Best Family community in South Florida (Miami, Boca Raton: HOA, neighborhoods, construction)

[jacq543]

We have just relocated to Florida for my husband's job and can choose to live anywhere in the state. We have most recently lived in both Bainbridge Island Washington and Laguna Beach California. I loved both of these places and wan t to find something like them. I am looking for a small town feel but with good restaurants, culture, art and a progressive vibe. I like to walk to most places and we need to live by the ocean or gulf. I prefer more of an higher end community. We have three children ages 20 months 3.5 and 5 so I need a lot of family friendly activities as well and parks and beaches. Does this place exist in Fla? I am open to anywhere East or Gulf coast. Thank you!

[TriMT7]

Take a look at Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens, as well as Boca Raton.

[brinked]

I 2nd Jupiter and Palm beach gardens. I live on the borderline of both neighborhoods and its a great place to live. Jupiter is more family oriented. Defintley check out abacoa jupiter and areas around donald ross

[nyorker94]

Boca is extremely family oriented... and while it is more of a city than small town, it's higher end and close to Miami. And, a gated community can give you the "suburbia" feel. As far as schools go (public at least) Boca is second to none.

But, Palm Beach Gardens would also be good.

[TriMT7]

Originally Posted by nyorker94

Boca is extremely family oriented... and while it is more of a city than small town, it's higher end and close to Miami. And, a gated community can give you the "suburbia" feel. As far as schools go (public at least) Boca is second to none.

But, Palm Beach Gardens would also be good.

Well, Boca is nice, but I'll take issue with the "second to none" designation on the schools:

Jupiter Schools - Jupiter Florida School Ratings - Public and Private (Greatschools rating "10" out of "10")

Boca Raton Schools - Boca Raton Florida School Ratings - Public and Private (Greatschools rating "9" out of "10")


Both excellent, of course.

Jupiter is for people who want less congestion, etc. Boca is busier. It comes down to a matter of taste.

[nyorker94]

That site is based off of parent reviews, if I'm not mistaken. Boca has the better test scores, and nicer campuses. Jupiter probably has nicer people (although I really can't talk for Jupiter). But anyone who wants a higher end community should be used to the "Boca Mom" mentalities so to speak.

[TriMT7]

Originally Posted by nyorker94

That site is based off of parent reviews, if I'm not mistaken. Boca has the better test scores, and nicer campuses. Jupiter probably has nicer people (although I really can't talk for Jupiter). But anyone who wants a higher end community should be used to the "Boca Mom" mentalities so to speak.

No, greatschools bases its ratings on objective factors. Parents weight in, however, which is why a school may have a low "greatschools" rating, but a higher parent rating, or vice versa.


As for "high end," well, if you haven't been to North County in the past 15 years or so, you'll be surprised, lol

[lcole07]

Hobe Sound!
Check out the school ratings for the state of Florida, Martin County. And If you stay long enough there's the Pine School.

Larry - Hobe Sound, Fl

[skylinet]

If you like newer construction (unless you are looking for a 750k+ property) you're going to have much more to chose from in Jupiter/PBG over Boca. HOA dues tend to be higher in Boca as well.

[kug5]

My question is which is a family friendly community in Boca? My daughter is looking for a community that has changed over to the younger 30's group with pre schoolers. A community within a moderate price range is desired.