Relocating from DC Area to Boca Raton? (Boynton Beach, Boca Del Mar: short sale, rentals)

[Batz78]

We are a young (early 30's) married couple living in D.C and are planning to move in one year. We have decided to move into the Boca Raton area but are unsure where would be a good spot.
We both are social outgoing people and would like to be in a place where not tooo many old people are. Also not looking to move into the areas where people are stuck up.
Not sure if we should buy or rent first. If anyone has any feed back that has lived there for a while please let us know. Thanks

[Belsmama]

Rent first in this market, for at least 6 months. There are a ton of rentals that are reasonably priced. That way, you can get to know the areas that you like and decide where you may like to buy.
It's south Florida--there are old people anywhere.
Everyone has a different opinion, but I prefer east Boca, south of Palmetto Park Road and east of 95. (I live in this area, also in my early 30's, married w/2 kids). It's older neighborhoods (1950's/60's), close to the beach, close to Mizner Park area. We definitely take advantage of the many parks, playgrounds, great public library, concerts at Mizner Park, restaurants that aren't necessarily chain, proximity to the water, etc.
West Boca tends to be larger, newer homes in gated communities. Visit, drive around, get a feel for the area.
Good luck.

[stelsells]

Hello Batz78,

East Boca Raton (Boca Square, Palm Beach Farms, Lake Floresta, Boca Villas) are great for all the reasons Belsmama mentioned above. Newer and family oriented, safe and comfortable neighborhoods can also be found in West Boca Raton and only 10 approx. minutes to the beach. Ideally, just west of Military Trail or East of Florida's Turnpike would be great giving you access and the feel of both worlds and close to all important personal and leisure ammenities and activities. The Boca Del Mar area, which I lived in for many years, will give you what you are looking for and more specifically the St. Andrews Corridor. This is on St. Andrews between Glades Road and Yamato Road. I personally would recommend the Colonnade neighborhood or if gated is more your preference, Santa Barbara is a great mix neighborhood with S/F and Courtyard style homes and with small pools. You will love this area.

[MoItaly]

Originally Posted by Batz78

We are a young (early 30's) married couple living in D.C and are planning to move in one year. We have decided to move into the Boca Raton area but are unsure where would be a good spot.
We both are social outgoing people and would like to be in a place where not tooo many old people are. Also not looking to move into the areas where people are stuck up.
Not sure if we should buy or rent first. If anyone has any feed back that has lived there for a while please let us know. Thanks

Well, there are many old people all over Palm Beach Cty, and Boca is no exception. Be ready as especially in the beginning, you might feel there is not much to do (in fact, there isn't much to do, it's just that after a while you kind of get used to it).

[Surfalot]

Early 30's. Delray, Delray, Delray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Boca is a different scene all together and you will find stuck-up people in Boca. Maybe not everywhere but you sure won't see many in Delray. Delray and South Boynton Beach are happening spots(specially Atlantic Ave Delray) Boynton is trying to add those commercial spices to it's downtown region and yes there are some hang-outs here but nothing beats the Delray Atlantic Ave agenda. There is always something happening, arts festivals, jazz on the ave, parades, many restuarants and bars, beach, Lake Ida. Boca does have some of the best public schools though if you plan on puppies down the rd. Delray has a plethora of private schools too though.
We live in the Chapel Hill area which is 10 minutes by bike to Atlantic. Best value for your money and close to beaches and Atlantic Ave and 2 Georges/Banana Boat bars. We ride our bikes to the Ave and Aquacrest pool.
Good luck

[lallen2004]

I agree with surfalot. Go with Delray - close to Boca but much hipper, younger and not so stuck up. I live in Boca, in my 30s and can't wait to get out to a friendlier part of the country!

[jer2911]

bump

[drewnick]

We are from SC, have kids, and on the fence between moving to Boca/Delray or just staying Mountain Lakefront SC (still an upscale area but WAY more down to earth). This thread is helpful and we are excited about checking out Delray/Atlantic. Any other Bike-to-beach n'hoods besides Chapel Hill that we should explore? We are pre-qualified in PBC for $325. In Boca, we are checking Palm Beach Farms as well.

[skylinet]

Originally Posted by drewnick

We are from SC, have kids, and on the fence between moving to Boca/Delray or just staying Mountain Lakefront SC (still an upscale area but WAY more down to earth). This thread is helpful and we are excited about checking out Delray/Atlantic. Any other Bike-to-beach n'hoods besides Chapel Hill that we should explore? We are pre-qualified in PBC for $325. In Boca, we are checking Palm Beach Farms as well.

Tropic Palms in Delray is pretty nice. Theres a couple decent areas over there by Linton.
Delray Lakes is a newer (early 2000's) neighborhood if you have the patience for a short sale you could get something nice like this.
RMLS RES Customer No VT Report

Close to Lake Ida and the beach. The community is gated and has a pool as well.

[Bette]

Originally Posted by drewnick

We are from SC, have kids, and on the fence between moving to Boca/Delray or just staying Mountain Lakefront SC (still an upscale area but WAY more down to earth). This thread is helpful and we are excited about checking out Delray/Atlantic. Any other Bike-to-beach n'hoods besides Chapel Hill that we should explore? We are pre-qualified in PBC for $325. In Boca, we are checking Palm Beach Farms as well.

You would like Palm Beach Farms, also Royal Oak Hills, Boca Square, some cute homes east of Mizner Park, north end - Hidden Valley, Boca Lake Estates (gated). Also, you might get a deal in Camino Gardens.