Most South Florida towns are defined by beaches, high-rises, and oceanfront living. Davie is different. Step into its downtown and you will find wooden boardwalks, western-style storefronts, hitching posts, and residents riding horses down the street. Davie, Florida is a town that proudly preserves its Old West heritage in the middle of Broward County, and it is this unmistakable character that sets it apart from every other community in the region. For homebuyers, understanding this heritage is the key to understanding what makes Davie special.
From Swampland to Settler Town: Davie's Early History
Davie was originally called "Zona" when it was first settled in the early 1900s. The earliest pioneers came from two distinct groups: workers who had helped build the Panama Canal and relocated to Florida, and farmers and ranchers from the Western United States who brought their cattle-driving traditions with them. These settlers found a landscape of dense Everglades swampland, alligators, and thick brush, and they set to work draining thousands of acres to create farmland.
In 1916, the town was renamed after developer Robert Parsell Davie, who played a central role in draining and transforming the area into viable agricultural and residential land. What emerged was not another beach town but a ranching and farming community with a distinctly western character. For decades, Davie was known for its cattle ranches, horse farms, and citrus groves, earning a reputation as the "western" corner of Broward County.
The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds: A Living Piece of History
No place captures Davie's western soul quite like the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. Founded in the early 1940s, it is considered the oldest rodeo in Florida and remains an active stop on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) circuit. The grounds host regular rodeo events, barrel racing, bull riding, and equestrian competitions that draw participants and spectators from across the state.
The rodeo grounds almost did not survive. In 1978, the town of Davie planned to demolish the arena to build athletic fields. In what has become local legend, about 200 residents mounted their horses and rode to a town council meeting to protest the decision. The protest worked. The rodeo grounds were saved, and the town's commitment to preserving its western heritage was cemented. Today, the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds stands as a symbol of Davie's identity and a gathering place for the equestrian community.
The Western Theme Overlay District
In 1980, Davie took its heritage preservation a step further by adopting a Western Theme Overlay District. This zoning ordinance requires all commercial buildings in the downtown area to follow western-style architecture and design standards. Think wooden facades, false-front storefronts, boardwalks, hitching posts, and signage that fits the Old West aesthetic. The result is a town center that feels more like a movie set than a typical South Florida commercial strip, and it is entirely intentional.
The overlay district covers about 350 acres and applies to everything from restaurants and shops to office buildings. New developments in the district must meet the western design guidelines, ensuring that Davie's unique character continues to define its downtown for generations to come. For residents, this creates a charming and walkable downtown experience that you simply cannot find anywhere else in Broward County.
Equestrian Living: A Way of Life in Davie
Today, roughly 10 percent of Davie's 22,000 acres is dedicated to equestrian communities. The town maintains an extensive network of horse trails that connect neighborhoods, parks, and open spaces. It is not unusual to see residents riding horses along designated routes or even down certain streets. Many homes are built with horse barns, paddocks, and riding arenas right on the property.
For horse owners, Davie offers something increasingly rare in South Florida: the ability to live on acreage with your animals while still being minutes from shopping, dining, schools, and major highways. Equestrian zoning in certain areas allows for multiple horses per acre, and the town actively supports horse-related activities through its parks and recreation programs. The equestrian community is tight-knit, with regular events, trail rides, and social gatherings centered around the town's western lifestyle.
What This Means for Homebuyers
If you are considering buying a home in Davie, the town's western heritage has real implications for your search. Here is what to keep in mind:
- Equestrian properties: Homes with acreage, barns, and horse facilities are concentrated in certain zones. If horse ownership is your priority, focus on neighborhoods with equestrian zoning and direct trail access.
- Downtown charm: The Western Theme Overlay District makes Davie's downtown a unique destination. Homes within walking or biking distance of downtown are in steady demand.
- Community events: From rodeos and parades to equestrian shows and western festivals, Davie's calendar is shaped by its heritage. Buyers who value community character and tradition will find plenty to love.
- Property values: Homes in Davie's equestrian areas tend to hold their value well because the supply of horse-friendly properties is limited and demand remains consistent among buyers looking for that specific lifestyle.
Living the Western Lifestyle in South Florida
What makes Davie special is not just that it has a history. It is that the town actively lives that history every day. Residents ride horses to the coffee shop. Families gather at the rodeo grounds on weekends. The downtown still looks like a western frontier town. In a region where so many communities blend together, Davie stands out with a character that is authentic, protected, and deeply valued by the people who call it home.
As a Davie-based Realtor with 24 years of local experience, I have helped many buyers find the right equestrian property or western-heritage home. Whether you are looking for acreage for your horses or a home near Davie's charming downtown, the key is understanding the neighborhoods, zoning, and trail networks that make this lifestyle possible.
Thinking About Moving to Davie?
Michael Peron is a Davie-based Realtor who knows the town's unique neighborhoods, equestrian properties, and western heritage inside and out. Whether you are looking for a horse property or a home near downtown, he can help you find the right fit.
Talk to Michael