If you’ve ever driven through South Florida and suddenly seen someone riding a horse past a Taco Bell, you were probably in Davie. It’s a bit of a head-scratcher for newcomers. Most people associate this part of the state with neon lights, white sand, and high-rises. But Davie is different. It’s got this rugged, "Old West" soul that feels miles away from the beach.
So, let's get the logistics out of the way first. Davie Florida is in Broward County. It’s tucked right into the heart of the county, sitting comfortably between the Florida Everglades to the west and the more metropolitan sprawl of Fort Lauderdale to the east.
Honestly, it’s the kind of place that defies the usual Florida stereotypes. You aren't just in another suburb; you're in a town that actually fought to keep its dirt roads and hitching posts.
Why Broward County Claims This Unique Enclave
Broward County is huge. It’s home to nearly 2 million people, but Davie is the undisputed "wild child" of the bunch. While places like Pompano Beach or Hollywood are all about the Atlantic coastline, Davie is landlocked and proud of it. It covers about 35 square miles of central Broward.
You’ve got major arteries like I-75, I-595, and the Florida’s Turnpike slicing right through it. This makes it a tactical home base for people who work in Miami or Fort Lauderdale but want to wake up to the sound of roosters instead of sirens.
It’s actually the most populous "town" in Florida. Notice I said town, not city. That distinction matters to the locals. They’ve stuck with the town council-manager form of government since they formally re-incorporated back in the 60s. It’s a way of signaling that they aren't interested in becoming another concrete jungle.
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The Mystery of the Name
Before it was Davie, it was "Zona." Early settlers in the 1900s named it that because many of them had worked on the Panama Canal Zone. It was basically a swampy frontier.
Everything changed when Robert Parsell Davie, a developer from Colorado, showed up. He bought about 27,000 acres and helped drain the Everglades muck to make the land farmable. The people were so grateful they renamed the whole place after him in 1916. You can still visit the Old Davie School Historical Museum today—it’s the oldest existing school building in Broward County, and it’s a beautiful, eerie window into what life was like when the biggest threat wasn't traffic, but alligators in the classroom.
What Really Happens in the "Cowboy Capital"
If you tell someone you’re heading to Davie, they’ll probably mention the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds. It’s legendary. We’re talking professional rodeos, monster truck rallies, and horse shows right in the middle of a major metropolitan area.
But it’s not just a show for tourists. The equestrian lifestyle is baked into the zoning laws. There are over 165 miles of trail systems weaving through neighborhoods. It’s totally normal to see "Horse Crossing" signs on your way to the grocery store.
A Massive Education Hub
Here is the weird part: Davie is also the brain of Broward County. It’s home to the South Florida Educational Center. You’ve got campuses for:
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- Nova Southeastern University (NSU)
- Broward College
- Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
- University of Florida (UF)
- McFatter Technical College
It’s this bizarre, wonderful juxtaposition. You have world-class medical researchers and tech students walking past guys in Stetson hats and muddy boots. Honestly, it shouldn't work, but it does. The "students-meet-cowboys" vibe is what gives Davie its pulse in 2026.
Living the Davie Lifestyle: What to Expect
If you’re thinking about moving here or just visiting for a weekend, don’t expect a quiet retirement village. Davie is vibrant.
The food scene is a mix of "down-home" joints and surprisingly upscale spots. You have places like Twin Peaks or Uncle Al’s for wings and beer, but then you’ve got the Vienna Wine Bar for a fancy anniversary dinner. And you can’t talk about Davie without mentioning Flamingo Gardens. It’s a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary that’s been around since 1927. It’s got some of the oldest and largest trees in the state, plus a massive population of flamingos (obviously) and a black bear named Josh.
The Real Estate Reality
Davie isn't cheap anymore. Because it’s in such a central part of Broward County, people are flocking here for the space. You can find everything from million-dollar equestrian estates with private stables to modest ranch-style homes and modern apartments near the universities.
One thing to watch out for? The weather. Because Davie was built on reclaimed Everglades land, it’s low. Very low. When a tropical storm hits Broward, Davie feels it. The town has spent millions on "stormwater assessments" and infrastructure to keep the streets dry, but if you’re buying a house here, checking the flood zone map is basically a rite of passage.
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Quick Facts for the Road
- County: Broward
- Population: Around 112,000 (and growing)
- Vibe: Western-themed suburbia meets academic powerhouse
- Famous Landmark: The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino (The big guitar-shaped building is technically in the Hollywood/Davie area)
- Elevation: Only about 7 feet above sea level
Moving Forward in Davie
If you're planning a trip or a move to this part of Broward County, your first stop should be the downtown western district. Walk along Davie Road, check out the western wear stores, and grab a burger. It’s the best way to soak in the atmosphere.
For those looking at the long term, keep an eye on the "Davie 100" initiatives. As the town celebrates its centennial milestones, there’s a massive push for "transit-oriented" development. This means more walkable areas and better connectivity, even if you’re traveling by hoof instead of Honda.
Check the local event calendar for the Orange Blossom Festival in February. It’s the peak of Davie culture—parades, rodeos, and enough kettle corn to feed the whole county. It’s the perfect time to see why this little slice of Broward County refuses to trade its saddles for surfboards.
Start by visiting the Old Davie School Historical Museum to understand the roots of the land. Then, head over to Tree Tops Park to explore the ancient oak hammocks. It’s the best way to see the "real" Florida that most people miss.