My mom lives in Highland Beach which is right near Boca Raton. It's a very "rich" neighborhood, however there is more affordable living the farther you go away from the beach.
Delray Beach
Highland Beach
Boca Raton
Ft. Lauderdale
There are some unsavory neighborhoods west of delray, so I would say stay away from those.
I don't know enough of Deerfield to give any suggestions.
Florida Atlantic University in near my mom's house and away from the beach, and the area looks real nice. It's not far from a pretty good mall and resturants. There is a private airport so I don't know if has a lot of traffic or noise.
I can ask my step-dad if you would like more information about a neighborhood in that area. He is a Police officer for the Highland Beach Police Department. Also his son is a Sheriff in Ft. Lauderdale. Just give some info and I will have them look into it for you.