If you are currently looking at living in Broward County, you have probably noticed that two names often pop up next to each other in search results: Tamarac and Lauderhill.
Geographically, they are practically siblings. Located in central Broward, they are only about five to seven miles apart, meaning you can easily live in one and grab dinner in the other. However, despite their proximity, they have very distinct personalities.
Think of Tamarac as the quieter, suburban neighbor that prioritizes manicured lawns and a slower pace. Lauderhill, on the other hand, is the energetic, culturally vibrant hub that offers density and affordability. Choosing between them usually comes down to balancing three things: your budget, your need for quiet versus culture, and your comfort level with safety statistics.
Here is a breakdown of how these two cities compare to help you decide which one feels like home.
Cost of Living & Housing Market Comparison
For many buyers moving to Florida, the decision starts with the price tag. When you look at the numbers, there is a clear distinction between these two markets.
Generally speaking, Tamarac commands a premium. The median home value here typically hovers in the $280,000 to $310,000 range. You are paying for consistency; the neighborhoods tend to be more uniform, and the housing stock includes a significant number of single-family homes and well-maintained 55+ condo communities. The homeownership rate in Tamarac is high—around 76%—which often translates to neighborhoods where residents stay long-term and invest in their properties.
Lauderhill offers some of the most affordable real estate in the region. It is not uncommon to find properties in the $130,000 to $250,000 range, which is significantly lower than the county average. However, the housing stock is different. You will find a much higher density of apartments, multi-family units, and rentals. Homeownership rates here hover closer to 40–50%.
One detail a local agent might whisper to you regarding buying a home in Florida involves property taxes. While Lauderhill homes are cheaper to buy, the city often has a higher millage rate (tax rate) than Tamarac. However, because the assessed property values in Lauderhill are lower, your final annual tax bill might still end up being less than what you would pay in Tamarac—but it is always smart to run the specific numbers for any house you are eyeing.
Safety & Crime Rates: Is Tamarac Safer Than Lauderhill?
This is the most common question buyers ask, and it is important to look at the data objectively.
The general consensus—and the statistics—favor Tamarac. It is statistically safer and often feels more secure, particularly in the subdivisions west of University Drive. The violent crime rate in Tamarac sits around 2.8 per 1,000 residents, which is quite low and compares favorably to the Florida average. It is the kind of place where you see people walking dogs late in the evening with little worry.
Lauderhill faces more challenges. It has historically struggled with higher property and violent crime rates compared to the state average, and it often ranks lower on safety indices.
However, nuance is everything in real estate. Lauderhill is not a monolith. The areas west of the Florida Turnpike, specifically broadly known as the Inverrary area, can be quite quiet, green, and safe. Conversely, Tamarac has older sections that may not feel as pristine as the newer developments. When looking at Tamarac vs Lauderhill, never rely solely on city-wide data; always check the specific crime maps for the exact subdivision you are considering.
Lifestyle, Culture, and Amenities
The “vibe” difference between these two cities is huge.
Lauderhill is culturally rich and vibrant. It is sometimes affectionately called “Jamaica Hill” due to its deep Caribbean roots. If you love diverse food, reggae, and cultural festivals, Lauderhill is fantastic. It is also home to the Central Broward Regional Park, which boasts the only cricket stadium in the United States certified by the International Cricket Council. The energy here is younger (median age around 36) and faster-paced.
Tamarac is where you go to slow down. The median age is older, around 48, which makes it one of the best places to retire in Florida if you want a mix of quiet days and active recreation. The lifestyle revolves around community parks like the Tephford Park and the Tamarac Sports Complex. Golf is also a major pastime here, with courses like Woodmont serving as social hubs.
As for shopping, Lauderhill offers diverse, independent ethnic markets and dining. Tamarac offers standard, convenient suburban plazas with your typical grocery chains and big-box stores, plus it has very easy access to the shopping hubs in nearby Coral Springs.
Schools and Education Options
If you are moving with children, the school district is often a deal-breaker. Both cities are part of Broward County Public Schools, the sixth-largest district in the nation.
On paper, Tamarac schools tend to perform better. Schools like Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy generally receive higher ratings (often B or C grades, with some A-rated programs nearby). Families looking for a traditional public school path often find Tamarac to be the smoother option.
Lauderhill schools face more challenges, with ratings frequently falling into the “Average” to “Below Average” categories. However, many families in both cities bypass their zoned schools entirely. Broward County has a robust choice program, and there are numerous charter schools and magnet programs available. If you choose Lauderhill for the affordability, you might need to be more proactive in applying for magnet programs or charter schools to ensure an educational fit that meets your standards.
Commute and Location Convenience
When it comes to getting to work, both cities have excellent highway access. The Florida Turnpike and the Sawgrass Expressway flank the area, making north-south travel relatively painless.
Lauderhill wins if your life revolves around downtown Fort Lauderdale or the ocean. Because it is geographically further east, you can get to the downtown business district or the beach in about 20 to 25 minutes.
Tamarac is further west. Commuting to downtown Fort Lauderdale will take you 25 to 35 minutes, potentially longer during rush hour. However, Tamarac offers slightly easier access to the Sawgrass Expressway if you commute north to Boca Raton or south toward Miami.
Traffic patterns differ, too. Lauderhill deals with heavy, often aggressive traffic along US-441 and Sunrise Boulevard. Tamarac’s traffic is concentrated around University Drive and Commercial Boulevard—it is busy, but it feels more like standard suburban congestion rather than city gridlock.
Pros and Cons: Which City is Right for You?
If you are still weighing your options, here is a quick summary of how the trade-offs usually shake out.
Tamarac Pros:
- Statistically safer with lower crime rates.
- Quieter atmosphere with well-maintained parks.
- Higher pride of ownership and curb appeal.
- Better-rated public schools.
Tamarac Cons:
- More expensive housing market.
- Older demographic might feel “boring” to young singles.
- Further drive to the beach and nightlife.
Lauderhill Pros:
- Very affordable housing; your money goes much further.
- Rich cultural diversity and fantastic food scene.
- Central location with a shorter commute to downtown.
- Unique amenities like the cricket stadium.
Lauderhill Cons:
- Higher reported crime rates in certain areas.
- Inconsistent school ratings.
- Busier, louder, and denser atmosphere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Generally, Tamarac is considered “nicer” in terms of aesthetics and maintenance. It has more strict code enforcement, manicured landscaping, and a more uniform suburban look compared to the mixed density of Lauderhill.
They are direct neighbors. The distance from the center of Tamarac to the center of Lauderhill is only about 5 to 7 miles, meaning a drive between the two usually takes less than 15 minutes depending on traffic.
Tamarac generally has higher-rated public schools. While both are in the same county district, Tamarac schools like Millennium 6-12 tend to outperform the zoned schools available in Lauderhill.
Lauderhill is almost always cheaper. Home prices and rental rates in Lauderhill are significantly lower than in Tamarac, making it a common choice for budget-conscious buyers and renters.
