Thursday, July 7, 2011

Broward County, Florida Real Estate Market

Recently Broward County, Florida has experienced an increase in the confidence in the real estate market, with a strong buyers market and the prices trending downwards.  Currently, the average price of a single family home is approximately $300,000, while condominium units and town homes start at below $100,000.  There are many foreclosed properties that tend to sell at very reasonable prices.

Broward County is experiencing sales cycles that are more active in transactions that involve single family properties being purchased mostly by first time home buyers.  On the other hand, the condo market seems to be moving to second home and buyers purchasing for investment purposes.  Also, there are many low end rehab projects being purchased and resold.  On the down side, there is a lower level of distressed inventory than Broward County has experienced in recent years, mostly as a result of the moratorium some lenders have placed on the foreclosure process. Therefore, re-habbers are able to turn properties fairly quickly at this time. The overall movement of the current inventory seems to have slowed dramatically.

Prices on ocean access and waterfront homes in Broward County have seen decreases and are now much more affordable, and there are plenty of options which include golf and tennis as amenities.  Broward County offers the best of South Florida and is also known as the “Venice of America,” due to the extensive network of waterways and channels.  The area features top schools, theater and cultural attractions and quick access to area sporting events.

Top Broward County, Florida Restaurants

Broward County in Florida has many choices and dining styles to satisfy diners who appreciate all cuisines and environments.  For a truly unique experience, check out Truluk's, at 351 Plaza Real in Boca Raton, Florida.  The atmosphere is magnificent, the food is delicious, the customer service is second to none, and the prices are reasonable.  Many diners opt for the house specialty, the locally caught and brought in fresh daily Salmon Bernaise or Grouper Ponchartraine.  However, all seafood options are excellent seafood dinner and the wine flights make for a truly enjoyable experience for dinner.  The service staff is extremely informative, attentive and know the menu intimately.  The restaurant atmosphere is relaxed and the bar area is very warm and comforting.

For a more casual meal, many Broward County residents recommend Charm City Burgers Company, at 1136 East Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach, Florida.  A house favorite is the Cowboy burger, with thick slices of bacon cooked until perfectly crisp.  For the daring, try the Volcano Style burger, with jalapeƱos, pepper jack, & Volcano Sauce - a homemade wing sauce that is truly on fire.  ON the side, Charm City has excellent onion rings, and their milkshakes are not to be missed.  Other menu offerings include craft microbrew beers, ice cream sundaes, shakes, fried Oreos, and even Twinkie Fritters.

Pop's Fish Market, at 131 West Hillsboro Boulevard in Deerfield Beach, Florida is another top spot in Broward County, Florida.  Though most well known for being a fish market for purchasing fresh seafood for take home consumption, it is also offers an amazing rotating lunch menu.  Daily choices include catch of the day fish and chips, fish sandwich, shrimp and chips, or scallops and chips.  There is also a list of soups of the day available.  After lunch, grab some of the fresh fish to take home, and don’t forget to sample some of the dips, fresh produce and baked breads.


Fun Activities and Historic Landmarks of Broward County, Florida

Broward County in Florida boasts some pleasurable and exciting attractions for residents and visitors.  The Museum of Discovery and Science is located in Ft. Lauderdale, as is the International Swimming Hall of Fame, which is located near the Atlantic Ocean.  For anglers, The International Game Fish Association owns and maintains the Hall of Fame for Sport Fishing in nearby Dania Beach.

Another attraction for animal lovers is Flamingo Gardens, which is a botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary, and Butterfly World is located in Coconut Creek in Broward County.  Those who love to shop til they drop can spend time at Sawgrass Mills, an enormous shopping mall located in Sunrise.  Sports enthusiasts can catch an NHL hockey game and watch the Florida Panthers at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise.  The region offers visitors access through multiple entrances to the various Everglades National Park facilities and trails.

Nature lovers should check out the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center, at 1801 North Ocean Boulevard,
Boca Raton, Florida.  Gumbo Limbo Nature Center is a distinctive and historical part of the South Florida and Boca Raton parks system.  The Center is surrounded by a rare remnant of coastal hammock, located on a barrier island that is adjacent to the Atlantic.  A boardwalk provides access for guests to enjoy this unique tropical forest.  From a 40-foot observation tower, visitors can view Gumbo Limbo trees, migrating birds, Indian middens, the ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway.

The Center has numerous outdoor seawater tanks that house sea turtles, sharks and other marine life, and the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility provides treatment and care for sick and injured sea turtles.  An informal garden attracts various species of butterflies throughout the year.  Indoors, there are exhibits and displays which feature wildlife indigenous to South Florida and a panorama of stained glass windows depicting the coastal island as it may have appeared in the 1500’s.  Florida Atlantic University maintains an on-site marine biology research laboratory with a gallery above the lab, which offers visitors a chance to see ongoing current projects conducted by university scientists.