I’ve lived all over South Florida my entire life, but in 2009, I found my forever home in Boca Raton. Over the past 15 years, I’ve had a front-row seat to Boca’s evolution from a quiet community to a thriving city that perfectly blends suburban calm with urban energy. And as an account director with O’Connell & Goldberg, I’ve had the privilege of not just witnessing this growth but actively shaping the city’s perception. Through strategic PR efforts, our agency has helped elevate the profiles of key organizations in the community including Lynn University, Florida Atlantic University’s Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars program, GL Homes and several other Boca-based businesses, all of which contribute to the city’s vibrant growth trajectory.
A Thriving Hub for New Residents, Businesses and Students
Once seen primarily as a retirement haven, Boca has evolved into a lively, bustling city full of energy. The recent addition of a Brightline station in 2022 is a prime example of how much more popular the city has become—Brightline doesn’t just stop anywhere, after all! With its rapid growth in population, businesses and development, Boca is officially on the map as one of South Florida’s hottest destinations.
Like many cities in Florida, Boca’s growth took off after the COVID-19 pandemic, attracting new residents and businesses from across the country. In fact, since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, Boca’s population increased 2.6% in just three years. Even with all this development, Boca has managed to maintain its suburban charm for families.
Boca’s Educational Powerhouses Driving Growth and Opportunity
Boca has long been home to a vibrant community of young adults with Florida Atlantic University (FAU) and Lynn University have been cornerstone institutions in the city. Far from the stereotype often poked fun at in classic “Seinfeld” episodes, Boca’s youthful energy has been a defining characteristic ever since the universities first planted roots in the area.
Florida Atlantic University (FAU) has placed a strong emphasis on First-Generation Student Success, particularly through its Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program. Founded in 2017, the program began with just four students and has since grown to support over 130 first-generation scholars and alumni. In November, FAU announced that applications for the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars Program Class of 2029 are open. Now in its eighth year, the program has become a vital resource for many Florida students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford a college education—providing four-year financial aid packages that cover tuition, on-campus housing, books and a meal plan. Kelly/Strul scholars also receive structured academic and social support, enabling them to graduate debt-free in four years or less. In fact, Boca Magazine recently featured the 24 first-generation students who began their first semester at FAU this year thanks to the Kelly/Strul Emerging Scholars program.
Located just two miles away, Lynn University has also solidified its reputation in higher education. This year, President Kevin M. Ross delivered Lynn’s annual State of the University address where department leaders highlighted progress on the Lynn 2025 strategic plan in addition to new achievements, including the expansion of on-campus housing. Additionally, Lynn recently appointed David Cohen as the new dean of the Burton D. Morgan College of Aeronautics. With over 26 years of service as a U.S. Air Force colonel and extensive experience in aviation education, Cohen’s leadership is elevating Lynn’s aeronautics program. As a result, O&G was able to secure national coverage highlighting Dean Cohen’s aviation education expertise in national outlets including Newsweek, Travel + Leisure and Suggest.
For students, Boca’s vibrant dining and entertainment options—from the cozy vibe of Subculture Coffee Roasters to the buzzing energy of Uptown Boca—offers the ideal backdrop for both productive study sessions and well-deserved weekend hangouts.
A Retail and Dining Renaissance
Mizner Park, Boca’s iconic downtown destination for shopping and dining (and the place I call home), continues to add new spots that cater to a variety of tastes. Newcomers like Penelope, Crema, Birch Lane and the RH Outlet are quickly becoming favorites among both locals and visitors.
West Boca is also seeing a retail boom with Homesense and Whole Foods Market among the new additions. Meanwhile, Uptown Boca, which was just a vacant field a few years ago, is becoming a go-to spot for the West Boca community for both shopping and dining, featuring places like Bar Bombay, REI and Lazy Dog Restaurant.
What’s Next for Boca Raton?
Ongoing development projects, new businesses and diverse dining options continue to shape Boca’s transformation. As suburban living meets urban convenience, the city continues to evolve. Located in West Boca, the new community of Lotus Edge by GL Homes launched pre-sales earlier this year. The ultramodern luxury community will feature expansive floorplans, enhanced standard features and GL Homes’ most impressive recreation amenities to date for an unrivaled luxury lifestyle.
Another key addition to the community’s growth is the planned Center for Arts & Innovation in Mizner Park, set to be a cultural hub with an amphitheater, theater and concert hall designed to host a variety of events, including fashion shows, product launches, book fairs and music events. The center is designed to be a destination that is always open to the community, providing unique environments for unique events—further enriching Boca’s cultural landscape.
As someone who has witnessed Boca’s evolution firsthand, I can confidently say that its boom is truly worth celebrating—and living.