Why Davie FL Is a Top Choice for Families Moving to South Florida in 2026

When families contact me about moving to South Florida, the conversation almost always starts the same way: "Is Davie a good place to raise a family?" The short answer is yes. But the longer answer is more interesting. Davie offers something that's becoming increasingly rare in Broward County: space, character, and a genuine sense of community that families find hard to replicate in more densely developed areas.

What Makes Davie Different for Families

Unlike many South Florida suburbs that were master-planned around golf courses or retirement living, Davie grew organically around its agricultural and equestrian roots. The result is a town with real personality. You won't find a single, uniform look here. Instead, Davie offers a mix of neighborhoods: ranch-style homes on acre lots, gated communities with modern amenities, and traditional suburban blocks with sidewalks and playgrounds.

For families, this variety is a strength. Whether you want a large yard for kids and pets, a quiet cul-de-sac in a gated community, or a home with space for horses and outdoor hobbies, Davie has a neighborhood that fits. And because the town is spread over a large geographic area, you get more square footage and more land for your dollar than you would in most other Broward County communities.

Safety: A Top Priority for Families

Safety is consistently one of the top concerns for families choosing where to live. Davie earns a B+ safety grade and ranks in the 74th percentile nationally, meaning it is safer than approximately 74% of U.S. communities. The violent crime rate in Davie is approximately 2 per 1,000 residents, well below the national average. Neighborhoods like Pine Island Ridge and Shenandoah are particularly known for their low crime rates and family-friendly atmosphere.

The Davie Police Department maintains an active community presence, and the town's suburban layout with limited through-traffic in residential areas creates a safer environment for children walking to school, riding bikes, or playing outside. It is one of the reasons families who move to Davie from busier parts of South Florida often comment on how much quieter and safer it feels.

Schools: A Strong Foundation for Every Age

Davie is served by Broward County Public Schools, the sixth-largest school district in the United States. The district earned an "A" rating from the Florida Department of Education, and Davie's schools are among the strongest in the county. Parents have access to highly rated public schools, high-performing charter schools, and nationally recognized private institutions.

Standout public schools serving Davie families include:

• Somerset Academy Davie Charter School (rated 10/10 on GreatSchools, 95% math proficiency)
• Everglades Elementary (10/10 rating, A-rated by the state)
• Silver Ridge Elementary (A-rated, consistently strong test scores)
• Fox Trail Elementary (8/10, strong parent community)
• Nova Middle School and Nova High School (part of the highly regarded Nova schools cluster)
• McFatter Technical High School (ranked 14th in Florida, 10/10 rating)

Private school options include NSU University School (ranked the #7 private high school in Florida by Niche) and American Heritage School, both of which draw families from across Broward and Miami-Dade counties. For a deeper dive into specific schools, read my complete guide to schools in Davie FL.

Parks and Outdoor Recreation

Davie is home to some of the best parks in Broward County, and they are a major draw for families. Tree Tops Park is a standout with 4.5 stars on TripAdvisor, featuring scenic walking trails, picnic areas, a canopy observation tower, elevated boardwalks, and climbing structures that kids love. It is the kind of park where you can easily spend an entire afternoon.

Vista View Park spans 272 acres and offers playgrounds, equestrian areas, fishing docks, and open green space for sports and picnics. Flamingo Gardens is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that doubles as an educational experience for children. The Town of Davie Parks and Recreation Department also runs year-round youth programming, including organized sports leagues, summer camps, and seasonal events.

Space and Suburban Character

One of the most common reasons families move to Davie from other parts of South Florida is the space. In Davie, you can find a home on a half-acre or full-acre lot within a reasonable budget. That is rare in Broward County, where most new construction is built on smaller lots in denser developments. For families with children, dogs, or hobbies that require room to spread out, this extra space is a game-changer.

Davie also retains a suburban pace of life that is becoming harder to find in South Florida. The town has no downtown high-rise district, no congested commercial corridors running through every neighborhood. Instead, you get a genuine sense of community, with annual events, family-friendly programming, and neighbors who know each other.

Family Activities Year-Round

Beyond the parks, Davie offers a full calendar of family-friendly activities. The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds has been hosting family events for over 40 years, including the annual Orange Blossom Festival and rodeo events. The town's western heritage gives Davie a character that is genuinely unique in South Florida, and kids love the horseback riding opportunities, the annual parades, and the community events that bring the town together.

For more structured activities, families have access to sports leagues, dance studios, martial arts schools, and youth programs through the town's recreation department. And when you want a change of scenery, the beaches of Fort Lauderdale and Hollywood are a 20- to 30-minute drive away, and the Everglades are even closer for weekend adventures.

Cost of Living: More Space for Your Money

While the cost of living in Davie is higher than the national average, housing is the primary driver. The median home price in Davie is approximately $520,000 to $540,000, depending on the neighborhood and property type. That price point buys significantly more space than a comparable home in Weston, Fort Lauderdale, or Parkland. For families who value square footage, lot size, and outdoor space, Davie offers real value relative to neighboring communities.

Florida's lack of a state income tax is another major advantage for families relocating from higher-tax states. The savings on income tax can offset the higher housing costs and make Davie a financially smart choice for many families.

What Families Should Know Before Moving to Davie

If you are considering Davie for your family, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• School zones matter: Davie covers a large area, and school zones vary by neighborhood. Work with a Realtor who knows the zoning boundaries.
• Commute planning: Davie is car-dependent, and most families drive to schools, activities, and shopping. Plan your commute before choosing a neighborhood.
• HOA or no HOA: Some Davie neighborhoods have HOAs; others do not. Know what you are comfortable with when you start looking at homes.
• Hurricane preparedness: Like all of South Florida, Davie is in a hurricane zone. Make sure the home you buy has impact windows or shutters and that you have a family plan.