Deciding between Weston and Davie can feel like choosing between two great versions of South Florida living. You want the right fit for your lifestyle, commute, and budget, without second-guessing the details that matter most. In this guide, you’ll get a clear, practical comparison of housing, daily life, schools, HOAs, taxes, flood risk, and more so you can move forward with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Weston vs. Davie: the big picture
Weston is a master-planned suburban city known for landscaped neighborhoods, community amenities, and a consistent residential feel. Many communities are HOA-governed and include gated entries, parks, and well-kept common areas. You’ll find a polished suburban experience designed for easy living and convenient access to services. Learn more about community services and parks on the City of Weston site.
Davie is larger and more varied. You’ll see classic suburban neighborhoods, equestrian and agricultural areas with larger lots, and mixed-use zones near Nova Southeastern University that bring a college-town energy. If you want a blend of suburban convenience and rural-style options, Davie offers that mix. Explore town resources and zoning information on the Town of Davie site.
Housing and neighborhood feel
What to expect in Weston
Weston is dominated by single-family homes in planned subdivisions, plus some townhomes and condos. Many neighborhoods are gated and feature amenities like pools, playgrounds, trails, and community events. HOA rules and design standards create a uniform, well-kept look. If you want turnkey suburban living with on-site amenities, Weston delivers that experience.
What to expect in Davie
Davie’s housing stock is diverse. You can find single-family homes in traditional subdivisions, non-HOA neighborhoods, mobile home communities, condos, and townhomes. Portions of Davie are zoned for equestrian and agricultural use, with larger parcels and room for horses or hobby farming. If you value space, flexibility, or an equestrian lifestyle, Davie gives you more options to explore.
Price, value, and HOA culture
Historically, Weston’s median sale prices trend higher than Davie’s due to newer construction, lot sizes, and community amenities. Davie spans a broader range, from entry-level options to large-lot properties at varying price points. Because prices fluctuate by micro-neighborhood, it helps to compare recent sales within the exact subdivisions you’re considering. For tax history and parcel details, review the Broward County Property Appraiser.
HOA prevalence is a key difference. Weston has a high number of mandatory HOAs that cover landscaping, amenities, and community management. Davie offers a mix of HOA and non-HOA neighborhoods, which can mean fewer recurring fees and more flexibility in some areas. Always request HOA budgets and rules so you know fees, amenities, and any restrictions before you make an offer.
Schools and education options
Both Weston and Davie are served by Broward County Public Schools. Weston is widely associated with high-performing public schools, and Davie varies by neighborhood. School zones can shift, so verify your address against the most current district resources. Start with Broward County Public Schools and the Florida Department of Education for school grades, accountability reports, and boundary info.
Davie is also home to Nova Southeastern University, which influences nearby services, housing demand, and local amenities. If proximity to a university campus matters for work or study, Davie may give you an edge.
Commutes and getting around
Weston offers quick access to I-75 and connectors to Florida’s Turnpike, which helps for westbound and north-south trips. Its internal design favors car travel, and public transit options are limited. Davie is more centrally located in western Broward with multiple on-ramps to I-595, I-75, and Florida’s Turnpike, plus coverage by Broward County Transit. If you commute to central Broward or Fort Lauderdale, Davie can offer shorter drive times from certain neighborhoods. For traffic conditions and planned improvements, check the Florida Department of Transportation.
Everyday convenience and recreation
In Weston, amenities are integrated into the community fabric. You’ll find neighborhood parks, fields, and planned green spaces, plus shopping and services in hubs like Weston Town Center and nearby plazas. Daily errands are typically a short drive, and many communities host classes, leagues, and events through city partnerships.
In Davie, retail and dining are more spread out with several neighborhood plazas and commercial corridors near NSU. You’ll also find standout outdoor spaces, including large parks and multiuse trails. If you want room for horses or space for outdoor hobbies at home, Davie’s zoning can open doors that typical suburban communities do not.
Practical checks before you buy
Taxes and insurance
Florida has no state personal income tax. Property taxes depend on assessed value, exemptions, and local millage rates, which vary by municipality. Because Weston’s home values tend to be higher, property tax bills can be higher in dollars even if effective rates are similar. Review recent tax bills and exemptions for comparable homes on the Broward County Property Appraiser, and get insurance quotes early. For flood zones and elevation, start with the FEMA Flood Map Service Center.
Zoning and future development
Davie’s agricultural and equestrian zoning allows certain rural-style uses that many suburban cities do not. Weston’s land use follows its master-planned structure, which promotes a consistent residential pattern. If you’re considering accessory uses, animals, or outbuildings, confirm what’s allowed with municipal planning departments. Future development can shift traffic and area dynamics, so it pays to review town and city plans before you buy.
Safety research
Crime patterns vary by neighborhood in both towns. For an objective view, compare local law-enforcement data and federal dashboards, then visit at different times of day to get a feel for the area. You can explore trends through the FBI Crime Data Explorer and municipal resources.
Which town fits your priorities
- Choose Weston if you prioritize uniform community aesthetics, newer construction, and HOA amenities like pools, playgrounds, and neighborhood programming.
- Choose Davie if you want larger lots, equestrian or agricultural options, more non-HOA choices, or proximity to NSU.
- If your job is in central Broward or near I-595, test peak-hour drive times from target neighborhoods in both towns.
A simple decision checklist
- Define your must-haves: HOA amenities vs. lot size and flexibility.
- Map your commute during peak hours for each short-listed neighborhood.
- Verify school zones and review performance data with BCPS and the Florida DOE.
- Pull recent tax bills for comparable homes on BCPA and request insurance quotes.
- Check FEMA flood maps for each address under consideration.
- Review HOA budgets, fees, and rules where applicable.
When you are ready to compare specific neighborhoods, tour properties, and review recent sales side by side, reach out to The Sklar Team. Our local guidance will help you match your lifestyle, commute, and budget to the right West Broward address.
FAQs
What are the main lifestyle differences between Weston and Davie?
- Weston offers a consistent, master-planned suburban feel with many HOA amenities, while Davie provides a broader mix that includes suburban, equestrian, and agricultural areas.
How do I compare public schools for a specific Weston or Davie address?
- Use Broward County Public Schools for boundary info and the Florida Department of Education for school grades, then verify directly with the district before you buy.
Are HOAs common in both towns?
- HOAs are widespread in Weston and cover amenities and maintenance; Davie has both HOA and non-HOA areas, giving you more flexibility in some neighborhoods.
Where can I check property taxes and exemptions for a home I like?
- Review recent tax bills, assessments, and exemptions on the Broward County Property Appraiser website and compare across similar properties.
How can I estimate my commute from Weston or Davie?
- Test live drive times during your typical peak hours and review regional routes and projects through Broward County Transit and the Florida Department of Transportation.
How do I evaluate flood risk for a property in Weston or Davie?
- Enter the exact address in the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, then confirm elevation and insurance requirements with your insurer.
How can I research neighborhood safety in West Broward?
- Compare area trends using the FBI Crime Data Explorer and local municipal dashboards, and visit neighborhoods at different times for context.