Tamarac vs. Margate: Choosing Your Spot in Broward County

If you are looking for a place to put down roots in South Florida but the coastal prices have you hesitating, you aren’t alone. Many buyers are looking just west of the beach bustle, finding that “sweet spot” where affordability meets suburban comfort. That search often leads directly to two neighboring cities: Tamarac and Margate.

Geographically, these two are practically siblings. They sit side-by-side in inland Broward County, situated about 10 to 15 miles west of the ocean. While they share a border and often overlap in price range, they have very different personalities. Tamarac generally leans toward master-planned communities, manicured green spaces, and gated entrances. Margate, on the other hand, offers a younger demographic, a slightly more eclectic vibe, and distinct local attractions.

Deciding between living in Tamarac vs Margate usually comes down to how you feel about Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and the type of community atmosphere you prefer. Let’s break down the numbers and the lifestyle differences so you can decide which zip code fits your future.

Lifestyle & Atmosphere: The Local Feel

To understand these cities, you have to look at their history. Tamarac was historically developed as a retirement haven. While that is rapidly changing and the city is getting younger every year, the layout still reflects those roots. You will see precise landscaping, lakes, and a “quiet suburban” atmosphere that feels very managed. It’s the kind of place where the hedges are trimmed, and the streets are quiet after dark.

Margate feels different. The statistics back this up, typically showing a younger median age (around 38) compared to Tamarac (around 46). Margate has a more down-to-earth, “lived-in” vibe. It is known for being a bit more diverse with a mix of commercial zones and residential pockets that aren’t hidden behind gates.

Visually, the drive through each city tells the story. In Tamarac, you are likely to drive past golf course views and uniform condo clusters. In Margate, you will see a mix of traditional grid neighborhoods, canal-front homes, and a city that feels a little less structured and a little more organic.

Cost of Living & Housing Market Comparison

Both cities are incredibly attractive for buyers priced out of Fort Lauderdale or Boca Raton. When comparing the cost of living, housing prices are the biggest factor, and both offer median sales prices for single-family homes that often hover in the $300,000s and up.

However, the purchase price is only part of the story. You have to look at the monthly budget to see the real difference.

• Home Prices: You can find decent single-family homes in the $300,000 to $350,000 range in both cities, though updated homes with pools will push higher.
• Rent: If you aren’t buying yet, 1-2 bedroom apartments typically range from $1,800 to $2,400. Tamarac generally has a higher inventory of newer, luxury-style rental complexes compared to Margate.
• The HOA Factor: This is the most critical financial distinction. Tamarac has a very high density of HOA communities. Whether it is a condo or a single-family house, you are likely paying monthly fees ranging from $200 to over $600 depending on amenities. Margate has far more “non-HOA” pockets where you don’t have that extra monthly bill or the rules that come with it.
• Taxes & Insurance: Property taxes are standard for Broward County, but insurance is tricky. Because both cities have older housing stock from the 70s and 80s, securing affordable windstorm insurance can be a challenge if the roof hasn’t been updated recently.

Neighborhoods & Housing Types

The physical housing stock varies quite a bit between the two. When you look at homes for sale in Tamarac, you will see iconic communities like The Woodlands, which is a massive golf course community featuring custom homes with unique mid-century architecture. You also have huge 55+ sections like Kings Point, and a vast supply of single-story attached villas.

Margate real estate offers a more traditional suburban layout. Neighborhoods like Coral Gate feature standard grid streets with single-family homes on decent-sized lots. If you want to park a boat in your driveway or paint your house a specific color without asking a board for permission, you will find more opportunities to do that in Margate than in Tamarac.

Commuting & Location

For most residents, life here involves a commute. Both cities are inland suburbs, meaning you are roughly 20 to 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and downtown Fort Lauderdale, depending on traffic.

Tamarac has a slight edge for westward commuters because of the Sawgrass Expressway. If you work in Sunrise or Weston, the on-ramps in Tamarac make getting there very easy. Tamarac also has good access to the Florida Turnpike.

Margate is situated slightly further north and east of Tamarac’s core. Residents here rely heavily on Atlantic Boulevard and Copans Road to get to I-95 or the Turnpike. While both cities are served by Broward County Transit buses, the reality of living in this part of Florida is that a car is highly recommended for daily errands and commuting.

Schools & Education Options

Both cities fall under the umbrella of Broward County Public Schools, the sixth-largest district in the nation. It is important to look at specific school boundaries rather than just the city limits, as attendance zones can shift.

Tamarac is served by schools such as Tamarac Elementary and the Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy, which focuses on college prep. Margate is home to Margate Elementary and Margate Middle. A significant asset in the Margate area is Atlantic Technical College, which offers magnet high school programs and adult vocational training.

It is worth noting that many households in this region also utilize the robust network of charter schools and magnet programs available throughout Broward County to find the specific academic focus that suits their needs.

Safety & Crime Considerations

When discussing safety, it is helpful to look at the context of the wider region. Generally, both Tamarac and Margate rank as average for the area—they are typically safer than dense urban cores but, like most suburbs, they experience typical property crimes such as car break-ins.

The perception of safety often differs due to the layout. Because Tamarac has so many gated communities, residents there often report a higher feeling of security within their specific subdivisions. Margate’s open neighborhood structure means there are fewer guard gates, but community policing and neighborhood watch programs are active. As with any move, it is smart to check local police blotters or crime maps for the specific street you are considering before making an offer.

Parks, Recreation & Amenities

This is where the lifestyle differences really shine. How do you want to spend your Saturday?

• Tamarac Highlights: If you love organized sports, the Tamarac Sports Complex is a major hub for baseball, soccer, and football. For golfers, the Colony West Golf Club offers a championship course that is a staple of the local scene. Caporella Park is another favorite for picnics and water views.
• Margate Highlights: The crown jewel here is Calypso Cove, a water park and aquatic center that is a massive draw during the hot Florida summers. Margate also hosts the popular “Margate Under the Moon” events, which bring food trucks and music to the community.
• Shopping & Dining: Margate is actively working on a “City Center” redevelopment to create a downtown feel. Tamarac relies more on solid strip-mall dining, but it has the advantage of being very close to the massive Sawgrass Mills mall in neighboring Sunrise.

Taxes & Utilities

Financial friction is a part of homeownership, and it’s similar in both towns. Both cities levy their own millage rates on top of the county taxes, but the total tax bills are generally comparable.

Water and trash services are municipal, and high-speed internet (Xfinity and AT&T) is widely available in both areas. As mentioned earlier, the budget breaker for many in Florida cost of living calculations is home insurance. Whether you are in Tamarac or Margate, pay close attention to the age of the roof and the presence of hurricane impact windows, as these significantly affect your premiums.

The Verdict: Which City Fits You?

Choosing between Tamarac and Margate isn’t about finding the “better” city; it’s about matching the city to your lifestyle.

You should probably choose Tamarac if you prefer a manicured, master-planned look and don’t mind paying HOA fees to maintain it. It is also the right choice if you want easy access to the Sawgrass Expressway or prefer a quieter environment that still leans slightly toward seniors and empty nesters in certain pockets.

You should look at Margate if you want a slightly younger demographic and prioritize a lower monthly payment by avoiding high HOA fees. It’s also the better pick if you want access to amenities like Calypso Cove or if you are looking for a standard single-family home with fewer restrictions on what you can do with your property.

Before signing a contract, drive through both areas at different times of the day. Grab a coffee in a local shop and see which vibe feels like home.

Frequently Asked Questions