Should I move to Boca Raton from Los Angeles? (West Palm Beach: to rent, HOA fees)

[TexasBound19]

I currently live on the west side of Los Angeles. VERY expensive.

I've been interviewing with a company in Boca Raton and they would be paying me 120k per year.

I'm a single straight man in my early 30s. I own a condo here and if sold, I would get back a good 200k or so. I would use this money to buy property there straight cash.

What areas would you guys recommend someone like me live? I'd like to be 30 minutes or less from work. A 1 bedroom 1 bath would suffice, however, I need a 2 car garage. Politically, I'm right-leaning libertarian.

Thank you!

[Mattr82]

Boca isn't cheap, but is by LA standards. If I were you, I'd look for something close to the water for the nightlife. Where in Boca would you be working as Boca is quite large? If you're close to 95, West Palm Beach area would offer a younger vibe.

[DaniellaG]

I lived in Thousand Oaks CA and Boca Raton FL and was in my late 20s to mid 30s female. Like the other poster said Boca area is not cheap but not as expensive as CA.

I would not suggest Boca while its an upscale area for a single younger person its not a place I would suggest. Also the people are unfriendly and rude. I meet people pretty easily and I found Boca not as easy as other places I have lived

As for budget and a place its going to be hard to find a place such as a 1 bedroom with 2 car garage. Many condos don't have a garage and a 1 bed/1 bath in general is harder to find. In Boca I don't think you could fInd a place for 200,000 unless your paying equity and very high HOA fees. HOA fees is something you need to consider because they can be very high in the area. I think you should rent anyways at first. FL people either love or hate.

[FireStation46]

One option is to rent for one year and with boots on the ground you have time to scout out an area that fits your needs and will be a reasonable commute to work. Don’t rush to buy.
Also, if buying maybe you can find a 2 bedroom as that helps with guests visiting as well as resale should your life situation change , IMHO, easier to sell 2 vs 1 places
GOOD LUCK

[City Guy997S]

You won't be impressed with what 200K "straight cash" buys you in Boca.

Just a heads up, east Boca > west Boca

[ByeByeLW]

Ive noticed condosin Delray with garages but definitely not 200k.

[cfbs2691]

Originally Posted by City Guy997S

You won't be impressed with what 200K "straight cash" buys you in Boca.

This

[City Guy997S]

220K
https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...-00827?view=qv

Not terrible but not "ooohhh ahhhhh" either

https://www.realtor.com/realestatean...-76086?view=qv
I think this is way cooler but no garage/smaller.

[FireStation46]

OP also has to consider total cost in addition to the $200K: moving, insurance, utilities, car re-registration.

So if $200K max is the all in OP needs to set sights lower or rent until the cash pile grows

[BNBR]

Originally Posted by FireStation46

OP also has to consider total cost in addition to the $200K: moving, insurance, utilities, car re-registration.

So if $200K max is the all in OP needs to set sights lower or rent until the cash pile grows

OP can clearly afford to rent almost anywhere in South Florida, easily. That's where OP should start for sure. Buying would be stupid without spending some time and getting the lay of the land.