Choosing the ideal city to live or invest in within Broward County requires careful consideration of many factors. Cooper City and Davie are two popular choices, each offering unique benefits to prospective homebuyers, renters, and investors. This comprehensive guide explores everything from demographics and real estate trends to schools, safety, and lifestyle amenities to help you make an informed decision between Cooper City, FL and Davie, FL.
Overview of Cooper City and Davie
Cooper City and Davie are neighboring municipalities located in Broward County, Florida, both boasting strong community profiles and appealing suburban lifestyles near Fort Lauderdale. Cooper City is known for its family-focused neighborhoods with a quiet, well-planned environment featuring tree-lined streets and ample parks. Davie, by contrast, carries a vibrant Western-themed identity with a more diverse mix of residential and commercial areas alongside equestrian trails and agricultural heritage.
Both cities benefit from proximity to major highways, quality municipal services, and a climate that supports year-round outdoor activities. However, their cultural vibes, growth patterns, and infrastructure have distinct differences which we will explore throughout this comparison.
Demographics and Population
Cooper City has a population of approximately 35,000 residents characterized by a predominantly family-oriented demographic. The community showcases moderate age diversity, with a strong representation of adults aged 30 to 50 and a considerable percentage of children under 18, reflecting its appeal to families.
Davie, with roughly 110,000 residents, is more populous and demographically diverse. It features a balanced mix of age groups, including young professionals, middle-aged residents, and retirees. Income levels in Cooper City tend to be higher on average, with median household incomes above $90,000, while Davie’s median income hovers slightly lower, around $70,000.
Educational attainment in both cities is commendable, with a large portion of residents holding bachelor’s degrees or higher. Davie’s larger population brings greater ethnic and cultural diversity compared to Cooper City.
Real Estate Market Comparison
Types of Housing Available
Cooper City's housing market mainly consists of single-family homes in suburban subdivisions, complemented by townhouses and some condominium developments. Its well-maintained neighborhoods provide spacious yards and modern amenities appealing to families seeking stability and privacy.
Davie offers a more varied housing inventory. Apart from single-family homes, there is a substantial presence of apartments and condos catering to diverse demographics, including young professionals, retirees, and students. Townhouses and larger estates are also common, often with larger lots supporting Davie’s semi-rural character in certain neighborhoods.
Property Taxes and Home Values
Property taxes in both cities fall within the average range for Broward County but can vary depending on specific neighborhoods and property types. Cooper City presents moderately higher property tax rates reflective of its affluent profile.
Median home values in Cooper City typically range around $550,000, driven up by high demand and limited housing supply. Davie maintains more affordable pricing, with median home prices closer to $400,000, offering greater options for first-time buyers or those seeking value.
Home appreciation rates over the past five years have been steady in both markets, with Cooper City experiencing slightly faster growth due to scarcity of new developments.
Cost of Living and Affordability
The overall cost of living in Cooper City Cell phone repair Cooper City is higher than in Davie, particularly when considering housing costs, property taxes, and certain utility expenses. Transportation costs tend to be comparable given similar commuting distances to employment centers.
Groceries, healthcare, and everyday essentials in both cities align with typical South Florida price points, although some savings may be found in Davie’s broader retail options.
Residents of both cities benefit from access to competitive utility providers and public services, but Cooper City’s exclusivity can lead to slightly elevated expenses across various categories.
Schools and Education Quality
Cooper City boasts some of the highest-ranked public schools within Broward County, including well-known elementary and middle schools with strong standardized test scores and graduation rates. The city is renowned for its commitment to educational excellence and has several private school options as well.
Davie also offers quality education through numerous public schools managed by Broward County Public Schools, though rankings vary more widely across the city’s larger area. Notably, Davie hosts specialty programs and charter schools that attract diverse student populations.
Parents prioritize Cooper City for consistently higher-rated schools, while Davie appeals to families seeking broader educational program options along with schools focused on arts, technology, and vocational training.
Safety and Crime Rates
Safety is a significant consideration for residents choosing between these cities. Cooper City traditionally posts lower crime rates than many parts of Broward County, with particular emphasis on residential neighborhood security and proactive police-community relations.
Davie experiences more variability in crime statistics due to its size and density, with some neighborhoods reporting higher incidents of property crimes and traffic violations. Nonetheless, major commercial and family-friendly areas maintain respectable safety records supported by local law enforcement initiatives.
Both cities maintain active police departments and community watch programs aimed at sustaining secure environments for residents and businesses.
Employment and Economy
The employment landscape in Cooper City tends to revolve around professional, technical, and managerial roles, often requiring commuting to nearby economic hubs such as Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Major employers include healthcare, education, and financial services sectors.
Davie’s economy is more diversified with concentrations in retail, distribution, agriculture, and hospitality, thanks to its larger commercial base and agricultural roots. Job opportunities in Davie are more accessible locally for various skill levels.
Unemployment rates in both cities generally align with the Florida state average, with slight fluctuations based on economic cycles and industry changes.
Transportation, Commute, and Traffic
Cooper City and Davie are conveniently positioned near major highways including I-75, Florida’s Turnpike, and University Drive, facilitating commutes to employment centers throughout Broward County and the Miami metropolitan area.
Average commute times hover around 25 to 35 minutes depending on destination and peak hours. Traffic congestion is a concern during rush hours on main corridors, but both cities have invested in road improvements and public transit options.
Public transportation Computer Repairs coverage includes bus routes serviced by Broward County Transit. However, reliance on private vehicles remains high due to suburban layouts.
Parks, Recreation, and Outdoor Activities
Cooper City prides itself on having numerous well-maintained parks, recreational centers, and sports facilities, catering especially to families. Popular sites include Brian Piccolo Park and Cooper City Sports Complex, offering soccer fields, playgrounds, and walking trails.
Davie is famous for its equestrian culture with many horse trails, ranches, and open spaces. The city also provides extensive park areas like Tree Tops Park and Everglades Holiday Park, emphasizing nature preserves and outdoor adventure.
Community events, youth sports leagues, and fitness programs thrive in both cities, supporting active lifestyles and social engagement.
Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment
Cooper City offers a variety of dining experiences ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, predominantly serving American and international cuisines with family-friendly atmospheres.
Davie boasts a more eclectic culinary scene influenced by its multicultural population, with popular spots featuring Latin American, Caribbean, and fusion flavors. Shopping centers and local boutiques add to the city’s vibrant retail options.
Entertainment venues in both cities include movie theaters, community festivals, and seasonal events that celebrate local culture.
Climate and Weather
Both Cooper City and Davie share a tropical climate with warm, humid summers and mild winters typical of South Florida. Average temperatures range between the mid-70s°F in winter to the mid-80s°F in summer.
Annual rainfall is significant, concentrated mostly during the wet season from June through September. Both cities lie within Hurricane Risk Zones and have established emergency preparedness plans.
Residents enjoy year-round opportunities for outdoor activities but must stay vigilant during hurricane season.
Healthcare and Medical Facilities
Healthcare access in Cooper City includes proximity to several well-regarded hospitals and medical centers in nearby Pembroke Pines and Fort Lauderdale. Local clinics provide primary care, specialist services, and urgent care.
Davie hosts key medical facilities including outpatient centers and specialty practices. Residents benefit from accessibility to Broward Health and other major hospital networks within short driving distances.
Both cities emphasize wellness programs and preventive care through community health initiatives.
Community and Lifestyle
Community life in Cooper City is largely centered on family-friendly neighborhoods, active civic groups, and volunteer organizations dedicated to education, parks, and public safety. The city government regularly hosts cultural events, holiday celebrations, and farmer’s markets.
Davie’s lifestyle balances suburban conveniences with rural charm. Local government supports agricultural preservation alongside development, fostering a unique blend of traditions and modern living.
Residents in both cities enjoy access to libraries, community centers, and recreational programming that enrich social ties and cultural integration.
Summary Comparison Table
Feature Cooper City, FL Davie, FL Population ~35,000 ~110,000 Median Household Income $90,000+ ~$70,000 Median Home Price $550,000 $400,000 Property Tax Rate Moderate-High Moderate Types of Housing Single-family, Townhouses Single-family, Condos, Apartments School Quality High (top-ranked public schools) Varied (includes specialty schools) Crime Rate Low Moderate Average Commute Time 25-30 minutes 30-35 minutes Parks & Recreation Numerous family parks Equestrian trails, large parks Dining & Entertainment Family-oriented, diverse Eclectic, multicultural Climate Tropical, hurricane risk Tropical, hurricane risk Healthcare Facilities Nearby hospitals, clinics Local medical centers Cost of Living Higher More affordableFrequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which city has better schools, Cooper City or Davie?
Cooper City generally ranks higher for public school quality with consistent performance and strong parent involvement, whereas Davie offers a wider variety of specialized and charter school programs.
How do crime rates compare between Cooper City and Davie?
Cooper City has lower overall crime rates and is perceived as safer, while Davie experiences slightly higher crime statistics primarily due to its larger size and more diverse neighborhoods.
Is it more affordable to live in Cooper City or Davie?
Davie is more affordable overall, with lower median home prices and cost of living, making it attractive for budget-conscious families and first-time buyers.
What is the average commute time for residents of each city?
Cooper City residents typically face 25-30 minute commutes, while Davie residents average slightly longer commutes of 30-35 minutes.
What types of housing are most common in Cooper City vs. Davie?
Cooper City focuses on single-family homes and townhouses, ideal for families. Davie offers a more varied mix including apartments, condos, and estates appealing to a broader demographic.
Are there good parks and recreational facilities in both cities?
Yes, both cities offer excellent parks and recreation options, with Cooper City emphasizing family-focused parks and Davie featuring equestrian trails and large natural preserves.
How does the job market differ between Cooper City and Davie?
Cooper City’s job market skews toward professional and managerial positions often outside the city, while Davie has a more varied local economy including retail, agriculture, and service sectors.
What healthcare facilities are available near Cooper City and Davie?
Both cities have convenient access to hospitals, clinics, and specialists in nearby urban centers, with Davie hosting some in-town medical services as well.
How similar or different is the climate in Cooper City and Davie?
Both experience the same South Florida tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, seasonal rainfall, and hurricane risk.
In conclusion, the choice between Cooper City and Davie depends largely on your priorities. If you seek a smaller, quieter community with top-tier schools and a family-centric atmosphere, Cooper City could be the better fit. On the other hand, if you value affordability, housing diversity, and a vibrant cultural mix with access to outdoor adventures, Davie offers compelling advantages. Weighing these factors alongside personal preferences will help you select the ideal city for your next home or investment in 2025.