If you’re like many people, you know that Boca Raton is a gorgeous, thriving community in Florida – but even if you’ve been here most of your life, there are probably a few things you don’t know about this spectacular coastal gem. Check out our Boca Raton FAQ to get all the answers you need, especially if you’re considering a move to the area, which is located between West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale on the eastern coast of the state.
Boca Raton FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About This Beautiful Florida City
Boca Raton is a city rich in history – and rich in current amenities. To understand where it’s going, it’s important to know where it’s been. Before railroads, commercial growth and beach resorts, the area was home to the Tequesta Indians, Native Americans who lived in communities near the ocean over a thousand years ago.
When Boca Raton was first incorporated as a city, it was known as “Bocaratone.” That was in 1925, when the area was already known for its temperate climate and beautiful coastal scenery. The Florida land boom was in full swing, and the town council commissioned famed architect Addison Mizner – they envisioned a world-class resort community. Mizner’s original hotel, known as the Cloister Inn, finished construction in 1926 and still serves as a landmark (though it’s now the Boca Raton Resort & Club).
Although the land boom came to an end in 1926, the area became well-known for its winter vegetable crops in the 1930s and 40s. Then, the Army Air Corps established a radar-training school at what’s now the Boca Raton Airport.
Fast-forward to the 1980s and 90s, when the city chose to focus on downtown redevelopment and maintenance of historic properties (including the city’s original town hall and the F.E.C. Railway Station). New museums, new housing developments, new resorts and ample shopping and dining experiences began to open, and the city grew to what it is today: a thriving, beautiful place that backs right up to the sparkling waters of the Atlantic.
If you’re moving to Boca Raton, you may have a lot of questions – and the best way to get the answers you need is through your REALTOR®, who can give you a lot of area information. If you don’t see the answers to your questions here, please feel free to call us!
Boca Raton Fast Facts
Settled: about 1895
Incorporated: May 26, 1925
Elevation: 13 feet
County: Palm Beach
Population: approximately 98,000
Area Code: 561
ZIP Codes: 33427, 33431, 33433, 33481, 33487, 33499, 33429, 33432, 33434, 33486 and 33496
Is Boca Raton an Expensive Place to Live?
There are homes in all price ranges in the community, and you can check a cost of living calculator to see if it’s the right choice for you. You can explore some of the homes for sale in Boca Raton by clicking the images below.
- 5 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- 2,967 Sq Ft
19114 Cloister Lake Ln Boca Raton, Florida
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- 5 Bedrooms
- 3 Bathrooms
- 3,197 Sq Ft
10886 Bal Harbor Drive Boca Raton, Florida
View Property
Why is Boca Raton Famous?
Boca Raton is known for its beautiful beaches and year-round temperate climate. Florida Atlantic University is also located here, and many notable residents own homes here, ranging from UFC champions, baseball players and NASCAR drivers to famous singers, actors and writers.
Related: Luxury real estate in Boca Raton
What Schools Are in Boca Raton?
The public schools in Boca Raton are run by the Palm Beach School District. There are also several private schools in the community. Your Boca Raton REALTOR® can help you find the perfect home near the school you want your child to attend.
| Elementary Schools | Middle Schools | High Schools | Private Schools |
| A.D. Henderson | A.D. Henderson | A.D. Henderson | Academic |
| Addison Mizner | Boca Raton Community | Boca Raton Community | Boca Prep International |
| Boca Raton | Don Estridge High Tech | Olympic Heights | Boca Raton Christian |
| Calusa | Eagles’ Landing | Spanish River | Donna Klein Jewish Academy |
| Coral Sunset | Loggers’ Run | West Boca Raton | Fusion Academy |
| Del Prado | Omni | Grandview Preparatory | |
| Hammock Pointe | Somerset Academy | New Horizon | |
| J.C. Mitchell | Pope John Paul II | ||
| Sandpiper Shores | St. Andrew’s | ||
| Somerset Academy | The Harid Conservatory | ||
| Sunrise Park | Weinbaum Yeshiva | ||
| Verde | |||
| Water’s Edge | |||
| Whispering Pines |
Parks in Boca Raton
There are several public parks in Boca Raton – in fact, some of the finest in the state are located here. Local favorites include:
- Sugar Sand Park, which sprawls across 132 acres and features a children’s science center, performing arts theater, a gym and nature trails
- Patch Reef Park, which is home to sports and recreation facilities, an electronic playground and more
- Spanish River Park, a fun place to picnic, swim or bird-watch
- Red Reef Park, which encompasses 67 acres of oceanfront space for swimming, snorkeling and surf fishing
Related: The top gated communities in Boca Raton and Delray Beach
Are You Buying or Selling a Home in Boca Raton?
Ready to sell your home quickly and at the right price? Find out how much your home is worth now!
If you’re looking for a new home in Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach or Highland Beach, we can help. Use these popular one-click searches to find what you’re looking for:
- Boca Raton homes for sale
- Delray Beach homes for sale
- Highland Beach homes for sale
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- Over-55 communities in Delray Beach
- Boca Raton gated communities
- Pet-friendly 55+ communities in Boca Raton