Coral Springs

Near highly rated Broward County Public Schools and several nature preserves and parks, The Dells neighborhood gives residents a quiet haven 3 miles east of the growing Coral Springs area. “Given the current environment where South Florida housing continues to become more desirable and more expensive to own, there are key pockets that continue to be affordable and desirable to live in. Coral Springs is one of those locations in sunny South Florida,” says Joe McFarlane, a real estate professional who has been a resident of South Florida for twenty years. Joe and Sil McFarlane own a real estate brokerage in South Florida and the YouTube channel @JoeandSil, where they talk about living in South Florida. The Dells' homes are often designed in Spanish and Mediterranean styles and generally have three or more bedrooms. The Dells students attend Broward County Public Schools, with a few options within walking and biking distance nearby. “The Dells isn’t a gated community, so there’s no HOA. It was built back in the 1970s, so some of the homes may need to have a few things replaced,” McFarlane says. Condos and duplexes can be found around town near Spanish and Mediterranean-style ranch-style homes with private pools. Three bedrooms and a two-car garage can cost upwards of $450,000, while dwellings with four or more bedrooms can cost over $550,000. “Overall, prices, rental rates and taxes are lower in Coral Springs than they are when compared to neighboring cities like Parkland and Boca Raton. Because of this, there are many opportunities to acquire real estate in Coral Springs at an affordable price,” McFarlane says. Students in The Dells can attend school within the Broward County Public Schools District. They may start their education at James S. Hunt Elementary School, rated a B-minus on Niche. Forest Glen Middle School and Coral Springs High School score a B rating. Coral Springs High School hosts the Project Pass It On summer camp, which offers children and teens an away-from-home experience throughout the warmer months. Each of these three schools borders the neighborhood and is within 1 to 3 miles of most homes, making them great for families who enjoy walking or biking to school together. “Another benefit of living here is that we are beginning a major commercial development and update in the city. We’re seeing new restaurants, shopping and boutiques, adding to the vibe many younger families want,” McFarlane says. The Coral Square shopping mall just 5 miles away offers major chains for The Dells resident's day trips. Locals can also shop at a few favorites in the Carolina Springs Plaza shopping center. Dunkin’ Donuts and IHOP sit alongside El Balcón de las Américas, an area chain restaurant with Colombian and Latin food. Kouyou Sushi & Buffet serves fresh fish and hibachi in a buffet-style setting. Frulados Raspados sells shaved ice in fruit syrups with pieces of fresh fruit. For everyday errands, the bakery and butcher at Supermercados El Bodegon is right next door. Big box stores like Walmart, Target, and Lowes are on North State Road 7, along with the popular Coconut Creek Seminole Casino. The casino hosts weekly events and shows and presents several dining options, such as NYY Steak, Sorrisi Italian bistro and bar, and 1st Street Deli. There are three small parks bordering The Dells. Pride Promoters Park is a few blocks down the road and includes a semi-fenced playground and basketball court. Lion’s Park on the southwest side of The Dells offers a playground and baseball field, as well as a sand volleyball court. Paul Barre Memorial Rotary Park sits near a few drainage ponds that attract local bird species. This park also includes a small playground and sand volleyball. For a quick breath of fresh air, the Sandy Ridge Sanctuary is 1 mile west and includes a playground and walking trails. Visitors can catch sight of several plant and animal species as they traverse the preserve. The Deerfield Beach International Fishing Pier is just 13 miles away, meaning most folks living in The Dells can reach the ocean in roughly 30 minutes by car. Drivers can hop on Southwest 10th Street to reach several beachside destinations and cruise up and down the coast on Florida State Road A1A. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is south of The Dells and is only about 25 miles away from the Florida Turnpike. The Dells and other surrounding neighborhoods are bordered by the Everglades Water Conservation Area 2A and 2B. These protected marshlands span hundreds of acres and are home to thousands of species of Florida native plants and animals. Access to the Everglades can be reached at the Arthur R. Marshall National Wildlife Refuge Boat Ramp by those with the proper boat, license and entrance passes.

Tucked into the heart of Coral Springs, Village Green offers a mix of condos, townhouses, apartments and traditional suburban homes, making it ideal for any potential homebuyer wanting to be a part of the sought-after community. Diverse schools serve the population of young families in the area, and many parks and recreation spaces let the locals take advantage of the sunny South Florida atmosphere. While Village Green is small and primarily residential, aside from a large water plant in the center, it is ideally placed in the area for proximity to major shopping centers while remaining quiet and remote. Many neighborhood residents are renters, and the less expensive housing is approachable for first-time buyers who want a stepping stone to start a life in Coral Springs. Walkable to many in the neighborhood is the small Village Green Park. A petite playground, tennis court and walking trail around a green space are great for those looking to stretch their legs in the afternoons. However, people can head to Lions Park in the east for more athletic outlets. The baseball diamond and basketball courts are busy with athletes on the weekends enjoying the Florida Sun all year round. Sandy Ridge Sanctuary is just north of the area. It is a nature preserve with a small playground and many paved and sandy walking trails leading through dense tree lines, filled with wild birds and small animals. Shopping in Village Green is limited, but its bordering street, North University Road, leads south to the city's commercial hub. Shoppers can find Trader Joe's, Publix, and Walmart, all within two miles of their home, along with big box stores, home improvement centers and national retailers in Coral Square. The owners of Vicky Bakery fell in love while working together at Cuba's most famous bakery. They decided to bring the recipes over to America in 1972. Since then, the Cuban bakery has expanded to 23 locations in South Florida, with one right next door to Village Green. Glass display cases of decadent and decorated cakes line the spacious shop that brings in customers with its mouth-watering aromas. Village Green residents have plenty of opportunities to gather at Northwest Regional Library. "It's one of the most used branches of the Broward County Library," Hunter states. "In 2023, the branch was visited by 278,761 customers." There are plenty of after-school programs for youngsters in the community, and according to Hunter, "Northwest Regional Library offers a full range of programs for adults, too. Unique to Northwest Regional Library is its Library Living Room, which offers a variety of programs that foster conversation and community building." Chabad of Coral Springs is in Village Green, serving as a primary Synagogue and event space for Jewish community members. Alternating streets of single-family homes, townhouses and condos bordered by puzzle-piece lakes make up the western half of the neighborhood. Coral Lago is a gated community that offers large, tightly packed homes. So, while yard space is limited, the houses with additional security usually provide plenty of living space with four bedrooms or more. On the eastern half of the neighborhood, the suburban streets are less densely packed than many other neighborhoods in Coral Springs, leading to spacious yards with native greenery and wide, quiet roads. Homes here are generally ranch-style, with many sporting Spanish design elements like clay roof tiles and decorative arches. Single-family houses range from $440,000 to $830,000, with a median price of $640,000. Condos offer more entry-level prices with two-bedroom units in the $200,000 range, while townhouses reach the high-$300,000s. Students in Village Green can attend Broward County Public Schools, beginning at Forest Hills Elementary School, rated a B-minus by Niche. Forest Glen Middle and Coral Springs High have earned an overall B grade from Niche and offer the Cambridge International program, a rigorous magnet curriculum designed by Cambridge University. The high school also offers over 30 after-school clubs. "Coral Springs is a very family-friendly city known for its good schools," says John Hunter, senior community library manager of Northwest Regional Library. The city of Coral Springs is relatively self-contained, with Broward Health Coral Springs Hospital adding to the accessibility of the neighborhood. Bus lines run through the city, including along the borders of Village Green, and residents can commute to Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton and the accompanying airports with a drive under 20 miles.

Waking up to sunrises reflecting on private, screened-in pools that overlook fairways and ponds is what the residents of Country Club Coral Springs can expect. Wild birds and lizards are a common sight, hiding along the palm fronds, and alligators poke their heads out of the canal waters. While membership at the country club is optional for those living in the neighborhood, many residents take advantage of their proximity to the course. Spacious, solidly built homes from the 1970s are filled with growing families and young professionals who want to be close to good schools and outdoor amenities. "People from all over South Florida are relocating here," says James Wycoff, a Realtor and broker associate with Atlantic Properties International Inc. "Home prices are lower than in West Palm Beach and Boca, and they're great for families who need the space." Sidewalks aren't needed for a stroll in the quiet neighborhood, as the minimal through-streets give the neighborhood a premier, suburban feel. While many neighborhoods have public parks, the focus of recreation here is the Country Club of Coral Springs, where the neighborhood gets its name. Situated among woods and waterways, this newly renovated 18-hole course features stunning views from every hole. The brand-new clubhouse has eight pickleball courts, a fitness center with personal training services and a neighborhood bar and grill called Niblick's. The club is also one of the few courses that extends walking privileges to the surrounding community during off-peak times. Mullins Park is just east of the neighborhood and is one of the area's main sporting complexes. Baseball diamonds and football fields house the many youth and adult leagues that the city runs, and the tennis and basketball courts are always busy with those looking for a pick-up game. The public schools that serve the neighborhood are all above average. They include Parkside Elementary, Sawgrass Springs Middle and Coral Glades High. B-rated Parkside Elementary offers several clubs and activities to extend student learning, such as the Garden Party gardening club, the Let's Salsa dance club and the Ready, Set, Draw art club. Students can also try on different career hats by joining the school's morning news crew or safety patrol. Sawgrass Springs Middle School is also rated a B, and Coral Glades High is rated a B-plus. Though there is no homeowner's association or fees for the neighborhood, many residents still take great pride in their curb appeal. Manicured shrubs and native trees border the Bahiagrass lawns. Resilient to drought, the prickly yards offer a nice contrast against the red tiled roofs and earth-toned stucco siding of the Mediterranean Revivals. "What stands out about the homes in Country Club Coral Springs is their design and size," Wycoff says. "There's something organic about how homes compliment the landscape here. Most have four to five bedrooms, perfect for large families." Ranches with low-pitched roofs and large windows are typical for letting in natural light while staying cool in the summer heat. Single-family homes usually start at around $475,000 and top out around $1 million for premier locations along the golf course. In addition to apartment complexes that house the many renters of the area, townhouses and condos are also available around the perimeters of the square neighborhood, ranging between $150,000 to $350,000. A go-to for everyday needs is Sample Road, where residents can find grocery stores, retailers and dozens of small businesses. One that residents should be sure to check out is Frida Coffee and Deli. Rated 4.7 stars by members of the community, the bakery has walls of glass windows allowing plenty of light for people to chat over the day's brew and delicious pastries. The establishment's pet-friendly outdoor patio gets much attention when the weather isn't too sweltering. Hungry residents can stop at THE NAMU when heading east to the shopping plazas of University Drive. The Korean and Japanese kitchen has all the classics like ramen, Korean BBQ and Korean fried chicken. Due to nearby schools, parks and grocery stores, Country Club Coral Springs is walkable and bike-friendly. However, residents rely on their cars for commuting. Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale are within 30 miles of the city, and a free transit system provides buses that run along the area's main roads. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International is about 40 minutes away, and the nearest hospital is 5 minutes away.

Part of the expanding Coral Springs and greater Miami area in general, Crossings allows residents access to some of the best attractions the area has to offer—in addition to some of the best natural beauty the state of Florida has to offer. “It’s just a beautiful place,” says Dean Ehrlich, broker associate with RE/MAX Direct and longtime resident of the surrounding area. “It’s close to a lot but it’s also its own little space.” With its mixture of signature Florida beauty and exciting access to Miami, Crossings is worth a look for those looking to have a little bit of both worlds. Homes in Crossings reflect classic Florida style with Spanish and Mission accents. Notes of Mediterranean style are found as well. The most common home styles are ranch houses and bungalows, with both present on just about any palm tree-lined street in the neighborhood. Homeowners can expect spacious yards and garages, as well. Prices typically range from $525,000 to $750,000 for a 3-4 bedroom, with more modern construction on the higher end of the spectrum. “It’s a very mixed kind of neighborhood,” says Ehrlich. “Part of its charm is that you may not see the same style of house even on the same street.” Students in Crossings begin their academic careers at James S. Hunt Elementary, before moving on to Forest Glen Middle and finishing up at Coral Springs High School. According to Niche, these schools earned grades of B-minus, B and B, respectively. Coral Springs High offers students a wide variety of electives to choose from, with art electives such as AP 2-D Art and Design being one example of how in-depth and wide-reaching the courses can be. Within walking distance of several parks, residents of Crossings are never far from a gorgeous view. Paul Britton Park includes a play area and a sand volleyball court, while Terramar Park features multipurpose fields for athletes of (just about) any sport. Those looking to truly appreciate nature can do so at Tall Cypress Natural Area, just over a mile away from the neighborhood. The hiking trail loops the corner of the preserve, offering a tour of marsh ferns, pine flatwoods, pond cypresses and more. The Everglades Water Conservation Area protect Crossings and the surrounding neighborhoods. With Miami only a short trip away, residents never have to travel far to get to their favorite shopping and dining destinations. For the essentials, residents have access to a Publix at Coral Landings II. Residents can also head to nearby Carolina Springs Plaza—the go-to spot for shopping and dining in the area. Carolina Springs is home to Supermercados El Bodegon, an authentic Latin supermarket complete with a small restaurant inside. For entertainment, Seminole Casino hosts concerts throughout the year. “The location is just perfect,” says Ehrlich. “You’ve got the beach less than 15 miles away on one hand, and you’re less than an hour to Miami on the other.” And though access to Miami is a strong selling point, it isn’t the only reason people like Crossings. “It’s got a smaller, cozier feel than some other nearby neighborhoods,” says Ehrlich. “And on top of that, it’s cheaper than a lot of them, too.” With annual HOA fees of less than $300 too, the area’s growing list of amenities and prime location make it worth consideration.

The neighborhood of Cypress Glen is designed like a gated community, with well-planned subdivisions accessible from a single-entry point. Yet there are no security gates and no HOAs. "This is a very warm and welcoming neighborhood," says Debi Benson, a Realtor and head of the Benson Team with RE/MAX 1st Choice, who has lived in Cypress Glen for 30 years. "We have good schools, nearby houses of worship and plenty of shopping. It's a great place to raise a family." This neighborhood is designed for residents only, and many have lived here for years. Homes in Cypress Glen are ranch-style, many with Mediterranean-style facades. Built in the 1980s, most homes have open floor plans, tiled floors and vaulted ceilings. Many homes on the market have been renovated and offer extra amenities such as two-car garages, outdoor patios and inground pools. Prices range from $453,000 to $983,000. Lots tend to run around 1/8 acre, suitable for a Florida room with a pool. The C-12 canal system winds through the neighborhood, and many homes enjoy lake views and views of the Stranahan River. Streets are wide and tree-lined but don't have sidewalks. "My kids went through the school system," Benson says. Students can walk to and begin their education at Riverside Elementary School and move on to Ramblewood Middle School. J.P. Taravella High School offers advanced placement courses as well as dual enrollment. Broward County Public Schools has partnered with Florida Atlantic University, Broward College, Florida International University, University of Florida, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to provide qualified students with opportunities to take college courses while in high school. All three schools have a B grade from Niche. At 15 acres, Riverside Park offers a variety of recreation options, including pickleball and basketball courts, a playground, a boat ramp for accessing the Stranahan River and walking trails. Cypress Park Tennis, located inside Cypress Hammock Park, features eight hard surface tennis courts and two lighted racquetball courts. The Coral Springs Aquatic Complex is a 2-mile drive via local streets. To commune with nature, locals can view birds, mammals, reptiles and native Florida plants at the 5-acre Sawgrass Nature Center & Wildlife Hospital. This private non-profit has an onsite wildlife hospital that treats and rehabs animals, releasing them back into the wild. A Walmart Neighborhood Market anchors Cypress Run Marketplace, which is less than a mile's drive on local streets. There's also an Original Pancake House in the complex. Additional shopping is at Coral Square, a traditional mall with over 120 retailers and 15 eateries. The complex is anchored by Macy's, JCPenney and Kohl's. There's also an aquarium, a children's play area and a dining pavilion with several fast-food outlets. One of Benson's favorite dining spots is Runyon, an old-school restaurant that features American cuisine. Serving the community since 1979, Pizza Time is locally renowned for its Italian cuisine and pizza. Commuters can access Sawgrass Expressway via Atlantic Avenue, which connects Florida's Turnpike to I-95 going east and I-75 going south. The area does have a few Broward County Transit bus stops; however, most residents rely on personal vehicles. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International is a 26-mile drive via Interstate 595 Expressway.