Top 10 Pros and Cons of Living in Parkland, FL

Parkland is a city in northern Broward County, Florida, notable for its strict zoning regulations that have contributed to the preservation of “park-like” neighborhoods. Rich people are drawn to Parkland because of its posh neighborhoods, extensive park system, and closeness to Fort Lauderdale, just a short drive south down the coast. 

Famous people like NASCAR driver Caesar Bacarella and ESPN sportscaster Jon Weiner both call Parkland home.

Let’s talk about the ten pros and cons of living in Parkland, FL.

Pros of Living in Parkland

1. The Broward School District is highly regarded in Florida

The Broward School District, which includes the city of Parkland, is home to many highly regarded educational institutions. There are a number of highly regarded schools in the Broward School District, but only three of them are physically located in Parkland. 

The Heron Heights and Riverglades elementary schools, as well as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school, are all recommended because of their high GreatSchools ratings.

2. It doesn’t snow here

Those who are familiar with Florida’s climate won’t be too shocked by the weather in Parkland. There is a lot of rain and sun but no snow—temperatures average 91 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer and a chilly 57 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.

Parkland receives an above-average amount of precipitation for the United States, with an annual average of 60 inches compared to the national average of 38 inches. No snowfall is ever seen in this city. 

3. Live in City Center or Loxahatchee Road

Despite Parkland’s small size, there are still plenty of friendly neighborhoods to explore and join. 

City Center, in Parkland’s northwestern quarter, is by far the most costly area to live in, although every street in Parkland exudes opulence. Loxahatchee Road is Parkland’s cheapest area, while Holmberg Road, which runs along the city’s southern edge, comes in second.

4. Proximity to major highways

Parkland’s convenient access to major thoroughfares is a major selling point. The Sawgrass Expressway is located just to the south of Parkland. From there, you can head south to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. Access to I-98 is also very convenient.  

Because of its convenient proximity to major thoroughfares, Parkland’s location on major roads makes it easy to reach almost any destination.

5. Work in the educational sector

According to Payscale, Parkland has maintained a constant cost of living and income growth in recent years. The three most common jobs are police officer, elementary school teacher, and high school teacher. Publix Super Markets, Inc., is the most sought-after company to work for. In Parkland, Florida, the median annual salary is $50k, and the median hourly wage is $16.67.

Moving to Parkland with the intention of finding lucrative employment? Look into the law enforcement or teaching fields.

6. It’s a perfect place to raise a family

With its modern homes and abundance of recreational opportunities, Parkland is the perfect place to raise a family. The mild year-round temperatures in South Florida make it ideal for outdoor pursuits, including hiking, fishing, boating, and golf. Particularly representative of the city’s love of golf is the Parkland Golf & Country Club. 

In addition, Parkland often hosts civic events that highlight the city’s thriving culture. The town’s amphitheater is frequently the site of community-building festivities in the form of concerts and festivals that highlight local artists and promote social cohesion. Parkland’s abundance of green spaces, like the serene Pine Trails Park, also makes it an ideal place for those who value active leisure.

7. It’s an extremely safe place to live

The crime rate in Parkland is 77% lower than the U.S. average, which is extremely low. Lower than the national average of 22.7, the violent crime rate in this country is only 7.3. The property crime rate of 15.5 is also considerably lower than the national average of 35.4.

This suggests that residents of Parkland are less likely to be victims of crime and other threats than people living in other parts of the United States.

Cons of Living in Parkland

1. The cost of living is much higher than the national average

The cost of living in this area is 54% more than the national average, which is to be expected given the area’s affluent demographics. A home in Parkland will set you back an average of $1,057,074, more than twice the state average for real estate in Florida. The cost of transportation is slightly more than usual, but the cost of groceries and utilities is about average. A one-bedroom apartment here will set you back an average of $2,060 per month.

The price tag on a home in Parkland is high, even by Florida standards, yet there is no better place to live. When it comes to spending your money in Florida, Parkland is one of your best options.

2. It’s quite a distance from other major cities

Although the city has access to many major roads, Parkland was built in its current location in Broward County’s northwest on purpose. Therefore, it will take a bit longer to go to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, or West Palm Beach. However, this is intentional because a pleasant rustic atmosphere has been created. 

The posted speed restrictions are 30–40 miles per hour, so it will take you a little longer to get where you need to go, but that’s how it’s supposed to be. 

3. The social scene isn’t bustling

There isn’t much to do after dark in this town. Parkland isn’t exactly bursting at the seams with stores and eateries. It was intended to feel extremely homey, after all, so Parkland does not boast an abundance of malls and other forms of commercial development. 

This city isn’t the place for you if you value proximity to a major shopping center or active nightlife, as there is just one Starbucks in the entire city. This household ambiance was intentionally created, so everything you might need is within easy walking distance. 

Final Thoughts

The possibilities you’ll have access to in Parkland, Florida, are diverse and intriguing. It really is a city full of conveniences, with excellent schools, a secure environment, and a thriving employment market. It has all the charm of a major city, but with the added difficulty that comes with a higher expense of living, and the fact that it doesn’t have a bubbling social scene. 

Parkland’s appeal as a place to settle down is bolstered by the city’s welcoming atmosphere toward families, its wealth of recreational opportunities, its variety of cultural events, and the energy of its residents.