The Old And The New Boca Raton

By Jony Mozen


When looking to live amidst beaches and sunshine, Florida has it all. In fact, Boca Raton has a lot to offer, especially being within an easy drive, bus or train ride to Miami. As weather patterns can change quickly, it is good to establish that homes and businesses are built to city and county code. So, whether you are seeking to start a business, buy a home, dine, shop, attend nightlife or other amusements, one of these two cities most likely has something to offer.

While the city is prone to business, there are also a number of lodging, dining, shopping and other amusements which locals and tourists enjoy. With Miami being only 43 miles away, it is only a short drive to music, sporting and other events which may be too big for the small city. For those seeking housing, while there are some reasonable living arrangements, generally prices are quite high when it comes to purchasing apartments, condos or homes in the area.

Although, as the area also houses a well known hotel, resort and club, originally known as the Ritz-Carlton hotel, and the only 5 rated hotel in Florida, it is definitely worth a visit. While this may be the only five star property, there are also several other lodging options available. As such, whether traveling on a shoe-string or high dollar budget, there is often something for everyone.

It was early on in city history when IBM built a business complex in the area. First, it was located in an unincorporated area of the county though later that area of the county was annexed by the city and so too, IBM. It appears IBM and another corporation worked in secret to obtain the land and build the complex which was the first major development of the company.

This small city and IBM are to be thanked for the first PC, which was developed in the area. The business park still in existence now stands next to the Tri-City rail park. Ahead of its time, the business complex was built with its own electrical substation, water pump and rail line. Eventually, IBM began to build other complexes in other cities, and outgrew the small plaza.

A number of historic relics remain in the older areas of the city. For example, the business complex in which IBM was built still houses the conference table and office in which Bill Gates signed the first deal with IBM related to the development of MS-DOS, one of the first operating systems for personal computing.

Once the decay became bad enough that the area could be redeveloped, redevelopment began. First, in the eastern areas of the city, then later downtown. For, while the original shopping mall had become empty and barren, it was not long before a new outdoor shopping center complete with restaurants and other amenities took its place.

Unfortunately, those looking to reside in the area are finding the same high rents and mortgages found in many other small cities in and outside Florida. While the area and Miami may be great places to do business, eat, shop and play, the housing costs in the area are too high for most to qualify.




About the Author:



0 comments:

Post a Comment