If you are thinking about a move to Parkland, you are probably looking for more than just a home address. You want to know what daily life actually feels like, what the housing options are, and whether the area fits your lifestyle. Parkland offers a distinct mix of residential living, green space, and community amenities in northern Broward County. Here’s a closer look at what it’s like to live there and what you should know before making a move.
Parkland at a Glance
Parkland is the northwesternmost city in Broward County, located between Coral Springs and Boca Raton. According to the City of Parkland budget profile, the city is known for its upscale residential setting, park-like atmosphere, and limited commercial land use. The city’s relocation page also describes it as a diverse community in a tranquil, wooded environment.
That overall character shapes the local experience. Parkland tends to feel more residential and open than many other South Florida communities, which appeals to buyers who want space, planned neighborhoods, and easy access to recreation.
A Strongly Residential Community
One of the biggest things you notice about Parkland is how residential it is. The city has only five commercial centers, according to its move to Parkland guide, so the area is not built around dense retail corridors or heavy commercial activity.
For many residents, that is part of the appeal. You get a quieter setting with neighborhoods, parks, and community spaces taking center stage. If you prefer a home-focused environment over a busier urban feel, Parkland stands out for that reason.
Population and Household Profile
Recent U.S. Census QuickFacts estimate Parkland’s population at 39,700 in 2024, which reflects 14.5% growth from the April 1, 2020 estimate base. The same source reports a median household income of $198,669, an owner-occupied housing rate of 85.9%, and a median owner-occupied home value of $896,300.
Those numbers help explain the local housing landscape. Parkland is largely made up of owner-occupied homes, and the market tends to attract buyers looking for long-term residential living rather than a high concentration of short-term or transient housing.
Parks and Outdoor Living
Parkland’s name matches its lifestyle in many ways. The city says it has 11 parks with trails for families, dogs, and horses, giving residents plenty of ways to spend time outdoors.
This outdoor focus becomes part of your routine if you live here. Whether you enjoy walking trails, sports fields, dog parks, or equestrian amenities, Parkland has a broad range of recreation options woven into everyday life.
Pine Trails Park
Pine Trails Park is one of the city’s best-known recreation hubs. It includes a fishing pier, walking trails, seven multipurpose fields, two synthetic turf fields, four baseball fields, basketball courts, pavilions, and open space.
The park is also home to the Parkland Recreation and Enrichment Center, a 24,700-square-foot facility that offers more than 100 programs for toddlers, youth, teens, adults, and seniors. If you are looking for a place where recreation, classes, and community programming come together, this park is a major local asset.
Terramar, Liberty, and More
Terramar Park features baseball and football fields, pickleball courts, a playground, walking trails, an observation pier, and open space. Liberty Park adds two playgrounds, a water play area, a horse corral, and a pavilion.
For nature-oriented outings, 6 Acre Wood Park offers an approximately quarter-mile multi-use trail through a natural environment with interpretive signage. Dog owners also have Barkland Dog Park, which includes separate large and small dog areas, fountains, covered pavilions, walking trails, and a dog-washing station.
Recreation and Lifestyle Amenities
Parkland also supports a lifestyle built around hobbies, sports, and community gathering. The Equestrian Center at Temple Park has two equestrian rings and also hosts the Parkland Farmers' Market from November through April every other Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The farmers' market is open to the public and dog friendly, which adds to the city’s casual, community-oriented feel. Tennis is another local draw, with the city noting that the Parkland Tennis Center at Quigley Park includes 12 clay courts, a practice court, and a clubhouse.
Golf also plays a role in the local lifestyle. The city describes Parkland Golf & Country Club as a private community built around an 18-hole championship golf course.
Community Events and Everyday Routine
Beyond the parks, Parkland offers a steady calendar of city-run activities. The city’s special events page lists one of Broward County’s largest farmers' markets, plus events such as the Halloween Festival, Movies in the Park, Snowfest, and Community Carnival.
The Parks and Recreation department also offers fitness classes, teen movie nights, and summer camps. These kinds of events can make it easier to plug into the community and build a routine around local activities rather than always driving elsewhere for them.
Another practical amenity is the Parkland Library, which offers book pickup, e-books, digital video, homework help, book clubs, and library programs. For many residents, that adds one more useful day-to-day resource close to home.
Housing in Parkland
If you are considering a move here, the housing mix is a major part of the story. According to the city’s 2023 budget profile, Parkland had nearly 12,000 housing units, with 86% single-family, 4% condominium, 3% multifamily, and 7% vacant.
That means the housing stock is heavily oriented toward single-family living. If you are looking for detached homes, planned communities, and neighborhoods with a more residential layout, Parkland offers that in a big way.
Planned Communities and Neighborhood Style
The city’s homeowners association list and utility map highlight many planned communities, including Parkland Bay, MiraLago, Parkland Golf & Country Club, Watercrest, Heron Bay, Parkland Reserve, Terramar, Parkland Isles, and The Landings.
The city’s 2021 budget profile also notes a mix of housing types in newer neighborhoods, including single-family homes, townhomes, attached villas, and active-adult communities. Examples listed by the city include Cascata at MiraLago, Watercrest, Four Seasons at Parkland, and The Falls of Parkland.
This gives buyers a range of options depending on the type of home and neighborhood structure they want. Some communities emphasize larger homes and residential amenities, while others include attached options or active-adult living.
Practical Details to Know
When you move to Parkland, some city services come through different providers rather than one single city utility system. According to the city’s relocation page, Waste Management handles garbage and recycling, the Broward Sheriff’s Office provides law enforcement, and the Coral Springs-Parkland Fire Department provides fire and paramedic service.
Garbage is collected twice weekly, recycling once weekly, and bulk pickup dates vary by neighborhood. These are small details, but they matter when you are comparing communities and trying to picture day-to-day living.
Schools and Education Options
For residents researching education options, the city says public schools within Parkland are served by Broward County Public Schools. Schools listed on the city’s move to Parkland page include Heron Heights Elementary, Riverglades Elementary, Park Trails Elementary, Westglades Middle School, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.
The city also notes that private and charter options are available. If schools are part of your relocation research, it is helpful to review current boundaries, enrollment details, and program information directly with the appropriate providers as you narrow your home search.
Who Parkland May Appeal To
Parkland can be a strong fit if you want:
- A primarily residential setting
- A high share of owner-occupied homes
- Access to parks, trails, and recreation facilities
- Planned communities with a range of home styles
- Local events and amenities that support daily life
- A location in northern Broward near Coral Springs and Boca Raton
It may especially appeal to buyers who want a more spacious, neighborhood-oriented environment rather than a denser city feel. The combination of park space, community programming, and housing options gives Parkland a lifestyle that feels distinct within South Florida.
Final Thoughts on Living in Parkland
Living in Parkland often means choosing a community where residential character comes first. You will find neighborhoods with a strong owner-occupied presence, a wide range of parks and recreation options, and city amenities that support a steady, connected routine.
If you are weighing a move to Parkland or comparing it with nearby areas, local guidance can make the process much easier. Whether you are searching for a single-family home, a townhome, a golf community property, or a neighborhood that fits your next chapter, AJ Bergman can help you explore your options with clear, local insight.
FAQs
What is Parkland, Florida known for?
- Parkland is known for its upscale residential character, park-like atmosphere, limited commercial land use, and broad range of parks and recreation amenities.
What types of homes are common in Parkland, Florida?
- Parkland’s housing stock is mostly single-family homes, with additional options that include townhomes, attached villas, condominiums, and active-adult communities.
What parks and recreation options are available in Parkland, Florida?
- Parkland offers 11 parks with trails, plus amenities such as sports fields, pickleball courts, playgrounds, dog parks, equestrian facilities, tennis courts, and recreation programs.
What community events take place in Parkland, Florida?
- The city hosts events such as the Parkland Farmers' Market, Halloween Festival, Movies in the Park, Snowfest, and Community Carnival, along with classes and seasonal programs.
What should you know before moving to Parkland, Florida?
- Before moving to Parkland, it helps to understand the city’s residential focus, planned community layout, housing costs, service providers, recreation options, and school assignment details.
