Discover Fort Lauderdale's Most Exclusive Suburb: Parkland Florida
If you follow my Youtube channel, you know I’m a big fan of Fort Lauderdale. The beaches, the boats, the lifestyle—it’s hard to beat! But today, I want to spotlight a hidden gem in the Fort Lauderdale metro area: Parkland, Florida. We recently helped a client relocate here, and I was blown away by what this town has to offer. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about living in Parkland—from real estate and neighborhoods to lifestyle and schools.
Where is Parkland, Florida?
Parkland sits in the far northwest corner of Broward County, covering about 13 square miles with a population just under 35,000. Bordered by Coral Springs to the south, Coconut Creek to the east, and the Everglades to the west, Parkland feels tucked away yet still connected. It’s about a 40-45 minute drive to Fort Lauderdale, 20-30 minutes to downtown Boca Raton, and less than 30 minutes to Deerfield Beach. So, while you’re away from the hustle and bustle, you’re never too far from the action—or the beach!
Parkland’s Unique Charm
Parkland is one of South Florida’s newer towns, incorporated in 1963, but it didn’t see its first neighborhoods until the late 90s. Crazy fact: Parkland didn’t even get its first stoplight until the early 2000s! This town is designed with a “park-like” feel in mind—strict zoning laws keep commercial areas on the outskirts, preserving a serene, residential vibe. As you drive through, you’ll mostly see trees and open spaces, which gives Parkland its tranquil, family-friendly atmosphere.
When it comes to shopping and dining, options within Parkland are limited. You’ll find essentials like Publix, BJ’s, and a few restaurants, but for more variety, you’ll likely venture to nearby towns like Coral Springs or Coconut Creek.
Parks and Recreation
Parkland lives up to its name with an impressive nine parks, each offering something unique. The biggest is Pine Trails Park, a hub for sports and community events with multi-purpose fields, an amphitheater, and even free monthly concerts. For families, Liberty Park features a splash pad, and Barkland Dog Park is perfect for furry friends. If you’re looking to disconnect in nature, check out the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, a massive Everglades preserve that stretches over 144,000 acres.
Why Do People Love Living in Parkland?
I spoke with some residents, and the top reasons are clear: natural beauty, peacefulness, and most importantly—schools. Parkland is renowned for having some of the highest-rated schools in South Florida, which is a big draw for families. Plus, the town has a strong sense of community with plenty of family-friendly events. One of the biggest is the Parkland Farmers Market, held during the winter months at the equestrian center.
Residents describe Parkland as active yet peaceful. Kids ride their bikes, neighbors say hello, and there’s a friendly, small-town vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere in South Florida.
Real Estate in Parkland
Parkland is exclusive, with most neighborhoods being gated communities with homeowners associations (HOAs). There are over 40 communities and more than 10,000 homes here, with most development starting in the late 90s. The average home price is around $1.3 million, but you’ll find options ranging from $700,000 to over $10 million.
Popular Neighborhoods:
Heron Bay: One of the most sought-after communities, with over 2,000 homes ranging from single-family to condos. Known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and mature landscaping, Heron Bay offers excellent amenities.
Parkland Golf & Country Club (PGCC): Featuring homes on an 18-hole championship course designed by Greg Norman, PGCC has endless amenities. Unlike many golf communities, you don’t need to buy a membership to live here—a big plus!
Cascata: One of the newer developments (built between 2018 and 2022), Cascata offers modern homes and excellent amenities. It’s part of the MiraLago community, so residents get access to two sets of amenities.
New Developments: Keep an eye on Parkland Royale, a 200-home project by Lennar, and Toll Brothers’ upcoming community in Heron Bay. These new developments are still in the early stages, but they’ll add more options for those looking to move into the area.
Schools: A Major Draw
Parkland has five public schools: three elementary schools (Heron Heights, Park Trails, and Riverglades), one middle school (Westglades), and one high school (Marjory Stoneman Douglas). These schools are consistently ranked among the best in South Florida, making Parkland a top choice for families.
Is Parkland Right for You?
If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly community with top-notch schools and beautiful homes, Parkland might just be your perfect match. You get the best of both worlds: a quiet, suburban feel with easy access to Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and the beach.
Thinking about moving to Parkland or selling your home? My team would love to help! Whether you’re planning a move in 10 days or 10 years, we’re here to be your real estate resource. Reach out to us at anytime and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for all the latest updates on everything South Florida real estate and local insights.
What do you think about Parkland? If you live there, I’d love to hear what you love (or don’t love) about it.
