Coconut Creek real estate

Brought to you by: Sun-Sentinel

Coconut palms and creeks abound, but no, there is no particular water course that gave the city its name when it incorporated as Coconut Creek 30 years ago.

No matter. The image of swaying palm and lazy streamlet, as well as early master planning, helped catapult Broward's then-youngest city into Florida's fastest growing municipality throughout the '80s.

In this city, the total number of families, defined as at least two people related by blood or marriage, increased 40.2 percent to 12,037 in 2000 census. Four percent of residents were 85 and older, a major increase, while the number of residents under age 5 doubled to 2,688. The percentage of owner-occupied homes increased slightly to 75.5 percent.

According to the census, single mothers whose children live with them make up 17.8 percent of families with children, while single fathers living with their children increased from 1 percent in 1990 to 2.4 percent in 2000.

The estimated population in 2001 is 45,517 but by 2020, when Coconut Creek is projected to hit buildout, the city's population is expected to reach 67,000. About half the residents are employed, and 21 percent have college degrees. The median age here is 50, with residents over 60 making up a substantial portion of the population. Wynmoor Village alone is home to nearly 10,000 retirees. Another large planned community, The Township, also boasts a significant percentage of retirees. These groups active in community affairs influence the city's direction.

Coconut Creek also has sprouted single-family homes, rental properties and mobile home parks. All must adhere to strict building and landscape regulations set by city administrators determined not to make the same mistakes as the county's older cities. As a result, Coconut Creek possesses a freshness, a clean and modern feel, that's been lost to its older neighbors.

The North Campus of Broward Community College provides cultural opportunities as well as a home to 18,000 students. There are playgrounds, athletic fields, nature preserves and activity centers in the 14 parks throughout town. Tradewinds Park, a 540-acre county facility, is in the city's northern half.

City government consists of a five-member commission, elected from districts, with the mayor chosen each year from among the panel. A city manager oversees the various city departments and handles day-to-day operations.