Is Tamarac, Florida A Good Place To Live?

Kayla Eaton
by Kayla Eaton

People move to Tamarac, Florida, because it is a diverse area where kids can grow up safely. It is in South Florida, above Miami and Fort Lauderdale, and is an easy drive to some of the other big cities. One of the best things about this area is that it is located right next to the Everglades Wildlife Management Area.

If you are looking for a place filled with city vibes and many wildlife, Tamarac, Florida is a good place to settle down. There are so many events going on in the downtown area, tons of parks to take the kids, and family-friendly activities all year long.

Like any city, there are good and bad places to live. Overall the crime rate in Tamarac, Florida, is 6% below the national average which is pretty amazing. It’s a super safe place to live though it can have a higher cost of living than other places in the United States.

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Why Is Tamarac, Florida A Good Place To Live?

If you are looking for a diverse, happy place to live in South Florida with a smaller population of 65,874, this is the area for you. What makes these places so good? The City Center has tons of activities and will keep your family entertained. Many of the homes are on the border of the wildlife area, where you can teach your kids about the local wildlife. Above all these places have really great schools in the local area where the kids are happy to go and learn.

Cost Of Living In Tamarac

The median home value is $168,900, making a mortgage a more affordable option than paying rent every month. The median sale price for homes in June 2020 in the United States was $295,300. As you can see, this area in Florida is much more reasonable than other places in the United States. This is also why 70% of people choose to own homes.

In Tamarac, Florida, the median rental price in the area is $1,402. You will see there are way fewer people who choose to rent, only around 28%. You can find places much lower but also a lot higher in the area. Placed in the City Center will be much more expensive than other areas on the outskirts of Tamarac.

The cost of living can fluctuate depending on a few lifestyle choices. Overall if you can afford a mortgage, owning a home will bring the cost of living down way below the national average.

Scenic Views

Florida is a beautiful state where people love to live, retire, and vacation. South Florida is no exception and Tamarac is a scenic city. There are beautiful walks surrounded by natural pools of water, rivers, and you can even get to the beach from the city.

There is also Fern Forest which is extraordinary. This is the best place to take your kids to learn about the local environment and explore the surrounding nature. There are several trails you can explore where you will see wildlife and animals.

You can experience Butterfly World. Florida has one of the best climates to breed exotic butterflies. This place initially started out as a breeding company and ended up being a huge attraction. They have indoor and outdoor exhibits.

Crime Rates

Tamarac, Florida, is safer than 38% of cities in the United States. This city is safer than many of the other surrounding cities in Florida. The crime rate is 6% below the national average. This is a safe place to live and one of the best. Your chance of becoming a victim of any crime in Tamarac is 1 in 43 which is a pretty good rate for the United States.

Recreational Activities

If you are looking for activities other than ones with a scenic view don’t worry! This city is full of laser tag, race tracks, and more to choose from. You will find many activities for you, your family, and anyone who comes to visit you.

You can experience Buddha Brewery with your friends or visiting family. There are so many amazing breweries in Florida, but this is one of the best. They are known for their microbrews but also their fantastic food. If you are in the area, this is a must-see. You won’t be disappointed.

Florida gets super hot, and when it hits high numbers, you will want to find something to do inside. This is your best option, they keep this place cool, and you can go shopping for hours. They also have tons of food options. Coral Square Mall will keep you cool and allow you to shop for hours!

Unemployment Rates

On average per year, in Tamarac, Florida, the unemployment rate is 9% below the national average. This means there are always jobs available, and you will have no problem finding one and keeping a stable income. However, the income per capita is 16% below the national average, which means people tend to make less in this area. The cost of living is much lower, and you will find that most jobs pay fairly.

The average median income for Tamarac, Florida, is $48,930. This means many people can afford a mortgage and live comfortably. Many things are cheaper or cost below the national average, making it an affordable place to live.

The Pitfalls Of Living In Tamarac

There are a few things you will notice about the neighborhood when you move to Tamarac. Some of them may be considered the pitfalls of the place, but in all honesty, they are not as bad as some of the other places you could experience in the United States.

  • Elderly People: Florida is one of the best states to retire. When Tamarac was built, it was done with the intention of catering to elderly people rather than young people. That means you will find a lot more activities and houses for older people rather than anyone your age. 
  • Cookie Cutter Homes: Most of the houses in one neighborhood will look exactly the same. There may be only a few house styles to choose from. If you are looking for a unique house that stands out on the market, it’s not Tamarac. 
  • Can’t Build Small Things: If you love handiwork and want to build things like porches, decks, or even a fence for your yard, you may want to look somewhere else. The city is super strict about permits, and each neighborhood will have standards that may not match your idea. 
  • Clunky Roads: Most of Tamarac needs to be repaved, and the sidewalks need to be redone. Though it is safe to drive and walk at any time during the day and at night, most of the roads truly need to be repaved. 

The bottom line is that this is a beautiful city to live in though it could use some work. You will want to ensure you pick the house that fits your standards, and if you add anything onto it, you must get the proper paperwork beforehand.

The Real Cost Of Living In Tamarac, Florida

Overall, this is a cheaper place to live than other cities, and you can get by living on 50K per year if you want to. Maybe even less. Here is what you need to know about the real cost of living in Tamarac, Florida.

  • Food and Grocery: If you move to Tamarac, Florida, the cost of food and dining out is 103.7, above the national average. 
  • Health: The cost for healthcare and more is below the national average ranking at 96.8
  • Utilities: Many people pay much less for utilities than in other areas of the country, which ranks at 97.1.
  • Overall: Everything includes except for child care, Tamarac Florida is ranked to have 101.8 for overall cost of living. 

Related Questions

How far is Tamarac from Fort Lauderdale?

Tamarac is less than 10 miles away from Fort Lauderdale. This makes it a really nice place to live if you work near Fort Lauderdale and can be more budget-friendly. 


How far is Miami beach from Tamarac?

The main beach you may want to visit is 30 miles away, and that is Miami beach! It is a decent day trip that can give you a totally different vibe. 


What kind of jobs are available in Tamarac?

One of the best things about this area is there are tons of jobs available in the area. You can become a park ranger or work with nature in the nature preserve. There are also tons of jobs in engineering and manufacturing.

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Final Thoughts

If you are looking for areas to avoid, take a look at these places and stay away. Avoid places like Lauderhill, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and Lauderdale Lakes. These places still have lower crime rates than other areas in Florida. However, these have higher crime rates than places in Tamarac, and many people do not feel the safest here.

Kayla Eaton
Kayla Eaton

Kayla is a full-time content creator and her passion is everything green. When she's not writing city-based content at UpgradedHome, her focus is on the environment and sustainability. Kayla loves to travel and is always looking forward to her next vacation!

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