Margate

Tucked between Fort Lauderdale and Boca Raton in Broward County, Margate, Florida offers something increasingly rare in South Florida: a genuine sense of community without the tourist-town price tag or the overwhelming pace of a major city. With a population of around 58,000 residents, it’s large enough to have real amenities but small enough that you’ll start recognizing faces at your local coffee shop. If you’re weighing your options for a South Florida move, Margate deserves a serious look.

A City That Fits Multiple Lifestyles

Margate has quietly become one of Broward County’s most diverse and welcoming communities. The city attracts retirees, young families, and working professionals alike, which is reflected in its median age of 45.7 — a number that suggests a nice mix of established residents and active working-age adults. Neighborhoods like Oriole and Coconut Creek Pines (along the city’s western edge) offer quieter, tree-lined streets with a suburban feel, while areas closer to State Road 7 and Atlantic Boulevard have more commercial energy and walkable convenience. The city doesn’t have a flashy downtown district, but its residential character is genuinely appealing for people who want to actually live somewhere, not just visit it.

Cost of Living and Housing

Housing in Margate is one of its strongest selling points, especially given its location in South Florida’s notoriously competitive real estate market. The median home price sits around $286,200, which is significantly more affordable than neighboring Coral Springs or Pompano Beach. You’ll find a strong inventory of single-family homes, townhouses, and condominiums, with many communities featuring HOAs that maintain well-kept common areas. The median household income in Margate is approximately $60,852, and while South Florida’s cost of living is higher than the national average — particularly for homeowner’s insurance and groceries — residents generally find that their dollar goes further here than in trendier parts of Broward. Renters will also discover solid options at prices that won’t require a second job to manage.

Employment and Economy

Margate itself is primarily residential, so most working residents commute to employment hubs throughout Broward County. Fort Lauderdale is about 20 minutes southeast, and the Boca Raton business corridor is roughly 20 minutes north. Major employers within a reasonable commute include Broward Health, AutoNation, Spirit Airlines, and the expanding healthcare and technology sectors clustered around the Cypress Creek area. Locally, the healthcare, retail, and service industries provide jobs within the city itself. The Sawgrass Expressway and Florida’s Turnpike make commuting manageable, though like anywhere in South Florida, rush hour patience is a required skill.

Lifestyle and Recreation

Margate punches above its weight when it comes to parks and recreation. The Margate Sports Complex on NW 28th Avenue is a hub for youth sports leagues and community events. The city maintains numerous neighborhood parks, and the nearby Everglades Water Conservation Areas offer kayaking and wildlife watching just minutes from residential streets. You’re also about 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Beach, making weekend trips to the coast completely practical. The city hosts community events throughout the year, and its library system is well-regarded. For dining and shopping, Coral Square Mall and the Atlantic Boulevard corridor cover most needs locally, with more specialized options easily reachable across Broward.

The Bottom Line

Margate isn’t trying to be Miami or Fort Lauderdale, and that’s exactly the point. It’s a stable, affordable, genuinely livable city where you can own a home, raise a family, or enjoy retirement without sacrificing South Florida’s sunshine and lifestyle perks. If you value community over nightlife and practicality over prestige, Margate might be exactly what you’ve been looking for.