Oakland Park

North Corals is an Oakland Park suburb that has continued to develop in the last few decades. It's lush residential landscaping and quiet streets make for pleasant morning walks and calm home life. At the same time, the arrival of new businesses has aided in the growing popularity of North Corals and surrounding communities. Alongside its newfound conveniences and attractions, residents value its proximity to a top-rated elementary school and range of home prices. "I've been selling real estate for 21 years, and the area of Oakland Park was not always what it is today," says Erik Cavanagh, a realtor with RE/MAX Experience and an Oakland Park resident. "Twenty years ago, its downtown was a dead zone with mainly city offices. It was just waiting for some development and creativity to take it to the next level. Now, Oakland Park is such a desirable destination. It's a very progressive, diverse and colorful community." North Corals stands out from other neighborhoods in the Corals family with its proximity to Floranada Elementary, a popular and highly rated public school. “I get calls from younger families wanting to move to this area so their kids can go to school at Floranada,” says Cavanagh. The elementary school maintains an A-minus score on Niche and hosts clubs like robotics, debate, music and gardening for students to explore. Meanwhile, older students attend classes at James S. Rickards Middle School, which has a C score on Niche, and Northeast High School, which has received a B-minus. A drive through the North Corals neighborhood is complemented by tall, mature palm trees scattered throughout the community’s front yards. To pair are cordylines, succulents and smaller bottle palm trees used as landscaping for modest front yards. Ranch-style homes built in the 1960s dominate the community. “There’s a lot of opportunity to find midcentury gems to restore,” says Cavanagh. Most of these houses feature a horseshoe-shaped driveway and underground gas piping. Those looking to purchase a home in the neighborhood can expect a range in price from $600,000 to $850,000, depending on size and condition, while larger homes that sit lakeside can reach up to $1 million. Alongside this, those who value a laid-back setting will enjoy the absence of a homeowners association. Thanks to its proximity to main thoroughfares, North Corals offers quick routes to nearby shops and stores. Northridge Shopping Center and SILVER 925 Shopping Mall are great hubs for retail therapy and running errands with businesses like Ross, T.J. Maxx and Publix. Funky Buddha Brewery helped spearhead Oakland Park’s transition and is a popular spot for a drink amongst locals who enjoy experimental brews. Fine dining can be had at Thai Spice, which has been praised by critics and is known for its happy hour and romantic ambiance. Various citywide events occur at Jaco Pastorius Park, named after the famous bassist John Francis Pastorius III. Families head to the park during the holiday season for its Winter Fest and multi-cultural events throughout the year, like the Polynesian Cultural Festival and Latin Fest, both annual events of the city. When events aren’t happening at Jaco Pastorius Park, its open space allows for lawn picnics and trails for strolling with the pups, making it an excellent spot for casual visits. Nearby are the shores of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea-Beach. Locals and tourists flock here to enjoy catching rays atop its soft sands, walks and views to pair along the pier and cooling off in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Those working in downtown Fort Lauderdale can expect a 6.5-mile commute south via US-1, while flights at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport sit just 6 miles farther along the same route. Meanwhile, classes at Miami Regional College are 2.9 miles west, off Commercial Boulevard. Those seeking medical attention don’t have to go far, as the hospital at Holy Cross Health borders the community to the east.

Residents in Central Corals may be a short walk from Oakland Park’s flourishing downtown, but with streams offering stunning views and a water-bound route to the Intracoastal Waterway, this tropical enclave feels more like a little island town. “Folks kayak, canoe and paddleboard on the area's two lakes,” says Lori Schlueb, a local Realtor with RE/MAX Preferred and former Oakland Park resident. "And the waterways bring in all sorts of nature. You'll find egrets, blue herons and fish. People do [catch-and-release] fishing on the lakes, too.” Central Corals isn’t a community with much turnover. Residents are often longtime neighbors and lifetime friends. “It’s a very family-oriented and pet-friendly neighborhood,” Schlueb says. "People really take a lot of pride in their homes here," Schlueb says. "Residents are constantly updating, improving and landscaping, and people are attracted to that. You drive through the area, and clients are like, 'Wow, this is a really pretty neighborhood.'" Central Corals is an HOA-free neighborhood. Most of the houses here date back to the 1960s and are midcentury charmers, but there is a smattering of Cape Cod and Colonial Revival styles as well. "Homes in this pocket were built very well; they're very solid," Schlueb says. "Generally, three bedrooms… Tons of pools." Prices range from $550,000 to $1.3 million. The closer to the water, the more expensive. Condominiums and townhouses can be found on the community’s fringes. Prices for these multifamily homes start in the high $100,000s and can climb to the high $600,000 range. Homeowners in Central Corals can expect to pay less for flood insurance than their northern and southern neighbors, thanks mainly to its elevation. Schlueb says the neighborhood is in what she calls the “yellow zone” of the 500-year floodplain. Central Corals students have public and private school options. Residents are served by Broward County Public Schools, so students can start their academic journey at Oakland Park Elementary, rated B-minus. From there, they can attend Rickards Middle, rated C, before graduating from Northeast High, rated B-minus. This high school features three magnet programs, including the Alternative Energy program, an engineering program focused on the rapidly developing renewable energy industry. Participating students explore the significance of this contemporary industry, scientific principles, and future career avenues. Private options include St. Mark's Episcopal School, which serves Grades K-8 and has an A rating on Niche. Despite all the greenery along its narrow streets, Central Corals has no parks. However, Jaco Pastorius Park is less than a mile outside the neighborhood. This small green space is home to walking paths, a community center and the Urban Farming Institute, a non-profit community garden and learning center. Mangurian Park is another nearby park with walkways and fitness equipment. Funky Buddha Brewery kicks off Oakland Park’s up-and-coming downtown scene. Known for its easygoing atmosphere and jazzy brews, it quickly became a neighborhood staple and has attracted other similarly hip breweries, restaurants, shops and businesses to the area. For example, G21 Fitness, a cutting-edge, 5,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor gym, is popular among locals and out-of-towners alike. The company’s fitness approach combines personal training and physical therapy principles for maximized results. Local chain La Bamba Mexican and Spanish Restaurant is a family-owned favorite on North Federal Highway, just east of Central Corals. Its menu blends classic Spanish and Mexican fare, delivering delectable Latin fusion flavor. As for day-to-day shopping, Coral Ridge Mall is a convenient commercial hub with Target and Publix. Central Corals has major thoroughfares to its east and west: North Federal Highway and Dixie Highway, respectively. East Oakland Park Boulevard and Commercial Boulevard are just outside the neighborhood. Both provide access to Interstate 95 due west and the beach due east. Sandy shores are just over 2 miles from Central Corals. The neighborhood is also less than a mile from Holy Cross Health.

South Corals is an urban neighborhood that sits near everything the growing city of Oakland Park has to offer without sacrificing the classic peaceful Florida atmosphere. The area is situated in the southeast corner of Oakland Park, its narrow streets lush with tropical greenery. As part of the larger Corals community, which stretches up and down East Oakland Park, South Corals stands out with its abundant flora and a pseudo-small-town vibe. "People are drawn to this pocket's small community feel," says Lori Schlueb, a local Realtor with RE/MAX Preferred and a former Oakland Park resident. "The waterway makes it less accessible by main roads, especially over the bridge, so people can walk with their kids or walk their dogs without heavy traffic." Lined by protected mangroves, this waterway gives South Corals the look of a natural preserve, making it seem as though these streets don't belong to a city at all. Residents here have water and local park access often within walking distance, along with restaurants, health care, shopping centers and various education options, making it a convenient Oakland Park home base. South Corals is HOA-free, giving residents free rein when it comes to renovating, redesigning and redecorating their properties. "Most of these homes were constructed by a few different builders," Schlueb says. "So, there are unique styles at every couple of homes. For example, my property is a new construction, built 10 years ago. It was a vacant lot before. A few houses down, you'll find a home built in 1940. A nice eclectic variety of homes draws different people to the neighborhood." Architecture here varies from minimal traditional and Spanish ranch-style homes to sprawling estates and bungalows. "Compared to Wilton Manors in Fort Lauderdale just south, you get 300 or 400 more square feet for $100,000 less," Schlueb says. What's more, the city has natural gas pipes underground. "Some homes have it piped in, so it's there if you want it," Schlueb says. "In Fort Lauderdale, you have to get big propane tanks delivered and filled every so often." Market prices in South Corals range roughly from the mid-to-high $600,000s to $1.3 million, with outliers on either ends of the scale. While most homes are single-family properties, multifamily homes, including townhouses and condominiums, can be found on the neighborhood's west side, right by downtown, or south in the Coral Brook area. Many South Corals locals enjoy outdoor activities on the water or in their private pools, though the coast is within just 2 miles at Lauderdale Beach or Galt Mile. Green spaces are available, as well, at Cherry Creek Park, which lies next to the waterway, with an exercise path and fitness equipment. Residents can also head to the gathering space between the Oakland Park Library and City Hall for playdates on the playground, picnics on the lawn or a game of pickleball. Coral Ridge Country Club is also right outside the neighborhood for golf, fine dining, a 25-meter swimming pool, tennis and other member-only events. South Corals has plenty of shopping and dining options nearby, mostly around Northeast 38th Street and main thoroughfare, Dixie Highway. Tatts and Tacos is a modern taqueria with an inky art theme. Funky Buddha Brewery is one of the pioneers of this growing urban scene, which gained popularity through its creative and unique brews, such as the classic Maple Bacon Coffee Porter. As for day-to-day errands and shopping, Coral Ridge Mall is within walking distance of the neighborhood with a Publix, Target, T.J. Maxx and movie theater. Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are also available within a few miles via Highway 1. South Corals is zoned for Broward County Public Schools. Children can begin their education at Oakland Park Elementary, which scores a B-minus on Niche. Students can then head to James S. Rickards Middle, which has a C and is undergoing renovations for a new gymnasium and more building space. Northeast High scores a B-minus and offers a dual enrollment program at St. Petersburg College. High school students here also have over a dozen Advanced Placement (AP) courses to choose from, including music theory, calculus and US government/politics. For a private kindergarten through Grade 8 option, families can choose A-rated St. Mark’s Episcopal School, located in the neighborhood off Oakland Park Boulevard. South Corals residents have access to major Florida routes, including Highway 1, which stretches all the way through Key West and also cuts through downtown Fort Lauderdale. Dixie Highway runs along the neighborhood, while Interstate 95 is within about 3 miles. Public transportation is available along Dixie, Oakland Park Boulevard and Hwy 1 via Broward County Transit. For air travel, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is about 13 miles away.

Many young families with children settle in North Andrews Gardens, seven miles north of Fort Lauderdale near Oakland Park. “This is a nice, quiet neighborhood that’s attractive for families that are just starting,” says Basia Armenta, a Realtor with LoKation Real Estate and over 15 years of experience. “If you’re in this area, you’re never far from the beach, about 10 to 15 minutes away. It’s a good value for the location.” Driving down the narrow streets of North Andrews Gardens flanked by palm and oak trees, there are no sidewalks, and the homes are on small lots and are modestly sized. Most have between 1,200 and 1,600 square feet of space, but many still have under 1,000 square feet. The style is predominantly a one-story ranch. “The price range for the homes is between $400,00 and $600,000. In today’s market, that’s pretty good,” Armenta says. The price per square foot in the neighborhood is close to $400. The era of houses is mainly from the 1950s and ‘60s; a typical floorplan would have two to three bedrooms and an attached garage or carport. The Plaza at Prospect and Andrews is the neighborhood’s retail center with two blocks of locally owned businesses. The American Coffee Shop is open for breakfast and lunch and is a family-owned eatery specializing in American and Spanish food, like Milanesa de Pollo. This dish originated in Milan, Italy, but is served in Mexican restaurants. It’s fried, breaded chicken breast, often served with Mexican rice. Jugos la Hacienda has freshly squeezed juices and refreshing smoothies in many different varieties of fruits and vegetables or a combination. There are various grocery stores in the area, whether it’s only a few things needed or a cartful. Tamer’s Food Mart is on 6th Avenue and is locally owned, with everyday essentials in a convenience store setting. For the health-conscious, there’s Sprouts Farmers Market with a wide selection of organic food and gluten-free selections. A knowledgeable staff can also inform and educate about healthy food choices. Publix is a five-minute drive away with a bakery, deli, and pharmacy. With four baseball diamonds and plenty of green space, Wimberly Fields Park is a popular site for athletic competitions. There are also pickleball courts to keep up with the latest craze, lighted basketball courts and a shaded playground area. It’s also the site of the City of Oakland Park's annual Youth Day celebration. As part of the events, a parade starts less than a mile away at another nearby park. The festival is usually held in early March. The schools in the neighborhood are part of the Broward County Public School system. The district is rated a B-plus overall on Niche and gets an A grade in the category of college prep for older students. The student-teacher ratio at Lloyd Estates Elementary School is 16-to-1 and an overall grade of C. A similar overall grade has been given to James S. Rickards Middle School. Students at this C-rated school and those throughout the district have access to academic tools to learn even when school is not in session due to summer break or weekends. Northeast High School has a Niche overall B-minus grade and a B in college prep. With Interstate 95 close, there are commuting options. The Broward County Transit bus lines have multiple stops along Commercial Boulevard and Andrews Avenue. Even though there are no sidewalks in the neighborhood, that doesn’t stop people from being outside in North Andrews Gardens. “You always see people walking their dog or just out for exercise in this neighborhood,” Armenta says.