Boynton Beach

Twenty-five small private villages filled with custom homes wrap around a world-renowned golf course to create the bustling suburban enclave of Aberdeen. The neighborhood is split down the middle by Jog Road. To the west are 18 small private villages scattered throughout the golf course. Here residents are required to join the club. On the east side of town, however, the villages are more separated from the course, and membership is optional. Of course, the Jim Fazio-designed course is one of the main selling points for this community, so many of those not required to purchase a membership still do. Another major thing that has set Aberdeen apart is that it offers luxury amenities like clubhouse access and exclusive parks at an extremely affordable price point. The neighborhood is centered around the Aberdeen Golf and Country Club, home to a renowned 18-hole course first designed by Desmond Muirhead in 1987 and then redesigned by Jim Fazio in 2017. While much of the course changed during the renovation, Fazio kept a few of Muirhead’s iconic features, such as the fourth hole’s alternate island fairway. The course, however, isn’t the only amenity here. Residents also have exclusive access to courts for pickleball, tennis and bocce and a state-of-the-art clubhouse, where regular fitness classes and card games are held. For even more outdoor space, the public West Boynton Park is about 1 mile away, next to Park Vista Community High School. This 47-acre amenities-filled park is one of the area’s most popular, in part because of its location and amenities but also because it’s home to the West Boynton Little League. Along with traditional amenities like ball fields and basketball and tennis courts, the park is home to a skate park and a roller hockey rink. There is also an on-site recreation center regularly used for group gatherings. And on hot summer days, residents enjoy the sandy beaches of Ocean Ridge, just 9 miles away. On both sides of the neighborhood, each village has its own specific kind of homes, though the most popular architectural styles are Mediterranean and custom contemporary. Many of the homes here are either single-story villas or large, custom estates with front gardens and back patios that overlook the golf course or one of its many lakes. Mid-sized two- to three-bedroom options on modest lots range from $200,000 to $500,000, while sprawling three- to five-bedroom homes can go for more than $890,000. More affordable are condos and townhouses, most of which have two or three bedrooms. Landlocked options closer to Jog Road can start around $130,000, while lakeside units overlooking the golf course can go for more than $365,000. Of note: there are a few designated 55-plus communities here, including the Brittany Lakes and Addison Green subdivisions, but most of the subdivisions are open to folks of all ages. While not all residents are required to join the club, most still have HOAs. “The HOA is really good to deal with,” says Realtor Scott Deal with Keller Williams Realty Services. He adds that in his capacity as a buying and selling agent on the east side of the community over the last six years, the HOA has been “very accommodating and responsive.” Aberdeen residents can except to have a packed social calendar since the club hosts a slew of events all year long. “Every year, the holidays are the same, of course, but there are different cocktail nights and different family-centered activities,” says Talya Alhadeff, the Director of Membership and Communications at Aberdeen Golf and Country Club. “There are several social clubs as well, and residents like to say that they are doing things with friends along the way.” Residents don't need to go far to eat out since the Aberdeen Golf & Country Club is home to three eateries. The Panache is the club’s signature high-end restaurant, helmed by executive chef Joshua Giro. The Oasis is a more low-key, poolside spot particularly popular for breakfast and lunch. In the evening, the Sunset Lounge is a popular spot for a drink with neighbors or a quick bite. This outdoor, covered bar is centered around a blazing firepit and overlooks the golf course. For options outside of the golf course, residents can head to Jog Road, which runs through the middle of town and is the location of nearly all the neighborhood’s other shops and restaurants. Alongside Publix are popular restaurants like Saito’s Japanese Steakhouse, a local hibachi chain, and Tavolo Wine Bar & Tuscan Grille, a high-end eatery serving traditional Italian cuisine. For more shopping and dining options, residents can head to Boynton Beach Mall or Boynton Town Center, where there are over 120 retailers, including Target, Michaels and Best Buy. Aberdeen is served by the Palm Beach County Public School District, which includes Crystal Lakes Elementary School, graded a B-plus on Niche, and Christa McAuliffe Middle School, graded an A-minus. Both are centrally located in the neighborhood, putting them within walking distance for many. Students can move up to the A-graded Park Vista Community High School, which is just 1 mile from the center of town. Park Vista Community offers several specialized career-based pathways, including programs for automotive service technology, pre-med, digital media and entrepreneurship. The neighborhood is also home to the public Ben Gamla Charter School, the first English-Hebrew charter school in the U.S. It’s located inside Temple Torat Emet, a synagogue for a local Egalitarian Conservative congregation. Aberdeen is conveniently located between U.S. Interstate 95 and Florida’s Turnpike toll road, busy commuter thoroughfares that lead to bigger cities like West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, about 19 and 17 miles away, respectively. Since the neighborhood consists mostly of private communities, there is no immediate access to public buses. Residents can, however, easily walk along the sidewalks that wrap around the neighborhood or drive their golf carts throughout the community. The nearest major airport is the regional Palm Beach County Park/Lantana Airport, about 7 miles away. It regularly accepts overflow traffic from Palm Beach International, about 16 miles north. For any medical needs, the Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital West is about five miles outside of town.

Cypress Creek is a community on the brink of major change. This quaint gated community was built around the Cypress Creek Country Club in the late 1970s. But in 2018 the club permanently closed, changing the landscape. Over the past several years, it’s sat empty as developers made bids to develop the land. Most recently, the Toll Brothers submitted a plan to purchase it and build around 150 homes, two community parks and several small lakes. The proposal has yet to be approved by Palm Beach County, so until then Cypress Creek will remain the quiet neighborhood filled with custom homes that overlook the course that it is today.<br><br>The neighborhood consists of three main subdivisions: Cypress Creek, Bent Tree Villas East and Bent Tree Villas West. Cypress Creek is a gated community built on and around the golf course. Currently, there are 421 houses in the subdivision, but if developers successfully purchase the land, that number will balloon. Most homes here are custom ranches and Spanish Mission styles on lots that max out around one-third of an acre. Smaller single-story homes with two to four bedrooms range from $555,000 to $835,000, while large Spanish Mission estates with three to five bedrooms sell for between $870,000 and $1.35 million. The Bent Tree Villas subdivisions are 55-plus communities with a mix of renovated two-bedroom condos and single-family homes built in the 1980s. Prices range from $225,000 to $350,000. They are a bit farther out from the golf course, so they are less likely to be heavily affected by construction. Of note: all three communities have required HOAs. “It’s one of the very few neighborhoods with an HOA in Palm Beach County that I would consider moving to,” says Brett Colby, an associate of 20 years with RE/MAX Direct. He points to the neighborhood’s relatively low HOA fees, larger-than-normal lot sizes and safety. <br><br>Directly following the closure of the country club, Pulte Homes submitted a proposal to buy the land. The deal would later fall through, but while working on their proposal, they conducted a series of soil tests that showed the presence of high levels of arsenic, pesticides and other harmful chemicals. “When you’re developing raw land in Florida, that’s the catch-22,” says Realtor Mike Ryan with Highlight Realty Crop. He notes that since much of Florida was used for farming, it’s common for developers to excavate contaminated soil before building. “It takes some time,” he says. If the Toll Brothers’ proposal is approved, they will excavate around 353,000 cubic yards of soil. This process alone is expected to take at least nine months. According to Cypress Creek Property Owners Association Board Secretary Julie Nicholas, it’s believed that if the soil in the already existing community is undisturbed, it is not harmful. <br><br>Since the neighborhood is made up of gated communities, most residents have access to exclusive amenities like clubhouses and swimming pools. And while the Cypress Creek Club is no longer operational, golfers have several prestigious, private options within a 4-mile radius, including the Indian Spring Country Club, Pine Tree Golf Club and the Country Club of Florida. A little farther out is the Links at Boynton Beach, a city-owned course, complete with an 18-hole and 9-hole course, a putting green and a driving range. Pioneer Canal Park is a popular spot for non-golf-related activities, featuring amenities like basketball and tennis courts, a playground and a fishing pier off of Lake Osborne. The neighborhood is also around 5 miles from the famous Ocean Inlet Park, an 11-acre stretch of beaches off the Atlantic Ocean. <br><br>Cypress Creek is mainly residential, but there are several major malls and shopping centers surrounding it. Boynton Trail Centre is the closest commercial area and has a Walmart Neighborhood Market, a smaller-than-normal Walmart selling groceries and basic home necessities. Another busy shopping area is Boynton Town Center, which features Target, Michaels, Best Buy, and more. It’s just over 1 mile away making it a popular option for locals. And for even more shopping options, Boynton Beach Mall is less than 1 mile outside of town. It’s home to more than 120 businesses, including department stores, restaurants and entertainment spaces. There are several options for dining out, including The Boulevard, one of the area’s highest-rated eateries, lauded for its custom cocktails and dry rub wings. Its vibrant environment, complete with LED lights and live music, makes it a popular nightlife destination. <br><br>The neighborhood is served by the School District of Palm Beach County, which includes Galaxy Elementary School, graded a C-plus on Niche; Congress Middle School, graded a C; and Boynton Beach Community High School, graded a C-plus. Boynton Beach Community High offers eleven choice programs, or specialized pathways, for aerospace science, pre-med, I.T., dance and more. A nearby public charter school option is Franklin Academy, a kindergarten through 12th-grade institution offering a comprehensive research-based curriculum.<br><br>The neighborhood is bounded by Boynton Beach Boulevard and S Military Trail, which connect to U.S. Interstate 95, a busy commuter thoroughfare. Nearby big cities include West Palm Beach and Boca Raton, about 15 and 17 miles away, respectively. For residents who prefer public transit, Palm Tran buses pickup along Boynton Beach Boulevard and S Military Trail. And for longer trips, Palm Beach International Airport is a little more than 15 miles away.

Gated community with two lakes and multiple tennis courts near downtown Boynton Beach

With less than four miles from the ocean and waterways flowing through the neighborhood, Golfview Harbour is a quiet suburb in the city of Boynton Beach, 57 miles north from Miami. Here, there are waterfront properties with navigable access to over 70 miles of freshwater lakes and canals. "It's a boating and golf cart community," says Tony Cenkar, Realtor for eXp Realty and Golfview Harbour resident since 2004. "There are a lot of families. Everyone visits with each other and kids play outside." This charming, easy-going community likes to have fun under the south Florida sun, especially with the canals that weave through the area.<br><br>A small walking path at the southern end of SW 11th Street leads to the closest park. "The community is pretty connected to Caloosa Park," Cenkar says. This popular recreational hub is jam-packed with sporting amenities, such as pickleball courts, softball fields, and even a roller hockey rink. And for a more relaxing vibe, grab a fishing pole and set up shop at the park's lake for a mellow afternoon of freshwater fishing. Residents can also use the canals, passing under Interstate 95 to reach Lake Ida West Park, a 189-acre park where residents can fish, kayak or let dogs enjoy the Lake Ida Dog Park. Most homes back up to the canals through the neighborhood, so docks and watercraft of all kind are often seen in backyards.<br><br>While a couple of condominium complexes are on the outskirts of the neighborhood, there are mostly single-family homes along these roads. Colorful trim and some Mediterranean accents are found throughout the neighborhood, as well as some classic Florida-style brightly painted homes. "There are a few two-story houses, but it’s mostly ranch homes," Cenkar says. "For the location and being on the water, it's extremely affordable." Prices can rang from $400,000 to $850,000 with a median price of $450,000. There are a few HOA’s in the neighborhood, but not every home will be part of one.<br><br>There are nine golf courses within 5 miles of the Golfview Harbour neighborhood, with most of them part of a country club. Country clubs, which may be private organizations, often have events in the evenings and throughout the year, including themed food nights and holiday celebrations. The Boynton Beach Night Market usually happens the last Saturday in July and features local businesses and restaurants, as well as live music from South Florida bands. For more local events, boats light up the canals during the holidays, and golf carts illuminate the streets with festive parades.<br><br>While no commercial areas are located within the neighborhood, Cenkar states this is no detriment to Golfview Harbour because "We're close to everything." Before shopping, stop by the Green Owl Restaurant for brunch, open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and get French toast with strawberries. Boynton Beach Mall is almost 3 miles north, and with 135 stores including a movie theater, the mall also has stores for retail needs like JC Penney and Macy’s. For groceries, Publix Super Market at Sunshine Square is a little over 2 miles to the east, and a Walmart Supercenter is just a mile more.<br><br>Children in Golfview Harbour can begin school at Crosspointe Elementary School, which earns a B-minus from Niche, for prekindergarten through fifth grade. Crosspointe has a STEM program that encourages students to problem-solve hands-on math and science activities. Students can then attend Carver Community Middle School, which earns a C-plus from Niche, for sixth through eighth grade and participate in the International Baccalaureate program before moving on to Atlantic Community High School, which earns a B-plus from Niche. Students can participate in the IB program or one of the Choice Academies at the school, including construction, criminal justice and photography.<br><br>Golfview Harbour is just west of Interstate 95, making it ideal for commuting without the noise of through traffic. The PalmTran Route 2 heads north to West Palm Beach and south to Boca Raton with two stops to the west of the neighborhood along South Congress Avenue. Buses come through every 30 minutes.

Within the gated community of Hunters Run in the Boynton Beach area, there’s a feeling of a five-star resort with plenty of activities all day and into the evening. “It’s a great place to live, with events like a wine-tasting dinner happening all the time,” says Joshua Cohen, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Realty who’s lived in Hunters Run since 2009. “With three golf courses, pools and racquet activities within the community, it’s also not cheap.” <br><br>The three courses that meander through the neighborhood are all different and provide challenges to the amateur and experienced golfer. Each course has a clubhouse with two restaurants and plenty of tennis and pickleball courts. “It’s not just happenstance that you live here,” Cohen says. “Most people play golf or are into tennis and pickleball. There are club fees for golf and tennis activities in addition to what you pay for the house.” House prices span from $200,000 for a condo to close to a million dollars for a roomy Spanish or Mediterranean-style home or villa. Homeowners association fees go along with living in Hunters Run, but the maintenance-free living is the trade-off. Once people move here, very few put their house up for sale. “The turnover, however, over the past 10 years has been substantial,” Cohen says. “That’s because the original people who started living here in 1981 have either sold their property or passed on.” Ninety-four percent of people living in Hunters Ridge own their homes.<br><br>On the off chance that golf or racquet sports are not appealing, the social calendar at Hunters Run is packed with events such as holiday parties, comedy shows and trivia nights. Indoor recreation is also a thing, with fitness centers equipped with a full gym and spa. “It’s loaded and a busy place. You’re not going to be bored here,” Cohen says. There are plenty of lounge chairs by the pool to enjoy a drink, a place to play cards in the clubhouse and a salon when it’s time for a haircut. <br><br>Barrier Free Park on Congress Avenue is a short drive from Hunters Run. For those who want to play tennis outside of the confines of Hunters Run, the park has a large tennis center, most of which are clay courts. The park's west side backs up to a lake, and there’s a pond in the center. There are three play areas, a picnic pavilion and a water play splash pad. Several walkways connect to the different play and picnic areas. Along the paths are various fitness stops featuring different kinds of exercise equipment.<br><br>Within five miles to the southeast is downtown Delray Beach, with entertainment and dining along Atlantic Avenue. Bars and restaurants are located within that community center, making it a great starting point for a night out. El Camino bills itself as a Mexican Soul Food and Tequila Bar restaurant. It gets great reviews for its chicken fajitas and lively happy hours. Groceries can be found at the Walmart Neighborhood Market and Publix, located on South Military Trail. <br><br>Hunters Run school-aged children are served by the Palm Beach County School District, rated a B-plus overall on Niche. With a 15-to-1 student-teacher ratio, Crosspointe Elementary students will surely get individualized attention. It’s also a STEM Choice school where science, technology, engineering and math are integrated into all aspects of learning. Carver Middle School has a C-plus grade on Niche and has over 800 students in grades six through eight. Atlantic Community High School is B-plus rated with a 97% graduation rate. <br><br>Palm Tran is the bus transportation option in the area. With service throughout the county, there are several stops nearby Hunters Run, including on Military Trail and Congress Avenue and major east/west roads like Boynton Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue. Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital East is only four miles away and Delray Public Beach is a little less than five miles away. The Boca Raton Airport is less than 20 minutes to the south.

Indian Spring's 55-plus communities wind through the Country Club's rolling green fairways, situated on the west side of Boynton Beach. With beautiful landscaping, a central location and ample amenities, residents can experience each day like they’re on vacation. Susan Risdon, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty and a South Florida local, says it best: "It's like paradise down here. This community is beautiful and safe, and the weather is fantastic. People are outside all the time walking pets, biking or goofing off in golf carts. It's just got a good vibe, good energy." Indian Spring offers several subdivisions, including Greenspointe, Brookside, Evian, the Hampton Fairways and the Glades. Spanish Eclectic architecture, open floor plans and screened-in porches dominate the neighborhood’s residential style, originally designed in the 1980s and 90s. "Boynton Beach is a little more affordable than Delray Beach,” Rison explains. “Some people are moving here because of that." Single-family homes, condos and townhouses range in price from $400,000 to $700,000, many offering backyard golf course views. Thankfully, the community's HOA fee covers all lawn maintenance. "A lot of homes are on the water, looking over manmade ponds with fountains," Risdon continues. "You get a lot of wildlife, like egrets, which is pretty cool." Despite being located within a country club, Indian Spring Country Club memberships are optional for residents. Each subdivision has its own pool and community area, making the club an enriching perk rather than a requirement. Of course, the amenities at Indian Spring Country Club are hard to resist. Aside from the expansive east and west golf courses, the club offers a social calendar booked with classes, dances, dinners, live entertainment, day trips and more. The club's amenities include an Olympic-size swimming pool, jacuzzi, state-of-the-art gym, tennis courts and pickleball courts. Regardless of membership, however, folks often enjoy making entertainment of their own. “People really like the overall sense of community,” Risdon says. “I have friends who live in Indian Spring, so I've obviously been to a house party or two.” While Indian Spring is an attractive area for year-round and seasonal residents—known by locals as snowbirds— there’s plenty of Boynton Beach to explore outside of the community. Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is around 8 miles from the community and offers guests a wide array of excursions. Birdwatching, boating, fishing, hunting and hiking are among the most popular pastimes at the refuge, while folks with horses can enjoy 36 miles of equestrian territory. Closer to home, residents can catch a sunset on the boardwalk at Green Cay Wetlands or head 7 miles east to Ocean Ridge’s Oceanfront Beach Park for a sunny day on the sand. As for day-to-day errands and shopping, the Shoppes at Woolbright is right up the road with Publix Supermarket and a Walgreens pharmacy. Next door, residents can catch a happy hour on the patio at Jax Bistro & Bar or indulge in tropical frozen mimosas at Dune Deck’s Mimosa Café. Run by award-winning chefs, Dune Deck puts a twist on classic Mediterranean dishes for an all-together refreshing brunch menu. Along South Military Trail, folks can find yet another Publix or grab a quick bite at the various chain eateries nearby, like Chipotle or Starbucks. The location of Indian Spring is a massive draw for potential homebuyers. "In Boynton Beach, you aren't far from the water, and you're close to Atlantic Avenue in Delray Beach, which everyone loves," Risdon explains. Closer than Atlantic Avenue, Boynton Beach's up-and-coming downtown area by the Intracoastal Waterway is lined by staple restaurants and bars. Trips farther away are a cinch, too. Ramps onto Florida's Turnpike and Interstate 95 are within 5 miles of Indian Spring. Bus stops can be found along South Military Trail, while Palm Beach International Airport is around 19 miles north via I-95. Baptist Health Bethesda Hospital West is about 6 miles northwest along Boynton Beach Boulevard.