Fern Crest Village

Sitting right on the cusp of three college campuses, Fern Crest Village reaps all the benefits of a happening commercial area while still sitting tucked away from all the hubbub of Fort Lauderdale. “We’re not missing anything here,” says Rina Cohen, Realtor with A. Caruana and Associates Real Estate. “For people who live closer to the oceanfront, this is where they come for everything they need. Here, I’m two minutes away from all the stores but I can still be at the beach in 15 minutes.”

Much of the housing in Fern Crest Village is geared towards students due to the proximity to multiple universities. You’ll find plenty of upscale, amenity-filled apartments to choose from, such as the Avenue, the Reese and 33 West Apartments. Condos along University Drive are also popular due to their walkability to the nearby campuses, with the median price at $240,000 and many owners renting to students. Other communities such as Nova Villas or Nova Villages feature town homes with Mediterranean-style tiled roofs perched right against the water, costing around $400,000 on average for three bedrooms. On the other side of the neighborhood, closer to the Florida Turnpike, is Everglades Lakes, a 55-plus mobile home community. Homes sit on neatly mowed lawns scattered with the occasional palm tree or fern, and many have back porches that look out over the canals between streets. More modest offerings start at $55,000, whereas renovated homes with updated appliances can run for as much as $240,000. Residents can take it slow and lounge at either of the two community pools or get together for a game of shuffleboard at the clubhouse courts.

Families send their kids to Broward County Public Schools, starting at Nova Eisenhower Elementary, which scores a B rating from Niche. Seminole Middle School has a program allowing advanced students to earn high school credit, preparing them to attend Hollywood Hills High, which was awarded the Golden School Award for its involvement of parents and community members both inside and outside the classroom. Nova Southeastern University’s main campus is also nearby, as is Florida Atlantic University’s Davie Campus and Broward College.

Wes Griffin Park is located squarely within the neighborhood and provides a playground where kids can climb and swing on even the hottest days of the year thanks to the shaded canopies over the play equipment. Residents can also make the quick trip to Tree Tops Park, where you can lose yourself in the labyrinth of walkways winding through the gnarled marshland oaks. Look for turtles in the water or take in the view of the giant Ficus tree with its draping curtains of banyan roots from atop the observation tower. Don’t be surprised if you hear the clip-clopping of hooves – the park is known for its extensive equestrian trails, and riders often bring their own horses.

For shopping and dining options, you’ll find everything right along University Drive. Tap 42 Craft Kitchen and Bar is a gastropub with a sleek, casual atmosphere. Popular for its drink deals, it’s a great place to grab a bite with friends or catch the latest game on TV. For a taste of Peru, try Ceviche 595, a cozy restaurant with wood-paneled walls lined by decorative Peruvian art and bottles of wine from their vast selection. Their Ceviche Mixto, a dish made of raw seafood marinated in lime juice, keeps locals coming back.

Tower Shops is located right in the neighborhood, with big-box stores like Trader Joe’s, Costco and Whole Foods among other retailers. From cosmetics to home improvement to clothes, the shopping center covers all of residents’ basic needs. And for everything else, you can hop on the I-595 to get around the rest of South Florida. “It’s such a convenient location,” Cohen adds. “You can be in Fort Lauderdale in 20 minutes or Miami in 30, but you don’t have to travel outside of the neighborhood for your day-to-day.”

To the east along the I-595, Hollywood also provides plenty of entertainment options. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is a hub for luxury dining, shopping and nightlife that is easily identified by its iconic guitar-shaped hotel. Or if you’d like to soak up some Florida sun, the beachfront is just 10 miles away.

Written By

Elliot Schorr

Photography Contributed By

Brian Sokolowski

Video By

Austin Lewis