Florida Tax Advantages Drive Private Club Real Estate Interest

Yes, it’s that time of year. Heavy snow, ice and cold temperatures have many New Yorkers dreaming of spending the winter in Florida. Still others are deciding to make the move more permanent, not to mention the President of the United States. Although Palm Beach County and Boca Raton have always been fan favorites due to their great golf, pristine beaches, quality dining and world-class shopping–today the area’s most sought after amenity might be its favorable tax environment.

We understand.  New York will always have a piece of your heart.  The energy, the power, the excitement of living near the world’s most dynamic city is magnetic. And from the coastal towns on Long Island to the rolling hills up-state, the natural landscape is quite beautiful. Yet for many, the popularity of a New York address is quickly fading as the cost of living and taxes continue to rise.

For those who are ready for a break from that New York state of mind, Boca West Country Club in Boca Raton might be the perfect destination. Recently named the #1 Private Residential Country Club in the World, this golf-centric club community has been the chosen home away from home for New Yorkers for many years.

“We talk to people every day who are living on Long Island or Manhattan, who have become tax weary,” says Stephann Cotton, Managing Broker at Boca West Realty.  “With zero state income tax, zero city income tax, zero estate tax, and a significantly lower cost of living, it’s easy to see why we’re getting so much interest.”

Boca West Country Club is also attracting attention due to its new 400,000 sq. ft. of club amenities centered around four championship golf courses. A European-inspired spa, Aquatics Center, 30 Tennis Courts, Eight Pickleball Courts, Six unique restaurants and High-Performance Fitness Center are also compelling reasons to choose the community.  From a real estate perspective, 3,500 homes provide an ample selection of residences for snowbirds seeking refuge from the cold northeast winters.

“Many of our members live in Boca Raton on a seasonal basis,” says Matthew Linderman, CCM, President and COO of Boca West Country Club. “Although we have families who live here year ‘round, Boca West has always been a retreat for entrepreneurs and business people who are still very active in the northeast. They are only a short 2-hour flight away from teeing off on the golf course or relaxing at the Spa.”

US Census records show more than 1 million people have moved out of the New York area to other parts of the country since 2010, a rate of 4.4%, the highest negative net migration rate among the nation’s large population centers.  While the Census Bureau can’t say exactly why people have been moving to Florida, no one can argue that the combination of great weather, resort living and a favorable tax climate make an extraordinary combination.

Boca West is located less than 10 minutes from downtown Boca Raton, known for its vibrant arts and culture scene. The town’s close proximity to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Palm Beach International Airport allows resident members convenient and flexible flight schedules – an important consideration for vacation home purchasers.

Residents of Boca West are required to apply for membership to Boca West Country Club.  The equity membership of $70,000 and annual dues of $14,000 open the doors to the Club’s extensive amenities and unmatched calendar of social events.  Boca West Country Club plays host to more than 600 social events throughout the year.  Activities range from unique dining experiences and educational lectures to sporting events and family-friendly carnivals. Members also take advantage of planned outings to theater performances, professional sporting events and group travel destinations. It’s no wonder the community has adopted the slogan – “Live the Life You Love. Love the Life You Live at Boca West.”

For those considering a move to South Florida, Boca West Country Club is worth consideration. The community publishes a glossy lifestyle magazine that showcases the neighborhoods and lifestyle at Boca West.  To request a copy of Boca West Life Magazine or to preview current residential listings, visit BocaWest.com. If you plan to be in the area or would like to apply for the Stay & Play program, contact Boca West Realty for more information, 561-665-5855.