Illinois's flat 4.95% income tax isn't the headline; the estate tax with a $4 million exemption, Cook and Lake County property-tax bills, and the fact that Lake Michigan is frozen in February are. Boca Raton solves all of them with a nonstop flight from O'Hare or Midway that's about three hours.
What changes when you leave Illinois for Florida
| Illinois | Florida (Boca Raton) | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Flat 4.95% | None |
| Estate tax | Yes, with a $4 million exemption and no portability between spouses | No estate or inheritance tax |
| Property tax | Among the highest effective rates in the country, especially in Cook and Lake counties | Millage a bit under 2% of taxable value; homestead exemption and 3% Save Our Homes cap on primary residences |
| Flight | — | ORD/MDW–PBI and ORD/MDW–FLL nonstops in about 3 hours |
Rounded figures; confirm with your CPA. See how to establish Florida residency.
Where Illinois families settle in Boca Raton
From Winnetka, Glencoe, Kenilworth and Lake Forest
Lake-front families used to Skokie Country Club, Onwentsia or Exmoor choose Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club for golf and deep water together, or St Andrews Country Club for a pure club community.
From the Gold Coast, Lincoln Park and Streeterville
City buyers choose the Golden Triangle or an oceanfront residence on A1A; both put Mizner Park and the beach within walking distance.
From Hinsdale, Oak Brook and the western suburbs
Buyers who valued large lots and privacy look at Lake Rogers Isle and the estate streets of Royal Palm.
Community notes
- Boca Raton's Jewish community, synagogues and day schools make the transition easy for Highland Park and Glencoe families.
- Private schools: Saint Andrew's School, Pine Crest, Grandview Prep; strong public options include Boca Raton Community High and Spanish River High.
- Health care: Boca Raton Regional Hospital (Baptist Health), Lynn Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Florida in the region.
Why Boca Raton, specifically
South Florida has a dozen luxury markets. Relocating families keep choosing Boca Raton because it combines things the others split up: a real downtown (Mizner Park, Royal Palm Place, the Boca Raton Museum of Art and The Boca Raton resort), five miles of mostly uncrowded beach, a dense cluster of private golf and yacht clubs, strong public and private schools, two international airports within about 30 minutes, a Brightline station for Miami and Orlando, and an executive airport for private aviation right in the city.
East Boca Raton, east of I-95 and especially east of Federal Highway, is where most relocating buyers at the top of the market settle: the deep-water estates of Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club, the Intracoastal homes of Lake Rogers Isle, the walkable Golden Triangle, the private-club life at St Andrews Country Club, and the oceanfront and Intracoastal condominiums along A1A and downtown.
How a long-distance purchase works with Ricky
- A call before you fly. Where you're coming from, who's moving, timing, club and school priorities, and whether you want a primary residence, a seasonal home or both.
- A curated tour, not a scavenger hunt. Ricky previews homes in advance, including quiet off-market opportunities, and builds a one- or two-day itinerary around your flights into PBI or FLL.
- Introductions that take months on your own. Club membership directors, school admissions, builders and architects, insurance brokers who understand coastal property, and CPAs and attorneys experienced with domicile changes.
- Closing from a distance. Remote notarization, inspections and walk-throughs are routine for out-of-state buyers; Ricky manages the moving parts so you don't have to be here for every step.
This page is general information for people considering a move to Boca Raton. It is not tax, legal or financial advice. Rates, exemptions and deadlines change; verify current figures with a CPA or attorney licensed in the states involved.
