Where to live in Delray/Boca as single WFH 24M?

Context:

95k salary Fully remote Have a car $2,200 max 1BR budget. I prefer to live alone and with saving rent money last 2 years, rent budget can be stretched.

I’m a 24 year old single male post grad who currently lives with his parents in NJ and is planning on making the move out next Spring. I have always wanted to live in SoFlo full time after college but due to saving money and at the time working hybrid I had to move back home to NJ.

I am eager to move back down and yes, I know all the concerns of living down here (hot summers, humidity, hurricanes, COL, etc. But, it really doesn’t bother me and regardless of all of that I love it here and want to try living here full time while working and not in school. I went to college in Miami for 4 years so I am pretty knowledgeable about the SoFlo area but not too much Palm Beach County. Delray caught my interest because of the perfect balance of fun things to do, Atlantic Ave, the beach, etc, while also not having the craziness of Miami.

What areas of Delray/Boca area (or really anywhere between Delray and FLL) would be the best place to live? And what are the best ways to meet people? I was also thinking Fort Lauderdale but that might be too urban/gritty for me. I am into clean, aesthetic, and well maintained areas.

Interests/Preferences:

Fitness Sports Foodie Beach Occasional drinker but mostly introverted Catholic faith Prefer to live near a downtown (somewhat walkable but 5 min drive is fine) but far enough where it is quiet Prefer to live in an apartment community Close enough to drive to Miami when needed