Moving To and Living In Coral Springs, Florida

Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale is the charming city of Coral Springs, Florida. A principal city in the Miami metropolitan area, the City of Coral Springs, as it is officially known as, is set within Broward County. There are roughly 132,500 residents who call Coral Springs home. The popular city is a desirable area for many as it has won accolades over the years for its overall livability, low crime rates and family friendly atmosphere. Strict city building codes ensure all new construction and development doesn’t disrupt the aesthetic appeal, which was thoroughly thought out, as Coral Springs is a planned community.

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History of Coral Springs, Florida

Before the incorporation as a city in the early 1960’s, the land which Coral Springs is now located was part of 20,000 acres of marshy lands which were purchased by Henry Lyon during the years between 1911 and 1939. Several floods happened throughout the area, so finally in 1947 the state created what is now known as the South Florida Water Management District, and canals and levees were put in place to drain much of the lands. Once the lands were drained and dried, Henry Lyon used the land for bean farming, until he passed and his heirs switched over to cattle.

Like many areas throughout the Country, South Florida saw a substantial real estate boom post World-War II. Developers were attracted to the area and bought nearly 4,000 acres of property from the Lyon’s family in December of 1961 for $1 million. The City of Coral Springs was then chartered in 1963. By 1964 the first sale was finalized which was 536 building lots. The city’s iconic covered bridge was built during the same year in order to promote the newly established town. In 1965, the developers went back to the Lyon’s family and purchased an additional 6,000 acres of land which ended up increasing the city’s land area to 16 square miles.

Between 1970 and 2000, Coral Springs added many additional properties and amenities which included 19 public schools, a large regional mall, many shopping districts and plazas and a number of city parks. After the Sawgrass Expressway was built in the late 1980’s the city saw further growth and development and added a museum and theatre. By the year 2003 the city was fully built out residentially and is close to being built out commercially as well.

Why Live in Coral Springs?

The city’s placement in Money Magazine’s “100 Best Places to Live” list (96th overall, 3rd in Florida) in 2012 is well-deserved. Coral Springs is less frenetic than the larger cities surrounding it because of its low population.

Recent years have seen a rise in the population of this once-small town to 133,370 people, with a median household income of $77,488 and a median age of 37. The people living in Coral Springs are also very diverse, with a majority split between Whites, African Americans, and Hispanics or Latinos.

There isn’t much of a traffic problem in Coral Springs itself, but the average commute time for Coral Springs residents is still 28.4 minutes. This is longer than the typical American commute of 26.4 minutes. Moreover, around 1.5% of Coral Springs residents endure “super commutes,” spending more than 90 minutes on the road.

Coral Springs is a great place to live because it has less traffic and lovely weather, but the city’s events are also a major selling point. All year round, the city hosts different events that attract people of all ages, from drives to collect school supplies to health fairs for the seniors to the annual holiday parade.

And since Coral Springs isn’t as huge or bustling as other nearby cities like Miami or Fort Lauderdale, many of its residents leave town on the weekend to experience the vibrant nightlife, sandy beaches, fresh seafood, glitzy casinos, and other attractions that South Florida is famous for.

The Coral Springs Center for the Arts features both year-round events and an annual Broadway series. Other yearly events include the “Our Town” festival and “Fiesta Coral Springs,” a celebration of the Spanish heritage of many residents.

If you’re looking for a place to get some fresh air and swim, Coral Springs and the surrounding neighborhoods both have parks with facilities for these activities. To get about town, a lot of people ride bikes or walk.

Real Estate Market in Coral Springs, Florida

The real estate landscape in Coral Springs is distinct for a number of reasons, one of which is the strict restrictions placed on developers and builders. The city has a very strict landscaping and sign law, which includes rules regarding roof colors, exterior paint colors, boat storage, recreational vehicle storage and landscaping specifications.

Homes for sale in Coral Springs are well maintained properties which range in size and style. The majority of homes in Coral Springs are single family detached properties, however there are a handful of low and mid rise condominium buildings dotted throughout the city. The highest standing building in Coral Springs in a 12 story condo community known as Country Club Tower).

Many of the homes for sale in Coral Springs are set atop generous sized lots which are filled with beautiful swaying palms, large wrap around laneways, private pools and colorful gardens. Inside it is common to find beautifully designed homes with desirable features and designer touches such as gleaming tile or hardwood floors, gourmet kitchens, spa style bathrooms, luxurious master suites and more.

Prices for homes for sale in Coral Springs is higher than the county’s average as a whole. Typically, homes can be found falling between the mid $500K’s to $1 million + depending on size, style, location, age and condition of property.

How Is the Job Market in Coral Springs?

Every day, hundreds of new residents make their way to Coral Springs. The city has experienced rapid growth. Career opportunities are another important factor to consider before relocating.

Since 2021, the number of open positions in Coral Springs has increased by 1.9%. People who are relocating to the area and searching for employment will find this to be quite encouraging. They have a lower unemployment rate than the rest of the country, so you should have no trouble finding a job there. Residents earn, on average, $30,282 annually, compared to the national average of $28,555.

Fiserv, Coral Springs Auto Mall, Broward Health, ABB Optical, and many more are just some of the prominent employers in Coral Springs. There are many kinds of career opportunities in this city, such as in the fields of pharmaceuticals and life sciences, logistics, new technologies, and more.

Neighborhood in Coral Springs, Florida

There are a handful of neighborhoods which make up the City of Coral Springs. According to neighborhoodscout.com, there are around 20 constituent neighborhoods which make up Coral Springs, making it the 15th largest city in the state of Florida. A mixture of traditional suburban neighborhoods, gated communities and condominium buildings make up the neighborhoods which all boast welcoming atmospheres and great access to the city’s amenities and surrounding areas. The neighborhoods which make up the vibrant city are as followings: Brookside, Castlewood, Coral Springs City Center, Coral Springs Lake, Eagle Trace, Heron Bay South, Maplewood, North Lauderdale Village, North Springs, Oriole Gardens, Ramblewood South, Ridgeview, Royal Land, Shadow Wood, Sunflower, University Drive, West Glen, Windham, Wood Lake, and Woodmont.

So Much To See and Do in Coral Springs, Florida

Coral Springs is an exciting city which is so much more than just beautiful planned aesthetics. The city is filled to the brim with family friendly activities and events throughout the year which cater to residents of all ages. As the city continued to grow, so did the amenities. From beautiful natural areas, to celebrating the arts or dining at the many delicious restaurants, there are choices to be had in Coral Springs.

The Sawgrass Nature Center and Wildlife Hospital is a private, not-for-profit organization which is located on 5 acres of land in the Sportsplex Park. The beautiful area is home to many animals and birds which are being rehabilitated by the center. Visitors are able to get an up close look at many animals, some of which aren’t able to survive outside of the center. There are two buildings on site, one which features a multi-purpose room, gift shop and the other is the hospital.

The Sportsplex Park is a world class sports park which features an aquatic center, tennis center, dog park and even an ice rink. The park is a popular stop for residents and visitors year-round and offers something for those of all ages. The well maintained city Athletic Center is home to features such as children’s playgrounds, basketball courts, batting cages, open green space, hitting stations, picnic areas as well as the pools, tennis courts and ice rinks, known as the Panther’s Den.

How Do You Get Around in Coral Springs?

The city government provides a free bus service within the city limits. The Coral Springs area is also well served by Broward County Transit’s bus routes, which connect the city to the rest of the county. Most residents of Coral Springs, however, own or lease their own car.

Sawgrass Expressway (SR 869) is the only main highway in Coral Springs, and it is used by the vast majority of the city’s people every day. In addition to I-95 and the Florida Turnpike, the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826) is also conveniently located nearby. The nearest airport to the city is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Enjoy the outdoors in Coral Springs, Florida

Southern Florida is known for its idyllic weather. Many warm sunny days make for the perfect excuse to get outdoors and enjoy the scenery, nearby beaches and many parks or golf courses dotted throughout the city. There are a handful of parks which include Cypress Park, Betti Stradling Park, Mullins Park, Orchid Park and North Community Park, among many others. Throughout these parks are a number of great amenities which include tennis courts, walking trails, green open space, children’s playgrounds, community pools, multi use sports fields and more.

Golf is a popular pastime for residents of South Florida, and Coral Springs alike. The area is home to a wide range of stunning courses, both public and private. Challenging holes, cared for greens and lush fairways make for unbeatable golf in Coral Springs. Courses include The Country Club of Coral Springs, Heron Bay Golf Club, and Carolina Club Golf Course.

Though not located directly on the ocean, Coral Springs is ideally set just a few miles away from the sunny coastline. Residents are able to quickly reach the majestic waters of the Atlantic Ocean and have a handful of beaches to choose from when visiting. The closest beaches to Coral Springs fall directly to the east and include Pompano Beach and Deerfield Beach. Both Fort Lauderdale to the south and Boca Raton to the north are also easy to access and stunning beaches.

What Are Some Family-Friendly Activities in Coral Springs?

Coral Springs is the place to be whether you want to have a good time with your loved ones or take some time for yourself. Take a look at the different attractions in the city that everyone in the family may enjoy.

• Coral Springs Museum of Art: Visit the Museum of Art to interact with people from all walks of life and see exciting displays of wonderful art.
• Betti Stradling Park: The park spans 21 acres, all of which can be used for a diverse array of entertaining activities. There is a full outdoor fitness center, grills, walking paths, baseball diamonds, volleyball courts, and tennis courts, among many other amenities.
• Sawgrass Nature Center: Sawgrass Nature Center is the best place to go if you want to learn about the unique species that call Florida home, as well as witness some of the state’s native wildlife up close.
• Butterfly World: Established in 1988, Butterfly World has been a staple of Tradewinds Park. With approximately 20,000 butterflies, it easily tops the list for the world’s largest butterfly park.

A Look at Education in Coral Springs, Florida

Coral Springs has become a very popular city for young families for its beautiful real estate opportunities, many lovely parks, and low crime rate. As such, the education system is also top notch ensuring families have excellent schools in which to send their children.

The City of Coral Springs falls under the Broward County School District which operates 12 elementary schools, 4 middle schools and 3 high schools within the city limits. Many of these schools are well ranking institutes which have received awards and recognitions over the years.

Children throughout Coral Springs will be welcomed into safe and inclusive learning environments which place a focus on academics as well as fun and exciting extracurricular programs and enrichment opportunities. Teachers, staff and parents work together to provide a space where children develop academically, socially and personally to reach their highest potential.

Art and Culture in Coral Springs, Florida

Regardless of the city’s size or age, art and culture play an important role in the lives of its residents and those who visit. Coral Springs may be “new” when compared to many other cities around the area, but they quickly ensured that their residents had art galleries and cultural centers where they can come to learn and appreciate art and culture.

In 1990, the city opened The Coral Springs Center for the Arts. What was originally planned as a gymnasium, added a 1,417 seat theatre after a $4 million renovation in 1996. The popular city theatre routinely hosts programs and shows, as well as annual Broadway productions throughout the year.

The 8,000 square foot Coral Springs Museum of Art features a small selection of exhibits which rotate throughout the year. The museum also hosts a range of classes and programs which cater to art enthusiasts of all ages.

In efforts to celebrate the city’s multiculturalism, Coral Springs hosts a variety of events and activities annually. The “Our Town” festival has been held continuously since 1979 and is one of the city’s most popular and well attended events. The event features a car show, a beauty pageant, and carnival rides. Other events include holiday events, a Hispanic festival called Fiesta Coral Springs and a Festival of the Arts.

Shopping and Dining in Coral Springs, Florida

Shopping and dining in Coral Springs is a fun and eclectic experience. There is a wide variety of restaurants, eateries, cafes, bistros and more which are more than capable of satisfying any craving. Shopping is just as satisfying at the many malls, plazas, speciality retailers and more which are dotted throughout Coral Springs.

One of the city’s most popular shopping centers is dubbed “The Walk” on University Ave., which is an open air retailer and entertainment center. The large mall is home to shops such as ANFC, Wild Flower, Barnes and Nobles and more. There are a range of professional services and a number of high end restaurants also found at this location.

Other popular shopping districts include The Plaza at Coral Springs II, Coral Square, Coral Palm Plaza, Commercial Bank Plaza, The Plaza at Royal Palm, Village Green Shopping Center, Pine Ridge Square and Brookside Square.

Dining throughout Coral Springs is an equally enchanting experience with options including ethnic eats, local breweries, fine dining and casual family owned spots. There is a wide range of tasty dishes and fresh ingredients to be explored at the dozens of restaurants which fill the city. Some of Coral Springs top rated eateries include The Crooked Hook Bar and Grill, Morala’s Restaurant of Coral Springs, Big Bear Brewing Company, and Sicilian Oven. A number of these tasty choices fall close to one another along W Sample Road, and others can be found dotted around town.

There are a handful of adjectives which could easily describe Coral Springs. Vibrant, beautiful, charming, safe, family-friendly, among a host of others are popular choices. The carefully planned out city is a perfect community for residents of all walks of life who share the common desire for a clean, well kept city, with plenty of family-friendly activities and amenities for residents of all ages.

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