Is Davie FL a Good Place to Live? Pros, Cons, and What to Expect

If you are considering a move to Davie, Florida, you have probably come across a mix of glowing reviews and honest warnings. That is because Davie is not a one-size-fits-all community — it is a genuinely unique town with a distinct personality, and whether it is the right fit depends on what you value most. As a Davie-based Realtor with over 24 years of experience in Broward County, I have helped hundreds of families decide whether Davie is the right call for them. Here is an honest, unfiltered look at what living in Davie is actually like.

What Makes Davie Different from Other Broward County Cities

Most Broward County cities follow a familiar pattern — dense suburban neighborhoods, strip malls, and coastal high-rises. Davie breaks that mold entirely. The town was designed to preserve a semi-rural, equestrian-friendly atmosphere, and decades later, that identity still holds. Davie has larger lots — many on half an acre to multiple acres — more open space, and over 187 miles of interconnected trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. There is a real sense of space here that you will not find in Plantation, Coral Springs, or Fort Lauderdale.

The town of Davie has a population of approximately 112,000 residents (2024 Census estimate), making it one of the larger municipalities in Broward County by both area and population. But despite its size, it manages to feel more like a collection of distinct neighborhoods than a single sprawling city. You can live on a quiet acreage property with horses in one part of Davie, and minutes later be in a gated community near Nova Southeastern University or a family subdivision near Pine Island Road.

The Pros of Living in Davie FL

1. Space and Outdoor Lifestyle

This is Davie's signature advantage. The town maintains over 187 miles of designated trails, multiple nature preserves, and some of the best parks in Broward County — including Tree Tops Park, Vista View Park, Markham Park, and the 450-acre Chapel Trail Nature Preserve. For people who want an active outdoor lifestyle without leaving their city, Davie is hard to beat. The equestrian culture adds another layer — even if you do not own a horse, the open landscapes, western-themed downtown, and annual rodeo events give Davie a character that no other South Florida town can replicate.

2. Strong School Options

Davie is home to several highly rated schools, including McFatter Technical High School (rated 10/10 on GreatSchools), Nova High School, and a range of well-regarded charter and private options. Nova Southeastern University, a major research institution, is located within town limits. While Broward County school performance varies by zone, Davie families generally have access to strong educational options from elementary through university level. This is one of the top reasons families choose Davie over neighboring cities.

3. Lower Violent Crime Than the National Average

Davie's violent crime rate sits below the national average — approximately 2.7 incidents per 1,000 residents compared to the national average of roughly 4.0. For families prioritizing safety, this is a meaningful data point. Like any community of this size, property crime varies by neighborhood, and certain areas of western Davie tend to see lower rates overall. When helping buyers evaluate neighborhoods, I always recommend looking at block-by-block data rather than just city-level averages.

4. No State Income Tax

Florida has no state income tax, which is a financial advantage for working professionals, remote workers, and retirees relocating from high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, California, or Illinois. When you combine that with Davie's proximity to job centers in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, the overall financial picture can be significantly better than comparable communities in the Northeast or West Coast.

5. Community Events and Identity

Davie hosts the annual Orange Blossom Festival, holiday parades, farmer's markets, and equestrian events at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds throughout the year. These events give the town a genuine sense of community — something that can be harder to find in larger, more transient South Florida cities. Residents tend to know their neighbors, and local businesses have a loyal following that reflects the town's close-knit character.

The Cons of Living in Davie FL

1. Higher Cost of Living

Davie's cost of living runs approximately 15% above the national average, driven primarily by housing costs. Median home values in the area have risen significantly over the past five years, and the typical home price range in many neighborhoods now falls between $400,000 and over $1 million. For buyers coming from lower-cost markets, this can be a surprise. However, the cost reflects the space, land, and lifestyle that Davie offers — and compared to luxury markets in Fort Lauderdale's coastal areas or Boca Raton, Davie often provides more value per square foot.

2. Car-Dependent Lifestyle

Davie is not a walkable city in the traditional sense. Public transportation is limited, and most errands, commutes, and daily activities require a car. If you are moving from a dense urban area with robust transit, this will feel like a step backward. That said, the trail system makes biking and walking viable for recreation and short trips within neighborhoods — it is just not how most people get to work or the grocery store.

3. Limited Nightlife

Davie is primarily a residential, family-oriented community. If you are looking for vibrant nightlife, bar-hopping scenes, or a walkable downtown entertainment district, you will find that in Fort Lauderdale, Wynwood, or Delray Beach — not Davie. The town has solid restaurants and local gathering spots, but it is not designed for the late-night social scene.

4. Property Crime Varies by Neighborhood

While violent crime in Davie is below the national average, property crime runs slightly higher — approximately 12% above the national average. This is consistent with many suburban Broward County communities and is largely driven by vehicle break-ins and package theft. Crime rates vary significantly by neighborhood. Gated communities and properties in western Davie tend to see lower rates. When evaluating a home purchase, I recommend checking the specific block and neighborhood data rather than relying on town-wide statistics alone.

5. Summer Heat and Humidity

Davie averages 243 sunny days per year, and the winters are genuinely beautiful. But the summers are long, hot, and humid — with daytime highs regularly hitting 87°F to 90°F and overnight lows rarely dipping below 79°F. If you are not used to sustained subtropical heat, the summer months can be a significant adjustment. A reliable air conditioning system is not a luxury in Davie — it is a requirement.

Who Is Davie Best For?

Based on my experience working with buyers and sellers in Davie over the past two decades, the town tends to be the best fit for:

• • Families with children who prioritize schools, space, and outdoor activities
• • Equestrian enthusiasts and people who value rural character and open land
• • Remote workers and professionals who want space and privacy but need access to Fort Lauderdale and Miami job markets
• • Retirees and downsizers looking for a quieter community with good weather and low taxes
• • Relocators from high-tax states who want to stretch their budget while maintaining a high quality of life

Davie may be less ideal for people who prioritize walkability, public transit, or a vibrant nightlife scene. It is also a tough fit for buyers who need to be directly on the coast — Davie is inland, about 25 miles from the nearest beach.

How Davie Compares to Neighboring Cities

When buyers are choosing between Davie and other Broward County cities, the differences usually come down to lifestyle priorities:

• • Davie vs. Plantation: Plantation offers a more traditional suburban feel with slightly better walkability. Davie provides more land, space, and equestrian options.
• • Davie vs. Cooper City: Cooper City is smaller, more compact, and family-friendly with fewer acreage properties. Davie offers more diverse housing options.
• • Davie vs. Weston: Weston is a master-planned community with higher price points and a more polished, resort-style feel. Davie has more character and variety.
• • Davie vs. Fort Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale offers coastal living and nightlife. Davie offers space, privacy, and a quieter pace.

The Bottom Line: Is Davie Right for You?

Davie is a town that rewards people who value space, nature, education, and community over walkability and nightlife. It offers a lifestyle that is genuinely difficult to find elsewhere in Broward County — one rooted in open land, outdoor living, and a slower pace that still keeps you within 30 minutes of everything South Florida has to offer. The trade-offs are real — higher costs, car dependency, and limited nightlife — but for the right family or individual, those trade-offs are worth it.

If you are thinking about moving to Davie and want to understand which neighborhoods, price points, and lifestyle options make the most sense for your situation, I am always happy to talk. After 24 years of working in this market, there are very few questions I have not heard — and I believe the best real estate decisions start with honest information, not pressure.