Move from DFW to Boca Raton (Golf: HOA, house prices, job market)

[tiger1873]

Currently in Dallas in the last couple of years house prices have gone up a lot and with that taxes and everything else. Having visited south florida it seems like it may be a nice area to move to. The cost of living seems like it it favorable as well. Seems like if you have 600k budget it would be not a problem.

I am in IT (software development) so I make very high income in Texas. The market here for jobs is great you can quit and have another job in a week with a 10% raise easy. I not sure that there is the job market there for that. I am considering doing my own business so that may be a better option.

Boca Raton seemed like a good fit as far as areas go and houses are way under budget. We like to play golf and tennis. There are a lot of homes there that have mandatory country clubs. So any associations that require that isn't an issue. I think we could also pay the high initiation fees as well since the houses are a great price. I was looking at a house at Boca-Grove and the yearly county club fees were about $24k which seems very high for what you get for the fees. If that figure included food and guest fees then it's not really an issue. From the sheet I seen it seemed to be about $10-15k more then a non HOA club when you compare benefits. Is it better to buy a mandatory membership home and join a club nearby?

[john-staten island]

My opinion is to buy separate from the Golf HOA. Golf courses are everywhere. I think if you lock into a home with Golf, Tennis it has it's perks but you're locked in. Boca has lots of recreation. Great area you can't go wrong. I guess you need to talk to a realtor who knows the history/ future of any association you lock into. Some are changing, also location is a big consideration. Good luck.

[frisco19542]

The attraction of Boca is there is being able to buy on a golf course. If I am going to buy separate it seems that I would be better to buy in in Broward County that way the communities are not so golf centric.

The prices in Boca and other parts of south florida seem to be extremely low compared to other areas of the country. Usually there is a reason. If not then it seems like it would be a good time to move.

[Elbig]

I know a good realtor that knows Boca area very well. He might be able to give you some options. I have nothing to do with him other than we used him when we were looking. Let me know if you are interested.

[john-staten island]

Originally Posted by frisco19542

The attraction of Boca is there is being able to buy on a golf course. If I am going to buy separate it seems that I would be better to buy in in Broward County that way the communities are not so golf centric.

The prices in Boca and other parts of south florida seem to be extremely low compared to other areas of the country. Usually there is a reason. If not then it seems like it would be a good time to move.

I play a lot of golf, living on a golf course is not something I'd want. Balls bouncing off your house, strangers in your backyard looking for their errant shots, or some relieving themselves nearby, etc.The HOA could be an issue if the course started losing money. I play a lot at a gated community with a great course, green fees are dirt cheap,I'm guessing the property owners are footing the bill to maintain the course.I would just suggest to look closely at a golf community. I recall recent stories of homeowners trying to break free from the golf operations, it's worth checking out. Overall Boca has a lot to offer, great little city.