Davie vs Weston Florida: Which Community Is Right for Your Family?
Davie and Weston are neighboring communities in western Broward County with different lifestyles, home prices, and neighborhood structures. Davie offers larger lots, equestrian zoning, and many no HOA neighborhoods. Weston offers manicured planned communities with resort style amenities. The right choice depends on your priorities for space, schools, HOA tolerance, and budget.
Home Prices and Value
Davie’s median home price is $845,000 compared to Weston’s $680,000. That headline number favors Weston, but context matters. Davie’s median includes western acreage properties on half acre to five acre lots that push the number higher. When comparing similar home types (2,000 to 2,500 square feet, three to four bedrooms, on a standard lot), prices are within 5% to 10% of each other. The key difference is what you get for the money. In Davie, a $750,000 budget buys a 2,400 square foot home on a quarter acre or larger lot. In Weston, the same budget buys a 2,200 square foot home on a 6,000 square foot lot. Davie consistently delivers more land per dollar. See current pricing on our Davie Market Data page.
Lot Sizes and Property Character
This is the biggest difference between the two communities. Davie’s average residential lot size is 0.25 to 0.75 acres, with many properties exceeding one acre in the western corridor. Weston’s average lot is 0.15 to 0.2 acres. In Davie, you can park an RV in your driveway, build a detached workshop, keep horses, or add a pool with room to spare. In Weston, HOA restrictions typically prohibit visible RV storage, limit exterior modifications, and dictate landscaping standards. Davie’s zoning allows agricultural and equestrian use on parcels of one acre or more, which is unique in suburban Broward County.
HOA Culture
Weston is essentially a city of HOAs. Over 95% of Weston homes are governed by homeowner associations with monthly fees ranging from $300 to $500 for single family homes and $400 to $700 for townhomes and condos. These fees cover community maintenance, security patrols, pools, fitness centers, and common area landscaping. In contrast, approximately 40% of Davie’s single family homes have no HOA at all. The remaining 60% have HOAs, but fees tend to be lower, averaging $150 to $300 per month. Davie’s neighborhood variety means you can choose your HOA commitment level.
Schools Comparison
Both communities have strong schools, with some differences. Weston’s top rated schools include Cypress Bay High School (7 out of 10) and Maynard Evans Elementary (9 out of 10). Davie’s top performers include McFatter Technical High School (10 out of 10, ranked 14th in Florida) and Fox Trail Elementary (8 out of 10). Davie also has American Heritage School, one of the top private schools in the state. For families prioritizing school ratings, both communities deliver strong options. The edge goes to Davie at the high school level thanks to McFatter’s exceptional rankings. Our Davie School Zones Guide maps every boundary in detail.
Commute and Location
Davie has a geographic advantage for commuters. Davie sits directly on I-595, providing east to west connectivity to Fort Lauderdale, the airport, and Port Everglades. The Florida Turnpike and I-75 both run through or border Davie. Average commute time for Davie residents is 28 minutes. Weston sits further west, with commute times averaging 33 minutes to Fort Lauderdale and 45 minutes to Miami. For anyone working east of I-75, Davie saves 10 to 20 minutes per day in total commute time. That adds up to 40 to 80 hours per year.
Property Taxes and Insurance
Property tax rates are similar in both communities at approximately 1.1% of assessed value, as both fall under Broward County’s tax structure. Insurance costs vary more by flood zone and home construction than by municipality. Weston’s newer housing stock (most built after 1990) benefits from modern building codes and hurricane rated construction, which can lower insurance premiums by 10% to 15% compared to older Davie homes. However, Davie’s new construction communities like Turnberry Estates and Marigold offer the same insurance advantages. The annual cost difference on insurance between a comparable Davie and Weston home is typically $300 to $600.
Lifestyle and Character
Weston feels like a master planned suburban city. Streets are wide, landscaping is uniform, and amenities are centralized. It is clean, safe, and predictable. Davie feels like a collection of distinct neighborhoods stitched together by a shared identity rooted in horses, land, and independence. You will find a million dollar estate next to a five acre ranch with goats, and nobody thinks twice about it. Weston appeals to families who value uniformity, community pools, and maintained common areas. Davie appeals to families who value space, individuality, and the freedom to use their property without a committee’s approval. Read our Davie Safety Guide for detailed crime statistics in both communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Davie or Weston better for families?
Both are excellent for families. Weston offers a more structured, amenity rich environment with planned playgrounds and community pools. Davie offers more space, larger yards, and top rated schools including McFatter Technical High School (ranked 14th in Florida). The best choice depends on your family’s lifestyle preferences.
Is Davie cheaper than Weston?
On a per square foot basis, Davie and Weston are comparable. Davie’s higher median price ($845,000 vs $680,000) reflects larger lot sizes. When factoring in Weston’s higher HOA fees ($300 to $500 per month vs $150 to $300 in Davie), total monthly costs are similar for comparable homes.
Does Weston have better schools than Davie?
Not necessarily. McFatter Technical High School in Davie is rated 10 out of 10 and ranked 14th in Florida, which is higher than any public school in Weston. Both communities have strong elementary and middle school options. Davie also has American Heritage, a top tier private school.
Which has a shorter commute, Davie or Weston?
Davie. The average Davie commute is 28 minutes compared to 33 minutes for Weston residents. Davie’s direct access to I-595 provides faster routes to Fort Lauderdale, the airport, and downtown.
Can you have horses in Weston?
No. Weston does not have equestrian zoning. Davie allows horses on residential parcels of one acre or more in designated equestrian zones, primarily in western Davie.
Do all Weston homes have HOAs?
Over 95% of Weston homes are governed by HOAs. In Davie, approximately 40% of single family homes have no HOA, giving buyers more flexibility and lower monthly costs.
Related Resources
Need Help Deciding?
Anthony Spitaleri, Broker Associate and REALTOR in Davie, Florida, helps families compare Davie and Weston every week based on their specific priorities. If you want an honest assessment of which community fits your family, budget, and lifestyle, book a free consultation and get a straight answer, not a sales pitch.
