title: “Davie vs Hollywood Florida: Suburban Space vs Beach Access”

slug: “davie-vs-hollywood-florida”

meta_description: “Davie vs Hollywood Florida compared: home prices, lot sizes, commute, insurance, and lifestyle. Find the right fit for your move to Broward County.”

target_keyword: “davie vs hollywood florida”

categories: [“Relocation Guide”]

Davie vs Hollywood Florida: Suburban Space vs Beach Access

Davie and Hollywood sit fewer than 15 miles apart in Broward County, but they deliver completely different lifestyles. Davie offers larger lots, lower insurance costs, and a suburban footprint built around equestrian trails and top rated schools. Hollywood provides direct Atlantic beach access and a walkable downtown. Your decision comes down to whether you prioritize square footage or sand.

Home Prices and Property Size

Davie’s median home price sits at approximately $462,900, and buyers routinely find single family homes on half acre or full acre lots. Many of the established neighborhoods in Davie feature properties with private yards, space for animals, and no HOA restrictions.

Hollywood’s median home price falls in a similar range for inland properties, but coastal homes push significantly higher. Oceanfront condos and townhomes east of US 1 regularly list above $600,000. The tradeoff is clear: Hollywood puts you closer to the water, while Davie puts you on more land for the same dollar amount.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Davie has a population of 112,052, while Hollywood exceeds 155,000 residents spread across a more densely developed urban grid.

Insurance and Flood Risk

This is where geography makes a measurable financial difference. Hollywood’s eastern neighborhoods fall within FEMA designated flood zones due to their proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Annual flood insurance premiums in those zones can run $2,000 to $5,000 or more depending on elevation and structure type.

Davie sits further inland, and the majority of residential areas fall outside high risk flood zones. Homeowners insurance premiums in Davie typically come in lower than coastal Hollywood properties by 20% to 35%. Over a 30 year mortgage, that gap compounds into tens of thousands of dollars in savings.

Florida has no state income tax, which benefits residents of both cities equally. But your annual carrying costs on a home in Davie will almost always be lower than a comparable property near Hollywood Beach.

Commute and Location

Davie sits at the intersection of I-595 and the Florida Turnpike, giving residents direct highway access to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Boca Raton. The average commute from Davie is approximately 24 minutes according to Census data, which is competitive with most of South Florida.

Hollywood offers Tri Rail stations and proximity to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport. If you work near the coast or fly frequently, Hollywood cuts your travel time to the terminal. But for commuters heading west toward Weston, Pembroke Pines, or Sawgrass, Davie is the better geographic base.

For a full breakdown of what daily life looks like, read the complete guide to living in Davie.

Schools and Families

Davie is home to several of Broward County’s highest rated public schools, including Nova Southeastern University’s charter school system. The town also hosts Broward College and Nova Southeastern University, creating an education corridor that draws families and professionals.

Hollywood has solid school options as well, but the density of A rated schools per capita is lower in the eastern Hollywood corridor. Families who prioritize school zoning as a primary factor in their home search tend to find more options in Davie.

Both cities fall under the Broward County Public Schools system, so magnet and choice programs are available to residents of either city.

Lifestyle and Culture

Hollywood’s signature draw is the Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, a 2.5 mile oceanfront promenade with restaurants, shops, and public events. If beach access is a daily priority, Hollywood delivers that without question.

Davie offers a different kind of outdoor lifestyle. The town maintains over 60 parks, equestrian trails, and the Everglades Holiday Park on its western edge. Flamingo Gardens, a 60 acre botanical and wildlife sanctuary, sits in the heart of town. Residents who want space, quiet, and a connection to nature find it here without driving to the coast.

The moving to Davie guide covers the full relocation picture, including utilities, DMV, and settling in.

Cost of Living Comparison

Beyond home prices, Davie edges Hollywood on several cost of living metrics. Property taxes in Davie average roughly 1.8% of assessed value, which is consistent with most of Broward County. Hollywood’s millage rates are comparable, but higher property values near the beach push the actual dollar amount of your tax bill up.

Grocery costs, gas prices, and healthcare costs are effectively the same across both cities. The primary cost difference comes down to housing, insurance, and HOA fees. Davie has a higher percentage of homes with no HOA, while Hollywood condos and townhomes near the coast almost always carry monthly association dues.

For a detailed cost analysis, see the Davie cost of living breakdown.

The Bottom Line

Choose Hollywood if beach access is your top priority and you are comfortable paying a premium for coastal insurance and higher density living. Choose Davie if you want more land, lower carrying costs, strong schools, and a suburban pace with easy highway access to the rest of South Florida.

If you are comparing both markets and want specific neighborhood recommendations based on your budget and priorities, book a free strategy call and I will walk you through the numbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Davie or Hollywood cheaper to live in?

Davie is generally less expensive when you account for homeowners insurance, flood insurance, and HOA fees. Home prices are comparable inland, but Davie’s lower coastal risk translates to lower annual carrying costs.

How far is Davie from Hollywood Beach?

Davie is approximately 12 to 15 miles from Hollywood Beach depending on your starting point. The drive takes 20 to 30 minutes via I-595 or Griffin Road.

Which city has better schools, Davie or Hollywood?

Davie has a higher concentration of A rated public and charter schools, including the Nova Southeastern University charter system. Both cities are in the Broward County Public Schools district.

Is Hollywood Florida a good place to buy a home?

Hollywood offers strong rental demand near the beach and a walkable downtown. Buyers should factor in flood zone designations and higher insurance premiums for properties east of US 1.

Does Davie have beach access?

Davie does not have its own beach, but Hollywood Beach and Fort Lauderdale Beach are both within a 20 to 30 minute drive. Many Davie residents treat the beach as a weekend destination rather than a daily routine.

What is the crime rate in Davie vs Hollywood?

Davie’s crime rate is lower per capita than Hollywood according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement annual reports. Davie’s suburban layout and lower density contribute to this difference.

Are property taxes higher in Hollywood or Davie?

Millage rates are similar across Broward County. However, Hollywood properties near the coast tend to have higher assessed values, which means a larger tax bill in absolute dollars even at the same rate.

Written by Anthony Spitaleri, Broker Associate and REALTOR specializing in Davie, Florida residential real estate.