Parkland, Florida: An Ideal Community for Families
Parkland, Florida is a nature-filled oasis bordering the Everglades, about 42 miles north of Miami. You’d never guess its proximity to this major bustling metropolis, given that it has preserved a small- town feel. As the eighth safest city in Florida, this quiet community of about 35,000 is known for its scenic surroundings, excellent schools and safe environment. If you value a high quality of life in a mid-size suburb that maximizes the outdoors, Parkland is a great place to call home.
People and Lifestyle
Parkland’s residents take pride in their community. There are plenty of civic events where residents come together for festivals and cultural celebrations. The city has exceptionally low crime rates, making this Niche.com’s #1 place in Broward County to raise a family. Many residents are likely to be employed in finance, real estate, law, or medicine and have a high median income.
Given the amenities and family appeal, youth athletics are huge in Parkland. Soccer, football, swimming, baseball, and lacrosse leagues provide extracurricular options. The city’s under-18 population is around 25%, well above the national average, which is no surprise given the city’s many attractions for families.
The Natural Surroundings
Parkland has done an excellent job of providing ways for residents to make use of the outdoors in the city to get around. There are multipurpose trails connecting most neighborhoods so you can walk, bike or ride your horse to shops, the farmers market or to schools. This is a truly unique feature about the city, and contributes to its charm.
There is also no shortage of unpaved trails devoted to hiking, walking and mountain biking. For example, a 48-mile levee trail, Everglades Conservation Levee Greenway is a large loop around Parkland to Markham Park, that provides sunset views over the everglades. There’s also Fern Forest Nature Center, in the middle of Fern Forest, the 24- acre Designated Urban Wilderness Area.
One thing that stands out in the city is the lack of big, corporate signs outdoors. Parkland might appear more like a small community, partly because zoning laws restrict corporate advertising anywhere around the city limits. This helps the town blend in seamlessly with nature and focuses on the beauty of the environment.
Parks To Play In
Parkland, as the name implies, is home to seven well-kept parks for residents to enjoy. Whether you want to climb, run, play sports, picnic, walk the trails or enjoy your pets, there is a park in town for it.
Pine Trails park is 123 acres, and is complete with a fishing pier and trails. This park has an amphitheater and hosts community events, like the holiday “Light Up the Park” event, popular with families. Liberty Park is a kids outdoor wonderland, with distinct areas for younger and older children, super jungle gyms, and a water park. For different sports courts to suit each member of the family, head to Terramar Park, which has tennis, baseball, football and soccer fields, and grills to cook out after the game.
If it’s a pet playground you’re seeking, head to Barkland, where local dog-owners bring their pups for the trails and dog runs. Or if you had larger pets in mind, Parkland has that covered, with the Equestrian Center at Temple Park. It’s the only public park where people bring their horses to ride and jump.
Coastline, Beaches and Everglades
Parkland offers residents plenty of other opportunities for play than the parks in town. Deerfield Beach is the closest beach, about 9 miles away. It’s a family friendly spot, where you can relax in the sand, take a walk on the boardwalk, and enjoy the local cafes. There is also Quiet Waters Park nearby with water skiing, jet skiing and boating available.
To explore the everglades, head to Parkland Airboat Rides, which guides visitors through the Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge. Aside from birds and reptiles, tourists may get lucky enough to catch sight of an American Alligator and they cruise the waterway. The small, maneuverable airboats are headed up by captains who share their knowledge and expertise about the wildlife and the ecosystem, making it a fun way to learn about this ecosystem.
Affluent Neighborhoods
Parkland is known as an affluent suburb, and the cost of living is overall higher than average in the U.S. but on par with other South Florida cities. Median home values in Parkland top $1,000,000. However, a lot of Parkland’s homes were built in 2010 or after. So when it comes to housing, your budget may go further in terms of modern home amenities compared to other comparable suburbs in the area. In addition, the city’s low property tax rates help balance out the higher price of housing.
Parkland is probably best known for the community of Heron Bay. This gated neighborhood features custom estate homes situated around an 18-hole championship golf course. With scenic water views and resort-style amenities, Heron Bay is one area that appeals to affluent residents.
Reputable Schools
Parkland has excellent education choices, with five public schools and two private schools. Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School is ranked among the best high schools in the state. Two highly-rated magnet schools, Westglades Middle School and Eagle Point Elementary School also attract students from around the region. And most of the schools are in neighborhoods that are easily traversable by foot or bike, offering a lot of appeal for families with kids.
Shopping in Parkland
Parkland is more known for the outdoors than the shopping opportunities, but there is plenty of shopping for the basics. Downtown Parkland offers a quaint shopping district, Parkland Commons, with local eateries, boutiques and spas. There is also the Promenade and Coconut Creek, and Town Center at Boca Raton– offering high end shopping about a 10-minute drive away. Regional attractions like Sawgrass Mills outlet mall and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek are also close and easily accessible.
As a more residential area, Parkland offers a quieter nightlife scene than neighboring Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. But there are still solid local options for dining, whether sushi, seafood, Italian or Mexican.
Future Outlook
Parkland is one of the fastest growing cities in Florida. People have flocked to Parkland for a while, but more so since 2020, when the population grew over 4% in the following years since. This is largely thanks to climate, safety and relative cost of living compared to other large U.S. cities. New residential and commercial developments are in the works, to serve the rising demand. Parkland continues to attract families and professionals looking for recreation, natural beauty and a place to proudly raise a family. For newcomers who want an active, prosperous and friendly South Florida community, Parkland is a prime choice.
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