are comedy clubs like Boca Black Box and Sick Puppies Comedy, and the Jazziz Nightlife is a great spot to see live jazz performances.
If fine art is your preference, museums like the Boca Raton Museum of Art, the Boca Raton Historical Society & Museum, Stewart Fine Art, and Tomasz Rut Gallery all have impressive collections to explore.
Boca Raton Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Town Center at Boca Raton is the place to be! This huge outdoor mall is filled with all of the best stores including Macy’s, Nordstrom, and Neiman Marcus. There are more than 200 stores located here, including many local boutiques that you won’t find anywhere else!
Boca Raton Dining
Rack of Lamb from Twentytwenty Grille
One of the most popular dining options in Boca Raton is a place called Farmer’s Table that specializes in serving healthy farm-to-table meals. The menu here features tons of local organic ingredients and everything is delicious.
For a slightly different type of dining experience, you’ll definitely want to try Lemongrass Hot Pot. This is a hot pot restaurant, which means that everyone starts with their own bowl of soup base and can then choose from dozens of different flavor sauces, veggies, meats, and seafood to cook right in their soup pot.
Another great local restaurant is Twentytwenty Grille. The menu here is constantly changing, but usually features a wide variety of meats and seafoods. They also have a great craft beer selection and a serious wine list.
Boca Raton Communities
Located just north of Boca is Valencia Bay by GL Homes. Known for its world-class amenities, Valencia Bay offers a 55+ resort lifestyle that caters to residents looking to live life to its fullest. The opulent 33,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse and Lifestyle Complex serves as the hub of the community and offers hundreds of exciting events including Broadway style shows, matinees, cocktail parties and galas. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or fitness enthusiast, there is a club or program to satisfy everyone’s taste. To ensure a lifestyle that is second to none, an onsite, full-time lifestyle director will perfectly curate an exciting social calendar and plan exciting trips to enhance your experience at Valencia Bay.
As you explore the Boca Raton area, you are likely to stumble onto more and more exciting aspects of this amazing retirement destination. For most boomers, Boca truly is the retirement paradise they have spend their lives dreaming about.
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