Retirement Living in Davie FL: Why Seniors Are Choosing Davie

When retirees and active seniors begin looking at South Florida, cities like Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Sarasota tend to dominate the conversation. But there is a quieter option that more and more retirees are discovering: Davie, Florida. With its mix of suburban tranquility, healthcare access, outdoor recreation, 55+ communities, and proximity to major South Florida amenities, Davie offers a retirement lifestyle that balances comfort, convenience, and value in ways that many of its neighbors do not.

Here is a practical look at why Davie is gaining attention as a retirement destination — and what seniors and their families should know about living here.

A Quieter Pace Without Sacrificing Access

One of Davie's strongest advantages for retirees is its balance of quiet, low-density living with easy access to everything South Florida offers. Davie sits in central Broward County, which means you are within a 20-to-30-minute drive of Fort Lauderdale's waterfront, Hollywood's beach boardwalk, and the shops and restaurants of Plantation and Weston. Palm Beach is about an hour north, and Miami is roughly 40 minutes south.

But within Davie itself, the pace is noticeably calmer. The town's semi-rural character — with larger lots, tree-lined streets, equestrian properties, and extensive green space — creates an atmosphere that feels more like a small community than a sprawling suburb. For retirees who want proximity to city amenities without the density, noise, and traffic of urban South Florida, Davie strikes a practical balance.

55+ and Active Adult Communities

Davie has a meaningful selection of 55+ and active adult communities that cater specifically to retirees and older adults. These range from affordable manufactured home communities to apartment-style independent living options, providing a range of price points and lifestyle preferences.

Some of the communities serving seniors in the Davie area include:

• • Everglades Lakes: South Florida's premier 55+ manufactured home community in Davie, offering an active social environment, community amenities, and affordable homeownership in a resort-style setting.
• • Pembroke Tower II: An affordable senior community in the Davie area designed for adults 62 and older, offering independent living with convenient access to services and community resources.
• • Various condo and townhome communities: Several condominium and townhome developments in Davie offer amenities like pools, clubhouses, and maintenance-free living that appeal to retirees looking to downsize without leaving the area.

Many retirees also choose non-age-restricted communities in Davie — particularly single-family home neighborhoods with low-maintenance yards, quiet streets, and proximity to parks and trails. The flexibility of Davie's housing market means retirees can find the right fit whether they want an active 55+ environment or a traditional neighborhood that happens to be peaceful and well-located.

Healthcare Access: What Seniors Need to Know

Access to quality healthcare is one of the most important factors in any retirement decision — and Davie performs well in this area.

• • HCA Florida University Hospital — Located directly in Davie at 3476 S University Dr, this full-service hospital provides emergency care, surgical services, neurological care, rehabilitation, and a range of specialties. Having a major hospital within town is a significant advantage for seniors who want quick access to medical care without a long drive.
• • Senior Medical Center Davie — A primary care facility specifically focused on senior patients, offering age-appropriate medical services and preventive care in a Davie location.
• • Nova Southeastern University Health Services — NSU's campus sits within Davie and provides access to medical and dental clinics, wellness programs, and research-based healthcare options.
• • Nearby hospital network: Memorial Hospital West (Pembroke Pines), Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital, and Broward Health Medical Center (Fort Lauderdale) are all within a short drive of Davie, providing specialized and emergency care options across the region.

The combination of an in-town hospital, senior-focused clinics, and proximity to multiple major medical centers makes Davie a practical choice for retirees who prioritize healthcare access.

Outdoor Living and Active Retirement

For retirees who want to stay active, Davie's outdoor infrastructure is one of its biggest draws. The town maintains over 187 miles of interconnected trails that are ideal for walking, biking, and light exercise. Many of these trails are paved and flat, making them accessible for seniors of all fitness levels.

Davie also has several parks and nature preserves that offer peaceful settings for daily walks and weekend exploration:

• • Tree Tops Park features a 50-acre nature preserve with boardwalks through restored wetlands, an observation tower, and shaded picnic areas.
• • Robbins Preserve offers pet-friendly trails through open green space, with seating areas and water fountains.
• • Wolf Lake Park provides scenic walking paths around a lake with picnic areas and well-maintained grounds.

Beyond parks, Davie's 55+ and gated communities often include their own fitness amenities — pools, walking paths, tennis and pickleball courts, and clubhouses with organized social activities. For retirees who want to stay physically and socially engaged, these community features make daily activity convenient and enjoyable.

Cost Considerations for Retirees

Retirement affordability in South Florida is a real concern, and Davie offers some advantages in this area compared to its more expensive neighbors.

Property taxes: Florida has no state income tax, which is a significant benefit for retirees living on retirement income, Social Security, or investment distributions. Property tax rates in Davie are competitive within Broward County, and certain exemptions — such as the Homestead Exemption and the Senior Exemption for low-income seniors — can reduce your annual tax burden.

Home prices: While Davie is not a low-cost market, it offers better value than many coastal South Florida cities. The median home price in Davie generally falls below that of Fort Lauderdale beach, Boca Raton, or Pinecrest, while offering larger lots, more space, and a quieter environment. For retirees looking to downsize from a larger property or relocate from a high-cost state, Davie provides an opportunity to buy a comfortable home without the premium pricing found in more urbanized areas.

HOA fees: If you choose an HOA-governed community, expect fees that range from around $100 to $400 per month for most Davie communities, with full-amenity country club communities running higher. These fees typically cover landscaping, amenities, security, and reserve funding.

Insurance: Florida homeowners insurance is a factor every buyer must consider. Seniors on fixed budgets should plan for insurance costs as part of their total housing expense and work with an agent who can help identify carriers and discounts that make the most sense.

Community and Social Life

Retirement is not just about housing and healthcare — it is about quality of life. Davie's community character supports a social, engaged lifestyle for retirees in several ways:

• • Community events: The Town of Davie hosts annual events including the Orange Blossom Festival, holiday parades, outdoor concert series, and seasonal markets that bring residents together in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
• • Clubs and organizations: Davie has active community clubs, volunteer organizations, and social groups — including groups specifically for retirees and empty nesters — that make it easy to meet people and stay involved.
• • Cultural access: The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, NSU Art Museum, and a range of cultural venues in Fort Lauderdale are within easy reach for retirees who enjoy theater, art, music, and live events.
• • Dining and shopping: Davie's local dining scene and shopping options — including farmers markets and boutique retail — provide daily conveniences and social outlets without the need to travel to larger cities.

For retirees who want a community that supports both independence and connection, Davie provides a setting where that balance is easy to maintain.

Proximity to Airports and Travel

For retirees who travel — whether to visit family, vacation, or maintain a seasonal lifestyle — Davie's location offers excellent airport access:

• • Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): Approximately 20 minutes from most Davie neighborhoods. A major airport with extensive domestic and growing international service.
• • Miami International Airport (MIA): About 40 minutes south, offering the most extensive international route network in South Florida.
• • Palm Beach International Airport (PBI): Approximately one hour north, providing a less congested alternative for domestic and international travel.

Having three major airports within an hour's drive is a genuine advantage for retirees who fly regularly — whether for snowbird seasons, family visits, or international travel.

Is Davie the Right Retirement Destination?

Davie is not the flashiest retirement destination in Florida, and it does not try to be. What it offers is something arguably more valuable: a peaceful, well-located community with solid healthcare access, outdoor recreation, diverse housing options, and a quality of life that supports an active, independent retirement.

For retirees who are evaluating South Florida options — and who want more space, more calm, and better value than the coastal cities typically provide — Davie deserves a serious look.

If you are exploring retirement options in Davie or Broward County, I can help you compare communities, understand the costs, and find the right home for your next chapter.