West Boca Raton - Boca Raton, FL

Boca Raton was settled in the late 1800s and developed during Florida's land boom in the 1920s, though its most explosive growth came in the 1960s and 1970s after computer pioneer IBM endeavored to build a huge manufacturing and corporate center in the city. The relocation of IBM and, subsequently, numerous other cutting-edge businesses to Boca Raton resulted in steady growth throughout the late 20th century. This growth created the demand for housing west of the city's core, giving birth to the western reaches of town now known as West Boca Raton. As neighborhoods sprung up in this previously undeveloped swath of land, businesses and retail soon followed to meet the demands of the area's new residents.

Boca Raton's arts scene and museums are located closer to the city center and include the Boca Raton Museum of Art. Annual events include the Boca Raton Holiday Parade each Christmas season.

West Boca Raton doesn't have a centralized restaurant or nightlife district. Instead, numerous options for dining and entertainment sit spread throughout the entire area. This means that residents rarely find themselves more than a short drive from a diverse assortment of culinary fare including Japanese, Thai, Mexican and Italian.

Shadowood Square in West Boca Raton houses Hashi Sushi and Thai, an area favorite for both take out and dining in. The service at this local haunt rates as fast and efficient, and the food tops the lists of many local diners with an affinity for sushi or Thai cuisine. Favorite menu items include the grilled chicken teriyaki roll, eggplant tempura and volcano tofu. Also known for its low prices, Hashi Sushi and Thai stays open from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., ensuring there is always time in the day to sit down and enjoy a nice sushi dinner.

Located in West Boca Raton and offering delivery to area residents as well as a comfortable dining room, Taso's Greek Taverna cooks up and serves the best Greek fare in South Florida. Locals consistently talk up the amazing flavor of the food here, and their favorite picks from the menu include the pastichio and the gyro dinner. For diners who show up hungrier than usual, the hummus served with soft pita bread ranks as a popular side order.

Davito's Italian Restaurant features a mahogany bar, rustic Italian ambiance, and an extensive wine list to complement the hearty pasta dishes that rank as a top pick among diners in West Boca Raton. An ideal spot for a first date, business meeting or family gathering, this locally-owned Italian haunt provides everything from cozy corner booths to large row tables accommodating parties of 12 or more. Poultry lovers rave about the chicken marsala and the chicken piccata, while seafood lovers spring for the snapper oreganate. No matter the entrée, it can be made even more satisfying by adding a glass of Mark West Pinot Noir.

West Boca Raton lacks a downtown area hopping with clubs and bars, but it features plenty of local joints to satisfy residents itching for a night on the town. Moon's Tavern, an Irish dive, contains 12 large televisions showing all the NFL and NCAA football games, and they host billiards tournaments every Friday and Sunday. The Brickyard Micro Brewery serves a wide selection of craft beers and hosts live bands several nights per week. When a special occasion calls for a bigger party, established nightlife districts such as Mizner Park in East Boca Raton and Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale each sit a short drive from West Boca Raton.

Many streets in West Boca Raton feature bike lanes, and most of the area's individual neighborhoods consist of roads that are wide, flat and friendly to pedestrians. However, the city is very spread out which prompts most residents to drive to their destinations. West Boca Raton provides abundant free parking, and residents have easy access to numerous major highways including Florida's Turnpike, State Route 7 and Interstate 95.

For those who choose not to drive, numerous taxi companies operate in the area, and Uber also maintains a presence. A taxi ride must be called for in advance, as one cannot hail a cab in West Boca Raton.

Public transportation is limited in West Boca Raton, as the Palm Tran bus system's routes do not reach the outskirts of the city. However, a short drive to the Tri-Rail station by Interstate 95 provides a quick commute by rail down to Miami or up to West Palm Beach.

The Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park in West Boca Raton provides exercise courses, walking and jogging trails, sports fields, horseback riding, a golf course and many more activities for both active recreation and leisure. The park contains many areas that are both kid-friendly and dog-friendly. Parking and general admission are free, with certain activities within the park - such as the golf course and water park - requiring a fee for use.

Events held at South County Regional Park include fireworks every Fourth of July, a 5K road race in January, and regular productions at the park's amphitheater.

The cost of living in West Boca Raton sits higher than the South Florida average. Residents can expect to pay $1,245 per month in rent for a one-bedroom apartment and $3.75 for a beer in a local pub. Area gas prices hover at 8 percent higher than the national average.

West Boca Raton features plentiful shopping options, including numerous boutiques and specialty stores, and a short drive east into central Boca Raton sits the Boca Town Center Mall and its large mix of big box retailers and high-end stores.

Apolonia Boutique ranks highly among locals for its extensive selection of fashionable clothing and accessories for both young women and mature ladies. Locally owned and operated, this cozy boutique not only carries the best brands at the best prices, but it provides a personal level of service that cannot be found at bigger department stores.

For designer labels at thrift store prices, West Boca Raton residents head to Serendipity Consignment, a local shop carrying brands such as Gucci, Armani and Louis Vitton at prices that are a fraction of what can be found at the mall.

Numerous Publix locations serve West Boca Raton residents for large grocery trips, and a Whole Foods sits closer to the center of town for those who prefer organic shopping. The Boca Farmers Market and Grill near the center of town carries the area's freshest produce and a variety of quality meat cuts.