Palm Beach County
Boca Raton real estate
Condos on the ocean, gated golf clubs inland and a downtown built around Mizner Park. A Boca Raton realtor with 26 years of South Florida sales behind him.
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Michael R. Merola PA · Lic# 3369966 · United Realty Group
Living in Boca Raton
Boca Raton is two towns in one. East of I-95 you get the beach, the Intracoastal and the oldest part of the city, where architect Addison Mizner laid out Mediterranean Revival buildings in the 1920s. West of the interstate it becomes a patchwork of master-planned, gated communities built around golf and tennis clubs. Which side of that line you shop on decides almost everything else: price per square foot, HOA structure, commute and how the place feels at 6 p.m. on a Tuesday.
Where buyers look
- Oceanfront and Intracoastal condos. Towers and low-rises along A1A and the waterway, from compact one-bedrooms to full-floor residences. Spanish River Park's beach has earned the international Blue Flag award, and the city has roughly two miles of public beach including Red Reef Park and South Inlet Park.
- Downtown and Mizner Park. A walkable lifestyle center with apartments, restaurants and shops, close to the Boca Raton Resort & Club, which began life as Mizner's Cloister Inn in 1926.
- Old Floresta and the historic core. Small streets of Mediterranean-style houses, part of a city historic district since 1990.
- Gated golf and country clubs. Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club has been ranked by Forbes among the most expensive gated communities in the country. Clubs west of I-95 sell at every level, and many require a separate membership purchase.
What to know before you buy in Boca Raton
Many people with a "Boca Raton" mailing address live in unincorporated West Boca, outside city limits. That changes who provides services and which rules apply, so confirm the actual jurisdiction of any address you like.
In a condo, read the association's finances before you fall for the view: reserves, the most recent structural inspection and any planned special assessment matter as much as the unit. In a gated club community, ask what is included in the HOA fee and whether golf or social membership is mandatory or optional. Michael pulls those documents for you before an offer, not after.
Boca also has a real seasonal rhythm. Many owners are here from roughly November to April, which affects showing availability and how fast certain buildings move.
See what is for sale in Boca Raton today.
Boca Raton buyer and seller questions
Is it better to buy east or west of I-95 in Boca Raton?
It depends on what you want to live next to. East of I-95 means beach access, the Intracoastal and walkability near downtown, mostly condos and older single-family streets. West of I-95 is larger lots and newer gated communities with clubs, usually a car-dependent lifestyle. Michael will usually ask how you spend a normal week before suggesting a side.
Do you help with Boca Raton condo purchases?
Yes. Condos are a large part of his work. He reviews the association documents, budget, reserves and inspection status with you before you commit, and walks through what the monthly fees actually cover.
Can you sell my Boca Raton home as well as help me buy?
Yes. Listings get professional aerial and architectural photography, international online exposure and targeted social media, and Michael is available seven days a week. You can start with a free home evaluation.
What does a West Boca address mean for taxes and services?
Properties in unincorporated West Boca are served by the county rather than the City of Boca Raton, even though the mailing address says Boca Raton. Ask Michael to confirm the municipality, the school assignment and any special taxing district for a specific property.
Nearby communities
If Boca Raton is on your list, these are worth comparing.
Thinking about Boca Raton?
Ask Michael about a specific street, building or price range in Boca Raton, or request a free home evaluation if you are selling.