Living in Plantation, Florida: Why I’ve Called It Home for Over 17 Years

 

A personal perspective after 17 years of calling Plantation home

 

When people ask me where I live, I simply answer, “Plantation, Florida”.

If they’re not familiar with South Florida, I usually add, “Just west of Fort Lauderdale, about ten minutes from the airport.”

The truth is, most people have never heard of Plantation before moving to South Florida. To be honest, neither had I.

Back in 2008, my husband and I were renting a house in Hollywood while looking for an investment property. When we found a home at an auction in Plantation, we saw what many people might have overlooked: potential.

The house wasn’t perfect, but it had everything we were looking for—nearly 3,200 square feet, four bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a spacious backyard, a swimming pool, and plenty of room for our two Standard Poodles to run and play.

At the time, our son was only six months old, so having a one-story home was another big advantage. I didn’t want stairs with a baby crawling around the house.

Our original plan was simple: renovate the property and keep it as an investment.

“Life had other plans”.

From an Investment to Our Dream Home

 

Shortly before our lease expired, our landlord unexpectedly decided he wanted his house back. We had already purchased the property in Plantation, so we packed our boxes and moved into what was still a construction site.

We officially moved into the house on December 31, 2008.

I remember that day as if it were yesterday. We finished unloading the moving truck around 8:00 p.m., completely exhausted. Surrounded by boxes, with furniture still waiting to be assembled, we sat on the floor of what would soon become our home, eating fast food while the rest of the world was getting ready to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

It wasn’t exactly the way we had imagined welcoming a new year, but looking back, it marked the beginning of one of the happiest chapters of our lives.

For a while, we lived through the renovation, watching the house slowly transform around us.

Looking back, I think that’s when I truly began to appreciate not only the value of a home, but also the joy of transforming a house into a place that reflects the people who live in it.

More than seventeen years later, I’m still here—and I still feel grateful that life unexpectedly brought me to Plantation.

 

I Didn’t Fall in Love with Plantation Overnight

 

I fell in love with it little by little.

Over the years, I discovered something that many people overlook when searching for a home: convenience has an enormous impact on quality of life.

From where I live in New Orleans Villas, almost everything I need is just minutes away.

Publix is five minutes from my house.

Trader Joe’s, Costco, and Whole Foods are all nearby.

When I don’t feel like cooking, I usually end up at Kaluz, Vignetos, J. Alexander’s, or Padrino’s.

Those little conveniences may sound ordinary, but after living here for more than seventeen years, I’ve learned they are exactly the things that make everyday life easier.

 

The Luxury of Space

 

One of the things I appreciate most about Plantation is something that’s becoming increasingly rare in South Florida: space.

Many neighborhoods were developed decades ago, when homes were designed on larger lots with generous setbacks and mature landscaping.

You don’t feel like your neighbor is living in your backyard.

There is room to breathe.

Privacy.

Trees.

Wide streets.

A slower pace.

It’s one of the reasons so many families—and even empty nesters moving from neighboring Weston—choose Plantation. They often discover they can enjoy larger homes, beautiful neighborhoods, and an exceptional quality of life while remaining close to everything they need.

While Plantation is best known for its established neighborhoods, new construction opportunities still exist.

One of the best examples is Plantation Acres, where luxury homes continue to be built. Communities such as Bellaterra by CC Homes offer contemporary architecture, modern floor plans, and high-end finishes for buyers who want the benefits of new construction while enjoying Plantation’s spacious setting.

Plantation is also home to Hawk’s Landing, one of the city’s premier gated communities. Known for its custom luxury homes, waterfront properties, and beautifully maintained surroundings, it offers buyers seeking privacy and upscale living another exceptional option within the city.

From condominiums and townhomes to equestrian estates, new construction, golf course homes, and luxury waterfront residences, Plantation offers a remarkable variety of housing options—one of the many reasons I’ve enjoyed calling it home for the past seventeen years.

 

A City That Lives Up to Its Motto

 

Plantation’s motto is “The Grass is Greener.”

After living here since 2009, I honestly think it describes the city of Plantation perfectly.

Tree-lined streets.

Beautiful parks.

Golf courses.

Established neighborhoods.

Another advantage I’ve personally appreciated is Plantation’s location. Being farther inland than many coastal communities, my neighborhood has never been under a mandatory evacuation order during the years I’ve lived here, even when hurricanes have affected South Florida. While every storm is different and residents should always follow official guidance, having that extra distance from the coast has always given me additional peace of mind.

Every time I drive through Plantation, I’m reminded why I stayed.

If I ever moved away, I think the greenery would be what I’d miss the most.

 

My Favorite Places

 

Local Dining & Cafes

 

One of the things I enjoy most about living in Plantation is that I rarely have to drive far to enjoy a great meal, meet a friend for coffee, or spend quality time with my family.

For me, one of those places is Kaluz.

The food is excellent, but what keeps us coming back is the people. Mikey and Joey, who work behind the bar, learned our names almost immediately. They know what we like to drink, they remember our usual orders, and every visit feels like catching up with old friends.

For brunch, I love Maple & Cream. If I’m meeting a friend—or simply want to enjoy a quiet coffee by myself—Ella Café is one of my favorite spots.

Plantation Walk has also brought a fresh energy to the city, with restaurants, entertainment, and community events that attract a younger crowd looking for an active lifestyle.

Another place that holds special memories for me is Barnes & Noble. My son has always loved books, and we spent many afternoons there together, browsing the shelves, discovering new stories, and enjoying the simple pleasure of reading. Looking back, those quiet afternoons became some of my favorite memories as a mother.

 

Having Fun Around Plantation

 

When my son was little, we also spent many afternoons at Plantation Woods Park, one of my favorite parks for families. Between the splash pad, picnic areas, and open green spaces, it’s the kind of place where childhood memories are made.

Although it’s technically located just across the city line in Davie, I also have to mention the Young At Art Museum. As both a mother and an Art & Culture Columnist, I believe it’s one of South Florida’s greatest hidden treasures for families. It’s the kind of place that encourages creativity, imagination, and curiosity—qualities I always wanted to nurture in my son.

 

My Everyday Routine

 

One of my favorite moments of the day is my morning walk through the neighborhood.

For forty-five minutes, I clear my mind, listen to inspiring audiobooks, wave to neighbors, and admire the homes around me.

A few minutes later, I might be at Club Pilates or LA Fitness, both conveniently located near my home.
It’s a simple routine, but it’s become an important part of my life.

 

Weekends, My Way

 

A perfect Sunday doesn’t require elaborate plans.

Sometimes it’s spending the day at home, enjoying the pool, grilling in the backyard, and sharing a glass of wine with family or friends.

Other weekends, I’ll drive about twenty minutes to Fort Lauderdale Beach, stroll through the Sunday morning market, and have lunch at Coconuts, where arriving with sandy feet is perfectly acceptable.

If I’m looking for something different or want to spend a relaxing afternoon at the beach with my son, we’ll head to Whiskey Creek Hideout in Dania Beach, where we can rent a kayak or a paddleboard and enjoy the water together.

That’s another reason Plantation works so well for me.

It offers a peaceful residential lifestyle while keeping some of South Florida’s best experiences just a short drive away.

 

 

 

Who Is Plantation Perfect For?

 

In my opinion, Plantation is ideal for families looking for more space, pet owners who appreciate larger yards and parks, and empty nesters who want to simplify life without giving up comfort.

Is it the perfect city for everyone?

Probably not.

If your dream is to live in the heart of Brickell or enjoy the urban energy of downtown Fort Lauderdale, Plantation may not be your first choice.

But if you’re looking for space, convenience, greenery, and a true sense of home, it’s a city that’s well worth discovering.

 

Final Thoughts

 

When I bought this house in 2008, I thought I was making an investment.

I had no idea I was finding a place that my family and I would call home for the next seventeen years.

Sometimes, the best places in life are the ones we never planned for.

And for me, Plantation will always be one of them.

About the Author

Jeanette Dallen has called Plantation home since 2009. As a Luxury Real Estate Advisor with Coldwell Banker Realty and an Art & Culture Columnist, she enjoys sharing the neighborhoods, local businesses, and experiences that make South Florida such a special place to live. Through her work, she helps buyers discover not just the right home, but the lifestyle that comes with it.

 

Thinking about moving to Plantation?

 

I’d be happy to share my local knowledge and help you find the neighborhood that best fits your lifestyle.

Feel free to reach out anytime.

 

Jeanette Dallen, Realtor®
Luxury Real Estate Advisor | Art & Culture Columnist
📞 305.799.0629
✉️ jeanette.dallen@cbrealty.com

Where Real Estate Meets Art & Lifestyle