Mid/late 20's Couple Moving to Boca...apartments/communities? (Boca Raton: rental, crime)

[itsjusstbeth]

My boyfriend and I are relocating to South Florida in mid-June because of an amazing job offer he recently came into. I am an early childhood/elementary school teacher who will be needing to look for a teaching position ASAP for the upcoming year. His new job is located in Boca Raton and neither of us want an intense commute.

I am worried about finding a place to live that doesn't make us feel like we're in the middle of a retirement home. We'd like to be able to make new friends and maintain an active social life with other young couples or families around us. I am 26 years old and he is 28- we have no children at this time.

Are there gated communities that could offer this to us? Or is our best bet to find a highrise building or some sort of independent living situation?

Any suggestions would be really appreciated as we're a bit clueless at this point

[ssclulow]

Do you want to rent or buy? What would be your needs and price range?

[itsjusstbeth]

At this point we'd like to rent.

Our "wish list" includes 2 bedrooms (but would accept 1 as well!) with a modern kitchen, washer/dryer in unit, dishwasher and hopefully some sort of balcony or porch. We don't need to be in the most luxurious building ever, but having some security is important.

Our price range would be between $1,400-$1,500 per month.

We're thinking Delray might be a better bet but are definitely open to suggestions!

[cr8zy]

Well if you dont mind living in boynton beach, check out las ventanas. I live in a 2 bedroom 2 baths, modern kitchen with granite counters(in bathrooms also), with a nice size balcony looking over the pool. we have security guards walking around at all times of the day, and the parking garage is patrolled at night(gated). and the rent is around your asking price. nice community, near the highway, 3pools/jacuzzi, clubhouse, 24hr gym.basketball court etc etc. its on exit 56 and boca is what 45? not far of a drive at all.

[skylinet]

If you don't mind train noise... I have a nice furnished 1/1 in a newer building coming up for a 6-7 month rental a block away from Atlantic Ave for 1350 a month. Really nice unit.

[ssclulow]

Where are you moving from? What you are accustomed to may make a difference in the suggestions given to you. If you've never lived in an urban area, you may not feel comfortable in the neighborhood where Las Ventanas is located regardless of the security on the property. The train runs right next to Las Ventanas also.

[itsjusstbeth]

Thanks for these suggestions, I will be looking up more information on Las Ventanas.

We are coming from Hoboken/New York City. So we are accustomed to paying a lot of money for small apartments with no amenities

Not hearing a train every single day would be preferable though, I'd imagine.

[cr8zy]

the train noise in las ventanas isnt bad at all you can hardly hear it. and the neighborhood its in isnt the best, but its not bad at all.

[bmurray2228]

Try Boca Arbor Club....gated....they have renovated units and currently offering 2 months free. And its in Boca...a better neighborhood than Boynton. With gas prices so high commute from Boynton to boca is pricey. Tell them Barbara Murray referred you!

[Sachacat1]

There's no comparison between Boca and Boynton. Boca is much better: Mizner Park, Town Center Mall, Florida Atlantic University (FAU), nice parks. Everything you want is here. Too much diversity in Boynton, not upscale at all. Higher crime rate. The commuting will get old fast, and with the price of gas it's gonna cost you more (time lost commuting + gas expenses). Delray is very nice, but mostly the stretch from about the ocean up to Swinton Ave., and the areas close to Atlantic Ave. (where all the restaurants are) is very nice. If you want to be in downtown Boca, next to Mizner Park, there are rental apartments at Royal Palm Place, I actually lived there, it's very nice. A little pricey, but if you can get a 1 bedroom, probably will be in your price range. Lots of shop & entertainment all around. Don't go to Boynton, you'll regret it.