Why Are People From Across the Country — and Around the World — Moving to Boca Raton?

The weather gets your attention. The lifestyle makes you want to stay.

THE ENTEL GROUP | BOCA RATON, FLORIDA
Private Club & Luxury Real Estate Specialists | Backed by Compass

Updated August 2026

For years, when people talked about moving to Boca Raton, the conversation often centered around New Yorkers and Northeasterners heading south.

They're still coming.

But today, people are moving to Boca Raton from across the country — and even from around the world.

They're families, retirees, executives, entrepreneurs, second-home owners and people who simply have the freedom to decide where they want to live.

So why Boca?

The sunshine gets people's attention. The beaches are beautiful. Florida's tax environment can certainly be attractive.

But at The Entel Group, we believe there's a bigger reason:

People aren't simply moving to Boca Raton. They're moving here for a different way of life.

Boca Raton Has Become a Lifestyle Destination

When we work with someone considering a move to Boca Raton, one of the first things we try to understand isn't what kind of house they want.

It's how they want to live.

Do you picture yourself playing golf several days a week?

Starting your morning on the pickleball court?

Walking along the Atlantic?

Having dinner outside in February?

Living in a private club where golf, fitness, restaurants, tennis, pickleball and friends are minutes from your front door?

Or maybe you simply want sunshine and the ability to enjoy the outdoors throughout the year.

That's Boca Raton.

You're not just choosing a home. You're choosing a lifestyle.

People Are Coming to Boca From Everywhere

New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the Northeast remain important parts of the Boca Raton real estate market.

But the Boca story has grown much larger.

People are discovering Boca from throughout the United States and internationally.

Some are leaving colder climates.

Some are relocating from major metropolitan areas.

Some want Florida's tax environment.

Some are following children, grandchildren or friends who have already moved here.

Others simply visited Boca and began asking themselves:

“Why aren't we living here?”

Boca also offers something important to people who still have business, family and personal connections elsewhere.

You don't have to disconnect from the world to live here.

Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami are nearby, and South Florida provides extensive domestic and international air connections.

That makes Boca attractive not only as a vacation or second-home destination, but as a place to establish a primary residence.

Boca Raton Isn't Just About Retirement Anymore

This is one of the biggest changes we've seen.

Boca Raton remains extremely attractive to retirees and seasonal residents.

But today's Boca is also attracting:

• Families
• Business owners
• Executives
• Entrepreneurs
• Remote and flexible workers
• Second-home buyers
• International buyers
• People relocating permanently to Florida

The result is a Boca Raton that increasingly feels alive throughout the year.

The old perception of South Florida as somewhere people simply spend the winter doesn't tell the full story anymore.

Boca Raton isn't just somewhere people retire.

It's somewhere people are choosing to live.

The Private Club Lifestyle Changes Everything

This is where The Entel Group has a particularly different perspective on Boca Raton real estate.

We specialize in Boca Raton's private-club and luxury lifestyle market, and we've learned that buying the right house is only half of the decision.

You also need to choose the right community.

Boca Raton and the surrounding area offer an extraordinary collection of private clubs, including Boca West, Woodfield, Broken Sound, St. Andrews, Polo Club, Addison Reserve, Mizner Country Club and others.

But these clubs aren't interchangeable.

One may be ideal for serious golfers.

Another may appeal more to families.

Another may have the social atmosphere, dining, wellness or racquet programs you're looking for.

That's why our philosophy at The Entel Group is simple:

Choose the lifestyle first. Then choose the home.

A spectacular house in the wrong community isn't necessarily the right home.

Golf, Pickleball, Tennis and Wellness Become Everyday Life

One of the biggest changes people notice after moving to Boca is how easy it becomes to be active.

Golf isn't necessarily a weekend activity anymore.

Neither is pickleball.

Your golf course could be outside your door.

Your morning pickleball game might be five minutes away.

Your fitness center, spa, restaurants and social events may all be inside your community.

And the Atlantic Ocean is right down the road.

That convenience changes how people spend their days.

In Boca Raton, lifestyle isn't something you save for vacation. It can become your everyday life.

And Then There's the Beach

Boca has something many luxury golf and country-club destinations simply can't duplicate.

The Atlantic Ocean.

You can spend the morning walking on the beach, play golf in the afternoon and have dinner downtown that evening.

That's one of Boca's greatest advantages.

You're getting the South Florida coastal lifestyle and, if you choose, the private country-club lifestyle at the same time.

Restaurants, Shopping and Downtown Boca

Boca's lifestyle doesn't stop at the gates of its residential communities.

Downtown Boca Raton and Mizner Park offer restaurants, shopping, entertainment and cultural activities.

Delray Beach is nearby.

Palm Beach is within reach.

Fort Lauderdale and Miami are easily accessible.

So you can enjoy the privacy and comfort of a residential or country-club community without giving up access to everything happening throughout South Florida.

Florida's Tax Environment Gets Attention

For some people relocating to Florida, taxes are an important part of the decision.

Florida does not impose an individual state income tax, which can make the state particularly interesting to people coming from higher-tax jurisdictions.

Individual circumstances vary considerably, so anyone considering a move for tax or residency reasons should speak with qualified tax and legal professionals.

But we've noticed something else.

Taxes may start the conversation. Lifestyle often closes the deal.

People don't play golf in January because of taxes.

They don't walk the beach in February because of taxes.

They don't meet their friends for pickleball because of taxes.

Those are lifestyle decisions.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Boca Raton?

There's no single answer because there isn't one Boca Raton real estate market.

Boca offers everything from condominiums and townhomes to single-family neighborhoods, private country clubs, downtown residences, waterfront homes and extraordinary luxury estates.

And when you're considering a private-club community, the asking price of the home is only part of the financial picture.

Depending on the community, buyers should investigate:

• Club joining or membership contributions
• Annual membership dues
• HOA or POA fees
• Assessments
• Golf membership requirements
• Golf access and possible waitlists
• Other community-specific charges

These costs can change.

That's why The Entel Group recommends verifying the current membership structure and fees before making a buying decision.

Two homes with similar asking prices can have very different total ownership costs.

What's the Best Boca Raton Community?

We get asked this all the time.

And our answer is:

There isn't one.

The best community is the one that fits you.

A serious golfer may have completely different priorities from a family with school-age children.

Someone passionate about pickleball may choose differently from someone focused on golf.

A buyer who wants an active social scene may have different priorities from someone looking for privacy.

That's why knowing Boca Raton's communities — not simply knowing the available listings — matters.

Should You Move to Boca Raton?

Before you start looking at hundreds of homes online, start with a different question:

How do you want to live?

Think about:

Do you want a private club?

Is golf important?

How important are tennis and pickleball?

Do you want to be close to the beach?

Would you prefer a gated community?

Do you want to live near downtown?

Are you looking for a family-oriented community?

Will this be your primary home or a seasonal residence?

What's your comfortable total cost of ownership?

Once we understand those answers, we can begin narrowing Boca Raton down to the communities that actually make sense for you.

The Entel Group Take

We've watched Boca Raton evolve.

What was once viewed largely as a seasonal and retirement destination has become something much bigger.

People from across America — and around the world — are discovering Boca Raton.

They may initially come for different reasons.

Sunshine.

Taxes.

Golf.

Beaches.

Family.

Private clubs.

Business.

A second home.

Or simply a desire for a different quality of life.

But then something happens.

They build friendships.

They join clubs.

They find their favorite restaurants.

They play golf and pickleball.

They spend more time outdoors.

They become part of the community.

And eventually, Boca stops feeling like the place they moved to.

It starts feeling like home.

That's the real Boca Raton story.

And that's why we believe:

Lifestyle drives demand. Demand drives value.

Thinking About Moving to Boca Raton?

Don't start with the house.

Start with the lifestyle.

The Entel Group helps buyers understand Boca Raton's neighborhoods, private clubs, membership structures, amenities and real estate so they can choose the community that fits the way they actually want to live.

The Entel Group

Boca Raton & Private Club Real Estate Specialists
Backed by Compass

561-759-7777
theentelgroup.com

One expert. Every top club.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are people moving to Boca Raton?

People are attracted to Boca Raton for its warm climate, beaches, outdoor lifestyle, golf, private clubs, tennis, pickleball, restaurants, Florida tax environment and location within South Florida.

Are people moving to Boca Raton from outside the Northeast?

Yes. While New York and the Northeast remain important sources of relocation, Boca Raton attracts people from throughout the United States as well as people relocating or purchasing homes from internationally.

Is Boca Raton just for retirees?

No. Boca Raton attracts retirees and seasonal residents, but it also appeals to families, business owners, executives, professionals, entrepreneurs and second-home buyers.

Why are Boca Raton private clubs so popular?

Private-club communities can combine your home with golf, racquet sports, fitness, wellness, dining and an active social environment. For many buyers, choosing the right club is just as important as choosing the right property.

What should I consider before buying in a Boca Raton country club?

Consider the purchase price as well as current membership contributions, annual dues, HOA or POA fees, assessments, golf access, potential waitlists, amenities and the culture of the community.

What is the best community in Boca Raton?

There isn't one community that's best for everyone. The right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, golf and racquet preferences, family needs, location and whether you're purchasing a primary or seasonal residence.