West Boca Congressional District Lines: Deutch and Frankel

Congress members Ted Deutch and Lois Frankel
Congress members Ted Deutch and Lois Frankel

The Florida Supreme Court has ruled on challenges to congressional district lines. For statewide coverage you can read more in the Miami Herald. Meanwhile Sunshine State News reports that Ted Deutch and Lois Frankel will switch districts under the new plan.
As we read the Florida Supreme Court’s opinion, the district lines for West Boca (Districts 21 and 22) will follow the “CP-1 plan” (“Coalition Plaintiffs”):

The trial court found that CP-1 … was preferable with respect to Districts 21 and 22. … CP-1 creates a more tier-two compliant configuration of the two districts. … Compared to the Legislature’s proposal, Districts 21 and 22 in CP-1 are more visually compact. … CP-1 also keeps the cities of Boynton Beach, Lake Worth, and Lantana whole within District 21, and keeps Deerfield Beach whole within District 22, whereas those municipalities are split in the Legislature’s proposal.

We were able to combine district maps with Google Maps to create a clearer view of the lines locally. Here’s how it looks for West Boca (extending a bit into East Boca):

District line overlay with underlying image and map data from Google Maps
District line overlay with underlying image and map data from Google Maps

The area in green, mostly west of the Turnpike and north of the Boca-Delray line, is in District 21. The area in pink, east of the Turnpike and south of Delray, is in District 22. There is a small area in zip code 33496 where the line gets weird, splitting up both the St. Andrews Country Club and the Polo Club communities.
33496 district line overlay on image and map data from Google Maps.
33496 district line overlay on image and map data from Google Maps.

Most of St. Andrews will be in District 21 with a small and oddly shaped sliver on Clint Moore going to District 22. For Polo Club the northwest section goes to District 21. The east section goes to 22 except for another oddly shaped section on the Delray line that goes to 21.
Congressman Deutch, who lives in Boca Falls at the far west end of Glades Road – District 21 – plans to run for the seat in District 22. Florida does not require its representatives in Congress to live within their district, but many politicians in this situation choose to move into the district. We would not be surprised to see him move somewhere east of the Turnpike.
Below are additional images and documents for the new district lines.
District lines for Palm Beach and Broward
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PDF of the CP-1 district lines for all of southeast Florida. We did not review the Supreme Court decision for anything other than Districts 21 and 22, so we’re not sure if the rest of these apply.
[gview file=”https://westbocanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/CoalitionCP1_Regional_Southeast_8x11.pdf”]

Burglaries in Boca Falls & Boca Madera; School on Lockdown

Update: A homeowner in Bayberry (Boca Winds) said she saw two black males in a older white pickup “casing the neighborhood”. They were not young, perhaps in their 30s or 40s, and she saw them two or three times. The location is very close to the Boca Falls burglary in this story and the description seems to match what the homeowner saw when she walked in on the burglars.

Two burglary incidents attracted a lot of attention in the past 24 hours, one yesterday afternoon in Boca Falls and early this morning in Boca Madera.

Mystic Cove in Boca Falls; image by Google
Mystic Cove in Boca Falls; image by Google

Readers alerted us to an incident yesterday in and near Boca Falls at the west end of Glades Road and Palmetto Park Road. Several police cars were seen, some on Glades Road near the Boca Falls entrance with others on or near Palmetto. Readers also saw a police helicopter. We arrived on the scene about an hour later and saw one police car at Palmetto and Riverside along with the helicopter.
One of our readers described the incident as he heard it:

[The homeowner] walked into her house and her house was being robbed! She saw them and they saw her and then they ran out the back and she ran out the front. They did take items from her house. From what she said, they came in by piggybacking through the gate.
Hopefully word will get out and our neighborhood will take precautions and this doesn’t happen again!

Various sources tell us that police were looking for two black males in a white pickup; the pickup “piggy backed” through the gate near Waters Edge Elementary School; Waters Edge went on a “Code Yellow” lockdown for about an hour; and that Boca Falls was already considering measures to improve gate security and this incident is likely to accelerate changes.
The reference to piggy backing is when an unauthorized vehicle follows closely behind an authorized vehicle to get through a gate before it closes.
Another reader forwarded us this notice from Waters Edge Elementary:

Please know that for everyone’s safety, we were on a Code Yellow today from approximately 12:25-1:25 pm due to some unusual activity in Boca Falls– we are now “All Clear”. All students and staff remained in the building and they did a fabulous job following our expectations. We appreciate everyone’s support during this time.

So far there’s no indication as to whether the burglars were caught or not.
We should note that crime maps show incidents like this are rare in gated communities, and West Boca has one of the lowest crime rates in Palm Beach County and South Florida.

Boca Madera entrance; image by Google
Boca Madera entrance; image by Google

Early this morning there was a burglary in the Boca Madera neighborhood which is on the east side of Jog Road north of Glades near the St. Andrews School. It’s inside the city line but still what we consider West Boca (west of Military Trail). Boca Raton Police notified the community (via Facebook and Twitter) of the incident and warned residents to stay inside.
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Not too long after they followed up with an all-clear notice:
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WPTV reports that two men were arrested after a search was conducted by Boca Raton PD and a PBSO helicopter. We do not see any blotter entries that fit yet, but it was only a few hours ago and usually takes longer than that for them to show up.
Note that the correct spelling of the neighborhood is Boca Madera (Madera is Spanish for wood), not Madeira (a Portuguese wine).

Recent Home Sales in St. Andrews Country Club, The Oaks and Polo Club

Homes in the 33496 zip code are located between 441 and Military Trail, north of Yamato Road to the Delray line. Neighborhoods in this area include Long Lake Estates, St. Andrews, The Oaks, Woodfield Country Club, Newport Bay Club, Boca Gardens, Broken Sound, Whisper Walk, The Polo Club, Lakeridge and Seasons.
St. Andrews Country Club, a gated community, boasts an expansive clubhouse with basketball courts, a large pool, and tennis courts. There is a large recreation and aquatic center as well as 2 golf courses. There is a mandatory golf membership which requires a non refundable initiation fee. The club also offers dining and catering venues. St. Andrews Country Club is located on Clint Moore Road west of Jog Road.

6939 Queenferry Circle; Image and map data by Google
6939 Queenferry Circle; Image and map data by Google

The spectacular courtyard home at 6939 Queenferry Circle sold for $2.1 million dollars. The ranch home has 4 bedrooms and 3.1 bathrooms in 3770 sq. feet of living space. The large gourmet kitchen has a six burner gas Viking range, a double convection oven and Miele appliances. There are new impact glass sliders, rich brazilian cherry floors and traventine floors. A unique feature is the 12 ft wine connoisseur cabinetry. The patio and pool were recently renovated and include a summer kitchen and a guest house. There are water views from every major room. The home sits on a large lot between 1/4 to 1/2 acre and has views of the lake. Built in 1990, it was last purchased in 2013 for $706,500.
The Oaks is a gated family community with a large clubhouse and pool, 12 court tennis center and luxurious spa. Students go to Sunrise Park Elementary School, Eagles Landing Middle School and Olympic Heights Community High. Bordering Clint Moore Road, 441 and Lyons Road, it is close to shopping and dining.
17697 Middlebrook Way; image and map data by Google
17697 Middlebrook Way; image and map data by Google

The Mediterranean home at 17697 Middlebrook Way sold for $1.075 million dollars. Located in the back of the development, it has 5 bedrooms and 5.1 bathrooms in over 5500 square feet of living space. The large kitchen has a 6 burner gas cooktop, a double oven, subzero appliances, a large walk-in pantry and beautiful custom cabinetry. The family room has an entertainment center and overlooks the private backyard. The living room has a lavish gas fireplace. All the bathrooms are upgraded and in excellent condition. The backyard has a large covered deck, an outdoor kitchen and a heated in-ground pool with a spa. It was originally purchased in 2005 for $1.105 million dollars.
17792 Villa Club Way; image and map data by Google
17792 Villa Club Way; image and map data by Google

The ranch home at 17792 Villa Club Way sold for $775,000, at the low end of prices in The Oaks. It has 4 bedrooms and 3.2 bathrooms in 3474 sq. feet of living space. The home features a gourmet kitchen open to the family room. There is an open floor plan and coffered ceilings throughout the home. The home has a private lakefront setting with a pool and lanai. Built in 2004, it was purchased for $750,000 in 2013.
The Polo Club is a gated community and exclusive country club. Owners must purchase an equity interest in the club. The club features 2 championship golf courses, a new 145,000 square foot clubhouse, 29 tennis courts, spa and community pool. There are also multiple dining options, a fitness center and playground. The Polo Club is located on Military Trail north of Clint Moore.
5442 Ascot Bend; image by Google
5442 Ascot Bend; image by Google

The contemporary home at 5442 Ascot Bend sold for $625,000. It has 3 bedrooms and 3.1 bathrooms in 2913 sq. feet of living space. The master bedroom/bathroom has dual sinks. There is carpet and marble flooring throughout the 1 story home. The backyard has a large pool with a partial lake view. It was originally purchased in 1987 for $345,000.
Just a few doors down, 5419 Ascot Bend sold for $575,000. It has 3 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms in 3557 sq. feet of living space.
Broken Sound:
6187 NW 24th Terrace sold for $1.075 million dollars. It has 6 bedrooms and 6.1 bathrooms in 5722 sq. feet of living space.
2201 NW 57th Street sold for $920,000. It has 4 bedrooms and 3.1 bathrooms in 3631 sq. feet of living space.
5742 NW 24th Avenue 504 sold for $525,000. It has 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms in 2342 sq. feet of living space.
5826 NW 24th Terrace sold for $510,000. It has 3 bedrooms and 3.1 bathrooms in 2376 sq. feet of living space.
Woodfield Country Club:
4145 Briarcliff Circle sold for $650,000. It has 3 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms in 2585 sq. feet of living space.
6501 NW 39th Terrace sold for $610,000. It has 4 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms in 3545 sq. feet of living space.
Newport Bay Club:
6582 Newport Lake Circle sold for $545,000. It has 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms in 2883 sq. feet of living space.

Homes Sold in Broken Sound, Newport Bay and Woodfield Country Club: 33496

Neighborhoods in this report include Long Lake Estates, St. Andrews, The Oaks, Woodfield Country Club, Newport Bay Club, Broken Sound, The Polo Club, Boniellos Acres and Seasons.
Broken Sound is a large gated country club community located on Yamato Road.  There are 27 villages and 1600 homes within the community. Amenities include a golf course and putting green, tennis courts and basketballs courts. There is also a clubhouse, exercise room and large pool. Students attend Calusa Elementary School, Omni Middle School and Spanish River Community High School.

2164 NW 62nd Drive; image and map data by Google
2164 NW 62nd Drive; image and map data by Google

The Mediterranean style home at 2164 NW 62nd Drive sold for $597,500, tightly packed together with similar homes. It has 3 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms in 2828 sq. feet of living space. There is an open floor plan and the kitchen has granite counters and a cook island. The home has a private pool overlooking the lake and golf course. It was built in 1993 and previously sold in 2000 for $520,000.
Across the street 2169 NW 62nd Drive in Broken Sound sold for $565,000. It has 3 bedrooms and 3.1 bathrooms in 2890 sq. feet of living space.
2563 NW 63rd Street in Broken Sound sold for $1.080 million. It has 3 bedrooms and 4.1 bathrooms in 3242 sq. feet of living space.
2334 NW 60th Street in Broken Sound sold for $800,000. It has 4 bedrooms and 5.2 bathrooms in 4051 sq. feet of living space.
5706 NW 23rd Terrace in Broken Sound sold for $925,000. It has 5 bedrooms and 6.1 bathrooms in 4583 sq. feet of living space.
6195 NW 24 Terrace in Broken Sound sold for $1.220 million. It has 6 bedrooms and 7.1 bathrooms in 5116 sq. feet of living space.
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Newport Bay Club is a gated community located on Jog Road north of Clint Moore. Amenities include a Sports Complex with lighted tennis courts, pro shop, fitness center and more. There is also an olympic size swimming pool. Students attend Calusa Elementary School, Omni Middle School and Spanish River Community High School.
The contemporary home at 6688 Portside Drive sold for $600,000. It has 5 bedrooms and 3.1 bathrooms in 3044 sq. feet of living space. The home has wood floors and the kitchen has granite counters, stainless steel appliances and white wood cabinets. The home’s pool overlooks the lake. Built in 1993, it was purchased in 2011 for $490,000.
Boniellos Acres is a secluded gated community with large lots and custom residences located on the west side of Jog Road just north of Clint Moore. Horses are permitted.  Students attend Calusa Elementary School, Omni Middle School and Spanish River Community High School.
17585 Boniello Road; image by Google
17585 Boniello Road; image by Google

The large ranch at 17585 Boniello Road sold for $975,000. It has 4 bedrooms and 3.2 bathrooms in 3625 sq. feet of living space. The home has a spacious open floor plan with a wall of french doors looking out onto the patio. The fenced in yard features an in ground pool with a waterfall. The kitchen has a big island and double wall ovens. The land was purchased for $110,000 in 1987 and the home was built in 1991.
17735 Boniello Drive sold for $860,000. It has 5 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms in 5528 sq. feet of living space.
Woodfield Country Club
6566 NW 40th Ct sold for $750,000. It has 4 bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms in 3637 sq. feet of living space.
6379 NW 40th Ct sold for $750,000. It has 4 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms in 3575 sq. feet of living space.
3217 Harrington Drive sold for $1.100 million. It has 6 bedrooms and 5 full bathrooms in 3897 sq. feet of living space.
3972 NW 52nd Street; image by Google
3972 NW 52nd Street; image by Google

3972 NW 52nd Street sold for $1.012 million. It has 5 bedrooms and 4.1 bathrooms.
3290 Westminster Drive sold for $840,000. It has 6 bedrooms and 6.2 bathrooms in 4396 sq. feet of living space.
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Polo Club
5245 Suffolk Drive sold for $625,000. It has 3 bedrooms and 3.1 bathrooms in 2905 sq. feet of living space.
5197 Suffolk Drive sold for $713,000. It has 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms in 3818 sq. feet of living space.
St. Andrews Country Club
7223 Ballantrae Court sold for $525,000. It has 3 bedrooms and 4.1 bathrooms in 3445 sq. feet of living space.
7140 Queenferry Circle sold for $750,000. It has 4 bedrooms and 5.1 bathrooms in 4295 sq. feet of living space.
Long Lake Estates
8422 Lookout Circle sold for $850,000. It has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms in 4120 sq. feet of living space.
18141 Daybreak Drive sold for $1.050 million.
Other Neighborhoods:
6188 NW 32nd Avenue in Seasons sold for $1.155 million. It has 6 bedrooms and 6 full bathrooms in 4261 sq. feet of living space.
17673 Middlebrook Way in The Oaks sold for $975,000. It has 5 bedrooms and 5.2 bathrooms in 5440 sq. feet of living space.

West Boca McMansions – Real Estate Trends and Analysis

Real estate trends in West Boca
wood-duck-front
We’ve been looking at recent real estate trends in West Boca. We started with neighborhoods, discussing Boca Falls in one article and Boca Isles in another.
For this article we’re taking a different approach. We looked at large houses, over 6000 square feet, and we included southwest Delray Beach because the market is similar. There are so many different housing options for those who are interested in them, not only in West Boca but also Texas through somewhere like Houston real estate, with many finding their own form of their home. These “McMansions” sales were clustered in a fairly small area as shown on the map below:

Data from FlexMLS.
Data from FlexMLS.

Transactions in this class consistently average over $2 million, and around $300 per square foot of living space. When starting to review this we separated houses into two groups – inside and outside a membership club. Some of the most common membership clubs in our data include St. Andrews Country Club, Mizner Country Club, Boca West, Polo Club, Addison Reserve and Woodfield Country Club. Top neighborhoods that do not require membership include Long Lake Estates, The Oaks, The Bridges, Azura, Stone Creek Ranch, and Le Lac.
We do not see a big difference in values between these two groups. At this end of the market country club memberships do not seem to have much impact on real estate prices. Either way the neighborhoods are exclusive.
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It’s also hard to identify clear trends because individual homes tend to be more unique. Some can have features that dramatically change the price. Or there could features that may be valued differently by Lynchburg realtors compared to a realtor in this area. At the low end some houses sold for as little as $1 million at $150/sq.ft. or less, while two houses went in the $600/sq.ft. area and the most expensive went for nearly $10M and over $900/sq.ft.
Still, here’s what we see:

  1. Large home sales increased dramatically in total numbers. There were 23 such transactions in the first half of 2014, 17 in the second half of 2014, and that rose to 35 transactions in the first half of 2015. There was a particularly big turnover of homes in St. Andrews.
  2. The total size of the market also increased, from $57M in the first half of 2014 to $76M in the first half of this year. In 2014 the value was driven by a few very high-end homes. In 2015 it’s the total volume that’s driving things.
  3. Average prices dropped. In both the first and second half of 2014 the average transaction was close to $2.5 million. In the first half of 2015 the average transaction was under $2.2 million. The average in 2014 was around $320/sq.ft. and that dropped to $290/sq.ft.

The biggest lesson we see in all of this is for sellers. If you have a large house there is a very wide spread in prices. Consequently, if you now feel ready to make a real estate investment of your own, you might also find this Roofstock guide on investing 20k useful. Furthermore, these trends seem to be driven by the features of the houses involved and by finding the right buyer both for that house and for the community. The most patient sellers get more value by holding out for that buyer, be they one looking to the 1031 exchange requirements or to other areas, but may wait a year, two years or even longer to get a sale done.
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Our spreadsheet for this analysis is below:
[gview file=”https://westbocanews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/6000sqft-1h-2015.xls”]