Pembroke Pines?A Great Place to Live
Pembroke Pines is known as one Broward's premier places to
live and raise a family. With top rated schools and low crime rate, Pembroke
Pines is also prime real estate. Homeowners have experienced a tremendous return
on their investments of real estate in the area. Buying a home in Pembroke Pines
will continue to be a wise investment for many years to come.
Pembroke Pines
is a thriving residential community with a population of over 100,000. Every
type of housing is available, from single family homes, condos, villas,
townhomes, apartments, luxury homes, ranch estates, multi-million dollar
residences and more. Pembroke Pines is also home to wonderful living facilities
for seniors and golf enthusiasts can enjoy country club and golf communities.
Pembroke Pines History
What use to be cow pastures and
farms near the Everglades swamps is now Pembroke Pines, the third fastest
growing city in the United States. Pembroke Pines was incorporated in 1960,
although the name may date back much further. Historians theorize that Pembroke
Pines was named after an early landowner from Britain known as the Earl of
Pembroke. Others believe it was named after the road that led to the city and
the pines that shaded it. Either way, the history of Pembroke Pines dates back
to the mid fifties. People in search of more sprawled out room came across miles
of peaceful fields and began settling in what was then the distant country side
of the city of Hollywood. Because it was a remote area at the time, new
residents were able to spread out on larger parcels of land and build custom
homes. The city of Pembroke Pines grew west as more land was incorporated. The
late Mayor Charles Flanagan is credited with making the city into what it is
today.
Resident Attraction to Pembroke Pines
Location-
Pembroke
Pines is a 35 square mile city located in Southwest Broward County between the
Florida Turnpike and US Route 27, two miles north of Dade County line. Pembroke
Pines is also only about 15 miles from downtown Ft. Lauderdale and is mostly
west of Hollywood, north of Miramar, and generally south of both Cooper City and
Davie.
Schools-
If you're a concerned parent moving to a new school
district and are interested in academic performance of students at the school,
test scores or quality and level of education, there's not much need to worry
with the public schools in Pembroke Pines, Cooper City and Davie. They only
continue to show significant progress in student performance. The State
Department of Education began assigning "grades" based on student performance on
the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). For the 2000/2001 school year,
Broward County had 61 "A" schools, with Pembroke Pines, Cooper City and Davie
accounting for 21 of those schools!!
Pembroke Pines
Area: 35 square miles
Government: City Manager
Millage Rate: 23.5247
Population: 137,427
Chamber of Commerce
Miramar-Pembroke Pines
Chamber of
Commerce
10100 Pines Blvd., 4th Floor
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
(954)
432-9808
Cooper City
In 1959, Cooper City was four square
miles of orange groves and cattle grazing land with only 85 residents. Today,
Cooper City still maintains a somewhat relaxed, country atmosphere to go along
with the many residential developments. There are lakes, waterways and horse
farms.
About 123 acres are devoted to parks and community facilities in
family-oriented Cooper City.
Cooper City is easily accessible by major
highways; such as, I-95, I-75, and I-595.
Area: 7.5 square miles
(approximately)
Location: South-western Broward County. 20 minutes from the
modern Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
"Don't hit the owls."
Posted signs warn motorists not to hurt the nests of the resident burrowing
owls, and some consider the feathery critters part of the character of this
growing bedroom community of about 27,000. While some outsiders may think clean,
quiet Cooper City less than distinct amid the sea of western Broward County
communities, loyal locals agree with its motto: "Someplace Special." How many
other towns do you know that mark their entrances with a stone monument and
fountain?
Cooper City has one of the county's lowest crime rates, despite
spending relatively little on its police department. Located far from the urban
ills that suburbanites hate, the suburb features a two-mile stretch of Stirling
Road that has nine churches or other religious facilities (and a temple on the
way).
Government issues here tend to be as low-key as the community's
profile. City commissioners now are limited to nine consecutive years of
service. And in the county's first mail-in election, city residents in 1994
decided against spending $2 million to improve a city park.
Cooper
City
Area: 7 square miles
Government: City Manager/ Council
Millage
Rate: 25.3340
Population: 34,292
Chamber of Commerce
Davie/Cooper City
Chamber of
Commerce
4185 Davie Road
Davie, FL 33314
(954)
581-0790
www.davie-coopercity.org
Davie
...one of Broward County's most eclectic
communities
From a population of under 2,000 in 1960, Davie has grown to
over 53,000. Recreation amenities are plentiful. Davie attracts young
professional executives and budding families.
With less than half of the land
developed, Davie is still a major center for breeding horses and livestock. The
November State Champion Rodeo is held here and attracts tourists and cowboys
from throughout the country.
Davie spans land located amid the major
intersections of I-595, I-75, the Sawgrass Expressway and the Florida Turnpike.
Location: Southwestern Broward County. 15 minutes from the modern Fort
Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
Incorporated in 1961, Davie is an
oddity. Located in densely populated Southwest Broward, Davie is one of the
county's greenest communities. Town residents voted to pay for a $10-million
open space program in 1989 to preserve pastures and pines and retain Davie's
small-town image. Many of the town's residential areas are zoned at one house
per acre.
Adding to the rustic feel is the western theme of downtown Davie.
There, town ordinances require buildings to feature signs and architecture more
common to 19th-century frontier towns than urban South Florida.
Known for its
horse and cattle ranches, Davie is where many prize racing and jumping horses
are still bred. The town even has a rodeo arena, which is host to a variety of
equestrian events throughout the year.
Davie is also home to the South
Florida Educational Center, a 650-acre complex founded in 1960 on an abandoned
airfield. More than 37,000 students attend school daily at the center, which
includes five colleges?Broward Community College, Nova Southeastern University
and branches of Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University
and the University of Florida?a vocational center, two high schools, four middle
schools and four elementary schools.
Davie's history dates to the turn of the
century, when settlers began buying land for $2 an acre in The First Developed
Town in the Everglades. Many had just arrived from helping to build the Panama
Canal, and the area was dubbed "Zona" because of its similarities to the Canal
Zone.
In 1909, Colorado millionaire R.P. Davie bought 28,000 acres in the
area, and Zona was renamed in his honor 10 years later. An extensive drainage
project paved the way for future growth.
Today, Davie's 42 square miles are
home to a variety of neighborhoods, shopping centers and commercial areas. The
town has 65,000 residents and is expected to grow to 85,000 by early next
century.
Davie has a town administrator/council form of government. The Town
Council meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at
Town Hall, 6591 SW 45th St.
Davie
Area: 37 square miles
Government:
Town Council/ Admin.
Millage Rate: 25.4670
Population:
75,720
Chamber of Commerce
Davie/Cooper City
Chamber of
Commerce
4185 Davie Road
Davie, FL 33314
(954)
581-0790
www.davie-coopercity.org
Weston
Weston is a community that was planned by
Arvida back in 1985. Since then, Arvida has continued to expand Weston providing
all necessary amenities to lure new residents. Weston has become a shining
example of "The Hometown of the Future." Conveniently located at the crossroads
of I-75 and I-595, this town has planned itself around being an independent
residential community new families cannot resist. It is also conveniently
located near the two major hubs of Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
This residential community is filled with lakes, parks, and
well-maintained landscaping. Housing here is offered at various prices and in
different types of styles, attracting different income and age brackets.
Innovative architecture, shopping centers, parks, and everything a family might
need is nestled into the more than 85 local neighborhoods.
Located in the Everglades, guests here can enjoy more than 300
acres of open space and parks. Weston provides many opportunities for recreation
at its parks and city facilities. Parents can take their kids for a walk or bike
ride along the many bike paths and trails. Families can find places for roller
hockey, tennis, volleyball, basketball, football, and more. The whole family can
enjoy a lunchtime picnic in the safety of their own community park.
The Athletic Club of Weston offers a great place for the whole
family to keep in shape. Here members can find a wide array of state of the art
weight training equipment as well as bikes, treadmills, and other cardiovascular
inventions. Others may prefer to take a dip in the Olympic size pool or relax in
the sauna or whirlpools. Residents will also find 26 lighted tennis courts,
classrooms for aerobics and other classes, and racquetball courts.
Weston certainly has more than enough facilities for the avid
sports enthusiasts. Golf lovers will fall in love with the Weston Hills Country
Club, where they will find two championship courses on which to play. They can
also visit the tennis complex, golf academy, aquatic center, clubhouse, or pro
shop. This is just one of the golf courses available in this area. The Weston
Tennis Center also offers many courts and professional facilities for those who
need to learn or improve.Families can find everything they need in Weston from
top quality schools and healthcare to excellent access to cultural events in the
area. The Community Center offers many educational programs for adults and kids.
Families can also attend the Weston Art Festival, which is held several times
per month in this small town community.
Many Fortune 500 companies have based their operations in this
quiet town. Weston Park of Commerce is destined to be one of the largest
business parks in Broward County. Companies like Hershey International, Sara
Lee, Falcon Aerospace, Wyndham Resorts, and Federal- Mogul Corporation have all
chosen this area as a home base. This area also offers the lowest municipal
millage rate in Broward County, achieved through government efficiency. Weston
has developed into a beautiful place to work or live.
Weston
Area: 25.5 square miles
Government: Commission/
City Manager
Millage Rate: 21.994
Population:
Chamber of Commerce
Weston Area Chamber of Commerce
1290
Weston Road, No. 200
Weston, FL 33326
(954)
389-0600
www.westonchamber.com
Miramar
This safe and friendly family environment
has something for everyone. Over 27 parks and outdoor sports complexes entertain
the active residents. Guests can partake in softball, baseball, basketball,
volleyball, tennis, golf, and much more.
Parents will love S.T.A.R., an after school program filled
with fun for children, The Teen Club and local summer camps. Seniors can
socialize at the Miramar Senior Center. They can play bingo and Mah-jongg, do
arts and crafts, or go on day trips and picnics. New businesses arrive in this
community daily. In fact, more Fortune 500 companies base their operations here
than anywhere else in South Florida. NBC 6- one of the most respected news
stations- just moved here last year. Unclaimed prime parcels remain waiting for
new establishments.
Miramar
Area: 31 square miles
Government: City
Commission
Millage Rate: 25.9876
Population: 72,739
Chamber of Commerce
Miramar-Pembroke Pines
Chamber of
Commerce
10100 Pines Blvd., 4th Floor
Pembroke Pines, FL 33026
(954)
432-9808
Coral Springs
With over 117,000 residents, this
young city with its top rated schools and low crime rate is an excellent place
to raise a family. New residents will find apartments, condos, homes, and gated
communities to choose from. The community has over 60 parks and a Sportsplex
where children can play hockey, learn tennis, swim, jog, bicycle, and roller
blade. The Honda Classic PGA tournament is held yearly at the community of Heron
Bay. Families can watch a Broadway show at the "Coral Springs Center for the
Arts" and learn about art at the local art museum. Residents can also find all
their needs at the Coral Square Mall.
This master planned city seems to have it all yet keeps
expanding to meet the needs of its residents. Gourmet bakeries and restaurants
spring up next to bookstores and mom and pop retail stores. Founded in 1963,
this city has been coined the "city in the country." Families can visit cows and
horses in the local pasture land on their way to an elegant dinner and show.
Residents can attend town meetings in their feel a part of the community. The
city’s hometown approach has not only won the Governor’s Sterling Award and an
AAA rating by Fitch IBCA, but has also consistently rated 90% for customer’s
satisfaction with city services. Schools here continually win high marks
nationally. Indeed, this family and commerce friendly city has the amenities of
a large city with the attitude of a small town.
Coral Springs
Area: 24.8 square miles
Government:
Elected Commission/
City Manager/ Mayor
Millage Rate: 24.1665
Population: 117,549
Chamber of Commerce
of Coral Springs, Inc.
9531 W. Sample Road P.O. Box 758240
Coral
Springs, FL 33075
(954) 752-4242
www.chambercoralsprings.com
Coconut Creek
One of the newest additions to South
Florida, Coconut Creek is a bedroom community with access to all major highways.
The Lyons Technology center, now being built, will offer a lushly landscaped
area for new development. Students will find the Broward Community College and
the Atlantic Technical Center great places to learn. They can also study at the
Broward County North Regional Library. The Recreational Complex offers many
sports programs. Casino lovers will love the exiting Seminole Casino off of
Route 441.
Families will love the natural setting here in over 15 local
parks. Tradewinds Park is well known for its annual holiday light display. It
also has an equestrian program and educational farm. Butterfly World, the
largest butterfly house in America, is a popular attraction for all ages.
Coconut Creek
Area: 11.3 square miles
Government:
Elected Commission/
City Manager
Millage Rate: 24.9936
Population:
43,566
For Information:
City of Coconut Creek
4800 W. Copans
Road
Coconut Creek, FL 33063
(954) 973-6700
Dania Beach
Dania is called "The Antique Capital of
the South" for its wide array of antique stores. Incorporated in 1904, the town,
originally settled by Danes, was built on tomato farming. The city’s history and
architecture are still on display for guests. The Graves Museum of Archaeology
and Natural History welcomes visitors.
Families will also enjoy the waterfront with its fishing pier,
the IGFA World Fishing Center, and Sea Tech. Children will love the Grand Prix
Race-o-Rama, filled with an arcade, go cart racing, a skycoaster, and more.
Sports fans will love Dania Jai Alai, a sports bar with Simulcast betting and a
Poker and cigar room. Families can also picnic at the John U. Lloyd State Park.
The beach offers a great sunrise.
Dania Beach
Area: 25 Square Miles
Government: City
Manager/Mayor
Millage Rate: 25.6234
Population: 14,771
Chamber of Commerce
Dania Beach Chamber of Commerce
100
W. Dania Beach Blvd.
P.O. Box 1017
Dania Beach, FL 33004
(954)
926-2323
www.greaterdania.org
Deerfield Beach
Families will love this beautiful
community filled with recreational outlets. The city hosts over 64,000 people
yet has over 125 acres of open space. The beach here has been called one of the
best for families. The beach is clean and well maintained and also hosts a
popular fishing pier. Residents can choose between a variety of attractive
condominiums, apartments, and homes. They can enjoy the many shops, restaurants,
and hotels.
The area sports three community centers with various social,
cultural, and recreational activities. Residents utilize the three jogging
trails, two roller hockey courts, the 14 local tennis courts, basketball courts,
playgrounds, and gymnasium. Community services sponsors many events including
Women’s Professional Volleyball, Super Boat Grand Prix, and Moonlight Melodies
Summer Beach Concert.
Deerfield Beach
Area: 13.4 square miles
Government:
Council/ Manager
Millage Rate: 26.5265
Population: 64,583
Chamber of Commerce
Greater Deerfield Beach
Chamber of
Commerce
1601 E. Hillsboro Blvd.
Deerfield Beach, FL 33441
(954)
427-1050
www.deerfieldchamber.com
Fort Lauderdale
Called the "Venice of America," Fort
Lauderdale is filled with beautiful waterways that wind through million dollar
estates. Part of the charm of this city is its mixture of older and more modern
architecture. For new residents, single-family and multi-family housing,
condominiums, and apartments are available.
About five million guests venture to this area yearly, many
flying into the local airport. Fort Lauderdale has been a hot spot for students
during Spring Break in the past. However, people of all ages come all year long.
Retirees enjoy the fun, warm atmosphere here. The big draw to the area is the
sunny, sandy beach. Numerous shops, restaurants, and clubs are steps away from
the shoreline. Outdoor cafes right on the beach are typical. Surfing, jet
skiing, swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA, and more are all popular activities. Many
beach bums sunbathe on one of the most popular beaches in South Florida. Fashion
is important even on the beach.
The sun, surf, and entertainment make this area a hot-spot day
and night. The young come out at night and frequent the many clubs and bars in
this region and on Las Olas Boulevard and Riverwalk. Las Olas offers charming
antique shops, boutiques, nationally renowned men’s stores, funky bookstores,
eateries, and clubs. This area also includes the Performing Arts Center and the
Museum of Discovery and Science. Riverwalk offers a great concept in shopping
and dining. Guests can stroll along the waterway, grab something to eat and
drink, dance till they drop, or just relax on the beach. If all this is not
enough, residents can head to the elegant Galleria Mall, which features such
anchor stores as Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Lord and Taylor, and
Burdines.
Culture lovers can attend a theatrical show, find a good book
at the Fort Lauderdale library, browse through the Museum of Art, listen to live
entertainment near the beach, and more. Annually, Fort Lauderdale hosts a film
festival that has begun to draw national attention. It has had the honor of
being the longest running festival around, running over 28 days. Here guests can
watch the newest indie films and attend workshops and discussions about
film.
Nature lovers can visit one of the approximately 60 parks
available. Many of the parks, such as the Birch State Park, offer canoeing,
picnicking areas, hiking trails, and more. The warm temperatures make it easy to
exercise outdoors. Residents can play tennis and many other sports. Golf lovers
will find over 50 courses available. Many public pools are ready for
visitors.
After a day of excitement, families have an endless array of
places to eat dinner. In Fort Lauderdale, they can choose from an international
selection. Many five star nationally known eateries neighbor funky cafes on the
waterfront. Residents can drive to nearby Port Everglades to hop on a cruise
ship filled with adventure and even more luscious delicacies. The food,
entertainment, beaches, and style of Fort Lauderdale make it a wonderful place
to live and play.
Ft. Lauderdale
Area: 31.4 square miles
Government:
Commission/ Manager
Millage Rate: 25.0489
Population: 152,397
Chamber of Commerce
Greater Fort Lauderdale
Chamber of
Commerce
512 N.E. Third Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954)
462-6000
www.ftlchamber.com
Hallandale Beach
Hallandale is centrally located
between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Often called "the Wall Street of the South,"
Hallandale maintains a thriving yet relaxed business community. Many residents
overlook the beach in waterfront high-rise condominiums. The beach provides
bocce ball, a playground, and a concession stand.
Some might prefer a trip to the exciting Gulfstream Park, home
of the Florida Derby, or to the Greyhound Dog Race track. Shoppers will love
Fashion Row and the Diplomat Mall. Families can enjoy special events found at
the cultural community center. After a day of fun, residents can relax and have
a great meal at the Diplomat Country Club and Spa or take a boat ride on the
Intracoastal. This city hosts many fine and famous eateries.
Hallandale
Area: 4.4 Square Miles
Government: City
Manager
Millage Rate: 25.8130
Population: 34,282
Chamber of Commerce
Hallandale-Pembroke Park
Chamber of
Commerce
1117 E. Hallandale Beach Blvd., #5
P.O. Box 249
Hallandale, FL
33008
(954) 454-0541
Highland Beach
Founded in 1949 by twenty-one voters,
Highland Beach has become a popular spot for "snow birds." During the winter
months, the population almost doubles to about 6,500. This has become a
community for retirees, who equal about 80% of the population. High-rise
condominiums, cached estates, and lush palm trees line the neighborhoods.
Residents can stroll along the beach or ride their bike along
the nearby A1A. Water lovers can charter a boat on the Intracoastal Waterway
located to the west. Visitors enjoy many popular water sports here and on the
beaches. For more entertainment, shopping, and dining, guests can go to the
bordering cities of Delray Beach and Boca Raton. For only .6 square miles, this
community has more than enough fun.
Highland Beach
Area: .6 square miles
Government:
Manager/ Commission
Milage Rate: 20.3389
Population: 3,775
Chamber of Commerce
Greater Boca Raton
Chamber of
Commerce
1800 N. Dixie Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33432
(561)
395-4433
www.bocaratonchamber.com
Hollywood
Newcomers are drawn to Hollywood’s small
town appeal and beautiful beaches. Walking along the main boulevard is a
reminder of yesteryear. Indeed, the feel of downtown has not changed much since
its development in the 1920s. However, It has been revitalized adding new shops,
galleries, and clubs to the quaint hot spot. Live music plays along Hollywood
Boulevard as travelers sample a variety of cuisines at sidewalk cafes after an
all day beach adventure. Rollerbladers and walkers will love the boardwalk that
extends along the beach decked novelty shops with native flair.
Families can also spend the day at one of the area’s 20 parks
or exploring the Seminole Indian museum on the nearby reservation. Here they can
camp out at the village in native dwellings, encounter alligators at the Swamp
buggy Eco tours or air boat rides, or sample native delicacies in the Swamp
Water Café.
Guests can bet at the neighboring Greyhound Dog track. Water
lovers can rent a boat and steer it up the Intracoastal Waterway, dive, sport
fish, or jump on a jet ski. Residents can also travel on a Tri-Rail to see their
neighbors, such as nearby Miami and Ft. Lauderdale.
This community has received national attention in recent years
with sources such as Money Magazine, CNN, and the New York Times calling it the
“City of the Future.” Hollywood’s charm is a perfect example of the “new
urbanism” that is reshaping towns across America.
Hollywood
Area: 27.83 Square Miles
Government:
Commission/ Manager
Millage Rate: 26.5259
Population:
139,357
Chamber of Commerce
Greater Hollywood
Chamber of
Commerce
330 N. Federal Highway
Hollywood, FL 33020
(954)
923-4000
www.hollywoodchamber.org
Lauderdale by the Sea
People coming from Northern
Ft. Lauderdale can cross the Intracoastal Waterway and step into Lauderdale by
the Sea. This peaceful town can be a wonderful haven to call home.
The sunny beaches here are clean and well maintained.
Residents can take their shoes off and enjoy the sand in safety and comfort.
This area is also quiet compared to the more popular zones of Fort Lauderdale
beaches. This is an excellent place to read a book and take a cozy nap.
Many people find this pristine spot a perfect place to
vacation. Hotels and resorts await guests with full amenities and easy access to
the ocean. Fishing on the pier is also very popular. Many casual restaurants are
available in this quaint little town.
Lauderdale by the Sea
Area: .5 square miles
Government:
Commission/ City Manager
Millage Rate: 24.4710
Population:
3,103
Chamber of Commerce
Lauderdale-By-The-Sea
Chamber of
Commerce
4201 Ocean Drive
Lauderdale By The Sea, FL 33308
(954)
776-1000
(800) 699-6764
www.lbts.com
Lauderhill
Begun as pasture land, Lauderhill has
developed a rich and vibrant culture perfect for businesses and families. Home
of the Rick Macci Classic and the Jackie Gleason Inverrary Golf Classic, many of
its residents are sports enthusiasts. Citizens often visit the Lauderhill Sports
Complex, golf courses, soccer fields, and tennis courts. They also can attend a
dance evening or join one of the many community based sports teams in
basketball, softball, hockey, volleyball, and other events.
Over 57,000 people live in this business friendly city and
enjoy its many community resources. Families can also dine in style as they
enjoy the international cuisine available at the local eateries. The Lauderhill
mall and the furniture and accessory stores along University drive welcome in
the shopoholics.
Lauderhill
Area: 7.5 square miles
Government: Manager/
Commission
Millage Rate: 25.2759
Population: 57,585
Chamber of Commerce
Lauderhill/Lauderdale
Lakes Chamber
of Commerce
4512 N. University Drive
Lauderhill, Florida 33351
(954)
776-1000
Lighthouse Point
Sitting under the watchful beam of
the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse, Lighthouse point is a small, tight-knit,
friendly community that has an optimistic future. The over 10,000 residents sit
cozily in between the Intracoastal Waterway and the busy commercial zone of
Federal Highway. Although their position leaves them unable to expand, residents
are unconcerned. Incorporated in 1956, this small city welcomes guests and
residents of all ages to its proud waterfront.
Their stable community provides them with everything they
could need. Federal Highway provides many restaurants, shops, and businesses.
The quiet, palm shaded, single-family home neighborhoods exude affluence and
ease. Families often find a path to bike ride, visit one of the 20 local parks,
play tennis or racquetball, or enjoy the sunny beach.
Lighthouse Point
Area: 2.49 square miles
Government:
Mayor/ Commission
Millage Rate: 23.6694
Population: 10,767
Chamber of Commerce
Greater Pompano Beach
Chamber of
Commerce
2200 E. Atlantic Blvd.
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
(954)
941-2940
www.pompanobeachchamber.com
Margate
This independent residential community was
originally designed to be another Venice. The older canal-fronted homes are
finding a new market with the young families arriving daily. Seniors will find
low cost transportation and mature communities. The Carolina Club provides an
18-hole golf course and a three story plantation-style club for fine dining.
Modern apartments and housing are available around the course. New shopping
areas have sprung up due to the expansion of this growing city.
The Leonard Weisinger Community Center offers educational and
recreational programs to all ages. The Royal Palm pool and many local parks
attract families. The Winfield Park offers a fishing area and a boat ramp. The
Firefighter’s Park, dedicated to the nation’s finest, includes tennis courts and
roller hockey rinks.
Margate
Area: 9.17 square miles
Government: Commission/
City Manager
Millage Rate: 27.0185
Population: 53,909
For Information:
Margate City Hall
1001 W. River
Drive
Margate, FL
(954) 972-6454
North Lauderdale
Incorporated in 1963, this area was
once used primarily for agriculture and grazing pasture. Over 30,000 residents
now inhabit the four square miles of land. This small town offers single and
multi-family housing in a lush setting. Families will find industrial and
commercial centers available for work, shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Residents will find safe, well-maintained neighborhoods on the waterfront.
Residents can become a part of the community by joining one of
the many local organizations. Children can spend time at the local Sports
Complex, Aquatics Center, or Teen Recreation Center. Visitors can relax and play
in the many area parks. Families will love the small town feel of this
residential community and its accessibility to entertainment hubs such as Fort
Lauderdale and Miami.
North Lauderdale
Area: 4 square miles
Government: City
Commision/
Manager
Millage Rate: 25.5168
Population: 32,264
For Information:
North Lauderdale City Hall
701 SW 71st
Street
North Lauderdale, FL
(954) 722-0900
Oakland Park
Originally named Floranada in 1925,
this community was born in 1929 under its current name after a hurricane carried
away the beginnings of a resort intended to rival Palm Beach. The residents
renamed it Oakland Park after the many Oak trees they found lining the Middle
River. Today over 30,000 citizens reside here. Many live in single-family homes.
Others choose one of the many apartments.
Residents enjoy the local tennis courts, athletic center,
parks, and nearby beaches. Families will find recreation centers and libraries
for their children in the area. The local Oakland Park Elementary remains one of
the oldest schools in Broward County. This "small town in the big city" is ready
to fulfill dreams of new residents for years to come.
Oakland Park
Area: 6.88 square miles
Government:
Commission/ Manager
Millage Rate: 25.6474
Population: 30,966
Chamber of Commerce
Oakland Park/Wilton Manors
Chamber
of Commerce
2900 N. Dixie Highway
Suite 101
Oakland Park, FL
33334
(954) 568-7755
Parkland
Newcomers to Parkland will find an
atmosphere of relaxed elegance in this residential community. This area appeals
to young affluent families. The average housing cost is the highest in the area,
upwards of $350,000. With higher prices come higher quality. Houses are nestled
between open areas and pasture lands.
Residents can horseback ride, walk on the trails, and learn
about nature and its inhabitants. These are just a few options available at the
over 125 acres of parks and wilderness preserves available in this area.
Families can also play tennis, soccer, football, baseball, basketball and more.
Nearby this quiet community are modern commercial zones, where families can shop
and dine in style. Residents can also venture into bordering Coral Springs or
Boca Raton for more entertainment.
Parkland
Area: 11 square miles
Government: Commission/
Manager
Millage Rate: 23.7759
Population: 16,200
Chamber of Commerce
Parkland City Hall
6600 University
Drive
Parkland, FL 33067
(954) 753-5040
Plantation
This upscale area serves as a family
oriented residential and business environment. Residents will find a sprawling
community filled with green parks, floral landscaping, upscale homes, and a
vibrant commercial district. New home buyers can find homes priced in the low
70’s. Over 82,000 people call this thriving, old-fashioned community home.
The Fashion Mall, Broward Mall and the Fountains welcome
shoppers. Children can create and learn about art at "Young at Art".
Thirty-eight parks are available for outdoor recreation. Here residents can play
basketball, soccer, softball, tennis, and more. They can also fish, play
horseshoes, and walk on trails. Annual events, such as Art in the Park, the
Business Expo, Concert in the Park, Celebrity Plantation, and the town barbecue,
bring out families and friends.
Plantation
Area: 21.77 square miles
Government: Strong
Mayor
Millage Rate: 23.6757
Population: 82,934
Chamber of Commerce
Greater Plantation
Chamber of
Commerce
7401 N.W. Fourth Street
Plantation, FL 33317
(954)
587-1410
www.plantationchamber.org
Pompano Beach
Pompano Beach is a multi-cultural
community that combines both residential and industrial development along its 3
mile sandy beach. Its shoreline provides many marinas, piers, and yacht clubs.
Residents can enjoy the water in a variety of ways. They can relax through
sailing, fishing, diving, jet skiing, or simply sunbathing.
Residents might want to play a game of tennis or golf on
nearby courses. Families can picnic at a local park or listen to a local band at
the outdoor amphitheater. They may also enjoy exploring the many local historic
buildings or a native burial ground. This community, begun 90 years ago, is
situated between the beach and a stretch of agricultural land. Today over 85,000
residents still call Pompano Beach their home.
Pompano Beach
Area: 21.51 square miles
Government: City
Commission/
City Manager
Millage Rate: 24.6259
Population: 85,932
Chamber of Commerce
Greater Pompano Beach
Chamber of
Commerce
2200 E. Atlantic Blvd.
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
(954)
941-2940
www.pompanobeachchamber.com
Sunrise
Once a residential community called Sunrise
Golf Village, this town has developed into a fun place to work and live with
endless recreational and employment opportunities. Over 85,000 people call
Sunrise home. Top corporations have moved here in recent years adding 10,000 new
jobs in the last three years. New residents will find all types of housing here
with single-family homes starting around $110,000. This town has become a hub
because of its easy access to local highways.
Another determining factor in the popularity of this locale is
the amount of entertainment here. The Sawgrass Mills mall is an excellent
shopping opportunity. Its outlet stores offer bargains to consumers and its
themed restaurants, such as The Rainforest Cafe, and entertainment centers bring
in families looking for fun. This complex attracts 25 million people per year.
Music and sports lovers love the Office Depot center and Broward County Arena.
Here residents can watch hockey games, arena football, or catch the biggest
musical acts in the country like Madonna, Elton John and U2.
Several parks and recreational areas are available for guests
and residents. At Markham Park and Range, they can bike, canoe, camp, horseback
ride, picnic, play tennis, fly a model airplane, practice shooting at the range,
and much more. Some parks offer basketball, tennis, and volleyball courts.
Others offer softball, soccer, and football fields. Just minutes from the major
cities and beaches of South Florida, Sunrise is the perfect entertainment center
and living environment for the whole family.
Sunrise
Area: 22 square miles
Government: Commission/
Manager
Millage Rate: 25.5909
Population: 85,779
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