Nova Southeastern University in Davie FL: How NSU Shapes the Community, Economy, and Housing Market

Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is one of the largest private universities in the United States, and its main campus straddles the border of Davie and Fort Lauderdale in Broward County. For anyone considering a move to Davie, understanding NSU's role in the community is essential. The university is not just an educational institution. It is an economic engine, a major employer, a driver of housing demand, and a defining feature of life in this part of South Florida.

NSU's Massive Economic Footprint

NSU's impact on the local economy is difficult to overstate. According to a 2025 report from Florida TaxWatch, the university generates nearly $6.8 billion in economic activity across Florida. Within the tri-county area of Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach, NSU's operations and alumni spending support more than 35,000 jobs and contribute an estimated $293 million to $305 million in state and local tax revenue annually.

For Davie specifically, this means that NSU is one of the town's most significant economic anchors. The university employs thousands of faculty, staff, administrators, and healthcare professionals across its 14 colleges, which offer more than 150 degree programs. NSU has been named one of Forbes' Top 25 Employers in Florida, a reflection of its role as a stable and growing force in the region's economy.

Enrollment and Housing Demand

As of 2024, NSU's total enrollment exceeded 20,900 students, with more than 75 percent attending full-time. While the university has invested in on-campus housing, the supply of dormitory and on-campus apartments remains limited relative to demand. This means a significant portion of NSU's students, as well as many faculty and staff members, live off-campus in the surrounding Davie neighborhoods.

This creates steady, year-round demand for rentals and for-sale homes within a reasonable distance of campus. Areas near University Drive, Griffin Road, and the neighborhoods surrounding the NSU main campus are particularly popular. For homeowners and real estate investors, this consistent demand helps support property values and rental occupancy rates even during slower market periods.

Beyond Students: NSU as a Community Anchor

NSU's influence extends far beyond the student population. The university is one of Florida's largest educators of physicians and healthcare professionals, with a medical school, dental school, pharmacy school, and multiple health sciences programs. The NSU health clinic and affiliated medical facilities serve not only students but also residents of Davie and the broader Broward community.

The university also brings cultural and athletic events to the area. The NSU Arena at the Don Taft University Center hosts concerts, performances, and sporting events that draw visitors from across the region. The Alvin Sherman Library, one of Florida's largest public research libraries, is open to the community and serves as a resource for Davie residents of all ages.

NSU and the Davie Real Estate Market

For homebuyers and sellers in Davie, NSU's presence has several practical implications:

• Rental demand stays strong. With thousands of students and staff seeking off-campus housing each year, neighborhoods near NSU typically see consistent rental activity. This is an important factor for investors and for homeowners who may want to rent out a property in the future.
• Home values benefit from institutional stability. Having a major university nearby adds a layer of stability to local home values. Unlike areas that depend heavily on a single industry or employer, Davie benefits from the steady economic activity generated by a large educational institution.
• Neighborhood character varies by proximity. Homes immediately adjacent to campus tend to attract more student renters, while properties a short drive away in Davie's established single-family neighborhoods offer a quieter suburban feel while still being close to university amenities.
• The Nova schools cluster is a major draw. NSU is affiliated with the Nova Educational Research and Development Center, which includes Nova Eisenhower Elementary, Nova Blanche Forman Elementary, Nova Middle School, and Nova High School. These are some of the most sought-after public schools in Broward County, and families often seek homes in the Nova feeder zone specifically because of the strong educational pathway from elementary through high school.

Best Davie Neighborhoods Near NSU

If proximity to NSU is a priority, here are a few areas worth exploring:

Homes west of University Drive offer a mix of established single-family homes and newer developments, with easy access to campus and the surrounding retail and dining corridor. The areas near Stirling Road and Davie Road include a range of properties from smaller starter homes to larger family residences, all within a short commute of NSU. Neighborhoods south of Griffin Road tend to be more residential and family-oriented while still offering convenient access to the university and the Nova schools cluster.

Living in a College Town Without the Crowds

One of the best things about Davie's relationship with NSU is that the town offers many of the benefits of a college community without feeling like a traditional college town. The university is large enough to bring cultural events, dining options, and economic activity to the area, but Davie itself remains a family-oriented suburban community with its own unique western character and equestrian lifestyle. You get the best of both worlds: access to university resources and a peaceful place to call home.

As a Davie-based Realtor with 24 years in the South Florida market, I know the neighborhoods around NSU well. From rental properties for investors to family homes in the Nova school zone, I can help you find the right property for your needs.