Davie, one of the most desirable communities in Broward County, holds myriad aesthetic charms. It snuggles between the more cosmopolitan cities of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Its beauty is a blend of natural and cultural resources, which draw families, singles, businesses, and visitors alike. A part of its estimated population of 84,200 is drawn to one of the nation’s largest private universities, Nova Southeastern University. Davie offers a mixture of acre home sites, apartment living and a downtown with a unique western architectural theme. It is renowned for its rodeos and festivals and although an inland community, it has deep-water access to the Atlantic Ocean at two local marinas. Davie’s equestrian trails and open space preservation make it a rural gem, while its proximity to larger cities provides opportunities for great diversity.
Location
Davie is located on the southeastern edge of Florida’s peninsula between Fort Lauderdale and Miami with close proximity to the Atlantic Ocean.
Geography/Terrain
Davies’s 34.4 square miles are found in the land of palm trees. There are many open spaces due to an open space preservation policy as well as miles of horse riding, bicycling and walking trails which link neighborhoods throughout the town.
Distance to 3 closest major cities
The town of Davie is approximately 10 miles from Fort Lauderdale, 15 miles from Miami, and 200 miles from Orlando.
Jobs
With an extremely diverse economy, Davie has a powerful tax base. The mixture of manufacturing, retail, distribution and technology provide much of the population’s employment The addition of local yachting, injection molding, concrete manufacturing and both locally owned and chain restaurants and stores adds to the vibrant feel of this town.
The Broward Alliance, an organization that promotes prosperity in Broward County, is instrumental in assisting businesses in the creation of value-added jobs and capital investment in South Florida’s economy. Some of Broward’s major employers are Nova Southeastern University, and Andrx, one of the nation’s leading generic pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Housing
Davie’s superb demographics create a unique appeal for those who which to live here. Population, median income and average home prices, all have been edging upward. Residential growth is driven mainly by the addition of large single-family home sites and upscale apartment housing. Davie’s median household income and home values are above those of other Brandon towns.
Parks/Sports/Recreation/Golf
With Davie’s commitment to open spaces is it any wonder its residents enjoy superior parks and recreation opportunities. Tree Tops Park features nature and equestrian trails that wind through dense woodland. It includes an impressive oak hammock and a 1,000-foot boardwalk with viewing platform and abundant wildlife. Look for great egrets, great blue herons, and anhinga through much of the year.
If you are looking for a taste of Florida history, wildlife and natural beauty, Sawgrass Recreation Park, located just west of Broward in nearby Everglades, brings it all to you. Get up close and personal with American alligators, and Florida panthers. An airboat ride and visit to the Seminole Preserves will make you feel you just stepped back in time.
Get a feel of the old West in Davie where Equestrian adventures and training abound. Riding lessons, including championship at AQHA World, are easily found at many local stables. Trail, pony or wagon rides, and horse boarding are found at Bar B Ranch or Davie Horse World Riding Stables.
All traditional water sports are easily accessed with Davie’s nearness to the Atlantic. Friendly people at Divers Cove will happily assist you with dive gear, lessons, and trips. Sailing, power boating and fishing opportunities are plentiful as well.
The great golf clubs of America share a particular refinement and appreciation of the sport. The exquisite Grand Oaks Course is par 71 and surrounded by the towering majesty of century old oak trees. You might find your experience here unmatched by any in South Florida.
Special Attractions/Events
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) spans 300 acres on a beautifully landscaped campus in nearby Fort Lauderdale. With more than 50 clubs and organizations, fraternities and sororities, athletics, and special events, it helps to shape the environment of the surrounding areas and towns, including Davie. Men’s and women’s teams compete in a variety of sports including basketball, baseball, women’s cheerleading, soccer, tennis rowing, cross-country, and golf.
The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds has served as Davie’s main tourist attraction for 40 years. This indoor/outdoor facility meets the demands for such diverse events as name concert entertainers and family events such as the circus, monster trucks, and horse and dog shows. There’s always something going on at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds.
The Town of Davie Special Projects Department offers year round and seasonal cultural acts and special events and festivals for the entire family. Theatrical productions are performed seasonally by both youths and adults. The town of Davie is also home to Young At Art Children’s Museum and the University Center for the Performing Arts.
Interesting Facts/Historic Buildings and Places
The oldest existing school building in Broward County, listed on the national register of historic places, is the old Davie School. Built in 1918 as the first permanent school building in the Everglades, the Old Davie School was designed by locally prominent architect, August Geiger. The school was more than an educational institution. It became the center of community life in Davie. Dances and box suppers were held there, as well as holiday programs and community plays, political rallies and elections. Residents sought refuge at the school during hurricanes.
Today the school is a museum, which averages about 1500visitios a year. It includes the Viele House and outstanding 1912 example of Florida vernacular architecture and a 20-by-30- foot chickee hut built as an historic gift by the Seminole tribe.
Nestled among miles of beachfront development are 35 acres of a pristine barrier island system that make up the Bonnet House Estate. The whimsical estate of the Bonnet House and Gardens was the winter retreat of Frederick and Evelyn Bartlett, two artists whose unconventional personal touches are evident throughout the property. Designed and built in 1920, Bonnet House is one of the few complete homes and studios of an American artist. Here you can walk where ancient Indians, early settlers, and shipwrecked sailors once roamed. This is indeed a private world on Fort Lauderdale Beach.
Much of the history of Davie would remain a mystery if not for Victoria Wagner, author of The Essence of Davie. She states that after many interviews of early settlers and their families, the courageous founders of this community appealed to us strongly, and the same spirit that had brought them to this location of alligators and sawgrass had previously taken some to them to the Panama Canal Zone to help build the canal there. Davie’s community has changed. In addition, while the cattle of former times have moved to Alabama and the Lake Okeechobee area, Davie is still horse country with such energy and initiative, a new chapter may be in the writing.
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
