Sprawling trails, acres and acres of greenery, a somewhat rural, laid-back vibe—these define the beautiful city of Parkland, Florida.
Living harmoniously with nature is the underlying theme of the Parkland lifestyle. From real estate to recreation destinations, everything is carefully designed with sustainability and nature preservation in mind.
With its distinctive blend of luxurious living and idyllic country lifestyle, this one of a kind community fully lives up to its reputation as one of the best places to live in the Sunshine State.
Located 25 miles north of Fort Lauderdale in the northwestern part of Broward County, Parkland is a medium-sized city spanning an area of 14.35 square miles. It was founded as BBB Ranches in the 1960s by Bruce Barnett Blount, who also became Parkland’s first mayor, and incorporated as a city of Broward County in 1963.
Parkland is bounded by Coral Springs to the south, Boca Raton to the north, Coconut Creek to the east, and the Everglades to the west. It is part of the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area.
Despite being surrounded by highly cosmopolitan neighbors, Parkland has managed to preserve its tranquil rustic nature. This fairly young city is a great place to raise a family, catch your breath, and experience the outdoors every day of the year. It has been called an upscale enclave and a quiet little suburb, but for its more than 34,000 residents, it is simply a gorgeous place they call home.
The Parkland you see today may not be too different from how it was when it was first established. Over the years, the city has worked hard to preserve its green, park-like character. So dedicated is Parkland to this goal that it has become known for its strict zoning laws. Stores and traffic lights didn’t make an appearance here until the mid-1990s, when it underwent a period of development and saw its population surge by more than eight times.
Today, Parkland is home to highly diverse residents who give the city a vibrant cultural makeup. Most residents are professionals and office workers, with a good number working in the computer industry. Telecommuters are also part of the local workforce, along with small business owners.
Homes in Parkland are known to have the highest prices among the 40 cities in Broward County. But you’re guaranteed a beautiful property in an attractive neighborhood—one that provides a wonderful quality of life for you and your family.
Commercial development in Parkland has been restricted as part of the city’s cautious approach to growth. However, the city has recently seen the rise of new residential communities with the signature exclusivity and dedication to green living that it has come to be known.
Many homes in Parkland’s beautiful luxury residential areas are new construction and boasts the latest fixtures, furniture, and appointments. However, you’ll also find older properties mostly built in the 1970s, exuding plenty of character and remaining in stellar condition with premium upgrades in place.
Property types
Within Parkland are master-planned communities and gated neighborhoods where residents enjoy topnotch amenities. Properties here are mostly expansive single-family homes, including stunning estates and acreages.
A number of the city’s gated neighborhoods feature expansive equestrian properties with horse farms and stables.
There are also quite a few 55+ communities, equipped with everything you need for an active and comfortable lifestyle after retirement.
While single-family homes dominate the real estate scene, townhome and condo communities have also been rising in the area. These properties also have all the hallmarks of luxury living but provide relatively more affordable options compared to single-family homes. They come with impeccable landscaping, courtyards, and amenities such as swimming pools, tennis courts, and fitness centers, as well as the convenience of low maintenance and 24/7 security.
No matter what type of property you’re looking for, one thing is certain – you can enjoy the tranquility of being surrounded by nature and enjoy the outdoors while still having easy access to culture and nightlife.
Notable neighborhoods in Parkland
The most popular neighborhoods in the area include:
Heron Bay
Heron Bay is a master-planned community built around the prestigious Heron Bay TPC Golf Course. It features a wide array of properties, from single-family homes and estates to townhouses and condos. Its uniqueness lies in its planning, which puts plenty of emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable living.
Meadow Rum
Meadow Run is an elegant gated community that features estate-sized houses built in the early 1990s to the early 2000s. These homes have at least four bedrooms and have living spaces with a minimum of 2,200 square feet.
Fox Ridge
In this gated neighborhood, single-family homes are built on sites that are at least a quarter of an acre. Built with winding waterways, Fox Ridge boasts an exclusive recreational island with tennis courts, picnic areas, a jogging trail, and more.
Pine Tree Estates
Pine Tree Estates offers properties spanning one to three acres, perfect for an equestrian home or a small farm for which the area is zoned. The community has miles of leafy walking and riding trails, perfect for long hours of horseback riding amid the lushness of nature.
Parkland Ranches
Also known as BBB Ranches after the initials of the city’s founder, Parkland Ranches is the birthplace of the city and a premier community built on equestrian tradition. Lots go up to 12 acres, suitable for your very own ranch or farm. Some homes come with agricultural and livestock tax exemptions. Given its size and amenities, the entire community feels like a small town in itself.
This luxury 55+ community has 19 ranch-style home designs to choose from, with fully furnished homes available. It features amazing amenities, including a sprawling clubhouse, a tropical resort style pool, a heated spa, and more.
The Falls at Parkland
Also a 55+ community, The Falls at Parkland is located on the eastern part of the city, giving its residents a resort lifestyle in luxury villas set in an amenity-rich location.
Parkland Golf and Country Club
This luxurious, non-equity golf community features expansive townhomes and intimate single-family homes surrounding a 7,118 yard Greg Norman Signature Golf Course. Each home is equipped with top of the line features, amazing views, and upscale amenities.
There are numerous reasons why Parkland consistently makes it to lists of the best places to live in the country. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or a retiree, Parkland offers everything you need for an enviable way of life.
An abundance of parks
True to its name, the city is filled with gorgeous parks, and they are the main attractions in the area. The top places to visit include:
Covering seven acres, the park includes two playgrounds, a horse corral, and a water play area, making it an ideal place for relaxation and recreation for the entire family.
Located in the heart of the city, this 20-acre park was a once-endangered native land but was restored and opened to the public in 1989. The preserve is home to a wealth of natural resources, which guests can enjoy through a 900-foot pedestrian trail that traverses pine woods, and a 1,500-foot boardwalk that winds through cypress wetlands.
Located on the eastern side of the city, this park features a multi-use loop trail spanning around a quarter of a mile. People who want to know more about the local wildlife and plant life can read about them on the signage along the trail.
The most popular park in the city, this massive 80-acre attraction includes picnic pavilions, five multipurpose fields, a state-of-the-art playground, walking trails, a fishing pier, and a community center. The park’s centerpiece is an amphitheater, where concerts and special events are staged throughout the year.
Active lifestyle
Parkland features 8.5 miles of well-maintained multipurpose trails, manicured bike paths, and sidewalks, giving you plenty of room to safely stroll, ride, and bike to your heart’s content. And with the city enjoying warm weather most of the year, residents engage in outdoor activities regularly.
Parkland has an active equestrian community. Many neighborhoods feature horse farms, and the city boasts miles of riding trails. The Equestrian Center at Temple Park features an open riding space and two equestrian rings that are open to the public. It is home to the Parkland Horseman’s Association, which stages monthly shows, educational clinics, and other equestrian activities.
Safe and family-friendly
In 2015, Parkland was named by WalletHub as the best city for families in Florida—and for good reason. Aside from the recreational opportunities, Parkland has one of the lowest crime rates in the U.S. and is considered one of the top 10 safest cities in Florida.
Great schools
Another thing that makes the city suitable for families is the excellent school system. The public schools are operated by the School Board of Broward County, which became the first fully accredited public school system in Florida in 1962. It is currently the second largest school district in the state, and the sixth largest in the US.
The top rated public schools in Parkland include:
Parkland also has several private educational institutions, including Kol Tikvah, Mary Help Of Christians Catholic School, and Somerset Academy Parkland.
Shopping
The city may have seemed resistant to development in the past, but it has since been embracing positive changes at a careful and thoughtful pace. One such change is the availability of shopping centers, which make living in Parkland convenient.
Instead of multistory shopping malls, the retail destinations here are open air shopping centers, sprawled on acres of landscaped land. They house a wide array of local and international brands, as well as casual and fine dining restaurants, coffee shops, and services.
Among the places to go are:
Bars and restaurants
Parkland is home to over 3,000 businesses, which have significantly enhanced its economy. These include an interesting mix of restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines, from Mexican and Italian to Japanese and Thai. There’s also a slew of coffee shops and dessert places.
Parkland may have a laidback, bucolic vibe but with bars and lounges open well into the night, both in the city and neighboring Boca Raton and Coral Springs, there’s also plenty of partying fun.
Community events
Life in Parkland is also marked by special occasions that bring the community together.
Open Sundays from November to April at 8350 Ranch Road, the farmers’ market features not just produce and food products, but also craft fairs and other events, such as a pet expo, a health and wellness event, and an environmental expo.
Each year, the city stages Eats N Beats, a summer concert series featuring live performances and food trucks
The city celebrates numerous holidays together with special community events. Among the biggest celebrations are the Fourth of July fireworks, Light Up the Park during the holiday season, Shabbat in the Park, Easter egg hunts, and more.
With its promise of tranquil country living, a warm community where you and your family can flourish, and endless opportunities for recreation, Parkland is a wonderful place to set down roots.
Whether you’re looking for luxury homes or condos for sale in Parkland, Florida, I can help. As an experienced agent with extensive knowledge about the Parkland, Florida, real estate market, I can work with you to find the property and neighborhood that best fit your needs.
If you’re selling a home in the city, I can help you get the best profit with my intimate knowledge of the area, widespread network, and dynamic marketing strategies.
And as a Certified Relocation Specialist, I can provide you with a smooth transition to your new home, whether you’re coming to live in Parkland or moving out to a new destination.
If you’re unable to travel to view any properties or are looking to move from another state, I would be happy to accommodate you by showing you properties remotely.
You can contact me at 586.489.7875, or send an email to theresa@somersetandmain.com.