Plantation, Florida is located in Broward County. It is home to over 80,000 residents. The city was incorporated on April 23, 1955. Its name is derived from the Everglades Plantation Company, an organization that once owned the city’s land.
The area is part of the Everglades wetlands. Former Florida governor William Sherman Jennings spearheaded efforts to drain the Everglades in the early 1900’s. The Everglades Plantation Company was established in 1909 to build a rice plantation in the area. Legal battles and drainage failures prevented the plantation from being established, but the area did experience rapid growth during the Florida Land Boom of the early 1920’s.
Land development started in earnest over the next two decades. The first homes in the new Plantation Homes development were built in 1947. Hurricanes and flooding in subsequent years would hamper progress, but work on new houses, pumping stations, dikes and roads continued until the city’s incorporation. Plantation has continued to grow in population ever since.
Education in Plantation, Florida
There are six elementary schools, two middle schools and two high schools in Plantation.
There are also five private schools within the city limits.
Homes for Sale in Plantation, Florida
The Climate in Plantation, Florida
The city has a tropical rainforest climate. Average temperatures in the region range from 75 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter months to 90 degrees Fahrenheit or more during summer months.
Living in Plantation, Florida
The median home value in Plantation is just over $340,000. Home values have increased about 2.3 percent in the last year. They are expected to drop about 2 percent in the coming year.
The median price per square foot is $180. The median list price of homes sold in Plantation is $360,000, and the median sale price of homes in the city is $310,700.
Things to Do in Plantation, Florida
There are plenty of fun things to do in and around Plantation, Florida. Some of the most popular attractions include:
1. Plantation Historical Museum. The Historical Museum on Fig Tree Lane has gone beyond its humble beginnings as a modest collection stored in one room of the town’s city hall.
There are several exhibits that focus on the area’s economic development through the years and groups of Native Americans. Visitors can also tour the botanical gardens and library. A good place to spend a few hours admiring and appreciating the area’s past.
2. The Central Park Multi-Purpose Center and Plantation Aquatic Complex. For a marginal fee, you can take full advantage of all the amenities this center has to offer. The complex has a full gym, basketball courts, a shallow pool for children to play in and two impressive Olympic-sized swimming pools. There are also swimming lessons and other classes geared towards adults, senior citizens and children.
3. The Plantation Preserve Golf Course. Avid golfers can enjoy a day on the links at one of the best courses in southern Florida. The 60 acre, 18 hole course was opened in 2006. It has a practice area, clubhouse and a fully stocked pro shop. Lessons are available for players at all skill levels. Just make sure that you book your tee time in advance if you’re planning on visiting during peak times of the year.
4. The Helen B. Hoffman Plantation Library Children’s Musem. The library/children’s museum is a great place to keep your kids occupied while you’re on vacation or during the long summer months. There are lots activities and classes for them to participate in. You can also sign your child up for the summer reading program, or check out a few favorite titles, movies, or music recordings for yourself while you’re there.
5. The Plantation Farmer’s Market. The Farmer’s Market is open from 8 am to 2 pm on Saturdays at Volunteer Park. Locally grown fruits and vegetables as well as locally created salsa, honey, cheese and other food items are available. You can enjoy a freshly baked pastry and a nice hot cup of coffee as you peruse the wares. A good way of supporting local merchants and providing healthier eating alternatives for your family.
6. The Plantation Preserve Linear Trail. This trail is perfect for walking, jogging, running, biking and inline/roller skating. Expect to see a nice variety of local wildlife as you make your way along the trail. There’s also a children’s play area and you view what many locals believe to be the remains of a former hunting camp that once belonged to members of the Tequesta Native American tribe.
7. Plantation Heritage Park. A well-maintained park that hosts several regular events. The annual South Florida Scottish Festival in March and weekly food truck gatherings are just some of the many unique activities that you can partake in. On quieter days, you can take a leisurely stroll around the grounds and enjoy the surrounding beauty of nature.
8. Coral Springs Museum of Art. The art museum is a nice diversion that’s not too far away. This is one of the region’s largest art collections with over 30,000 feet of dedicated space. You can find a vast array of pieces from local, regional, national and even international artists. Guided tours are also available.
9. Deerfield Beach Boardwalk. You can enjoy a day or evening of shopping and fine dining at many fine establishments located along Deerfield Beach. You’ll have easy access to the beach and great views of the ocean. There are also several convenient seating areas for a picnic lunch or to enjoy some quiet time. Just make sure that you arrive early, as parking spots tend to fill up fast.
10. Parrot Island Scuba Adventures. This Pompano Beach attraction draws people from all around the world. There are several different diving experiences that you can partake in. Enjoy exploring the depths of the clear, tranquil waters and let your mind wander. Their veteran instructors are there to guide you and answer any questions that you may have.
These are just some of the more interesting attractions in Plantation and the surrounding area. Many of these and other companies have websites where you can find their hours of operation and event schedules. Take some time to put a few of them on your itinerary, and be prepared to enjoy everything that the region has to offer. You’ll probably never have the same experience twice!