Coral Bay

Coral Bay is a neighborhood with two identities. To the north, the gated community of Coral Bay, where the neighborhood gets its name, is an all-ages community with eight subdivisions of single-family homes that wind around a 70-acre lake, the largest in the area. To the south, Coral Cay Plantation, a 55-plus mobile-home community, enjoys its own waterfront views with the Stranahan River and a canal on two sides. Both halves of the neighborhood enjoy exceptional amenities, a prime central location and attractive price points.

“Coral Bay draws working families with its clubhouses, activities and low HOA fees,” says real estate broker Sheng Kim with Full Service 3% Realty. This is a well-run community that’s only about 30 years old.” Most houses here are two stories with Spanish-style roofs, arched entryways, and prominent two-car garages. Some include backyard pools with built-in barbecues for entertaining; others enjoy stunning lakefront views. On average, these homes sell for between $320,000 for fixer-uppers and $700,000 for the largest and most recently updated. To the south, manufactured homes in Coral Cay Plantation often feature carports, screened-in porches and decks. Some enjoy backyard water access. And they’re priced much lower than Coral Bay — between $60,000 and $115,000. And HOA fees are higher — $950 per month, which includes the land lease.

The neighborhood’s public schools include Margate Elementary, which received a B from Niche, partly for its good 16 to 1 student-teacher ratio. Margate Middle, a C-plus school, offers a STEM magnet program for students interested in engineering or biomechanics that can earn them an automatic seat in a magnet high school. Students at Coral Springs High, which scored a B, can start early on their career interests through dual enrollment programs at five Florida colleges and universities. Families can also choose from several charter and private schools nearby, such as K-8 Renaissance Charter School at Coral Springs, which received a B-plus from Niche and an 8-of-out-10 rating from GreatSchools.

Amenities are a high priority to homebuyers interested in purchasing a home in the neighborhood. Coral Bay features three community swimming pools, one built on a narrow peninsula that juts into the central lake and offers stunning panoramic views. Residents can play tennis or basketball at North Bay Park, and kids can climb and slide on the playground in South Bay Park. As you might guess, a 55-plus community like Coral Cay has its own demand for social and recreational activities. That’s why, in addition to tennis and basketball courts, you’ll find bocce ball and shuffleboard courts, horseshoes, two heated pools, a spa and whirlpool, two beautiful clubhouses, a library, a billiard room, and social and sports activities that bring residents together. For anyone needing help with physical fitness, a You Fit Gym is nearby, too, where members can take advantage of group fitness classes and small group training led by personal trainers.

Serving the health-care needs of the region, HCA Florida Northwest Hospital features 289 beds and a medical center that leads the way in robotic surgery and emergency care. For everyday needs, you'll find many grocery stores at West Sample Road and North State Road 7, such as the Publix at Coral Landings. Not far away is an ALDI. And a short distance south is Broward Meat and Fish, which sells everything from ground beef to oxtail. For a bite to eat, you might stop at Dandee Donut Factory, which serves 50 varieties of donuts, Bonefish Mac’s, a seafood, burger and wings place, or It’s All Greek to Me, an eatery where you can get anything from pita wraps to classic Greek dishes. A few blocks north, you’ll find the Seminole Casino Coral Creek, a Las Vegas-style entertainment venue with slot machines, table games, restaurants and live entertainment. Go west, and you’ll hit Cornerstone Plaza. Dubbed the new downtown of Coral Springs, this vibrant city center with upscale restaurants, bars and cafés is surrounded by a flagship Hyatt hotel and luxury apartments.

Coral Bay is unique because it’s “in the middle of Coral Springs, Parkland and Margate,” Kim says, “a great central location for parks, attractions and highway access.” Whether you’re starting a family or newly retired, this neighborhood is where people stay active and enjoy life.

Written By

Christopher Kopczynski

Photography Contributed By

Eduardo Ford

Video By

Michael McAdams