Is Tamarac FL Good for Young Professionals? A Local’s Honest Guide

Is Tamarac, FL the New Hidden Gem for Young Professionals?

If you asked someone about Tamarac ten years ago, they probably would have described it as a quiet retirement haven—the place where your grandparents moved to play bingo and enjoy the air conditioning. And to be fair, that stereotype wasn’t wrong back then. But if you are looking at the South Florida market in 2026, you’re looking at a very different city.

Tamarac is currently undergoing a major shift. With rent prices skyrocketing in downtown hubs, younger demographics are pushing west, looking for affordability without sacrificing quality. We are seeing a surge of mixed-use developments, like the massive Tamarac Village project, that are specifically designed to attract younger residents.

The appeal here is simple: value. You can get a modern, high-end apartment here for significantly less than you’d pay for a shoebox in downtown Fort Lauderdale. For career-focused individuals who want to save money and don’t mind a short drive to get to the party, Tamarac has quietly become one of Broward County’s smartest options.

Strategic Location: Commuting from Tamarac

One of the biggest selling points for young professionals is that Tamarac functions as a strategic “bedroom community.” It sits right in the middle of everything, bordered by the Sawgrass Expressway to the west and the Turnpike to the east. This makes it an incredibly convenient launchpad if you work in Broward County.

If you are employed at the Sawgrass Corporate Park—one of the largest employment hubs in the region—living in Sunrise FL isn’t your only option. Tamarac offers a commute that is often just 13 to 15 minutes. That is practically unheard of in South Florida traffic. You can clock out and be home on your couch before your colleagues driving east have even hit the highway.

For those working downtown, the commute to Fort Lauderdale is manageable, usually clocking in around 25 to 30 minutes. However, you should expect heavy volume on Commercial Boulevard or Oakland Park Boulevard during rush hour.

There is one major caveat: Miami. If your job requires you to be in Brickell or Downtown Miami every day, Tamarac is probably not the right fit. That drive can easily bleed into an hour or more each way, which is a recipe for burnout. Also, be realistic about your vehicle situation. The Transit Score here is low (around 34/100). While there are buses, living here essentially mandates owning a car.

Cost of Living & Housing: What You Get for Your Money

Let’s talk numbers, because this is usually why people start looking here in the first place. The cost of living in Florida has risen across the board, but Tamarac remains a pocket of affordability relative to its neighbors.

In 2026, we are seeing a slight dip in rental trends (around -2.5% year-over-year), which signals it is a decent time to sign a lease. You can generally find a nice one-bedroom apartment hovering around $1,750, while two-bedrooms average close to $2,200. Compared to the steep premiums you pay for an address in Plantation or near Las Olas, that difference adds up to thousands of dollars in savings per year.

The housing stock is a mix of two distinct eras. On one hand, you have older condo communities built in the 70s and 80s. These offer incredible square footage for the price, but you have to be careful with the monthly math. Even if the purchase price looks like a steal, the HOA fees in these older buildings can be surprisingly high to cover insurance and reserves.

On the other hand, you have the new inventory. Developments like Tamarac Village and The Advantis offer that sleek, amenities-rich lifestyle—pool decks, gyms, coworking spaces—that young professionals usually look for.

Best Neighborhoods & Areas for Young Adults

Because Tamarac was historically a retirement destination, you have to know where to look to avoid feeling like you’re living in a seniors’ complex. The vibe changes significantly depending on which side of University Drive you choose.

Tamarac Village Area This is the closest thing the city has to a “downtown.” It offers a higher density of shops, restaurants, and walkability. If you are transitioning from a city and want to retain some of that pedestrian feel, this is your best bet.

West of University Drive Generally speaking, as you move west toward the Sawgrass Expressway, the housing stock gets newer. These neighborhoods feel more spacious, the planned developments are more modern, and the demographic skews slightly younger than the eastern sectors.

The Woodlands If you are looking to buy a single-family home, The Woodlands is a unique spot. It’s an older golf course community with massive mid-century homes. We are seeing a lot of young professionals buying here to renovate, turning dated properties into stunning modern estates.

A Note on 55+ Communities When browsing listings, you will see some incredibly low prices. Always check the restrictions first. Many of these are deed-restricted 55+ communities. If you are in your 20s or 30s, you literally cannot live there unless strict exemptions apply, so save yourself the time and filter those out early.

Lifestyle: Is Tamarac Too ‘Boring’ for Your 20s?

Let’s be honest: you don’t move to Tamarac for the club scene. If your ideal Friday night involves bar-hopping until 2 AM, you’re going to find the local nightlife limited. But for many professionals, “boring” is actually a selling point—it’s quiet, peaceful, and lets you recharge.

That doesn’t mean there is nothing to do. The city has a surprisingly strong food scene, particularly if you enjoy Caribbean and Latin cuisine. There are also local hangouts like the Colony West Golf Club and various lounges like Club i9 that offer a laid-back social atmosphere.

When you do crave high-energy action, you are only about 20 minutes away from the nightlife in Fort Lauderdale or the massive shopping and entertainment complex at Sawgrass Mills. You get access to the fun without having to sleep next to the noise. For outdoor enthusiasts, the city maintains great facilities like the Caporella Aquatic Complex and extensive parks, perfect for runners and cyclists.

Safety & Crime: What to Know

Safety is often a top priority for singles moving to a new area. Overall, Tamarac is statistically safer than about 62% of U.S. cities, earning it a solid “B” grade on most crime maps. However, like any suburban city, it varies by block.

The Northwest section of Tamarac is generally considered the safest and most residential. As you go East of University Drive, areas can become a bit more commercial and transient, and property crime stats tend to tick upward slightly in those pockets.

A lot of the housing here is located within gated communities. For a young professional living alone, this offers an extra layer of security and peace of mind that is standard for the area.

Summary: The Pros and Cons for Young Professionals

Here is a quick snapshot of the trade-offs you will make if you choose Tamarac.

The Wins:

• Rent: You will save $300-$500 a month compared to eastern cities.
• Commute: Unbeatable access to the Sawgrass Expressway and Turnpike.
• Peace: It is quiet, safe, and less congested than the coast.
• Modern Living: New luxury rentals are available without the luxury price tag.

The Trade-offs:

• Car Dependency: You absolutely need a vehicle.
• Nightlife: The social scene is sleepy; you have to travel for “fun.”
• Vibe: Some plazas and neighborhoods still have a dated, older feel.
• Miami Access: It is too far for a daily commute to Miami-Dade.

Final Verdict: Should You Move to Tamarac?

So, is Tamarac FL good for young professionals? It comes down to what you value more: your budget or your walkability.

If you work in Sunrise or Plantation, want to maximize your savings, and prefer a modern apartment where you can relax in peace after work, Tamarac is an excellent choice. It is a pragmatic, smart financial move.

However, if you are looking for a walkable urban environment where you can stumble home from a bar, or if you rely entirely on public transit, you might be happier paying the premium for living in Fort Lauderdale proper.

FAQ