Margate Estates

If, as Obi-Wan Kenobi says, only a Sith deals in absolutes, none of those evil Star Wars characters would enjoy living here. In northern Broward County, Margate Estates is a community that deals instead in duality. Realtor Brian Hernandez, with Re/Max First, explains: “Margate Estates is not too much of a suburb, because it’s located by Highway 441, which is pretty busy, but the neighborhood faces a nature preserve, so it’s still very quiet.” He observes that with those two contradictions, it offers all the convenience typically associated with urban neighborhoods while providing the atmosphere and calm of more suburban areas. “It’s a unique place in that sense, with both the convenience and the quiet that people are looking for. It checks both those boxes.”

You’ll find a variety of homes lining these peaceful residential streets, from apartment complexes and 55-plus communities. In the northern half of the neighborhood, there’s even a 104-acre luxury RV park: Aztec RV Resort, which exclusively caters to Class A motorcoaches. Spots in the park are available both to rent and to own, with purchase prices starting at $150,000. The classic ranch-style single-family homes in Margate Estates range in price between $360,000 and $520,000. Hernandez observes: “About $450,000 would be the average list price for a home here.” Architecturally speaking, he adds: “These homes are all similar in nature, Spanish in style, with similar floorplans and walk-in closets.” He notes that the floorplans for these single-family homes tend to be “true splits,” meaning that none of the bedrooms are connected. “A lot of these homes also have covered patios that people can convert or have already converted into an additional family room. Probably two-thirds of the homes here have had this conversion,” he says.

Margate Estates students are served by schools in the Broward County Public Schools system. Between preschool and fifth grade, youngsters attend Liberty Elementary, which earned a B-minus grade from Niche in 2023. Students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades go to Margate Middle, which earned a C-plus from Niche. Teens go to Coconut Creek High School for Grades 9 through 12. The magnet school earned a C grade from Niche in 2023 and offers its students the opportunity to earn college credit through a dual enrollment partnership with Atlantic Technical College.

Residents enjoy easy access to the great outdoors from Margate Estates, with the Fern Forest Nature Center sprawled over nearly 250 acres of the neighborhood’s northeastern corner. Hernandez notes that the nature reserve is a big draw for homebuyers, especially for properties that back up to it. “It’s a quiet neighborhood, but the properties that face or back up to the reserve are especially quiet,” he observes. Named for its fern population, which boasts more than 30 different varieties, Fern Forest features a boardwalk-style trail system, amphitheater, exhibit hall and picnic areas. Year-round nature-themed programming gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the plant communities contained in the reserve, and you can even rent out the pavilion for your wedding. And while dogs aren’t permitted in Fern Forest, man’s best friends are welcome in the nearby Southeast Park. Just make sure they’re on a lead. To the west of the preserve, between 6th and 7th Streets, Southeast Park offers a more classically suburban park experience, from its soccer fields to its playground. Parking, a public restroom and concessions are also available.

Margate Estates’ proximity to 441 to the west and the turnpike to the east are also a large part of its appeal. Hernandez says: “It’s a really convenient neighborhood. You have ease of access to the turnpike, which is good, people love that. And with 441 right there, you’re very close to a lot of restaurants and big box stores.” For your groceries, head to your local Publix or Aldi, both off 441 just over a mile away. Don’t feel like cooking? Head north up the highway to La Granja Parrilla, across Atlantic Boulevard. The popular family-style Peruvian chain has been a staple in the area since the ‘90s. Or, if you’re more in the mood for an American-style meal, visit Spanky’s Cheesesteak Factory right across the highway. The casual, diner-style eatery prides itself on serving the best cheesesteaks in South Florida and has been a local favorite for more than 20 years.

Written By

Megan Quintin

Photography Contributed By

David Dunn

Video By

Taylor Noll