Living in Davie, FL: A Complete Neighborhood Guide for New Residents

When most people think of South Florida, they picture beaches, art deco architecture, and urban sophistication. But nestled in the heart of Broward County lies a community that defies these expectations. Welcome to Davie, Florida where cowboy boots meet flip-flops, and Western heritage thrives just minutes from the Atlantic Ocean.

A Town Unlike Any Other in South Florida

Davie has created a unique identity centered on rodeos, horseback trails, and genuine Western heritage, making it one of the most distinctive communities in the region. With a population of approximately 110,000 residents spread across 35 square miles, Davie offers the perfect balance between suburban convenience and rural charm.

What makes Davie truly special is its refusal to become just another anonymous South Florida suburb. While neighboring communities surrendered their identities to rapid development, Davie made a conscious choice to preserve something authentic and memorable.

The Western Theme: More Than Just Aesthetics

In 1962, the town embraced its western identity with development regulations requiring buildings in the downtown district to incorporate western architectural elements. This wasn't merely cosmetic it reflected a genuine commitment to maintaining the town's equestrian roots and rural character.

Today, when you drive through downtown Davie along Davie Road between SW 39th Street and Griffin Road, you'll notice something remarkable: every building looks like it belongs in an Old West movie. Rustic facades, wooden storefronts, and Western-style signage create an atmosphere that transports you far from typical South Florida suburbia.

The police department even embraces the theme with a Mounted Unit that patrols on trained horses, blending law enforcement with cowboy tradition in a way that's both functional and symbolic of the town's values.

From Everglades Swampland to Thriving Community

Understanding Davie's history helps explain why it feels so different from neighboring towns.

The Early Days

At the turn of the 20th century, when Florida reclaimed 156 square miles of swampland, businessman Robert Parsell Davie purchased land and helped develop the area. The first settlers called this frontier community "Zona," recognizing their former home in the Panama Canal Zone. By 1916, the settlement was renamed Davie in honor of R.P. Davie's contributions to draining the Everglades swamplands.

Canal dredging began in South Florida in 1906, and the North and South New River Canal opened the edge of the frontier to new settlement. These canals weren't just for transportation they controlled flooding, nourished the land, and provided vital links to markets in the east.

Agricultural Heritage

For decades, Davie's economy centered on agriculture and cattle farming. The rich black muck soil reclaimed from the Everglades proved ideal for growing crops, particularly citrus. Families who staked their fortunes on this land made education a priority, establishing schools wherever they could find space.

In 1918, the Davie School opened its doors the first permanent school building in the reclaimed lands of the Everglades, designed by prominent architect August Geiger. Today, the Old Davie School serves as a museum and event venue, offering visitors a glimpse into South Florida's agricultural past.

Thoughtful Development

Unlike many South Florida communities that disappeared beneath suburban sprawl, Davie took a different approach. Town leaders in the 1960s established zoning ordinances that maintained larger lot sizes and accommodated equestrian uses in many neighborhoods. This foresight created the spacious, green community residents enjoy today.

The Waterford Neighborhood: Western Davie Living

Located in the Ivanhoe area of western Davie, Waterford exemplifies the successful integration of the town's heritage with modern suburban amenities. This community of 314 single-family homes offers residents a peaceful, family-friendly environment with thoughtful amenities.

Waterford Amenities

Residents enjoy a refreshing pool for relaxation and a tranquil picnic area for leisurely gatherings. The neighborhood features tree-lined streets, abundant green spaces, and a strong sense of community identity.

Just down the road, Waterford Park offers 5 acres with two shelters, basketball courts, a volleyball area, softball backstop, three tennis courts, a roller hockey rink, eight racquetball courts, and playground equipment. The town recently invested in reconstruction to add six new pickleball courts, reflecting its commitment to maintaining quality recreational facilities.

Nearby Attractions

The acquisition and development of Vista View Park in 2003 transformed a former landfill into one of South Florida's most distinctive recreational spaces. This unique park sits atop Broward County's highest man-made elevation at about 65 feet, offering panoramic views of city skylines a rare experience in Florida's flat landscape.

The Ivanhoe Park Trail loops through neighborhoods including Waterford, Falcons Lea, Hawks Bluff, and other Ivanhoe subdivisions, providing safe routes for walking, jogging, and cycling. For equestrian enthusiasts, Davie's extensive network of horse trails connects neighborhoods, parks, and schools, making horseback riding part of everyday life rather than a special occasion.

Education: Quality Schools for Growing Families

Davie takes education seriously, offering families access to quality public and private schools. The Broward County Public Schools system serves Davie, with several highly-rated institutions drawing families to the area.

The area offers 67 school options, with top performers reaching 92% math proficiency and 95% reading proficiency. Notable schools include Nova Dwight D. Eisenhower Elementary School, Nova Middle School, and Western High School, all serving families in the Waterford area.

Beyond K-12 education, Davie hosts the South Florida Education Center, a consortium of institutions including Nova Southeastern University, Florida Atlantic University, Broward College, and McFatter Technical College. This concentration of higher education creates a vibrant academic atmosphere and provides excellent opportunities for continuing education and career development.

Shopping and Dining: Convenience Meets Variety

Tower Shops

Located at the busy intersection of University Drive and Stirling Road, Tower Shops features a dynamic mix of retailers including Home Depot, Marshalls, Best Buy, DSW, Old Navy, TJ Maxx, Ulta, Office Depot, and Michaels. This shopping center handles traffic from approximately 85,000 vehicles daily and serves as a convenient one-stop destination for household needs.

University Drive itself offers numerous dining options, from American cuisine to Italian restaurants, along with popular fast-food franchises for quick meals.

Sawgrass Mills

Just a short drive from Waterford, Sawgrass Mills sprawls across more than 2.4 million square feet with over 355 stores, including more than 70 luxury outlets and 16 restaurants. As Florida's largest outlet and value retail shopping destination, it attracts shoppers from throughout South Florida and beyond. The mall features sections including Fashion Avenue, The Oasis at Sawgrass Mills (an open-air area), and The Colonnade Outlets for upscale shopping.

Pembroke Gardens

The Shops at Pembroke Gardens offers a more upscale shopping experience with a beautiful outdoor layout, making it a pleasant destination for afternoon browsing and dining.

Parks and Recreation: Connecting with Nature

Flamingo Gardens

Flamingo Gardens showcases 60 acres of lush gardens with rare, exotic, and native plants, an Everglades Wildlife Sanctuary with exhibits of birds and animals, and the historic 1930s Wray Home. Visitors can explore Florida history while enjoying the beautiful Flamingo Cafe.

Tree Tops Park

This expansive park features restored freshwater marsh, nature trails, and diverse wildlife. A 28-foot observation tower provides panoramic views of oak hammocks and wetlands, perfect for bird watching and photography. The park also includes an equestrian trail and the unique Safety Town, a miniature town where children learn hands-on safety lessons.

Long Key Natural Area & Nature Center

Opened in 2008, this park offers nature trails, public art installations, picnic areas, and educational programs about archaeology, Native American history, and local ecology. It's an excellent destination for families seeking outdoor education combined with recreation.

Robbins Lodge Preserve

This 160-acre preserve gives visitors a glimpse of "Old Florida" with scenic trails and a herd of Longhorn cattle grazing in pastures a reminder of Florida's cattle country heritage. The preserve provides some of the most beautiful horseback riding trails in South Florida.

The Rodeo: Davie's Crown Jewel

For more than four decades, the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds has served as Davie's main tourist attraction and the heart of its Western identity. The Weekley Brothers Davie Pro Rodeo earned the title of Best Rodeo in North America in USA Today's 2020 Readers' Choice Awards.

The annual rodeo features top-tier riders, thrilling bull-riding, barrel racing, and all the excitement that makes professional rodeo unforgettable. Families pack the stands, children wear cowboy hats, and the energy feels electric. It's more than entertainment it's proof that Davie's cowboy reputation is backed by world-class events.

The Orange Blossom Festival, held annually, celebrates the town's agricultural roots with rodeo competitions, live music, and a vibrant carnival atmosphere.

Location and Accessibility

Davie's central Broward County location provides convenient access to everything South Florida offers. The town sits approximately:

• 5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean

• 5 miles from the Everglades Conservation Area

• 16 miles from Miami

• 16 miles from Boca Raton

• 25 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport

Major highways including I-75, I-595, and the Florida Turnpike provide easy access for commuters. Residents enjoy a quiet suburban lifestyle while remaining connected to urban centers, beaches, and major employment hubs.

Climate: Warm Year-Round

Davie features a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and warm, pleasant winters. This climate supports lush landscaping year-round and allows for outdoor activities in every season. Summer thunderstorms are common but typically brief, and the area enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year.

Hurricane preparedness is important, as with all South Florida communities. Most newer homes include impact windows and shutters for storm protection.

Community Character: What Makes Davie Special

Equestrian Lifestyle

What truly sets Davie apart is the ability to maintain horses and ride throughout the community. Many properties feature stables and paddocks, and it's not uncommon to see riders on horseback navigating designated trails alongside regular traffic. This equestrian-friendly infrastructure creates a unique lifestyle found nowhere else in metropolitan South Florida.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

With excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, abundant parks, and community events, Davie attracts families seeking quality of life. The town maintains a suburban feel while offering urban conveniences, making it ideal for those raising children.

Cultural Diversity

While maintaining its Western theme, Davie embraces cultural diversity. The presence of multiple universities brings students from around the world, creating a cosmopolitan atmosphere that enriches the community.

Small-Town Feel, Big-City Access

Residents appreciate the community connections and slower pace that define small-town life, yet they're never far from big-city amenities. Whether you need world-class medical care, international dining, or cultural events, everything is within a short drive.

Living in Waterford and Western Davie Today

For new residents considering Waterford and western Davie, the community offers compelling advantages:

Space and Privacy: Larger lots and generous landscaping provide breathing room increasingly rare in South Florida.

Community Stability: Communities like Waterford, with their strong amenities, quality schools, and strategic location, maintained value better than many other South Florida areas during the 2008 housing crisis.

Active Lifestyle: Between the parks, trails, recreational facilities, and proximity to beaches, residents have endless options for staying active and healthy.

Quality of Life: The combination of excellent schools, low crime rates, community events, and natural beauty creates an environment where families thrive.

Investment Value: The town's commitment to preserving character while accommodating growth has created stable property values and strong demand.

Practical Considerations for New Residents

Home Maintenance

South Florida's climate requires attention to home maintenance. Air conditioning systems work hard year-round, requiring regular servicing to maintain efficiency. Hurricane season (June through November) necessitates preparation, including having shutters ready and emergency supplies on hand. Many local HVAC companies serve Davie, providing essential maintenance and repair services to keep homes comfortable in the tropical heat.

Community Involvement

Davie offers numerous opportunities for community involvement, from volunteering at parks and schools to participating in town events. The Davie Historical Society maintains the Old Davie School Museum and organizes educational programs. Neighborhood associations in areas like Waterford foster connections among residents.

Getting Around

While Davie offers excellent highway access, a car is essential for daily life. The town's spread-out nature and Florida's limited public transportation make personal vehicles necessary for work, shopping, and recreation.

Looking Forward

Davie continues evolving while staying true to its roots. Recent development has focused on maintaining the Western theme downtown while accommodating modern needs. Plans for a western-themed village with shops, entertainment, and a boutique hotel reflect the town's vision of honoring cowboy heritage while providing contemporary amenities.

The town's extensive trail system continues expanding, with over 165 miles of trails connecting neighborhoods and parks. This infrastructure supports the growing interest in outdoor recreation and sustainable transportation.

Conclusion: A Place Where Heritage Meets Modern Living

For residents of Waterford and other western Davie neighborhoods, history isn't merely academic it's visible in the community's design, amenities, and culture. The larger lots, abundant green spaces, and Western architectural influences all tell the story of a place that values its past while embracing the future.

Moving to Davie means joining a community that's consciously different. It's a place where you might see someone riding a horse to the local park, where rodeo is a serious sport, and where small-town values persist despite proximity to major metropolitan areas.

For families seeking quality schools, outdoor enthusiasts craving access to nature, and anyone tired of cookie-cutter suburban development, Davie offers something increasingly rare: authenticity. It's a community that knows who it is, celebrates its heritage, and welcomes newcomers who appreciate what makes it special.

Whether you're drawn by the excellent schools, the unique Western atmosphere, the abundant recreational opportunities, or simply the chance to live somewhere with genuine character, Davie delivers on its promise. It's not just a place to live it's a lifestyle choice that embraces the best of South Florida while maintaining the charm of a community that remembers where it came from.

Welcome to Davie, where the Wild West meets the Sunshine State, and where your new Florida story begins.