Davie

Nestled in the heart of Broward County, Davie is one of South Florida’s best-kept secrets — a town that manages to feel like a true community without sacrificing the amenities of a major metro area. With just over 106,000 residents, it strikes a rare balance between suburban calm and urban convenience, sitting squarely between Fort Lauderdale and the Everglades. If you’re weighing a move to the greater Miami-Fort Lauderdale area, Davie deserves a serious look before you sign anything.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

One of Davie’s most endearing quirks is its Western-themed heritage — you’ll actually see horse trails running alongside residential streets and equestrian properties tucked between subdivisions. That rural character coexists with established neighborhoods like Pine Island Ridge, a gated community popular with families and retirees, and Long Lake Ranches, known for its spacious estate homes. Young professionals tend to gravitate toward areas near Nova Southeastern University, which anchors the town both culturally and economically. With a median age of 37.2, Davie skews toward a working-age crowd, which gives it an active, forward-looking energy without feeling transient or overly youthful.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing in Davie is competitive by South Florida standards, though you’ll want to enter the market with realistic expectations. The median home price sits around $433,600, which is actually reasonable compared to neighboring Weston or the Fort Lauderdale beachside communities where prices can run significantly higher. You’ll find everything from modest townhomes and condos in the $300,000 range to sprawling ranch-style properties exceeding $1 million. Renters have solid options too, particularly near the university corridor and along Griffin Road. The median household income of $87,171 reflects a comfortable middle-class base, and most residents find the income-to-housing ratio workable — though Florida property insurance costs remain a real consideration that every buyer should budget carefully.

Employment and Economy

Davie benefits enormously from its proximity to multiple employment hubs. Nova Southeastern University is the town’s single largest employer, drawing academics, healthcare professionals, and administrative staff. The Broward Health system also has a significant presence, and the nearby I-595 corridor connects residents easily to Fort Lauderdale’s corporate centers, Port Everglades, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport — all within a 20-30 minute commute on a reasonable day. The town has also seen growth in healthcare, education, and professional services sectors, making it a solid choice for mid-career professionals seeking stability alongside lifestyle.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Davie punches well above its weight when it comes to things to do. Tree Tops Park offers over 300 acres of natural trails and canoe launches — a genuine escape from the concrete that feels almost surprising this close to a major metro. Bergeron Rodeo Grounds hosts the Southeastern Circuit Finals Rodeo, a nod to that cowboy heritage that locals genuinely embrace rather than treat as kitsch. The dining scene along University Drive and Davie Road has expanded considerably, offering solid options without the tourist-inflated prices you’d pay in Hollywood or Boca Raton. And of course, you’re roughly 30 minutes from both Fort Lauderdale Beach and the Florida Keys corridor, which makes weekend flexibility genuinely excellent.

The Bottom Line

Davie is the kind of place that rewards people who do their research. It won’t dazzle you with a flashy downtown or a famous zip code, but it offers something arguably more valuable: stability, space, and a real sense of place within one of the country’s most dynamic regions. For families, academics, healthcare workers, and anyone craving a little elbow room without giving up South Florida’s energy, Davie consistently delivers. Visit on a weekday, drive through Pine Island Ridge, grab lunch on University Drive, and see if it clicks — for many people, it does.