I grew up in Fort Lauderdale and a lot of my friends lived in Boca. We went to a prep school b/c the schools in Broward County are hit-or-miss. Palm Beach County Schools are notably better, but there are also plenty of private/parochial options in that area.
Boca is expensive- no matter how you look at it. The homes, shopping, restaurants, schools, etc are generally high-end. It's pretty and like most other places in FL, close to the water (but most homes have pools).
If you are looking to find a teaching job, FL is a VERY difficult market right now. We are hoping to relocate in the next two years, so I check the postings frequently for school administration positions... NOTHING! They are cutting back significantly and are "repurposing" teachers on the PEL and assigning them to areas that are not certificated tenure areas in FL (like Phys Ed).
The area is beautiful and we're hoping to get back to my family as soon as possible. Housing prices are very low right now and there is no state income tax- which is why salaries are lower. The general cost of living is lower... salaries reflect that (just so you aren't shocked).
South FL isn't really about "suburbs", it's pretty metropolitan. Depending on your budget and your school preferences:
- Fort Lauderdale (northern Lauderdale is more "affordable")
- Pompano Beach (bad public schools, but several good private options)
- Lauderhill
- Deerfield Beach
- Coral Springs/Parkland
**Anything North of West Palm Beach is VERY different and much more "Southern". Volusia County is beautiful (Daytona and Ormond area), but a "different world" than Fort Lauderdale. That's part of what makes FL such a cool place to be... you can be in a "big city" and drive an hour and be in the "Old South".