Coconut Creek’s Charm
Coconut Creek, Florida is a medium-sized gem of a city on the South Florida coast, located between Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach. This city used to be part of neighboring Pompano Beach, and became its own city in 1967. With a population of close to 60,000 people, it still has a bit of a remote feel, yet benefits from being a suburb of Ft. Lauderdale, and is only 40 miles from Miami. Also known as the Butterfly Capital of the World, Coconut Creek was the first city in Florida to be named a certified Community Wildlife Habitat, and prioritizes preserving its natural beauty.
It’s often recognized as one of the “Best Cities to Live in America” by Money Magazine. One reason is safety– it has a crime rate that is 49% lower than the national average. Coconut Creek’s has a diverse age demographic, and is full of younger families with children. This suburb also has its share of retirees but with an average age of 40, it distinguishes itself from nearby suburbs that are known as retirement communities.
Coconut Creek’s proximity to Miami, two international airports, and cruise ship ports just a short drive away, make it easy to jet off to just about anywhere. Despite this, the city remains one that not everyone has heard of, and locals consider that a high point.
Quieter Beach Life Surroundings
If sun, sand and beautiful beach fronts are what you’re seeking, Coconut Creek is an ideal place to live. The city is just 10 miles from beautiful Deerfield Beach, known for watersports and sandy shores. There’s a low-key beachfront area for shopping and eating, and a family-oriented atmosphere. Pompano Beach, just northeast of Coconut Creek, lures sunbathers with its crystal clear waters and picture-perfect beachfront.
About 20 minutes away are South Beach Park and Red Reef Park- beaches of Boca Raton, that offer snorkeling and parasailing, and other water sports. Located a 10-mile drive northeast of Coconut Creek is Hillsboro Beach, a 1-mile stretch of public beach with a pristine oceanside setting. This small enclave boasts a landmark lighthouse that offers incredible ocean views for those who climb the 175-step spiral staircase.
Of course, the more cosmopolitan Ft. Lauderdale beach features a boardwalk with resorts and restaurants, but also has paddleboarding and beach activities. It’s only a 30 -minute drive away. With so many nearby beaches, you truly have your choice of beach settings to enjoy.
Coconut Creek’s Cost of Living
The cost of living in Coconut Creek is higher than the national average, but lower than a lot of Florida beach cities in Broward County. The recent median home sale prices in 2023 is about $500,000, and 65% of residents own their own home. That might seem a real value, given that in nearby Boca Raton, the average home cost is $1,100,000.
There are about eight different neighborhoods with homes to suit a variety of tastes and budgets. Regency Lakes and Windsor Park are popular options. Homes range from ranch houses with Spanish architecture and clay-tiled roofs to waterfront coastal-style homes.
With a growing group of people who choose to tall this city home, there is a variety of new managed developments and living options popping up. The Oasis at Sayan is one such adult community with luxury homes and a golf course. There are also condos and townhomes in the range of affordable to luxury. The city is also planning a mixed-use development right in the center of Coconut Creek, offering yet another choice for living styles.
Education Options
The schools in this city are highly rated, with great public schools, magnet schools and parochial and private school options. Popular public choices are the Tradewinds Elementary School, Lyons Creek Middle School, and Monarch High School. These schools are treasured by residents for their high quality and friendly environment
There are also around 18 private colleges nearby, so further education is not far. This means it’s a good place for families to start young, and even to grow, given the proximity to community colleges and universities.
Golf Courses Galore
For the golf lover, you’ve got your choice in golf communities, like the Parkland Golf & Country Club, The Country Club of Coral Springs and Coral Ridge Country Club.
In addition to private clubs, the Coconut Creek Golf Club is a public 27-hole golf course with a driving range and clubhouse restaurant.
Butterfly Haven and Natural Habitats
It would be easy to forget you’re so close to the beach, as Coconut Creek offers so many options inland– with 17 parks and designated areas for nature lovers and those who love to play outdoors. The famous Butterfly World keeps over 20,000 butterflies, with rare varieties from all over the globe, as well as exotic birds, bugs and orchids on display. Butterfly World is part of the larger Tradewinds Parks and Stables, with an 18-hole disc golf course, freshwater fishing and athletic fields. There is also paddleboarding, kayaking and camping available. As if that weren’t enough to occupy you for the day, there are equestrian trails and pony rides, and a farm museum. During the holidays, locals come for hayrides and a Christmas light show.
For calm and serenity, the town is truly a wealth of choices. Head to the Fern Forest Nature Center, with 247 acres of lush greenery, shady trails and tropical flowers. There is also the Hillsboro Pineland Natural Area, a preserve remaining from a larger habitat, between the Atlantic Coastal Ridge and the Everglades, and the Hillsboro River. Explore a nature trail that passes through pine uplands and wetlands, and outlooks along the way to view the wildlife. As this is a true nature preserve, it is only for walking so no pets, bikes or skateboards are allowed. This makes it quite a calm area for taking in the area’s natural beauty.
City Parks Abound
Coconut Creek has about 18 city parks of all sizes, with greenways and trails throughout. Among the most popular for residents is Sabal Pines park, the largest park, and a well-liked family play area. It features walking and jogging trails, picnic shelters, play areas and 9 athletic fields that host local athletic teams year-round. The park also hosts outdoor concerts, festivals and entertainment. Little ones love the Imagination Playground, with outdoor play areas and an interactive children's museum that has hands-on exhibits.
Casual Entertainment
For a smaller suburb, Coconut Creek offers a plethora of restaurants and shops. Locals walking and hanging out at the Promenade at Coconut Creek, an open air shopping area with coffee, juice bars, and casual bistros like ethos Greek Bistro, Sato’s Japanese Steakhouse, Mama Asian Noodle and Bar, and Bronx Bagels.
If you’re after world-class dining, nearby is Seminole Casino Coconut Creek, where you’ll find 5-start fine dining in the popular NYY Steak. The casino features a smoke-free pavilion and live entertainment like concerts and comedy shows that draw tourists from all areas of Florida.
Serious Training for Athletes
It’s no surprise that Coconut Creek’s residents would be into fitness, given the outdoor activities at your doorstep. But a surprising fact about the city is that it is home to the world's leading Mixed Martial Arts gym- American Top Team. This is a professional gym where fighters come from all over the world to train to compete. Some call it the best place to learn MMA or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the U.S. Of course that isn’t the only fitness center in town– there are plenty of private gyms and a city recreation center for the non-professionals who want to work out, learn
The Lure of Coconut Creek
It’s easy to see how Coconut Creek is attracting people to relocate from all over the country. Its small community feel, and closeness to resort-like beaches and natural beauty and wildlife make it a place anyone could enjoy. This laid back and livable town is a good value when compared to other Palm Beach area locations, so families often find Coconut Creek is the perfect fit for South Florida living.
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