Relocating to Davie FL: Your Complete Moving Guide for 2026

Every year, thousands of people relocate to South Florida for the weather, the lifestyle, and the lack of a state income tax. But not every Broward County community offers the same experience. Davie stands apart — it's a town that blends suburban convenience with equestrian heritage, larger lots, and a community-oriented atmosphere that feels distinctly different from the rest of South Florida. If you're considering relocating to Davie, here's a complete guide to what you need to know before you make the move.

What Makes Davie Different

Davie is one of the largest towns in Florida by land area — over 35 square miles — and it's one of the few South Florida communities that has intentionally preserved a semi-rural, equestrian-friendly character. Many properties sit on lots of one acre or more. You'll find horse trails, agricultural zoning, and a more spread-out, private feel than you'd expect in Broward County.

At the same time, Davie offers easy access to the major highways, shopping centers, restaurants, and urban amenities of Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, and Weston. It's a town that gives you space without isolating you from the conveniences of modern South Florida life.

For relocating buyers — particularly those coming from dense urban areas in the Northeast, Midwest, or West Coast — Davie's combination of space, nature, and community is often the deciding factor. It feels like a different kind of South Florida.

Schools and Education

One of the first things families ask about when relocating is schools, and Davie has strong options. The town is served by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), the sixth-largest school district in the United States with over 256,000 students. Within Davie specifically, there are several top-rated public schools:

• Fox Trail Elementary School — rated 8/10 on GreatSchools
• McFatter Technical High School — rated 10/10 and ranked among the top high schools in Florida
• Somerset Academy Davie — a highly ranked charter school option

Important note: School zoning in Broward County is address-specific. Two homes on different streets can be zoned for entirely different schools. Before purchasing a home, verify the exact school zoning with BCPS to make sure the assignment matches your needs. This is one of the most common mistakes relocating buyers make — and it's entirely avoidable with the right guidance.

Private school options in the area include American Heritage School, one of the top K-12 private institutions in Broward County. Nova Southeastern University, located in Davie, also adds a higher-education presence to the community.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in Davie runs approximately 16% above the national average, with housing being the primary driver. As of early 2026, the median home price in Davie is approximately $510,000 to $540,000, though this varies widely depending on the neighborhood, lot size, and property type. Entry-level single-family homes start around $400,000, while equestrian estates and luxury properties can exceed $1.5 million.

One of the most significant financial advantages of relocating to Florida is the absence of a state income tax. For families coming from high-tax states like New York, New Jersey, or California, this can represent thousands of dollars in annual savings — enough to meaningfully offset the higher housing and utility costs in Davie.

Other cost considerations include property taxes (approximately 1.29% of assessed value in Broward County), homeowner's insurance (higher in South Florida than most of the country), and utilities (electricity costs run above average due to the year-round cooling season). Budgeting for these expenses before you move helps avoid surprises.

Neighborhoods: East Davie vs. West Davie

One of the most important decisions when relocating to Davie is choosing between east Davie and west Davie. The two sides of town offer very different experiences:

• East Davie is closer to Nova Southeastern University, University Drive, and the commercial corridors. It's more suburban, more walkable (relative to the rest of Davie), and offers a wider range of housing options at various price points. This is where you'll find gated communities, newer construction, and more standard residential neighborhoods.
• West Davie is where the equestrian and rural character really comes through. Lots are larger — often one acre or more — and the area has agricultural zoning that supports horses, barns, and acreage properties. The pace is slower, the privacy is greater, and the lifestyle appeals strongly to people who want space and nature.

Neither side is better — it depends on what you're looking for. Families who prioritize school zones and suburban convenience tend to gravitate east. Buyers who want acreage, equestrian access, or a more rural feel tend to choose west. Working with a local agent who understands both areas is essential.

Weather and Lifestyle Adjustments

Relocating to South Florida means adjusting to a tropical climate. Summers are hot and humid, with average highs in the low 90s from June through September. Afternoon thunderstorms are a near-daily occurrence during the summer months. Hurricane season runs from June through November, and it's important to understand Florida's insurance requirements and hurricane preparedness expectations before you buy.

For most residents, the climate is a net positive — the ability to be outdoors year-round, the warm winters, and the abundance of parks, trails, and open spaces make Davie's lifestyle genuinely appealing. But it's a real adjustment for people coming from northern climates, and it's worth understanding before you commit.

Davie also requires some lifestyle adaptations that are specific to its semi-rural character. Larger lots mean more yard maintenance (and potentially higher landscaping costs). The equestrian areas may mean occasional encounters with wildlife. And the car-dependent layout means you'll need to plan for regular driving rather than walking to nearby shops.

The Job Market and Commute

Davie's location in central Broward County provides strong access to employment centers throughout South Florida. Major highways — I-595, I-75, and the Florida Turnpike — run through or near Davie, making commutes to Fort Lauderdale, Plantation, Weston, and even Miami manageable for most residents. Average commute times range from 25 to 40 minutes depending on your destination and departure time.

The Brightline high-speed rail station in nearby Fort Lauderdale provides additional connectivity to Miami and West Palm Beach. Davie itself is home to Nova Southeastern University, one of the largest private employers in Broward County, and the town's proximity to major medical centers, corporate offices, and retail corridors means employment opportunities are readily accessible.

The job market score for Davie is strong — rated 8 out of 10 by local data sources — with an unemployment rate of approximately 4.6%, which is in line with state and national averages.

What to Know Before You Buy

If you're relocating to Davie from out of state, here are the practical items worth prioritizing:

• Verify school zoning before making an offer. Broward County school assignments are address-specific.
• Budget for insurance early. Florida homeowner's insurance is higher than most states — get quotes before you shop.
• Understand your commute. Drive your intended route at your intended time before committing to a neighborhood.
• Factor in lot maintenance. Larger lots mean higher landscaping and maintenance costs than compact suburban communities.
• Visit the community. Davie feels different from other South Florida towns. Spend time here before you commit.

Is Davie Worth the Move?

For the right buyer, Davie offers something genuinely rare in South Florida: space, character, community, and convenience — all in one package. It's not the cheapest option in Broward County, and it's not the most urban. But for families, professionals, and retirees who value privacy, the outdoors, and a more grounded lifestyle, Davie delivers.

If you're relocating and want an honest assessment of whether Davie fits your budget, lifestyle, and long-term goals, I'm always happy to walk through it. As a Davie-based Realtor with 24 years of experience and 175+ homes sold, I help relocating buyers understand not just what homes cost — but what it actually feels like to live here.