Ohio's income tax has been falling, so the move from Ohio is usually driven by winters, by a desire to be near adult children and grandchildren who've already moved, and by the lifestyle: clubs, boating and a real downtown. Boca Raton is where many Pepper Pike, Hunting Valley, New Albany and Indian Hill families end up.
What changes when you leave Ohio for Florida
| Ohio | Florida (Boca Raton) | |
|---|---|---|
| State income tax | Low single digits at the top after recent cuts, plus municipal income taxes in most cities | None |
| Estate tax | None (repealed 2013) | None |
| Property tax | Effective rates in the Cleveland and Columbus suburbs are relatively high | Millage a bit under 2% of taxable value; homestead exemption and 3% Save Our Homes cap on primary residences |
| Flight | — | CLE, CMH and CVG all have nonstops to PBI and/or FLL, roughly 2 hours 45 minutes |
Rounded figures; confirm with your CPA.
Where Ohio families settle in Boca Raton
Club families from Canterbury, Scioto and Camargo gravitate to St Andrews Country Club and the gated club communities. Boaters from Lake Erie and the Ohio River discover deep water at Royal Palm Yacht & Country Club and Lake Rogers Isle. Buyers who want to walk to dinner choose the Golden Triangle or an oceanfront condominium.
Community notes
- Health care: Cleveland Clinic Florida is within the region, and Boca Raton Regional Hospital (Baptist Health) with the Lynn Cancer Institute is in the city.
- Schools: Saint Andrew's School, Pine Crest, Grandview Prep; Boca Raton Community High and Spanish River High.
- Spring training for the Guardians and Reds is in Goodyear, Arizona, but the Marlins and Cardinals train in Jupiter, about 45 minutes north.
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.
