If you are looking at living in Broward County but find the coastal prices in Fort Lauderdale a bit steep, you’re probably looking West. Specifically, you are likely comparing Tamarac and Sunrise. These two neighbors sit right next to each other against the edge of the Everglades, and on a map, they might look like the same sprawling suburb.
However, once you spend time on the ground, you realize they have very distinct personalities. Sunrise is the energetic commercial hub, home to massive shopping centers and concert venues. Tamarac, sitting just to the north, is the quieter sibling—a community that feels more residential and relaxed. Choosing between them usually comes down to whether you prioritize easy access to action or a more peaceful, budget-friendly retreat.
Lifestyle and Community Vibe
When you drive through Sunrise, you can feel the energy shift. It feels busier, largely because it draws people from all over South Florida to its commercial districts. It isn’t just a place where people sleep; it’s a destination. With the massive Sawgrass Mills mall and the Amerant Bank Arena hosting pro hockey and concerts, there is always traffic moving through the area. The population here skews a bit younger, often hovering around a median age of 38, giving it a slightly faster pace.
Tamarac offers a noticeable change of pace. Historically, this was a haven for retirees, and while that is changing rapidly, the town has kept its calmer atmosphere. The median age is a bit higher, around 41, but don’t let that fool you—the area is modernizing quickly. You will see a mix of long-time residents and younger buyers who appreciate the “urban-suburban” blend without the heavy congestion of a commercial center. It feels more like a collection of neighborhoods than a business district.
Cost of Living and Real Estate
If your decision is driven strictly by the numbers, Tamarac often comes out ahead. It is consistently one of the more affordable entry points in the western suburbs. You can find solid single-family homes here for significantly less than just across the border in Sunrise.
- Tamarac Housing: You will mostly find mid-century ranch homes and extensive condo villages. Prices for single-family homes often sit in the $290,000 to $315,000 range.
- Sunrise Housing: This area features more master-planned communities, especially as you go west of I-75. Expect to pay a premium for that newer construction, with median prices often landing between $360,000 and $390,000.
- Rent: If you aren’t ready to buy, be prepared for higher rents in Sunrise. The newer luxury apartment complexes near the mall push average rents about $200 to $300 higher per month compared to similar square footage in Tamarac.
When you look at the monthly budget, keep an eye on the extras. Both cities have HOAs, but Sunrise’s newer developments—particularly those western gated communities—sometimes come with Community Development District (CDD) fees on top of your taxes. If you are looking for first-time home buyer tips, always ask to see the full tax bill and monthly association breakdown before falling in love with a property.
Commuting and Transportation
For many buyers, the commute is the tiebreaker. Sunrise has a distinct advantage if you need to get to Miami or Weston. It has direct access to the I-595 expressway and I-75. If you work in downtown Miami, hopping on I-75 South from Sunrise is much smoother than trying to navigate down from Tamarac.
Tamarac relies heavily on the Sawgrass Expressway (which is a toll road) and Commercial Boulevard. While it is perfectly fine for getting around Broward, it adds a layer of friction if your destination is far south.
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale: Both cities are roughly a 20 to 25-minute drive to Las Olas or the downtown business district. However, the I-595 corridor in Sunrise can make rush hour trips slightly more predictable.
- Airport Access: Sunrise residents can usually get to FLL Airport in about 15 to 20 minutes. From Tamarac, give yourself 25 to 30 minutes.
Public transit in both areas is limited. While there are bus routes, they can be slow. Life out here revolves around the car.
Economy and Major Employers
Sunrise is a legitimate corporate powerhouse in the region. It is home to the Sawgrass International Corporate Park, which is one of the largest business parks in South Florida. It hosts headquarters and regional offices for major companies like Bolton and interim offices for Ford. This means many people who live in Sunrise actually work in Sunrise, cutting their commute down to nothing.
Tamarac functions more as a traditional commuter community. While there are local employers—City Furniture and University Hospital are big ones—most residents commute out of the city for work. You sleep in Tamarac, but you likely earn your paycheck in North Lauderdale, Sunrise, or Plantation.
Schools, Parks, and Amenities
Lifestyle isn’t just about traffic and taxes; it’s about what you do on the weekend.
If you love shopping, Sunrise is hard to beat. Sawgrass Mills is one of the largest outlet malls in the United States. It brings high-end retail, dining, and entertainment right to your doorstep. Tamarac doesn’t try to compete with that. Instead, it relies on smaller strip malls for essentials and its proximity to Coral Springs for dining and movies.
For parks and recreation, both cities punch above their weight:
- Sunrise: Markham Park is a regional standout with mountain bike trails, a shooting range, and a massive dog park. Welleby Park offers a great neighborhood loop for jogging.
- Tamarac: The Tamarac Sports Complex is excellent for organized sports, and Caporella Park provides a nice waterfront green space. regarding education, Sunrise generally has pockets of higher-rated schools, particularly near the Weston border. Tamarac’s schools have been improving, but performance can be mixed depending on the specific zone. Many parents in Tamarac opt for the varied charter or magnet programs available in the county to find the right fit for their students.
Pros and Cons: Tamarac vs. Sunrise
Sometimes it helps to see it all laid out side-by-side.
Tamarac
- Pros: Lower entry price for homes, quieter residential streets, and a strong community feel.
- Cons: Older housing stock often requires renovation (“fixer-uppers”), and there are fewer hotspots for nightlife or dining.
Sunrise
- Pros: World-class shopping and entertainment nearby, newer housing developments, and superior highway access for commuters.
- Cons: Heavy tourist traffic near the mall and arena, and a generally higher cost of living.
Verdict: Which City is Right for You?
So, where should you plant your roots?
If you are budget-conscious or looking for your first home that you can renovate and make your own, Tamarac is likely the smarter buy. It offers a quieter, slower-paced lifestyle that many residents cherish.
On the other hand, if you want newer construction, need quick access to I-75 for a Miami commute, or value living near major entertainment hubs, Sunrise is worth the extra cost. You pay a premium for the convenience, but for many, the time saved in traffic is worth it.
If you are still on the fence, the best move is to drive both neighborhoods on a Saturday morning and see which one feels like home. When you are ready to get serious, contact a real estate agent who knows the western suburbs well—they can help you navigate the specific HOA fees and tax differences that might not be obvious online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, generally speaking. Housing prices in Tamarac are typically lower, with single-family homes often costing $50,000 to $70,000 less than comparable properties in Sunrise. You get more square footage for your dollar in Tamarac.
They are about the same distance from the ocean. Since both cities are inland – west of I-95 – you can expect a 20 to 25-minute drive to reach the beaches in Fort Lauderdale or Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, depending on traffic.
Sunrise tends to have higher-rated public schools, especially in the western communities bordering Weston. Tamarac has access to good education, but families often rely more heavily on the magnet and charter school system to find high-performing options.
Sunrise is the better choice for Miami commuters. Its direct access to the I-75 and I-595 interchange allows for a straighter, faster shot south compared to the route from Tamarac.
