Davie, FL

Summary

Davie, Florida, is a suburban town of 106,412 residents that blends a Western-themed, equestrian heritage with the rapid growth of South Florida. Known for its horse farms, rodeo grounds, and a distinctly family-oriented atmosphere, Davie attracts professionals and parents seeking more space and a slower pace than neighboring Fort Lauderdale or Miami. The town appeals strongly to conservative-leaning individuals who value property rights, a lower crime rate, and a community that has resisted the hyper-urbanization seen elsewhere in Broward County.

Who lives in Davie: population growth, age profile, and cultural character

Davie's population has been stable with modest growth over the past decade, reflecting a built-out suburb that is not experiencing the explosive expansion of farther-out exurbs. The median age of 37.2 is slightly younger than the national average, indicating a mix of established families and younger professionals. The town is notably diverse, with a 41.1% Hispanic population that forms a significant cultural and economic presence, alongside a substantial non-Hispanic white population and smaller Black and Asian communities. The foreign-born share sits at 13.5%, lower than many coastal South Florida cities, suggesting a more settled, second-generation immigrant character. The college-educated rate of 39.1% is above the national average, reflecting a workforce oriented toward professional services, healthcare, and education. The community is known for its Western identity—Davie is the only town in Florida with a designated "Western Area" where horse trails and rural zoning are preserved—which attracts families who want a suburban lifestyle with a distinct, non-cookie-cutter feel. The population trajectory is best described as stable and gradually maturing, with new development focused on infill and redevelopment rather than greenfield expansion.

Economy and cost of living: how far a middle-class income goes in Davie

Davie's economy is anchored by Nova Southeastern University, one of the largest private universities in the state, which employs thousands in education, healthcare, and research. The town also hosts a significant number of healthcare facilities, including the Cleveland Clinic Weston campus just west of town, and a growing logistics and distribution sector tied to its proximity to I-595 and I-75. The median household income of $87,171 is well above the national median, but the cost of living has risen sharply in recent years. The median home value of $433,600 is high by national standards but slightly below the Broward County average, making Davie a relative value for buyers seeking a single-family home with a yard. The median rent of $1,967 is manageable for dual-income households but stretches budgets for single earners. Homeownership is strong at 66.6%, reflecting the town's family-oriented character. Compared to neighboring Fort Lauderdale or Miami, Davie offers significantly more square footage per dollar and lower property taxes relative to home value, though insurance costs in Florida remain a major factor for all homeowners. The economic trajectory is steady but not booming, with job growth tied to healthcare and education rather than speculative development.

Daily life in Davie: schools, safety, and what makes the town work for families

Daily life in Davie revolves around its highly rated public schools, which are part of the Broward County system but include several A-rated elementary and middle schools that draw families. The town's violent crime rate of 166.8 per 100,000 is roughly half the national average, making it one of the safer large suburbs in South Florida. Property crime is more common but still below regional norms. Walkability is limited outside of a few pockets near the town center and Nova Southeastern University; most errands require a car, and the town's rural zoning in the western area means some streets remain unpaved. Amenities include the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, which host the annual Davie Rodeo and other equestrian events, and the Tree Tops Park, a 200-acre nature preserve with hiking and biking trails. The town's parks system is extensive, with over 40 parks and recreational facilities. For families, the appeal is clear: safe streets, good schools, and a community that values tradition over trendiness. The lack of a vibrant nightlife or dense urban core is a feature, not a bug, for the target audience. Commuting to Fort Lauderdale takes about 20 minutes, while Miami is a 40-minute drive without traffic—a trade-off many residents accept for the space and quiet.

Looking ahead, Davie is likely to continue its gradual infill development, with more townhomes and apartments replacing older horse properties near the town's edges. The town's conservative governance and zoning protections for the Western Area mean it will not become another dense urban corridor. Davie is best suited for families and single professionals who prioritize space, safety, and a distinct community identity over urban amenities. It is a poor fit for those seeking walkable nightlife, rapid career growth in tech or finance, or a transient, rental-heavy environment. What distinguishes Davie most is its successful preservation of a rural-suburban hybrid in one of the most developed regions of Florida—a rarity that gives it lasting appeal for conservative-minded relocators.

What It's Like Living in Davie, FL

Davie, Florida, feels like the last slice of old-school, small-town Florida that somehow got surrounded by the sprawl of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. You’ll see more horse trailers than Lamborghinis here, and the town’s identity is still rooted in its rural zoning and equestrian culture, even as new developments creep in. It’s a place where people wave at neighbors, high school football is a big deal, and you can actually own a few acres without being a millionaire — though that’s getting harder.

The Daily Rhythm: Horses, Highways, and Hometown Habits

Daily life in Davie revolves around a slower pace than what you’ll find a few miles east. Mornings often start with a stop at Jaxson’s Ice Cream Parlor (a local landmark since 1956) or a coffee at The Coffee District in the historic downtown area. The town’s layout is a patchwork of residential neighborhoods, horse trails, and small shopping plazas — there’s no single “downtown” skyscraper district. People spend weekends at Tree Tops Park (a 250-acre former dairy farm turned nature preserve) or riding bikes along the Davie Road greenway. The median age here is 37.2, which tracks with a population that’s heavily families and early-career professionals who want yard space without a two-hour commute. The average commute is about 28 minutes, which is reasonable for South Florida — you’re trading a shorter drive for a bigger lot.

What frustrates longtime residents is the traffic on University Drive and I-595 during rush hour. The town’s layout (lots of stoplights, few direct routes) means a 10-mile trip can take 45 minutes. The weather is classic South Florida: hot and humid from May through October, with afternoon thunderstorms that are almost clockwork. Winters are mild and gorgeous — that’s when everyone actually goes outside. The median household income is $87,171, which is solid but not lavish, and the cost of living index is 163 — meaning you’ll pay about 63% more for everyday stuff than the national average. That’s the trade-off: you get space and a slower pace, but groceries, utilities, and insurance are all higher.

Sports, Schools, and the Town’s Identity

High school sports are the heartbeat of Davie. St. Thomas Aquinas High School (technically in Fort Lauderdale but draws heavily from Davie) is a national powerhouse in football, and Friday night games at their stadium are a genuine community event. Western High School and Nova High School also have strong followings. For college sports, the Nova Southeastern University Sharks (located right in Davie) have a growing basketball and baseball program, but the real draw is the Miami Dolphins’ training camp — the team practices at the Baptist Health Training Complex in Davie every summer, and fans line up to watch. The town’s equestrian identity shows up in events like the Davie Rodeo (held at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds) and the Orange Blossom Festival, which has been running since the 1930s. It’s a quirky mix: you’ll see a cowboy hat next to a Dolphins jersey, and nobody thinks twice.

Schools play a major role in community life. Broward County Public Schools are the district, and Davie has several highly-rated elementary schools (like Silver Ridge Elementary and Fox Trail Elementary). About 39.1% of adults hold a college degree, which is above the national average but below what you’d see in Coral Gables or Boca Raton. The kind of person who fits in here is someone who wants a suburban, family-oriented lifestyle but doesn’t want to feel like they’re living in a gated community. It’s more blue-collar and down-to-earth than neighboring Weston or Parkland. You’ll see pickup trucks with horse trailers, and you’ll also see Teslas — it’s a mix.

What’s There to Do (and What’s Missing)

Entertainment in Davie is more about outdoor activities and local hangouts than nightlife. Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that’s popular for weekend outings. Young at Art Museum is a solid draw for families with younger kids. For dining, Le Tub Saloon (technically in Hollywood but a Davie favorite) is famous for its burgers, and Gilbert’s 17th Street Grill is a local sports bar staple. The Davie Farmers Market runs on Saturdays and has a loyal following. For music and festivals, the Davie Pro Rodeo is a big annual event, and the Broward County Fair is held at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. What’s missing is a true downtown nightlife scene — if you want bars open past midnight, you’re driving to Fort Lauderdale or Hollywood. The violent crime rate is 166.8 per 100,000, which is below the national average and feels safe for most families, though property crime (especially package theft and car break-ins) is a common complaint on neighborhood apps.

Pros and Cons of Living in Davie

Pro: Space and privacy. You can own a house on an acre lot with a horse barn, which is almost impossible elsewhere in Broward County. The median home value is $433,600 — high, but lower than coastal cities like Fort Lauderdale or Miami Beach.
Pro: Strong community identity. People know their neighbors. The rodeo, the high school games, the farmers market — these aren’t tourist attractions, they’re genuine community gatherings.
Pro: Central location. You’re 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale beaches, 30 minutes from the Everglades, and about 45 minutes from downtown Miami. It’s a good base for exploring South Florida.
Con: Traffic and infrastructure. The roads weren’t built for the current population. University Drive and I-595 are congested, and there’s no direct train access (the nearest Tri-Rail station is in Fort Lauderdale).
Con: Cost of living pressure. The cost of living index of 163 means you’re paying a premium for that space. Property taxes, insurance, and utilities are all high, and wages don’t always keep up.
Con: Limited nightlife and dining variety. If you want a diverse restaurant scene or a lively bar district, you’re driving elsewhere. Davie is quiet after 9 PM.

The cultural quirk that defines Davie is the equestrian overlay zoning — you’re legally allowed to keep horses on residential lots in many neighborhoods, and you’ll see people riding along the side of the road. It’s not a wealthy enclave like Wellington; it’s more practical, working-class horse culture. The town’s motto is “The Horse Capital of the South,” and they mean it. If that sounds charming rather than odd, Davie might be your place. If you want walkable streets and a vibrant downtown, it’s not.