Boca Raton

Boca Raton is one of the best-known cities in South Florida.  The famed architect Addison Mizner who designed many of the most elegant mansions on Palm Beach Island decided to develop a resort town mimicking the elegant Mediterranean revival and Spanish Colonial style of Palm Beach.  The main investors were well known wealthy families like the Vanderbilts, Wanamakers and Elizabeth Arden.  Unfortunately, the timing was not great due to a decline in the Florida Land Boom of the 1920s and a devastating hurricane in 1926. IBM located a large portion of their manufacturing to Boca Raton in 1960s and the growth hasn’t stopped since.  The East side is dominated by elegant waterfront houses, high rise condos and boutique shopping areas, while the West side is more of a planned community golf centered area.  Driving through Boca Raton these days, you’ll see construction and expansion everywhere. Its luxurious reputation keeps the price on the East side of town high, but the West side is considerably more affordable for retirees and snowbirds.  Boca’s growth is pushing farther West and the newer developments are just as elegant as the East side, but more reasonably priced. My office was there for seven years, so I know the area well and would love to show you the city.