Davie, Florida — The Old West of Broward County Guide
Davie is South Florida's most unique town — a horse-friendly, cowboy-flavored, university-driven community in the heart of Broward County. With 109,000 residents, the enormous Nova Southeastern University campus, equestrian neighborhoods with private barns, and a preserved ranch-and-rodeo tradition, Davie offers a lifestyle unlike anywhere else in South Florida.
Davie's Unique History
Davie was founded in 1909 when investor R.P. Davie bought 27,500 acres of Everglades farmland. Early settlers came from the American West to farm sugar cane and later citrus. The city preserved its frontier character intentionally — Davie's Western Town (Griffin Road area) has old-west architectural codes, and the Davie Rodeo Arena hosts major professional rodeo events. Davie was incorporated in 1925. It remains one of the few Florida municipalities where horses are legally allowed on public streets and where many residential areas permit horse-keeping.
Best Neighborhoods in Davie
Davie's neighborhoods range from horse-friendly acreage to modern gated communities. Forest Ridge is a premier golf community. Arrowhead, Stonebrook Estates, Fox Ridge, Westridge, and Paddock Club offer equestrian lifestyles with private barns. Long Lake Ranches has luxury estates on 1–2 acre lots. Orange Blossom, Riverstone, and Pine Island Ridge are modern family neighborhoods. The town center (Davie Road Extension) blends commercial and residential. Eastern Davie abuts I-95 and is more urbanized; western Davie (Flamingo Road to I-75) is where most horse properties are.
Nova Southeastern University & SBCC
Nova Southeastern University (NSU) is the largest private research university in the Southeast by student enrollment and is the second-largest employer in Davie. NSU's main campus covers 314 acres and hosts programs from undergraduate to osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, optometry, dentistry, and law. The South Florida Bible College is also in Davie. Nova High School (a public school) partners with NSU and is one of Broward's highest-rated high schools.
Equestrian & Western Culture
Davie has over 5,000 horses within city limits. The Davie Rodeo Arena (Robbins Lodge Park) is one of Florida's premier rodeo venues. The 5 O'Clock Cafe and Cowboy Cafe preserve western dining traditions. Residents commonly ride horses on designated trails through the city, and equestrian events, parades, and rodeo competitions are year-round. Davie's "Yee-Haw" western identity is protected by zoning and celebrated by residents.
Parks & Natural Areas
Davie has 40+ parks including the signature Robbins Lodge Park (Rodeo Arena), Tree Tops Park (large nature park with boardwalks), Pine Island Ridge, Vista View Park (on a former landfill with 360° views), and Flamingo Gardens (a 60-acre botanical garden and Everglades wildlife sanctuary — one of Florida's best-kept tourism secrets). The Everglades are just west of the city.
Climate
Davie has the standard tropical monsoon South Florida climate. Being inland means slightly more temperature variation — hotter summer afternoons, cooler winter nights. Davie is in the HVHZ zone; all construction meets Miami-Dade wind standards. Low-lying western areas near the Everglades are prone to flooding in major rainfall events.
Transportation
Davie is served by I-595 (east-west), University Drive (SR 817, north-south), and Nob Hill Road. FLL is 15–20 minutes east. MIA is 35 minutes south. Davie is a car-culture town — public transit is limited.
Davie Housing Market
Davie includes ranches, equestrian estates, and family subdivisions. We are not a source of market pricing. Equestrian and multi-building sites often have unique permitting and access — those details belong in a written job scope.
Living in Davie
Davie is the best choice in South Florida if you want a horse property, a large lot, or a university-town feel. The western equestrian neighborhoods are quiet and rural-feeling despite being 20 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale. The NSU influence gives Davie a more educated demographic profile than typical suburban Florida cities. Horse culture is not just tolerated — it's actively celebrated.
More About Davie
Dr. Roofing FL — Local Davie Roofing Experts
We install and repair roofs in Davie and across South Florida as a licensed Florida Certified Roofing Contractor, fully insured, and experienced with GAF, Owens Corning, CertainTeed, TAMKO, IKO, and Carlisle systems where the job calls for them.
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