Craving more space, fresh air, and room to create your ideal outdoor lifestyle? If so, acreage living in Davie might be exactly what you’re after. You get privacy, larger lots, and an equestrian-friendly culture that is rare in Broward County. In this guide, you’ll see what day-to-day life actually looks like, the tradeoffs to consider, and a practical checklist to help you shop smart. Let’s dive in.
Why Davie acreage stands out
Davie preserves a semi-rural, estate character that sets it apart from denser eastern Broward cities. You’ll see tree-lined streets, fenced pastures, and homes set back from the road. Larger lots and open space are common, and equestrian properties are part of the local fabric.
Many buyers also look at Southwest Ranches or parts of Plantation when searching for acreage in this region. Inventory can be limited and properties are often unique. That’s why you’ll want a clear picture of your must-haves, from utility setup to barn or guest house potential.
Everyday life on acreage
A day in the life
Picture your morning starting with coffee on a shaded patio while the sun lights up your backyard. If you keep horses, you’ll feed, check stalls, and rotate pastures. Midday might include a quick run for supplies or a remote-work session with views of mature trees. Evenings often move outside again, where a pool, outdoor kitchen, or firepit turns your property into an easy gathering spot.
Privacy and space
Acreage living gives you more visual and noise privacy than typical suburban lots. Larger setbacks and thick vegetation help buffer your home. You’ll likely have a longer driveway and more separation from neighbors, which many buyers value for tranquility and design freedom.
Outdoor amenities you may see
Common features include fenced pastures, detached barns or stables, riding arenas, and tack rooms. Many homes have room for a pool, outdoor kitchen, and guest house. Private ponds and mature trees are also common. Outdoor spaces often do double duty for entertaining and animal care.
Equestrian lifestyle in Davie
Trails and community
Davie supports recreational and hobby equestrian use. You’ll find local riding trails across public parks and designated corridors. Some adjacent communities also offer equestrian activities. Always confirm specific trail access and community rules before you buy.
Daily horse care realities
If you keep horses on property, expect frequent, structured routines. Chores typically include stall cleaning, pasture rotation, hay and feed storage, manure management, hoof care, and scheduling vet and farrier visits. Plan for weekly or multiple-times-weekly tasks to keep animals healthy and facilities in good shape.
Nature, pests, and safety
Wildlife you might encounter
With lakes, retention ponds, and remnant wetlands around, you may see wading birds, rabbits, raccoons, and opossums. Snakes and lizards are common. In suitable habitat near water, alligators can be present. Awareness and proper precautions are part of acreage life in South Florida. For animal control or safety guidance, refer to local authorities and wildlife resources.
Mosquitoes and drainage
Mosquitoes and biting midges can be more noticeable on larger lots, especially near standing water. Many owners use proactive drainage, graded swales, and regular yard maintenance to reduce pests. Screened outdoor rooms or pool cages are common solutions that make year-round outdoor living more comfortable.
Utilities and infrastructure
Water, sewer, and septic
Most acreage homes have standard electrical service. Water access can vary by area. Some properties are on municipal water, while others rely on private wells. Sewer access may be available, but septic systems are common on larger lots. Regular septic pumping and inspections are important, especially for larger households or guest house setups.
Before you make an offer, confirm what utilities serve the property and where the nearest connections are. In some cases, improvements could trigger septic-to-sewer requirements if a public line is available.
Drainage and flood risk
Engineered drainage matters in South Florida’s wet season. Many estate lots include retention features or ponds to manage heavy rain. Check flood maps, ask about elevation certificates, and understand local stormwater rules. Flood insurance and elevation details can affect both your costs and your long-term plans for additions or new structures.
Maintenance and recurring costs
Yard and property care
Large yards require consistent upkeep. Plan for mowing or contract mowing, tree trimming, fence repairs, irrigation repairs, and driveway maintenance. If your driveway is rock or gravel, you may need periodic grading. Ponds can require occasional dredging or maintenance.
Barns and outbuildings
If you have barns or stables, budget for structural maintenance, roof and door repairs, arena footing upkeep, and secure hay storage. Animal care adds recurring costs for feed, bedding, pest control, and professional services. Manure management is a constant task, whether you compost or arrange for hauling.
Seasonal checklist
- Wet season: inspect drainage, clean swales, address standing water, and manage mosquitoes.
- Hurricane season: trim trees, secure outbuildings, service generators, and update animal evacuation plans.
- Dry season: schedule mowing and fertilization, plan planting and landscaping, and complete deferred maintenance.
Insurance, taxes, and permits
Insurance budgeting
Homeowners in Broward generally pay higher hurricane and windstorm premiums than many inland markets. If you have barns, outbuildings, or equestrian operations, ask insurers about coverage and liability options. Quotes vary by elevation, construction type, and distance to water.
Taxes and agricultural classification
Estate-size lots often carry higher assessed values. Florida offers an agricultural classification for qualifying income-producing uses that can reduce property taxes. Rules and eligibility are specific, so confirm details with the Broward County Property Appraiser and the appropriate state agencies.
Permits and approvals
Additions, barns, major land alterations, and certain fencing typically require permits. Work near wetlands or water may need environmental approvals. For zoning, setbacks, and permitted uses, the Town of Davie Planning and Building departments are the best places to verify requirements before you start.
Commutes and convenience
Davie sits within reach of major corridors like I-595, I-75, and Florida’s Turnpike. The exact commute depends on your address and the time of day. Many acreage buyers accept a longer drive or plan for partial remote work in exchange for privacy and outdoor space. You are still within a regional network of shopping, hospitals, and airports, but your drive times will vary.
Market dynamics and buyer strategy
Acreage and estate lots are limited and command a premium over typical suburban parcels. Listings are often highly customized with unique improvements and topography. Expect property-specific value drivers that affect pricing and resale, including acreage size, barn and arena quality, utility setup, and flood elevation.
Position yourself to act decisively when the right property appears. Have your inspection vendors lined up, and complete utility and zoning checks early. A clear plan helps you avoid surprises and negotiate with confidence.
Buyer due diligence checklist
Use this list to guide your search and your contract period:
- Confirm zoning and permitted uses with the Town of Davie.
- Verify utilities: municipal water, sewer availability, electricity, and cable or internet options.
- Review flood zone and elevation information and consider an elevation certificate for accurate insurance quotes.
- Inspect septic and well systems if present, including age, capacity, and maintenance records.
- Assess soil and drainage if you plan new landscaping, a pool, barn construction, or significant grading.
- Identify environmental constraints such as wetlands, conservation easements, or protected trees.
- Verify recorded easements, access rights, and any shared drive agreements.
- Inspect barns, outbuildings, fencing, and arena footing for safety and longevity.
- Obtain quotes for homeowners, windstorm, and liability coverage, especially for equestrian uses.
- Confirm local service availability for farriers, large-animal vets, hay suppliers, and landscape or heavy-equipment contractors.
Final thoughts
Living on acreage in Davie offers a rare blend of space, privacy, and outdoor freedom within Broward County. You gain room to design your lifestyle, from equestrian amenities to resort-style backyards. At the same time, you’ll want a clear understanding of utilities, drainage, maintenance, and insurance so you can plan confidently.
If you’re weighing options across Davie, Southwest Ranches, or nearby estate neighborhoods, partner with a local team that understands the nuances of these properties. For curated guidance and private showings, reach out to The Sklar Team. We’ll help you find the right acreage fit and negotiate with confidence.
FAQs
What daily chores come with a Davie acreage home?
- Expect mowing or contract mowing, tree trimming, fence repairs, irrigation upkeep, and if you keep animals, regular stall cleaning, pasture rotation, and manure management.
How private are acreage properties in Davie?
- Larger setbacks and thick vegetation usually provide more visual and noise privacy than standard suburban lots, with longer driveways and greater distance from neighbors.
Can I keep horses on a Davie property?
- Many properties support hobby equestrian use, but you should confirm zoning, the number of animals allowed, and any boarding rules with the Town of Davie before purchasing.
Will I have municipal water and sewer on acreage?
- It varies by location; some properties have municipal water and sewer, while others rely on wells and septic systems, which require regular pumping and inspection.
What wildlife and pests should I expect?
- You may see wading birds, small mammals, snakes, and in suitable waters, alligators; mosquitoes can be a nuisance, so drainage and screened outdoor areas are common solutions.
Are there special insurance or tax considerations?
- Hurricane and windstorm insurance can be higher in Broward; an agricultural classification may offer tax benefits for qualifying uses, subject to county and state rules.
What inspections are most important when buying acreage?
- In addition to a standard home inspection, prioritize septic and well checks, flood and elevation review, drainage assessment, barn and outbuilding inspections, and insurance quotes.