Highland Beach Condos, Boca Raton Homes, Boca Raton Real Estate Advice and Opinions: Florida: Highland Beach

TOSCANA HIGHLAND BEACH

Highland Beach is a residential community with a year-round population of approx. 4,000 which more than doubles during the season.  The season in Florida are the months of December through April.

Toscana is nestled in between the Intracoastal Waterway, and the Atlantic Ocean, and has become the most prestigious resort style condominum in South Florida.  With its dramatic entrance, and luxurious elegance it makes for one of the more popular residences for the rich and famous.  There are 455 condo residences in the 3 Towers that make up Toscana ranging in square footage from just over 2000 to well over 5000 square feet in living space.  Toscana is one of the only Buildings in Highland Beach that offers a Beach Club directly on the Atlantic Ocean.  If you are in the area you can't miss the Maginficence and sheer size of these Towers as they are easily observed from almost anywhere in Eastern Boca Raton, and Delray Beach.  For more information on Toscana or for a Private Viewing of Condos in Toscana please Contact me or call me at 561-756-3104.  

Below you will find some of the Builder's Features that came standard.  However, some owners have customized it significantly.  The Deed Restrictions of the community are as follows:

MONTHLY FEE INCLUDES

Common area maintenance
Exterior building
Roof maintenance
Building insurance
Cable TV
Water
Lawn Care
Trash Removal
Pest Control
Security
Manager
Valet Parking

RESTRICTIONS

Pets allowed (2)
Rentals with restrictions
No truck or RV parking
Buyer approval required

Toscana Highland Beach Features

· Formal Rotunda Reception Gallery Foyers

· Luxury 2 and 3 Bedroom Spacious Units

· Spacious Master Bedroom Suite

· Stunning Living Room with Breathtaking Boca Coast Views

Security

· Individual Residence Security Alarm System

· Smoke detectors

· Deadbolt locks on all exterior doors

· 24-Hour Manned Security Entrance

· 24-Hour Manned Lobby

Electrical

· Hi-Efficiency AC And Heating System

· Pre-Wired Cable, Telephone And Facsimile

· Pre-wired for multi-lined phones

· Pre-wired for cable television

· Pre-wired for paddle fans

· Protective GFI outlets in garage, kitchen and bathrooms

Energy Savings

· High-efficiency air conditioning and heating system

· Individual, Quick Recovery Hot Water Heater

· Energy saving factory-tinted windows and sliding doors

· Weatherproofing on all exterior doors

Gourmet Kitchen and Laundry Room

· Full Kitchen Aid built-in appliances package featuring:

· Built-in refrigerator with cabinet panels

· Built-in microwave

· Electric Stove Top

· Built-in self cleaning double-wall oven

· Energy-efficient multi-cycle dishwasher with stainless steel interior

· In-sink food waste disposal

· Poggenpohl ® Kitchen Cabinets

· Granite kitchen counter tops

· Oversized built in pantry providing abundant storage

· Instant Hot Water In Kitchen

Luxurious Master Bath

· Custom Marble Bath W/Elongated 1-Piece Kohler ® Water • Closet/Bidet In Mst Bath

· Luxurious Jacuzzi Tub

· Custom & Raised Vanities With Marble Top

· Oversized and full width framed vanity mirrors with decorative lighting

· Frameless, Glass Enclosed Marble Shower In Master Bathroom

· Designer Faucets

· Shower seat and shampoo recess

· Private toilet room with Kohler one-piece water closet

· Recessed hi-hat lighting

· Oversized, mirrored medicine cabinets

Outstanding Toscana Features...

The Amenities

· Premier location in the Boca Raton, Florida area

· 24-Hour Manned Gated entrance with Electric Gate and tropical landscaping

· State of the art fitness center

· Heated Resort-style pools and Beach Front Mediterranean style clubhouse

· Poolside Chaise Lounge & Towel Services

· Poolside Beverage Service

· Beachside Beverage Service

· Barbeque Area

· Tennis Courts

· 24-HourManned Lobby

· Dramatic Entry With Porte-Cochére

· Valet Parking

· Concierge

· Assigned Covered Parking

· Private High-Speed Elevators With Limited Key Access

· Building Manager On Site

· Business Center

· Media, Entertainment & Function Room

· Social Room With Bar And Serving Pantry

· Card Rooms

· Mail & Package Receiving

· Social Activities

· Men's And Women's Locker Room With Sauna, Steam and Shower

· Catering & Party Planning

· Grocery Delivery Arrangements

· Dry Cleaning Pick-Up and Delivery Arrangements

· Personal Shopper Arrangements

· Apartment-Sitting And Plant Maintenance Arrangements

· Personal Fitness Trainer Arrangements

· Pet-Sitting Arrangements

· Limousine Service Arrangements

· Child Care Arrangements

· Maid Service Arrangements

· Massage Arrangements

· Beauty Salon Arrangements

· Facial and Skin Treatment Arrangements

Interior Features

· 9' High Coffered Ceilings

· Solid Core, Double-Door Entry

· Separate Dining Room for Formal Entertainment

· Spacious Terrace(s)

· Water Purification System

· Powder Room With Pedestal Sink & Elongated Kohler ® Water Closet

· His & Hers Walk-In Closets

· Wet Bar Optional

· On-Premise Storage

· Controlled access Elevators

· Spacious luxury Master Bedroom Suite

· Stunning Living Room With Breathtaking Views

The Town of Highland Beach is nestled in between The City of Delray Beach and The City of Boca Raton along the ocean.  The Town encompasses approximately .6 miles.  One of the most beautiful and richest cities to call home, Highland Beach's main street is along a gorgeous tree-lined road called AIA which runs parallel to the ocean.  Highland Beach is a residential community with a year round population of 4155 which doubles to around 8500 during the seasonal months of December through April.  Highland Beach is considered to be one of the richest cities in America.  It has a small town feel with a big town price.  The average sale price of a single family home in Highland Beach is near 10 million.  There are approximately 4000 residential housing units in Highland Beach.  Highland Beach is also one of the safest cities in America named in the top 10 cities as far as low crime rates.  The Town has a newly built library, a state of the art water purification system, a staff of 50, and through contract fire protection, solid waste, postal services, and police enforcement.With a price tag of around 10 million for a single family home quite a few celebrities have homes here like Mariah Carey, Jeff Gordon, and Oprah Winfrey.  In Highland Beach there are a number of condo buildings with the newest and tallest one being Toscana which was built in 2000. 

Highland Beach does have one hotel which is the only grandfathered business in the Town.  No further businesses will be allowed to operate in The Town of Highland Beach due to the laws governing Highland Beach. 

Early Days

It was here that in the 1200-1300s inhabitants made their home - the eight-foot tall Caloosa Tribe. What a place this was! Imagine, if you can, complete wilderness and swamp with the old Spanish River hidden from the roar of the Atlantic to the east. Here, food was in abundance: fish, wild animals, fruit, sweet potatoes. Fresh water was found at the base of the tree trunks, and from streams back in the bush, with salt water everywhere for boating, fishing, and swimming.

During the 1500-1600s, pirates and buccaneers made the area their home. Here the living was easy; safety from storms and pursuit and easy access to plunder the gold-laden galleons of old Spain.

19th Century

In the 1800s, the barefoot mailmen carried mail from Palm Beach to Miami, walking the entire distance along the sandy beach where at intervals were crude structures known as refuge houses. Food consisted of hard biscuits and coffee carried in the mail sack, fish caught in the ocean, and oysters clustered at the roots near the water, together with sweet potatoes, wild oranges and small bananas. Palm fronds were used as plates. Over the centuries, huge green turtles slowly made their way from the waters to the beach to lay their eggs. The birds and pirates would devour the eggs, and the men would slaughter the turtles for food. The turtles still come to the beach to lay their eggs today, but are strictly protected by law. The beach was a treasure of relics from ships broken by storms legend has it that a load of coconuts washed ashore started the growth of our palm trees; there were casks of lard, kegs of wine, enough fittings to build a complete house. During this period, the first Seminole Indians came to these shores from Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. It wasn't until 1896, when Henry Flagler completed the East Coast Railway, that civilized progress began. People traveled in greater numbers and established homes where swamp and jungle had once existed. In the early 1900s a group of Japanese immigrated to Florida and settled just west of the Intracoastal Waterway, naming their little community Yamato. Here they successfully raised pineapple and vegetables.

More Recent Times

The history of present day Highland Beach began in 1949 when it was incorporated with 21 free voters for two prime reasons. First, a fresh water supply was imperative as there was salt intrusion in the existing wells. Neighboring communities were not amenable to supplying water from their wells, therefore funds were required to build a water plant. Secondly, the residents at that time heard rumors that a trailer camp was contemplated in the area, which did not meet with their approval. The name Highland Beach was chosen because at that time the land rose 20 to 25 feet above high tide, relatively higher than other portions of the dune crest in the area. Land values in 1945 were $45 a foot, including the land opposite on the Intracoastal, as that was considered valueless because of the swamp and mangroves. In 1950, it sold for $125 a foot, excluding the west parcel. Presently, the value is in excess of $80,000 a "front" foot!

Available Listings in Aberdeen Arms

Aberdeen Arms is located in the prestigious city of Highland Beach.  Located on the Intracoastal side of Ocean Blvd., Aberdeen Arms offers its residents sweeping views of the intracoastal and the Atlantic Ocean.  There are 52 private residences in the Aberdeen Arms.  Many of the condos offer floor to ceiling windows, screened patios, and balconies showcasing the amazing views of the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean.  The building has several amenities including a swimming pool, clubhouse, exercise room, and tennis courts.  With many restaurants, and entertainment nearby you will find Aberdeen Arms to be an amazing lifestyle not just a home.   Prices range from mid to upper $200's to just over $500,000. 

Ambassador East is one of the most desireable buildings mainly for its location.  There are 3 Ambassadors, Ambassador South, North and Ambassador East.  All of the Ambassadors are Occeanfront condominiums located in Highland Beach.  Ambassadors East is one of the most affordable oceanfront condominiums in Highland Beach, and still has some of the luxurious amentites that highland beach condominiums have including a Resort style swimming pool, Elgant Clubhouse, State of the Art Fitness Facility, Library and Community Room, Sauna, Billiards, Room, and more.  The reason why you would want to call Ambassador's East home is for its oceanfront location.  Imagine your own private beach and walking to the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean which is steps away from your condo.

Search Current Listings in Ambassador East

The long drawn out plan to put a public park & beach in Highland Beach is becoming longer.  In 1987 the County proposed a public park with beach access in the Town of Highland Beach, and it was approved.  Now after 21 years we are going to continue the litigation to have the park constructed.  The most recent events are that the Planning Board submitted 31 conditions to the approval.  Some of them were meant to restrict the water activities which were not supposed to be part of the agreement.  Now they are going to litigate this, but no date has even been set as of yet.  So I guess that is why it is so hard to get something done even in the smallest part of government. 

I say Just Build it and They Will Come!!! 

The Town of Highland Beach is nestled in between The City of Delray Beach and The City of Boca Raton along the ocean.  The Town encompasses approximately .6 miles.  One of the most beautiful and richest cities to call home, Highland Beach's main street is along a gorgeous tree-lined road called AIA which runs parallel to the ocean.  Highland Beach is a residential community with a year round population of 4155 which doubles to around 8500 during the seasonal months of December through April.  Highland Beach is considered to be one of the richest cities in America.  It has a small town feel with a big town price.  The average sale price of a single family home in Highland Beach is near 10 million.  There are approximately 4000 residential housing units in Highland Beach.  Highland Beach is also one of the safest cities in America named in the top 10 cities as far as low crime rates.  The Town has a newly built library, a state of the art water purification system, a staff of 50, and through contract fire protection, solid waste, postal services, and police enforcement.With a price tag of around 10 million for a single family home quite a few celebrities have homes here like Mariah Carey, Jeff Gordon, and Oprah Winfrey.  In Highland Beach there are a number of condo buildings with the newest and tallest one being Toscana which was built in 2000. 

Highland Beach does have one hotel which is the only grandfathered business in the Town.  No further businesses will be allowed to operate in The Town of Highland Beach due to the laws governing Highland Beach. 

Early Days

It was here that in the 1200-1300s inhabitants made their home - the eight-foot tall Caloosa Tribe. What a place this was! Imagine, if you can, complete wilderness and swamp with the old Spanish River hidden from the roar of the Atlantic to the east. Here, food was in abundance: fish, wild animals, fruit, sweet potatoes. Fresh water was found at the base of the tree trunks, and from streams back in the bush, with salt water everywhere for boating, fishing, and swimming.

During the 1500-1600s, pirates and buccaneers made the area their home. Here the living was easy; safety from storms and pursuit and easy access to plunder the gold-laden galleons of old Spain.

19th Century

In the 1800s, the barefoot mailmen carried mail from Palm Beach to Miami, walking the entire distance along the sandy beach where at intervals were crude structures known as refuge houses. Food consisted of hard biscuits and coffee carried in the mail sack, fish caught in the ocean, and oysters clustered at the roots near the water, together with sweet potatoes, wild oranges and small bananas. Palm fronds were used as plates. Over the centuries, huge green turtles slowly made their way from the waters to the beach to lay their eggs. The birds and pirates would devour the eggs, and the men would slaughter the turtles for food. The turtles still come to the beach to lay their eggs today, but are strictly protected by law. The beach was a treasure of relics from ships broken by storms legend has it that a load of coconuts washed ashore started the growth of our palm trees; there were casks of lard, kegs of wine, enough fittings to build a complete house. During this period, the first Seminole Indians came to these shores from Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. It wasn't until 1896, when Henry Flagler completed the East Coast Railway, that civilized progress began. People traveled in greater numbers and established homes where swamp and jungle had once existed. In the early 1900s a group of Japanese immigrated to Florida and settled just west of the Intracoastal Waterway, naming their little community Yamato. Here they successfully raised pineapple and vegetables.

More Recent Times

The history of present day Highland Beach began in 1949 when it was incorporated with 21 free voters for two prime reasons. First, a fresh water supply was imperative as there was salt intrusion in the existing wells. Neighboring communities were not amenable to supplying water from their wells, therefore funds were required to build a water plant. Secondly, the residents at that time heard rumors that a trailer camp was contemplated in the area, which did not meet with their approval. The name Highland Beach was chosen because at that time the land rose 20 to 25 feet above high tide, relatively higher than other portions of the dune crest in the area. Land values in 1945 were $45 a foot, including the land opposite on the Intracoastal, as that was considered valueless because of the swamp and mangroves. In 1950, it sold for $125 a foot, excluding the west parcel. Presently, the value is in excess of $80,000 a "front" foot!

Search Current Listings in Ambassador East

Ambassador East is one of the most desireable buildings mainly for its location.  There are 3 Ambassadors, Ambassador South, North and Ambassador East.  All of the Ambassadors are Occeanfront condominiums located in Highland Beach.  Ambassadors East is one of the most affordable oceanfront condominiums in Highland Beach, and still has some of the luxurious amentites that highland beach condominiums have including a Resort style swimming pool, Elgant Clubhouse, State of the Art Fitness Facility, Library and Community Room, Sauna, Billiards, Room, and more.  The reason why you would want to call Ambassador's East home is for its oceanfront location.  Imagine your own private beach and walking to the sandy beaches of the Atlantic Ocean which is steps away from your condo.

The long drawn out plan to put a public park & beach in Highland Beach is becoming longer.  In 1987 the County proposed a public park with beach access in the Town of Highland Beach, and it was approved.  Now after 21 years we are going to continue the litigation to have the park constructed.  The most recent events are that the Planning Board submitted 31 conditions to the approval.  Some of them were meant to restrict the water activities which were not supposed to be part of the agreement.  Now they are going to litigate this, but no date has even been set as of yet.  So I guess that is why it is so hard to get something done even in the smallest part of government. 

I say Just Build it and They Will Come!!! 

Where to Eat?

Highland Beach is strictly a Residential town with only 1 business, Holiday Inn Oceanside, being allowed to operate as it was grandfathered in prior to the laws changing prohibiting businesses to operate within the Town of Highland Beach. 

The Holiday Inn Ocean side is located directly on the ocean nestled right before Delray Beach limits.  It consists of 115 recently renovated rooms, and has a swimming pool, fitness facility, and a restaurant called Lattitudes Ocean Grill.  Lattitudes has an amazing Sunday brunch, and casual food during the day and evening. 

Although Highland Beach only has that one restaurant in the surrounding areas including Boca Raton there are some phenomenal restaurants.  Here is a list:

• Melting Pot Restaurant (561)-997-7472

A great place for something a little different.  They offer a fondue style of restaurant.  Great for special occassions.  Prices are around $35 a person and up.  Located in Boca Raton about 2 miles from Highland Beach.

• Arturo's Ristorante  561-997-7373

A elegant dining experience, this Italian Restaurant has been a mainstay for Boca Raton.  Named one of the best Italian restaurants in South Florida, Arturo's does Italian with flaire.  Priced from around $50 a person this may not be an everyday restaurant, but is one of the best restaurants around.  Located also about 2 miles from Highland Beach.

• Renzo's of Boca Italian Restaurant    (561) 994-3495

Renzo's does it right.  They have been at the same location for over 18 years.  They are a family owned and operated Italian restaurant straight from Long Island.  They have been so popular that they opened up in 2004 a more casual dining experience, Renzo's Cafe & Pizzeria, and in 2006 they opened up Renzo's West.  All of there restaurants are great, but there main one located on federal highway is the best.  Great atmosphere with great food.  On weekends live music from a person playing all of your favorties on an accordian.  Priced from around $25 a person

• Josephine's Italian Restaurant    (561) 988-0668

Another Boca Italian restaurant from the sophisticated and elegant setting of New York.  Fine Italian Dining at its best.  An opera singer is there on most weekends which livens up the already impressive atmosphere.  Priced from around $35 a person this is another one of Boca's finest.

• Taverna Kyma    (561) 994-2828

A phenomenal authentic Greek Restaurant.  Great atmosphere with an open kitchen and they prepare some of your favorites.  Open for Lunch and Dinner this is a restaurant not to be missed.  They make their own Pita bread and hummus, and their dishes are amazing.  During Lunch Priced from around $10 a person, and dinner $20 a person.

There are so many other restaurants to choose from, but these are some of my favorites.  Try them out and let me know your favorites.  Here is to a Good Eating Day!!