Sunrise Lakes

Just 15 miles west of downtown Fort Lauderdale, in the City of Sunrise, rests a series of subdivisions called Sunrise Lakes. Most of these are recreational communities exclusive to residents aged 55-plus. “It’s a wonderful, beautiful resort neighborhood,” says Yvonne Hepler, the chairperson of Sunrise Lakes’ Recreation Board. “There are three condo associations here, with roughly 6,000 occupants between them, and we offer tons of amenities, community activities and events,” she says. The administrative assistant to the general manager of the Sunrise Lakes Recreation District, Rene Puig, says that the neighborhood amenities are the biggest draw for homebuyers. “There’s always something going on here, whether it’s a dance in the ballroom or a barbecue party at one of the pools,” he says. He adds that the community’s location is a significant draw, too. “Sunrise is a very well-maintained, well-kept city. It’s like a larger-scale version of Sunrise Lakes because, it’s almost as community-oriented.”

You’ll find homes here ranging in style from two or three-story Spanish-style condo buildings with red tile roofs and arcade-style covered walkways to standalone ranch-style homes clad in cream or shades of pastel stucco. The quiet residential streets are dotted with manicured garden beds and towering palm trees and curve gently around the little lakes throughout the neighborhood. “We have numerous lakes and waterways, all stocked so that residents can fish,” says Puig, adding that the “beautiful parks” throughout the community provide ample space for residents to enjoy the outdoors. On the west end, it’s commonplace to see golf carts puttering by, shuttling neighbors on their way to or from the Sunrise Lakes Phase IV Golf Course. “It’s a pretty, members-only, 9-hole golf course, which residents really take advantage of,” says Hepler, noting that several condo buildings overlook the sunny greens. Home prices here range from $120,000 to $240,000. “Price depends largely on the number of bedrooms and how updated the unit or home is,” says Puig, noting that upper-level, freshly renovated two-bedroom condos tend to hover on the higher end of the spectrum.

With State Road 838, also known as Sunrise Boulevard, less than 3 miles south, tons of shopping, dining and entertainment options outside the neighborhood are within easy reach. “We’re about a five-minute drive from Sawgrass Mills Mall and the Amerant Bank Arena,” says Puig. In and around the mall, less than 5 miles west down Sunrise Boulevard, you’ll find everything from your local Walmart Supercenter and Sam’s Club to The Cheesecake Factory and Rainforest Café. The arena, home of the National Hockey League’s Florida Panthers, also hosts concerts and other large events. Previous headliners include artists from many different genres, from Phil Collins and Elton John to Britney Spears and Iron Maiden.

But even closer to home, you’ll find the Nob Hill shopping center off Nob Hill Road just over a mile west. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes at the fast-casual-style eatery, Tin Fish, or grab authentic Italian grocery staples at Doris Italian Supermarket & Bakery. Your local Winn-Dixie is off Nob Hill Road, too, just under 3 miles south of home, across Sunrise Boulevard.
Sunrise Lakes students are served by schools in the Broward County Public Schools district. They can go to Horizon Elementary, Bair Middle and Plantation High School between preschool and Grade 12. Horizon earned a B grade from Niche in 2023, Bair earned a B-minus and Plantation earned a C-plus. Plantation High draws students from around the county to participate in its magnet programs: the International Baccalaureate Program and the Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Program, or A.I.C.E. Both are known for their rigorous and advanced academics and are designed to prepare students for success in their future careers in college and beyond.

Written By

Megan Quintin

Photography Contributed By

Daniele Giuseppe Del Gaudio

Video By

Remi Cox