If you have been scouring Zillow for affordable family homes in Broward County lately, you have probably noticed a frustrating trend. The “big name” family suburbs like Parkland, Weston, or Coral Springs often come with a price tag starting well above $600,000. For many first-time buyers, that math just doesn’t work.
Enter Tamarac. Historically known as a quiet retirement hub, this central Broward city is undergoing a major shift. As of early 2026, the median home price here sits in the $325,000 range. That is nearly half the cost of some of its neighbors. But it’s not just about the price tag; the demographics are shifting, too. Strollers are replacing golf carts in many neighborhoods as younger buyers realize this is one of the last places in South Florida where you can get a single-family home with a yard without breaking the bank.
Tamarac offers a strategic middle ground. You might not get the brand-new construction of the western suburbs, but you get unbeatable access to highways, excellent city parks, and a mortgage payment that lets you actually enjoy your weekends.
Living in Tamarac: Pros and Cons for Parents
Before we dive deep into the data, let’s look at the big picture. Every city has trade-offs, and Tamarac is no exception. It’s important to weigh the monthly savings against the age of the homes and the school research you’ll need to do.
The Pros:
- Affordability: This is the biggest draw. Your dollar goes significantly further here than in nearby Coral Springs.
- Central Commute: With easy access to the Sawgrass Expressway and the Turnpike, you are roughly 20 minutes from almost everything in the county.
- Parks System: The city has invested heavily in amenities like Water’s Edge Park, which is a massive hit with local parents.
- Diversity: It is a melting pot of cultures, offering a grounded, real-world community feel.
The Cons:
- Older Homes: Most housing stock dates back to the 1970s and 80s. You will likely need to budget for renovations like roofs or impact windows.
- School Ratings: Public school ratings are mixed compared to Weston or Parkland. You have to be proactive about where you send your kids.
- Variable Neighborhoods: Unlike master-planned cities where every street looks the same, Tamarac changes block by block. Some areas face higher property crime rates than others.
Navigating Schools: Public, Charter, and Private Options
If you are looking at best schools in Tamarac FL, you might feel a little discouraged by the initial online ratings. However, those broad scores don’t tell the whole story. Education here requires a bit of strategy, but local families have plenty of successful pathways.
While some zoned elementary schools have average ratings, there are standout performers in the system. The crown jewel for many parents is the Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy. It is a high-performing public school that consistently earns top marks and attracts students from all over the area. If your child gets in, you are getting a top-tier education right in your backyard.
Furthermore, living here means mastering “School Choice.” Broward County allows you to apply for magnet programs and reassignment. You are not necessarily locked into your zoned school. Many families live in Tamarac for the low mortgage but send their kids to charter schools—like Everest Charter or Renaissance Charter—or apply for magnet programs in neighboring Coral Springs. Don’t let the zoned map scare you off; just know that you need to be hands-on with the application process.
Safety & Neighborhoods: What the Data Says
When clients ask, “Is living in Tamarac FL with a family safe?”, the honest answer is that it depends heavily on the specific subdivision. Tamarac is not a gated fortress like Parkland, but it’s generally safer than urban centers further east.
Current Tamarac FL crime rate 2026 data suggests the city sits near the Florida average. The vast majority of reported incidents are property crimes—things like car break-ins, which are unfortunately common in most suburban commuter hubs today. Violent crime rates tend to be lower than the metro average.
Geographically, there is a divide. The Northwest quadrants of the city (closer to Coral Springs and the Sawgrass Expressway) tend to show lower crime density on heat maps compared to some pockets in the Southeast. Many families opt for the numerous gated communities scattered throughout the city, which offer an added layer of controlled access and peace of mind.
The Real Estate Market: Buying vs. Renting in 2026
This is where the rubber meets the road. If you are priced out of the frantic bidding wars elsewhere, Tamarac is a breath of fresh air.
Buying a Home As of early 2026, you can still find decent 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom single-family homes for around $300,000 to $330,000. If you have a budget up to $450,000, you are looking at fully renovated properties with pools—something that would cost $750,000 just ten minutes away. Keep in mind that these are mostly ranch-style homes built fifty years ago. When touring, look past the cosmetic datedness and check the “big ticket” items: age of the roof, AC, and cast iron plumbing.
Renting If you aren’t ready to buy, the rental market is competitive but accessible. You can typically find a 3-bedroom house for rent between $2,200 and $2,600 a month.
A Note on HOAs Because Tamarac started as a retirement haven, many neighborhoods have Homeowners Associations (HOAs). Always verify two things:
- Are the monthly fees reasonable?
- Is the community strictly 55+, or has it converted to all-ages? Don’t fall in love with a listing only to find out you have to be over 55 to live there.
Family Life: Parks, Amenities, and Activities
One area where Tamarac surprisingly outperforms some of its more expensive neighbors is its park system. The city has done an incredible job creating spaces for kids to burn off energy.
Water’s Edge Park is the standout. It features a splash pad, a massive playground, and covered picnic areas that are perfect for birthday parties. It’s clean, modern, and usually packed with families on weekends. For nature lovers, Tephford Park and Caporella Park offer walking trails and fishing spots that feel miles away from the city noise.
If your kids are into sports, the Tamarac Sports Complex is the local hub for soccer and baseball leagues. Location-wise, you are positioned perfectly for weekend adventures. You are about 15 minutes from airboat rides in the Everglades, 20 minutes from the massive Sawgrass Mills Mall, and roughly 25 minutes from the beaches in Fort Lauderdale. The city also hosts active community events, like concerts in the park and holiday parades, which help foster a small-town vibe despite the suburban sprawl.
The Commuter Experience
For working parents, time is everything. Tamarac’s slogan could easily be “20 minutes to everywhere.” The city’s layout is a grid, bordered by the Sawgrass Expressway to the west and the Turnpike running through the east.
If you work in downtown Fort Lauderdale, your commute from Tamarac to Fort Lauderdale is usually a straight shot down Commercial Blvd or I-95, taking about 30 minutes. The corporate parks in Sunrise are just a 15-minute drive south, and even Boca Raton is reachable in roughly 35 minutes via the Turnpike.
Traffic on main arteries like University Drive and Commercial Boulevard does get heavy during rush hour—this is South Florida, after all. However, because the city is built on a grid, you almost always have alternate routes through side streets to bypass the worst bottlenecks.
Tamarac vs. The Neighbors: How Does It Compare?
Is it worth spending the extra money to live in a neighboring town? Here is how Tamarac stacks up against the competition.
Vs. Coral Springs Living in Coral Springs offers a more uniform, manicured look and slightly higher-rated zoned schools. However, you will pay a premium of 15% to 20% for a similar-sized home. If aesthetic uniformity is important to you, Coral Springs wins. If your budget is tight, Tamarac wins.
Vs. Sunrise These two are very similar in price point. Sunrise tends to be busier and louder because of the Sawgrass Mills Mall and the hockey arena. Tamarac feels slightly more residential and quiet.
Vs. Plantation Plantation has a more historic feel with beautiful tree canopies and larger lots, but it is significantly more expensive. Tamarac offers a “lite” version of that suburban feel at a much lower entry price.
FAQs
Generally, yes. While it has an average “B” rating for crime compared to the rest of the US, it is safer than many urban parts of Broward. Families tend to feel safest in the northwest section of the city or within the many gated subdivisions.
The schools are mixed, so you cannot rely solely on zoning maps. However, Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy is excellent, and many families successfully use charter schools or magnet programs in nearby cities to ensure a high-quality education.
The cost of living is lower here than in most of Broward County, primarily driven by housing costs. With decent single-family homes available in the low-to-mid $300,000s, families save significantly on mortgage payments compared to nearby Coral Springs or Plantation.
It depends on traffic, but you are generally looking at a 25 to 30-minute drive to reach the beaches in Fort Lauderdale or Pompano Beach. You are far enough west to avoid the salt air maintenance issues, but close enough for a quick Saturday trip.
