Moving to Boca Raton: A Relocation Guide to Homes, Costs and Everyday Life

Moving to Boca Raton puts you in the southern tip of Palm Beach County, on the Broward County line, in a city of roughly 97,000 people. It has beaches, a university, two train lines and a large mix of condos, gated golf communities and older single-family streets. This guide is for people planning the move. It covers what homes cost, how insurance and taxes work, school and commute basics, and the paperwork to finish in your first month. We stick to facts we could check, and we give dates for every number.

Key takeaways

• According to Pure Equity's MLS data as of October 1, 2026, Boca Raton had 2,188 active residential listings with a median list price of $550,000 and a median asking rent of $3,250.
• Condos and houses are mixed in that figure. County-wide in August 2026, single-family homes sold for a median of $650,000 and condos for $300,000.
• Florida gives new residents 30 days to get a Florida driver license and 10 days to title and register a vehicle once residency starts.
• File for homestead by March 1 if the home is your permanent residence on January 1.
• A city beach permit for residents costs $90 a year as of October 1, 2026, which beats paying daily entry fees.

Moving to Boca Raton: the city at a glance

Boca Raton covers about 29 square miles of land, according to the Census Bureau's 2020 Gazetteer. The 2020 Census counted 97,422 residents, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. I-95, Florida's Turnpike, US 1 and State Road A1A all run north and south through or near the city, so most trips start on one of those four roads.

Boca Raton incorporated in 1925, at the height of the Florida land boom, and the town council hired architect Addison Mizner to plan a resort community. His hotel, completed in 1926, is still a city landmark, now called The Boca Raton, and his style continues to influence the city, according to the Boca Raton Historical Society.

Large employers help keep the city busy all year. Florida Atlantic University came to Boca Raton in 1962, per the historical society, and today serves more than 30,000 students across six campuses, according to FAU. Health care, corporate offices and city government add more jobs.

City limits versus a Boca address

Many newcomers do not realize that West Boca is a separate, unincorporated area west of the city. The historical society puts its population at about 125,000, on top of the city's own residents. A home there may share the name but follows county rules rather than city rules. That affects beach permits, permitting, police and your tax bill. So before you fall for a listing, confirm whether the address is inside city limits.

What homes cost in Boca Raton right now

According to Pure Equity's MLS data as of October 1, 2026, the median list price of active residential listings in Boca Raton was $550,000. The median asking price per square foot was $352. Active listings had been on the market for an average of 113 days, which tells you buyers have time to compare.

That median mixes condos with houses, so it hides a wide range. For sale prices, the best recent guide is the county report. In August 2026, Palm Beach County single-family homes sold for a median of $650,000 and went under contract in a median of 40 days, according to Miami Realtors. Condos and townhouses had a median of $300,000 and took 69 days.

Renting first is common for people moving to Boca Raton. As of October 1, 2026, there were 2,046 active rentals in the city with a median asking rent of $3,250. You can track live numbers on our Boca Raton area page.

Housing types you will see

• High-rise and mid-rise condos along A1A and downtown, many with ocean or Intracoastal views.
• Garden-style condos and villas west of I-95, often in 55+ or golf communities.
• Gated single-family communities with golf, tennis or a clubhouse, mostly in the western part of the area.
• Older single-family neighborhoods east of I-95, some on canals with boat access.

Each type comes with its own costs. Condos have association dues and building rules. Gated clubs may charge membership fees on top of HOA dues. Waterfront homes often carry higher insurance. In short, compare the monthly cost, not just the price.

Insurance and flood risk when moving to Boca Raton

Insurance is the cost that surprises most people moving to Boca Raton from out of state. Florida Realtors reported in September 2026 that the state's average homeowners premium in the admitted market was $3,736, including wind. The same report said regulators had approved rate cuts for several insurers.

Your own quote depends on the roof's age, the windows, the year built and the flood zone. Because of that, ask for a four-point and wind mitigation report early. Then check each address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center. Get quotes during your inspection period, not after closing.

For condos, the association insures the building, and you insure the inside of your unit. Also ask about the building's milestone inspection and reserve study, since those can lead to special assessments.

Property taxes and the homestead exemption

Florida has no state personal income tax, which is a big reason people move here. Property taxes are where local government gets paid. In 2025, the City of Boca Raton's operating millage was 3.6476, according to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser. The Greater Boca Raton Beach and Park District added 1.08 mills. County, school and other districts add more on top, so check the full bill for any home you like.

If the home will be your permanent residence, you can claim a homestead exemption. You must own and live in the home on January 1 and file by March 1. The exemption can cut taxable value by up to $50,000. It also caps yearly increases in assessed value at 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower.

Schools when moving to Boca Raton with kids

Public schools belong to the School District of Palm Beach County. Several district high schools serve the Boca area, and the district assigns them by address.

The district assigns schools by address, and the lines can shift. Therefore, look up every home on the district's attendance zone maps before you make an offer. The district also runs choice programs that students apply to, so check deadlines if you plan to use one.

Commute and getting around

Boca has better train access than most of the county. Tri-Rail commuter trains stop in Boca and run south toward Miami and north toward West Palm Beach. Brightline also has a Boca Raton station near Mizner Park, with service to other South Florida cities and Orlando.

Still, most people drive. I-95 and the Turnpike both get heavy at rush hour, especially heading south toward Broward County. For that reason, test your route at the time you would really leave for work. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood and Palm Beach International are the closest major airports, and Boca Raton Airport handles private planes.

Your first 30 days after moving to Boca Raton

Florida starts the clock on your paperwork as soon as you become a resident. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, residency can begin when you start a job here, enroll kids in public school, register to vote or file for homestead. Here is a simple order of tasks.

1. Buy Florida auto insurance, then title and register your vehicles within 10 days.
2. Get a Florida driver license within 30 days.
3. Register to vote at your new address.
4. Set up utilities and confirm trash and recycling days with the city.
5. Buy a beach permit if you live in the city or the beach and park district.
6. Mark March 1 on your calendar for homestead, if you bought.

Beach permits for new residents

Boca's oceanfront parks charge for parking. As of October 1, 2026, a yearly vehicle permit costs $90 for city and beach district residents. Palm Beach County residents outside the district pay $108, with access to South Beach only. Daily entry for a standard car is $40 on weekdays and $55 on weekends, per the City of Boca Raton. Also, gatehouses stopped taking cash on that date.

What newcomers wish they knew

• Season matters. Winter brings more traffic, fuller restaurants and more buyers.
• Days on market are long for many condos, which gives buyers room to negotiate.
• Club fees can be large. Ask whether membership is mandatory before you tour.
• Summer storms are frequent. A generator plan and shutters are worth budgeting for.
• West of I-95 and east of I-95 feel like different towns, so spend time in both.

Planning your home search before moving to Boca Raton

Start with a budget that includes insurance, HOA dues and taxes. Next, get pre-approved with a lender licensed in Florida. Then narrow your list to two or three parts of town and tour them on a weekday and a weekend.

Renting for six to twelve months is a smart move if you are unsure about the area. It lets you learn traffic patterns and test a few neighborhoods. Our guide to the best neighborhoods in Boca Raton can help you build that short list.

Frequently asked questions

Is moving to Boca Raton expensive?

It costs more than many inland Palm Beach County cities. As of October 1, 2026, the median list price of active listings was $550,000 and the median asking rent was $3,250. Condos give you lower entry prices, but add association dues to your budget.

How long do I have to get a Florida license after moving?

Thirty days after you become a resident. You have only 10 days to title and register your vehicle, and you need Florida auto insurance first.

Does Boca Raton have a train to Miami?

Yes. Tri-Rail and Brightline both serve the city. Brightline's station is near Mizner Park, and Tri-Rail's station is west of downtown.

When should I file for homestead after moving to Boca Raton?

File by March 1 of the first year you own and live in the home as of January 1. Late filing can cost you the exemption for that year.

Is West Boca part of the city?

No. West Boca is an unincorporated community west of the city. It shares the name but follows county rules, so confirm city limits for any address.

Sources

• Pure Equity, Boca Raton market data (as of October 1, 2026)
• Miami Realtors, Palm Beach County August 2026 report
• City of Boca Raton, beach permits and daily rates
• Florida HSMV, new resident requirements
• Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, homestead exemption
• Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, 2025 millage rates
• Florida Department of Revenue, tax information for new residents
• Florida Department of Revenue, property tax exemptions
• Florida Realtors, home insurance rate cuts (September 2026)
• School District of Palm Beach County, attendance zone maps
• FEMA Flood Map Service Center
• U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Gazetteer file for Florida places (land and water area)
• U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts, Boca Raton city (2020 Census)
• Boca Raton Historical Society, our history
• Florida Atlantic University, about FAU

Selling a home before you relocate, or already own in Boca Raton? Start with a free home valuation so you know your numbers. Planning the move instead? Request a free relocation consultation for Boca Raton, and we will help you compare neighborhoods, condos and clubs. Contact our team.