A Waterfront Gem in Boca Raton

Homes for sale in Boca Raton Riviera emerge from a SF house neighborhood slightly north of E. Palmetto Park Road, sandwiched between the A1A coastal road to the east and the Intracoastal (no wake zone) on its western border. Many believe this is a predominantly boating community with waterway canals and homes with 125' yacht slips in the backyard for mega yachts to access the ocean inlets with no fixed bridges. The reality is there's not a single canal connecting the 229 residences removed from the Intracoastal banks. Thus, only twenty-three primarily mansions (ten percent of the total) enjoy the aqua-centric facilities described above.

Still, canals or no canals, it hasn’t taken the shine off this suburb, a beachside enclave within walking distance of the Atlantic Ocean's white sands around the corner from any address in the community. It started as an officers' residential enclave in the 1940s during the second world war under the planning of the Army Corporation of Engineers. Residential development for the public began in earnest ten years later, resulting in a diverse collection of small bungalows, coastal Mediterranean & Tuscan-inspired two-story structures, and stately estate homes popping up. Indeed, a bird's eye view at the time showed dimensions ranging from 1,500 to over 8,000 square feet under air (UA).

ZFC has recorded that Intracoastal communities like Golden Harbour and Boca Marina are regenerating fast. Millionaires from up north, investors, and custom construction entities converge on these locations to knock down the old and replace them with spectacular ultra-modern and contemporary residences. Boca Raton Riviera has not escaped this, and the redevelopment activity has been hectic, changing the landscape significantly.

We'll get into the price analysis below, keeping in mind that sales of the early vintage houses are mainly for knockdown/reconstruction, and MLS options include brand-new out-of-the-box editions. In the latter, expect to find:

• The latest high-end granites, marble, quartz, and stone materials.
• Engineered and solid wood wide-plank or Italian porcelain flooring.
• Sleek cabinetry, oversized islands, and floating vanities.
• Extra-height vaulted ceilings.
• Integrated high-impact glass windows and sliders.
• Chefs European appliance kitchens,
• Designer recessed lighting.
• Smart-home electronics.
• Private pools & summer kitchens.

Stunning tropical foliage flows through the roads, peripherals, and gardens, contributing to the beach feel with outlooks over colorful flora and fauna. Aside from its envied position, the enclave is ungated (but safe) with zero HOA fees and no community bells and whistles.

Our price analysis uncovered ten transactions for 2022 and four months into 2023 (i.e., 16 months of coverage) that was a mixed bag of transactions where buyers entered the community with the following scenarios:

• Dry lot "knockdown for reconstruction" intentions - Around $1.5 million, corresponding to over $1000 per square foot for early vintage bungalows less than 2,000 square feet (UA).
• Closing on new construction, duplex townhomes (two per dry lot) - each 3,000 square feet (UA) - sold for slightly under $2 million or $668 per square foot (UA).
• Acquiring houses as is or for partial renovation on dry lots, also around $668 per square foot (UA), with prices stretching to over $3 million.
• Acquiring a house as is on a direct Intracoastal lot (only one over 7,000 square feet UA - 2007 vintage) changed hands for over $1,000 a square foot.

The picture above is typical of a barrier island community undergoing residential regeneration. Thus, vintages, position on the campus, new construction, and partial renovation intentions are all in the mix. Navigating the options can be confusing, requiring expert advice on genuine property values to get the price right. ZFC agents can unravel the proper appraisals and find unique opportunities in this neighborhood, especially if you want a new construction close to the beach. As a result, we traditionally save our customers thousands of dollars. 

The neighborhood's residents are close to over a hundred restaurants, bars, and coffee shops in Boca Raton Downtown (BRD) a little way north and high-end boutique outlets in BRD's Mizner City and Royal Palm Plaza shopping centers. In addition, supermarkets, ATMs, beauty salons, gas stations, healthcare professionals, and national chains (in the Town Center Mall) are quick drives away, as are numerous golf courses, parks, nature preserves, watersports, tennis & pickleball venues, clinics, and fitness facilities. Finally, the nearby I95 takes homeowners to two international airports within thirty minutes; or Delray's vibrant-action Atlantic Avenue in half that time. Another "on one's doorstep" attraction includes the world-famous Boca Club and Resort, open to new members, delivering five-star leisure activities from fine dining to an amazing beach club.

ZFC covers every lifestyle imaginable under the South Florida sun, from ranches in Wellington and Parkland to country clubs (CCs), condo towers, resort-style enclaves, 55+ active adult compounds, and boating communities on the same latitude line as Boca Raton Riviera. In the latter category, look at  Golden Harbour, The Sanctuary Royal Palm Yacht Club, Tropic Isle, and Boca Marina, where new construction is prolific. Indeed, many canal lots are available with backyard docking for large vessels. Other estate home projects close to BRD, the Intracoastal, and the beach are Old Floresta and Boca East Estates.