Tell me about Boca Raton, please.... (Miami, Coral Springs: real estate, condos, low crime)

[phillygurl]

I am a single female with a 4 1/2 years old daughter, looking to move from Philadelphia to the South Florida Area. I am currently an executive manager and make a decent salary. I am also a licensed Real Estate agent in New Jersey and would be interested in getting involved in investing in florida and pursuing international caribean deals as well. If anyone is familiar with reciprocity between states, please let me know if nj and fl exchange. I have been spending the last few months researching different communities outside of Dade county. (Initially I wanted to move to Miami, obvious reasons I am now looking further North) I have visited, have many friends, and enjoy the latin culture in south florida. I am ultimately looking for a good school district, affordable community, and a lower crime area. I am coming from the Philly area, so its not like we're used to leaving our doors unlocked or cruising the streets on foot. My daughter is actually of Puerto Rican decent, and I am fluent in the spanish language, so that doesn't intimidate me either. I am currently most interested in Boca. It seems relatively normal. Not too upity, not poverty. Let me know if there is anything I can read online about Boca, I may be interested in learning.

Thanks a bunch.

P.S. I am moving to florida, because I prefer the sun and warm climate. Money, social groups etc..doesn't really impress me, but I am comfortably living a middle class lifestyle. My child and I can find enjoyment visiting Museums or enjoying the comfort of our own home. I don't mind if the people at the grocery store don't want to be my friend. I spend alot of time working, and my daughter is involved in many activities so, we would like to live in a centrally located community.

[twistedsista1]

I love this city - low crime, good schools, recreation for my child, and professional job opportunities for me. It'll cost ya tho...

[jjnnino]

Originally Posted by twistedsista1

I love this city - low crime, good schools, recreation for my child, and professional job opportunities for me. It'll cost ya tho...

I second that Boca is very safe and upscale ... beautiful homes , beach ... everyone speaks English so you will not have language issues

[giselle1]

I am actually looking for the same, and am also a single mom coming from NJ. Our children are similar in age... I'd be interested to hear what you come across. Have you been seeking employment already?

[slybook]

Boca Raton is great. Also if you want to live in SW Miami Dade Palmetto Bay is a great well organized and well run town just south of Pinecrest (expensive). Good schools, nice parks, nice people.

[doggiebus]

Boca Raton is great. If you plan on pretty much working and spending time with your child (nightlife isn't a priority) you may want to look also at Coral Springs, it is out in North West Broward it is actually just south of West Boca. It may be a little cheaper and was actually ranked in the top 10 safest places to live in the country. Your making the right choice of not moving to Miami-Dade County.

[PBCboy]

Well, while Boca Raton has lower crime rates than 99% of the cities in Palm Beach County (it is very safe there, save for a few pockets, but they are so small that you'll never, ever run into them or see them in Boca. Really, they're that out of the way and unknown), it has seen better days. It's upscale, but no longer fancy looking. If you have the cash I would recommend Palm Beach Gardens or Jupiter instead. However, if you like shopping then Boca is wonderful as there's tons of that there. Also, the low crime rates are definitely a plus. But it should be known that superior options exist.

[giselle1]

I hear Delray is very nice as well -- Have you looked there?

[edotabin]

Good, clean, safe city. There are many good schools too.
While nothing is certain, it is hard to go wrong in Boca.

[urbandeco]

I bought a townhome 3 years ago here in BR. Boca is an upscale community but it does offer a good lifestyle for middle class people too. It just depends on the type of housing you require, if you have kids etc. Just since I have been in Boca, the city is really trying to reinvigorate the downtown area. New shops, condos, and restuarants have opened since I have lived here. Many new exciting projects to come in the future. The beaches in Boca are great, especially north of Palmetto as their is no developement on the beach and the water is typically clean and clear! The city is safe, clean, and fairly quiet. If you like high energy nightlife, this is the wrong city. If you like cafes, bustling restaurants, and such this is the place. BR residents prefer a night out at dinner then throbbing clubs. I am looking to possibly relocate for other reasons but Boca is a nice place with people from all over the country and world.