Boca Raton is one of the most sought after addresses in the country. The soft-pink architectural style of Addison Mizner, majestic palms and lush tropical foliage, miles of beautiful beaches, abundant parks, numerous golf courses and year-round outdoor lifestyle are all part of the images of “Paradise.” While the images are real, Boca Raton has so much more to offer - a first-class cultural scene, thriving business community and prosperous commercial and high-tech industry, good schools, world-renowned shopping, and a low crime rate - all make it an ideal place to live. Boca Raton’s wide variety of residential communities offer a suitable home and neighborhood atmosphere for any person’s choice of lifestyle.

Boca Raton is a cosmopolitan city, yet it conveys the warmth and friendliness of a small town. Boca Raton's location is one of its most attractive features. The City along with the many attributes of Palm Beach County offer visitors and residents a diversified economy, international sophistication and a cultural abundance seldom found in other communities. In the 1997 Money Magazine survey, “America’s Top Places to Live Today,” ranked by the Best Places to Live by Size, (Mid Size - population of 250,000 to 999,999), Palm Beach County was ranked #4 in the top five places.

History
Boca Raton has a rich and fascinating history. Beginning with its first residents, the Calusa Indians, the early times of fledgling growth in a natural and treacherous wilderness were very difficult. There were periods of extraordinary success and utter defeat; of Japanese farmers, influential leaders of industry, and the rich and famous of business and entertainment.

Business Climate
Florida is the nation's fourth most populous state. According to Business Facilities magazine May 1997 issue, a leading trade publication focused on economic development, Florida was rated the number one state in the nation in its "ability to accommodate the widest range of expanding and relocating companies."

Palm Beach County is one of the most attractive business hubs in the Southeast due to the area's many economic advantages. The governmental climate for business and availability of labor are among the Palm Beaches' biggest draws, and its positive business attitude has attracted many corporations to the area.

Boca Raton has a thriving and prosperous business community. Its economic strength lies in its people and its resources. A highly-skilled and well-educated work force contributes to a productive and competitive business climate. A recent survey for hiring projections by local companies completed by Manpower, Inc., forecast a healthy employment climate for Boca Raton this fall. The Third Quarter 1999 Employment Outlook Survey said 37% of the city's major employers plan to increase their staffs, and the demand for well-educated, skilled employees seems to be the greatest in Boca Raton.

Business & Community Info Resources
Resources for business and community information throughout the South Florida area include city and county government offices, chambers of commerce, and various private organizations. Several are listed here that provide lots of information.

Education
A good, solid education is the foundation of success. It is the most important tool we can give our children to help them in today's complex society. Boca Raton provides students with the highest per-student expenditure in the state, and students rank well above the national average in standardized tests. The area offers a wide range of public and private institutions ranging from pre-school to two first-class universities.

Weather
Palm Beach County boasts one of the most attractive year round climates in the world. The Gulf Stream breezes warm the area in the winters and cool it in the summers, and with an average annual temperature of 75°F, visitors and residents can enjoy the wonderful outdoors all year long.

Accommodations
Visitors to the Palm Beaches have a wide range of choices when staying in our area. A variety of hotels cater to family vacations, the business traveler and conferences, and romantic getaways.

Area Attractions & Activities, & Weekend Activities
Florida offers an abundance of attractions and activities. Whatever recreational activities you love to do to relax or indulge in the wonderful amenities and sites of Florida, it's all at your beck and call. Attractions and Activities is really inclusive of the next 4 sections of the Guide - Parks, Golf & Tennis, Museums, and Shopping. They are divided into separate sections and can be accessed from this page directly or from the Attractions Page. This section is a listing of cultural centers and family recreational centers that do not fit into the other categories.

Boca Raton's location is ideal for weekend trips to South Florida and the Keys, the west coast, central or north Florida. This section also includes some popular attractions that make for great weekend getaways.

Museums, Cultural Sites, & Historic Sites
There is a wide range of cultural and arts programs and venues in the Greater Boca Raton area including the International Museum of Cartoon Art, the Museum of Art, Boca Pops, and Florida Atlantic University's fine theater department, to name a few.

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
If you love to shop, you'll love Palm Beach County. There are more than 160 shopping centers offering an excellent variety of stores and merchandise, from specialty boutiques, and downtown cultural and entertainment districts to department stores and major malls. For dining or evenings out, there are plentiful restaurant choices in cuisine and atmosphere, and many different types of nightlife and entertainment.

Parks, Recreation & Sports
Year-round outdoor living is one of the great joys of Boca Raton. Whether your preference is a day at the beach or just enjoying nature, whether you're a sports enthusiast or spectator, Boca Raton offers a wide range of activities to please everyone and every age group. The area offers plentiful opportunities for water sports and fishing, diving, snorkeling and swimming.

Golf Courses & Tennis Clubs
Boca Raton is known as a golf and tennis paradise, with courses, facilities and games for beginners through championship play. In fact, there are more than 150 public and private golf courses in Palm Beach County.

Festivals & Events
Palm Beach County has a busy calendar of festivals, events and social activities all year long. Among some of the activities are art and cultural festivals, heritage and seafood festivals, boat shows and grand prix racing events, as well as celebrations of all the major holidays.

Health Care, Medical Centers and Senior Services
Nothing's more important than your health, and the active, outdoor lifestyle of Boca Raton residents is a great way to promote healthy living. The medical centers and specialty hospitals of Boca Raton and South Florida provide state-of-the-art medical care, and technological advances, HMO's, walk-in clinics and outpatient centers abound.

Relocation & General Community Info
When you move to a new area, there are so many things to do, it seems like you will never get settled. To help make your relocation go as smoothly as possible, we've listed some helpful offices with addresses and phone numbers - establishing residency and voter registration, car and pet registrations, driver's licenses, and getting your Homestead Exemption.