Broadview Park, FL
- About the City
- Geography
- Climate and Weather
- Landmarks and Attractions
- Transport
- Healthcare and Medical Institutions
- Universities and Educational Institutions
Broadview Park is a suburban CDP in Broward County, Florida, near Fort Lauderdale. It is a diverse, predominantly Hispanic community with a car-dependent layout, offering residents proximity to the natural attractions and transport links of Florida's southeast coast.
About the City
Official Status and Administrative Affiliation
- Official Name: Broadview Park. As a census-designated place (CDP), it is an unincorporated community recognized by the U.S. Census Bureau for statistical purposes, meaning it does not have its own municipal government .
- Administrative Affiliation: Broadview Park is located in Broward County, Florida, United States. It is situated directly adjacent to the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Davie, and Plantation . Broward County is the second-most populous county in Florida and is a central part of the Miami metropolitan area, known for its extensive network of canals, Atlantic coast beaches, and vibrant urban centers.
Date of Foundation and Age
- First Mention: The area now known as Broadview Park began to be developed in the mid-20th century, with its population first officially recorded by the U.S. Census in 1970 . It was at this time that it was returned as "Broadview Park-Rock Hill" during the census .
- Age: As of the current date, the community is approximately 55 years old since its first official recognition as a distinct populated place.
Geographic Location and Coordinates
- Geographic Coordinates: 26°5′55″N 80°12′27″W (26.098515, -80.207419) .
- Position Relative to Natural and Urban Features: Broadview Park is located in the southeastern coastal plain of Florida. It is an inland community situated west of the city of Fort Lauderdale, characterized by a flat, low-lying topography typical of the region. It is bordered by the cities of Davie and Plantation . The area is crisscrossed by man-made canals that are part of South Florida's extensive water management system.
- Elevation: The elevation is approximately 5 meters (16 feet) above sea level .
- Settlement Type: A suburban residential area and census-designated place (CDP).
City Type and Economic Specialization
- Primary Function: Broadview Park is primarily a residential suburb and a commuter town. Its economy is not defined by large local industries but by its proximity to the employment centers of the Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area.
- Economic Base: Residents are largely employed in the diverse economy of Broward County, which includes sectors like tourism, healthcare, trade, and professional services. The average one-way commute time for residents is 29.0 minutes, longer than the U.S. average, reflecting the community's role as a bedroom suburb . The majority of residents commute by driving alone .
Population and Demographics
- Population: As of the 2020 U.S. Census, the population of Broadview Park was 7,670 .
- Population Class: It is classified as a small town or large census-designated place.
- Demographic Characteristics: Broadview Park is characterized by its tremendous diversity. According to the 2020 census, a substantial majority, 68.62% of the population, identifies as Hispanic or Latino . The racial makeup includes 15.33% non-Hispanic White, 10.63% non-Hispanic Black or African American, and 2.59% non-Hispanic Asian . Linguistically, Spanish is the mother tongue for 41.80% of residents, with English spoken by 54.71% . The community has a young demographic profile, with a median age of 33 in 2010 and a significant portion of families with children .
City's "Business Card" (Brief)
- Broadview Park is a vibrant and diverse residential community nestled between the cities of Fort Lauderdale, Davie, and Plantation. It offers a suburban lifestyle with convenient access to the employment, transport hubs, and world-famous beaches and natural attractions of Florida's southeastern Gold Coast.
Geography
Parks and Natural Areas
While Broadview Park itself is a residential area, it is in close proximity to several notable parks in the surrounding cities, offering residents access to outdoor recreation.
- Tree Tops Park (Davie): Located nearby in the city of Davie, this park is described as an "oasis in the city" . It features abundant live oak trees, wetlands with turtles, scenic boardwalks, and equestrian trails, making it a popular spot for hiking and road cycling .
- Riverwalk (Fort Lauderdale): A short distance away is the Riverwalk in Fort Lauderdale. This scenic trail features a picturesque brick road that winds alongside the New River, offering continuous waterfront views, public art, and a glimpse of luxury yachts .
- Local Neighborhood Parks: Within Broadview Park itself, residents are near small local parks such as Sunview Park, Civic Peoples Park, and Riverland Woods, which provide green space for the community .
Climate and Weather
Climate Type and General Characteristics
Broadview Park has a tropical rainforest climate, closely bordering a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by a long, hot, and oppressive wet season and a short, warm, and distinctly drier winter season . The weather is heavily influenced by its South Florida location.
Average Temperatures
The climate is warm year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 16°C (61°F) to 32°C (90°F) .
- Hottest Months: August is typically the hottest month, with average high temperatures around 32°C (89°F) and average lows of 26°C (78°F) . The "heat season" lasts from late May to early October.
- Coolest Months: January is the coolest month, with average high temperatures of 24°C (75°F) and average lows of 16°C (61°F) . Temperatures rarely drop below 8°C (46°F) .
Precipitation and Humidity
- Rainfall: The region experiences a very distinct wet season from late May to mid-October. The wettest month is June, with an average rainfall of 162 mm (6.4 inches) . The dry season runs from mid-October to late May, with December being the driest month, averaging only 36 mm (1.4 inches) of rain .
- Humidity: Humidity is extreme during the wet season. The number of muggy or oppressive days peaks in August, with 31.0 such days . Even in the drier winter months, humidity levels remain relatively high compared to other parts of the U.S. .
Sun and Best Time to Visit
- Sunlight: Broadview Park enjoys a consistent amount of daylight, ranging from 10.5 hours in December to 13.7 hours in June .
- Best Time to Visit: Based on weather comfort, the best time to visit Broadview Park for warm-weather activities is from early November to early May . This period avoids the peak heat, oppressive humidity, and heavy rains of the summer months, offering clearer skies and more comfortable temperatures for exploring the region.
Landmarks and Attractions
As a residential CDP, Broadview Park does not have its own major historical monuments. However, it is within minutes of several significant cultural and historical sites in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding area.
Stranahan House (Fort Lauderdale)
- Full Name: Stranahan House .
- Year and Author: Built in 1901 by Frank Stranahan, who is recognized as one of the founding fathers of Fort Lauderdale .
- Historical Significance: This house is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County. It served variously as a trading post for the local Tequesta Indians, a town hall, and the home of Frank and his wife, Ivy. Ivy Stranahan was the region's first teacher . Today, it is a historic house museum and a testament to the area's pioneer history.
Las Olas Beach (Fort Lauderdale)
- Full Name: Las Olas Beach .
- Location and Features: Located about 10-15 minutes east of Broadview Park, this is one of Fort Lauderdale's most famous beaches. It is known for its soft white sand, clear Atlantic waters, and the iconic Las Olas Boulevard, which is lined with upscale shops, art galleries, and restaurants. It's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and biking .
17th Street Causeway Bridge (Fort Lauderdale)
- Full Name: 17th Street Causeway Bridge .
- Description: Rebuilt in 2001, this is a prominent bascule (draw) bridge in Fort Lauderdale . It connects the mainland to the barrier islands, including Fort Lauderdale Beach. It is a notable local landmark where visitors can watch large yachts and boats pass through the Intracoastal Waterway as the bridge opens.
Transport
Major Airports
Broadview Park is exceptionally well-located for air travel, situated between two major airports.
- Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL): This airport is located approximately 4 km (2.5 miles) from Broadview Park . With the IATA code FLL, it is a major international airport and a focus city for several low-cost carriers, serving numerous destinations across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Europe.
- Miami International Airport (MIA): Located about 40-50 minutes south via highways, MIA (IATA code) is one of the busiest international airports in the U.S., offering extensive connections to Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond.
Major Highways
The CDP is exceptionally well-connected by several major highways that border or run through the area :
- Interstate 595 (I-595): This crucial highway connects directly to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) and I-95, providing access to the coast and other cities.
- Florida's Turnpike: A major toll road that provides a direct route from the Miami-Dade area up through the rest of Florida.
- U.S. Highway 441 / State Road 7: A major north-south thoroughfare that runs through the eastern edge of Broadview Park, providing access to local businesses and communities .
Public Transportation
Public transit in the area is provided by Broward County Transit (BCT).
- Bus Services: Several bus routes serve the Broadview Park area, with stops within walking distance on major thoroughfares like US 441. Key routes include the 18 (US 441 Local), the 441-Breeze, and the 30 (Davie Blvd Local) . These buses connect residents to the wider county, including Fort Lauderdale and other suburbs.
- Commuter Patterns: Despite available transit, the community is Car-Dependent, with a Walk Score of 41 out of 100, indicating that most errands require a car . A vast majority of residents (over 70%) commute by driving alone .
Rail
While there is no train station within Broadview Park itself, the nearby Fort Lauderdale stations of Tri-Rail (the commuter rail system of South Florida) and Amtrak (for long-distance service) are a short drive away, offering connections to Miami, West Palm Beach, and points beyond.
Healthcare and Medical Institutions
Hospitals and Medical Facilities in the Area
Broadview Park benefits from its location in Broward County, providing residents with access to a wide array of healthcare resources. The community itself has a high number of physicians, with 224 per 100,000 population, surpassing the national average of 210 . While specific hospitals are not located directly within Broadview Park's boundaries, several major medical centers are situated nearby.
HCA Florida Westside Hospital in Plantation is one of the primary hospitals serving the area. It is a full-service acute care hospital offering a comprehensive range of services, including 24/7 emergency care, cardiovascular services, and surgical specialties. Another key facility is HCA Florida University Hospital in Davie, known for its advanced medical and surgical care, including a dedicated neurosciences institute and women's services. These hospitals provide the majority of specialty and emergency care needs for Broadview Park residents. Additionally, the area has numerous smaller clinics and urgent care centers that offer primary care, mental health services, and addiction counseling, ensuring a broad spectrum of accessible care . The local government also supports community health through free health screenings and educational sessions .
Universities and Educational Institutions
University of Florida Field Laboratory
While Broadview Park is a primarily residential area, it is home to a unique educational and research facility: the University of Florida Field Laboratory . Located at coordinates 26.10675° N, -80.22477° W, this facility represents the University of Florida's presence in Broward County . It is an amenity classified as a university and serves as a research and extension hub for the region.
This field laboratory is situated near several primary and secondary schools, including Plantation Park Elementary School, South Plantation High School, and the Environmental Science Magnet school, indicating a localized cluster of educational institutions . Its specific function relates to the University of Florida's statewide network of research and education centers, often focused on agricultural, environmental, or community development studies relevant to South Florida.