Broward County's Quietest Luxury
Parkland exists because some families decided that the best neighborhood is the one you can barely see from the road. This planned community of 35,000 was designed around minimum lot sizes, maximum tree canopy, and absolutely nothing that looks like a strip mall.
| Population | ~35,000 |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $221,000 |
| Median Sale Price | $1.15M |
| Price Range | $600K – $8M |
| Avg Days on Market | 38 days |
| Schools | All A-rated (Broward County) |
| Market Type | Balanced |
| Vibe | Range Rovers in school pickup lines, not Lamborghinis at nightclubs |
The Communities
- Heron Bay — Largest and most established. 2,400+ homes across multiple villages. Heron Estates: half-acre custom builds ($1.5–3M). The Cove/Heron Isles: more accessible ($700K–$1.2M). Two golf courses, tennis, clubhouse social calendar that rivals a resort.
- Parkland Golf & Country Club — 800 homes, Greg Norman championship course. $1.2M–$5M+ for lakefront estates. Mandatory membership. The social hub.
- Watercrest — GL Homes development, contemporary Mediterranean. $700K–$1.5M. Resort amenity campus: lagoon pool, water slides, fitness center.
- The Lanes at Parkland — Newest addition. Modern luxury from $900K. Attracts younger affluent families upgrading from Coral Springs.
The School Factor
Schools are the single biggest reason families move to Parkland. Every public school here ranks among the top in Broward County:
- Heron Heights Elementary — A-rated, consistently top 10 in Broward
- Park Trails Elementary — A-rated, STEAM curriculum
- Westglades Middle School — A-rated
- Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School — Despite the 2018 tragedy that forever changed this community, MSD remains academically strong. The school's response — student activism, policy advocacy, community resilience — became a defining characteristic of Parkland itself.
Private options: Pine Crest School (Broward's premier K-12 in nearby Fort Lauderdale) and American Heritage School in Plantation.
Lifestyle
- Parks: 30+ parks and preserves. Pine Trails Park (60 acres), Terramar Park (water playground + amphitheater)
- Library: Parkland Library — modern community anchor, perpetual children's programs
- Dining/Shopping: Short drives to Coral Springs (University Drive) or Boca Raton (Town Center, Mizner Park). Parkland keeps commercial minimal by design — one Publix, a few plazas. That's it.
Parkland vs. the Neighbors
| Parkland | Coral Springs | Weston | Boca Raton | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Price | $1.15M | $450–550K | $550–700K | $630K |
| Lot Sizes | Large (zoning enforced) | Standard suburban | Standard | Varies |
| Schools | All A-rated | Mostly A | All A-rated | Varies widely |
| Commercial | Minimal by design | Full-service city | Town Center | Extensive |
| Beach | 20–25 min | 20 min | 25 min | Direct |
| Best For | Space + schools + quiet | Affordability + schools | Planned community feel | Beach + downtown |
Who Should Buy Here
Parkland is for the family that prioritizes schools, safety, and space over nightlife and ocean views. The median buyer is a dual-income household with school-age children, relocating from the Northeast or upgrading from Coral Springs. If your Friday night ideal is a backyard barbecue rather than a South Beach rooftop, Parkland is your move.