Plantation

Broadview Park is a small suburban community sought after for two main reasons: its affordability and proximity to major infrastructures, such as U.S. Route 441 and U.S. Interstate 595. It's ideally located between the cities of Plantation and Fort Lauderdale, busy industrial centers housing more than 5,600 businesses and corporations. As a result, Broadview Park has become an ideal location for big-city commuters. The neighborhood is also well-known for its community park, where two little leagues regularly converge to compete. Across the neighborhood's several subdivisions are a variety of ranch-style homes with Spanish Eclectic and minimal traditional architectural influences. Most have two- to four bedrooms and sit on modest lots. They tend to sell for between $350,000 and $565,00, with an average price of around $444,000. There are some fixer-uppers here, too, and they tend to sell for somewhere in the $200,000 range. And the rare villa with large yards and in-ground pools can sell for more than $750,000. According to John Scalia, a Realtor with eXp Realty, homes are staying on the market longer because of the rise of interest rates. "Previously, I would've said 30 to 60 days, but now it's closer to 60 to 90," he says. Of note: The city of Fort Lauderdale owns a 62-acre tract in the community and plans to develop 50 acres into affordable housing communities. This development has been met with some resistance, with the Broadview Park Civic Association launching a petition to preserve the land. The neighborhood is served by Broward County Public Schools, including Meadowbrook Elementary School, graded a C-plus on Niche; New River Middle School, graded a B-minus; and South Plantation High School, graded a B. South Plantation High is a magnet school specializing in environmental science and Everglades restoration. The hands-on four-year program includes field trips, volunteering and challenging coursework. Trinitas Academy is a nearby private Christian school option, serving preschool through high school students. Since the neighborhood is surrounded by major thoroughfares, shopping and dining options are well within reach. Along U.S. Route 441 sits Georgia Pig Barbecue, known by locals as "The Pig," a small family-owned spot known for its tender pork smoked daily over live oak wood. La Costa Latin Cuisine is another local favorite, serving traditional Honduran food like pollo con tajadas and jalea de mariscos. The neighborhood is also home to several convenience stores, like 7-Eleven and Loren Food Mart, the latter of which houses the popular Cuban and Mexican chain Vila's. Full-service grocery stores like Winn-Dixie and Publix are less than 2 miles away along Florida Route 736. Sunview Park is the neighborhood's main public outdoor space, serving as the home field, so to speak, for two little leagues, Sunset and Broadview Park. The park spans 20 acres and includes fields and courts for baseball, football, soccer and basketball. There is also an on-site recreation center where fitness classes, clubs and programs for teens are held throughout the year. "It's just an all-around good family community," Scalia says, highlighting the importance of community programming in the neighborhood. Across town is Washburn Park, a smaller space ideal for passive activities like picnicking and walking. The City of Plantation hosts a variety of community events throughout the year. The city's main farmer market is held Saturday mornings at Volunteer Park, about 10 miles away. The park is filled with at least two dozen vendor booths selling everything from local produce to freshly cut flowers to baked goods for furry friends. The Holiday Fantasy of Lights display is a staple event during the holiday season. Elaborate lights and holiday-themed cutouts line a three-mile span of Florida's Turnpike near Tradewinds Park, about 18 miles away. The neighborhood is bordered by U.S. Route 441, Interstate 595, and Florida's Turnpike, a toll road that runs from North Miami to Wildwood. Public Broward County Transit buses run through the community, picking up along U.S. Route 441 and Florida State Route 736. Air travel is also easily accessible, with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport sitting 7.5 miles away. And for medical treatment, HCA Florida University Hospital is about 6 miles away.