Lake Ida is a charming, family-friendly neighborhood in Delray Beach, centered around a scenic 120-acre freshwater lake. The area’s history stretches back to the 1920s, when the first homes were built as simple frame structures crafted from local Dade County pine, with interiors of cypress harvested from the swampy land surrounding the lake. According to the Florida Department of Agriculture, Delray Beach once had the largest forest of Dade County pine in the entire state.

As the neighborhood developed, stone, tile, and stucco construction became popular, and many homes were designed by Samuel Ogren, the first resident architect in Delray Beach. Between 1924 and 1950, Ogren designed more than 250 homes and buildings in the city, including residences along Swinton Avenue. Influenced by Addison Mizner’s Mediterranean Revival style, his work left a lasting mark on the character of the area. His son, Samuel Ogren Jr., carried on the legacy and designed his own home on Lake Drive in 1953, a residence still owned by his widow today. By the 1940s and ’50s, Lake Ida expanded westward from Swinton Avenue, with local architects such as Kenneth Jacobson, Dick Hannah, and Roy Simon contributing designs that continue to stand as part of the neighborhood’s architectural fabric.

Today, Lake Ida remains one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Delray Beach, offering mature tree-lined streets, spacious lots, and a blend of architectural styles that reflect its rich history. Residents enjoy a unique combination of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, with downtown Atlantic Avenue and the beach just a short bike ride away. A strong sense of community, lakefront views, and easy access to outdoor recreation continue to make Lake Ida highly sought-after.

Note: The video at the bottom of this page features Lake Drive, one of the neighborhood’s most notable streets.