Since the 1990s Delray Beach has grown to be one of the “hottest” destinations in the country. This award-winning city, twice named an All-America City, was recently named “Most Fun Small Town in America” by the Travel Channel, Rand McNally, and USA Today! It was also chosen as one of “The Happiest Seaside Towns” by Coastal Magazine and is currently ranked by the Travel Channel as one of Florida’s top 10 beaches.

Delray Beach is also home to five Orthodox shuls: Anshei Emuna, Chabad of Delray Beach, Chabad of East Delray, Chabad of West Delray, and the Delray Orthodox Synagogue.

Anshei Emuna, first alphabetically, and first chronologically, will be the focus of this week’s column, along with the surrounding communities within walking distance of the shul.

As stated in its website, Anshei Emuna is a warm, caring, and compassionate, Modern Orthodox congregation where year-round residents, snowbirds, snowflakes, visitors, and vacationers feel welcome. Anshei offers daily minyanim, learning opportunities, family-friendly social and chesed events, Israel advocacy, and more. The synagogue is affiliated with the Orthodox Union and their doors are open to all Jews seeking a spiritual connection. Now midway through its fifth decade, Anshei Emuna was the first Orthodox shul in Palm Beach County. Situated just south of the intersection of Jog Road and Linton Blvd, Anshei was founded in the same year as its famous neighbor across the street; Kings Point, and for the final 20 years of the last century, minyans at Anshei were mostly comprised of residents from that huge (pop. greater than 7,000) retirement village. The new century brought many changes to Anshei Emuna as well as to the surrounding Delray community, most notably the appearance of Rabbi and Rebbetzin Jack and Miriam Engel. Especially loved and revered for the chesed and inclusivity they espouse their arrival coincided with the building of many gorgeous, gated neighborhoods just down the block, or around the corner. The shul began to experience a marked shift in the demographics with only about a third of the current membership of about 200 being well above retirement age. Indeed, as people quickly understood that the same lovely homes that were selling for millions in the Orthodox neighborhoods of Boca Raton could be purchased for half that amount in many of the communities surrounding Anshei Emuna, more and more younger people moved into the area and joined the shul. Today, as with any of the other Orthodox areas of South Florida, the prices in Delray Beach have risen dramatically, yet they are still more home for less money than can be found just a few miles south in Boca Raton. Actually, the Boca/Delray border is less than a mile south of the shul, and even less than that from several of the communities. As a matter of fact, these neighborhoods are even closer to many of the Orthodox schools and restaurants of Boca than some of the Boca Raton Orthodox neighborhoods themselves!

Addison Reserve Country Club

One of the most exclusive and luxurious country clubs in South Florida, several of the subdivisions of Addison Reserve are rather close to the shul. Situated on over 650 lush tropical acres filled with sparkling blue lakes, dark green vistas, and colorful plantings, in Addison, one finds an environment free of pretension with unmatched grace and sophistication. Built between 1999 and 2003 by renown builders Kenco and Taylor Woodrow, homes are known for their unique architectural styles and stunning interiors. There are 716 single family homes in Addison Reserve Country Club ranging in size from 2,500 square feet to just over 7,500 square feet. Each subdivision has its own unique character and feel providing homeowners with great variety of choice. Lot sizes are between zero lots and ⅓ of an acre and are often paired with resort-style swimming pools, outdoor kitchens, and brick-paved lanais. There is however, a rather steep mandatory equity fee, coupled with pricey annual dues, for buyers who choose to purchase a home there. Homes range in price from just under a million, to several millions of dollars.

Bristol Pointe

Bristol Pointe, a small boutique community located on the west side of Jog Road, just south of the shul, was developed by Charles Watts in 1999, this 24-hour man-gated community features 76 custom-built single-family homes. Known for their strong construction and extensive interior appointments, many houses feature open floor plans, soaring ceilings, French doors, marble flooring, upgraded kitchens, granite countertops, high end appliances, playrooms, and split floor plans. These luxury four-, five-, and six-bedroom residences range in size from 3,200 square feet to just over 5,200 square feet. Large backyards contain private resort-style heated swimming pools, cascading waterfalls, oversized spas, grand pool decks, summer kitchens, and plenty of space for children to play. Bristol Pointe residents enjoy shimmering blue lakes and lush tropical plantings found throughout the community. Bristol Pointe home prices list for approximately the same as those in Addison, but without the equity and membership fees.

Drexel Park

Drexel Park is a Mediterranean-inspired townhouse community located on Linton Boulevard, between Jog Road and Military Trail, just a few blocks east of the shul. Within the gates of Drexel Park, you will find many great leisure and recreational opportunities. The neighborhood is set around a sparkling central lake and scenic walking paths wind throughout the community. With innovative three, and four-bedroom home designs and a maintenance free lifestyle, Drexel Park is priced from $450,000–$750,000.

Grande Orchid

Grande Orchid is a collection of homes designed for families to enjoy large, lovely properties at an affordable rate. It’s set out as a community that prides itself on being close enough to the attractions and appeals of Delray Beach while remaining far enough to create a quiet community of close-knit neighbors. Markets have shown that houses here tend to sell quickly and at almost the exact asking price. This shows that people value the community that has been developed here. The reasons for that are numerous. Grande Orchid has a quiet park attached to the community: Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. This tribute to Japanese culture is a cultivated 16-acre garden that reflects beauty and tranquility. It has koi ponds, rock gardens, and plenty of space to relax. Immediately surrounding Grande Orchid are several trails and green spots that provide a perfect place to enjoy nature. The 37-acre community of Grande Orchid was developed by Gordon Homes, Inc. known for their distinctive high-quality design and versatile floor plans. Homes in Grande Orchid range in size from 3,000 square feet to 4,500 square and often feature large eat-in kitchens, granite countertops, impact resistant windows, volume ceilings, marble and hardwood flooring, built-in outdoor cooking, and entertaining areas. Most of the estate homes in Grande Orchids also have heated swimming pools and spas with lake views, some with separate guest houses. Grande Orchid’s residents also enjoy first-class recreational amenities including a community swimming pool, clubhouse, two lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, state-of-the-art fitness and exercise facilities, a basketball court, and a lovely picnic area. Grande Orchids HOA fees include cable and common area maintenances. Homes in Grande Orchid currently range in price from $1,100,000 to $1,750,000. Grande Orchid is located on Jog Road only a short distance south of the shul.

Kings Point

Kings Point is a neighborhood of condos offering an assortment of styles, varying sizes, and affordable prices to choose from. Kings Point homes range in square footage from around 700 square feet to over 2,300 square feet and in price from approximately $100,000 to $500,000. With two golf courses, a huge clubhouse featuring myriad classes and live entertainment more than 10 pools, many tennis and pickleball courts, and much more, Kings Point has given many an older retiree an incentive to keep active.

Mizner’s Preserve

Mizner’s Preserve, developed by Sterling Communities in 1998, is comprised of 176 homes ranging from 2,800 to 5,500 square feet. This beautiful development is among the closest luxury communities to the shul, just across Jog Road. With 24-hour man-gated security, Mizner’s Preserve offers country club caliber amenities without the expense. The lush landscaping, vibrant grounds, and winding roads are the perfect setting for the community’s estate homes. A newly renovated 3,500 square foot clubhouse features a fitness room, and a grand social room. Just outside the clubhouse are the three lighted tennis courts, children’s playground, Olympic-sized swimming pool, and lavish entertainment area. Maintenance fees include cable television, common area, recreational facilities, and security. Properties in Mizner’s Preserve range in price from $1,000,000 to several millions of dollars.

The Polo Club

The Polo Club is a premiere private country club community located on the border of Boca Raton and Delray Beach. With multiple man-gated entrances on both Military Trail and Jog Road. Spanning over 1,000 magnificently manicured acres, only the most northwestern properties in the Polo Club are within walking distance to the Shul.

The Polo Club is a true resort community considered one of Palm Beach County’s best private golf and tennis club communities with two championship golf courses, a nationally recognized tennis facility, with 29 Har-Tru courts, and a world-class spa and fitness center complex.

Residences at the Polo Club include single-family estate homes and spacious townhouses. Single-family homes often feature extensive custom upgrades and top-quality finishes appealing to luxury consumers. As the type and size of homes vary greatly, so do the prices, from several hundreds of dollars to several millions. It is important to note though, that as country club prices go, The Polo Club is thought to be among the most reasonable.

Vizcaya

As many people are known to choose Florida as their ideal retirement destination, there are a wide variety of home options and communities to select from. One unique Florida option is living in an active adult +55 community like Vizcaya, which is located on the west side of Jog Road just across Linton Blvd from Anshei Emuna. Buyers choose to purchase a home in this type of community because of the many facilities and options that are always available. This close-knit community, of 500 homes, loves to engage in daily social activities, whether it is card games or fitness classes or even a book club. There is a never-ending calendar of activities available to all residents. The two- and three- bedroom single-family homes starting from about 1,800 square feet to 2,500 square feet range in price from the $400,000s to the $600,000s. n

Cheri F Rosen, of Lang Realty, has been a realtor in South Florida since moving to Boca Raton over a decade ago. You can learn more about real estate in South Florida by calling Cheri at 561-221-2233 or visiting Cheri’s website: southfloridacondosandhouses.com or just Google the words Orthodox Boca. Cheri’s website is the top search result. Submit your personal questions and concerns to Cheri, and they will be answered personally, or anonymously in future columns.