Why Parkland is South Florida’s Hidden Luxury Gem
Nestled between Boca Raton and Coral Springs, Parkland offers a unique blend of tranquility, elegance, and convenience. Known for its lush greenery, A-rated schools, and exclusive gated communities, Parkland has become one of South Florida’s most desirable addresses for luxury homebuyers.
Especially popular among families seeking a safe, active, and community-focused environment, Parkland offers a lifestyle defined by privacy, connection, and prestige.
Understanding the Parkland Luxury Real Estate Market
Parkland’s luxury market is diverse — from Mediterranean-inspired estates to sleek modern builds.
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Median luxury home prices: $1.5M–$5M+
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Common features: expansive floor plans, gourmet kitchens, resort-style pools, club amenities
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Market trend: Limited inventory keeps prices strong, making local expertise essential for securing the right property.
Top Luxury Communities in Parkland
(From most prestigious to more accessible luxury)
Parkland Golf & Country Club (PGCC)
(Originally developed by WCI Communities, later completed by Toll Brothers)
The crown jewel of Parkland living, PGCC is a guard-gated, resort-style community centered around a Greg Norman–designed golf course. Development began in the mid-2000s under WCI Communities, with Toll Brothers later acquiring and building on remaining lots well into the 2020s. Residents enjoy a racquet club, spa, resort pool, fitness center, fine dining, and a packed social calendar. Homes range from coach residences to expansive custom estates, many with golf or lake views.
Location: Centrally located in Parkland, PGCC offers quick access to both University Drive and the Sawgrass Expressway, making it convenient for commuters while maintaining a private, resort-like atmosphere.
Parkland Bay
(WCI / Lennar, 2017–2022)
A private enclave of estate homes surrounding a 178-acre lake. Parkland Bay is known for expansive water views, elegant finishes, and a luxurious clubhouse with fitness, pool, and social spaces.
Location: Just north of Holmberg Road and west of Pine Island Road, Parkland Bay is centrally located but retains a private feel thanks to its single gated entrance.
Watercrest
(Standard Pacific / CalAtlantic, 2014–2019)
Built around a large scenic lake, Watercrest offers modern architecture, high ceilings, and open floor plans. Residents enjoy a grand clubhouse, resort pool, fitness center, and water sports on the central lake.
Location: In the far northwest corner of Parkland, Watercrest is surrounded by nature preserves, providing a peaceful setting. It’s further from the Sawgrass Expressway but closest to the Everglades.
Cascata
(Lennar, 2017–2023)
The contemporary sister community to MiraLago, Cascata offers sleek, modern architecture and spacious layouts. Residents enjoy their own clubhouse and pool while also sharing access to MiraLago’s amenities.
Location: Bordering MiraLago in northwest Parkland, Cascata has quick access to Loxahatchee Road and State Road 7, making it convenient for reaching nearby shopping and dining.
Heron Bay
(Originally developed in the 1990s, with continued building on remaining lots by various builders)
One of the largest gated communities in Broward County, Heron Bay spans two cities — Parkland and Coral Springs — with multiple guarded entrances in each. While the golf course closed in 2019, Heron Bay remains highly desirable for its mature landscaping, lakes, wide streets, and abundant amenities, including multiple clubhouses, pools, fitness centers, and tennis courts. In addition to established homes, some privately owned and undeveloped lots have allowed for new custom builds in recent years. Home styles vary from coach homes to grand estates.
Location: Straddling the Sawgrass Expressway, Heron Bay’s eastern entrances (in Coral Springs) are ideal for commuters, while its western sections (in Parkland) offer a quieter, more secluded setting.
Four Seasons at Parkland
(K. Hovnanian, 2016–Present)
An upscale, 55+ active-adult community combining low-maintenance luxury homes with resort amenities, including pools, tennis, pickleball, and a vibrant social scene. Perfect for retirees or second-home buyers seeking a lock-and-leave lifestyle.
Location: Along Loxahatchee Road in northwest Parkland, Four Seasons offers easy access to both Parkland’s amenities and Boca Raton’s western communities.
MiraLago
(Lennar, 2013–2019)
A newer, guard-gated community known for its spacious, Mediterranean-inspired homes, lake views, and family-friendly atmosphere. MiraLago offers multiple pools, tennis courts, and a large clubhouse, and shares some amenities with its sister community, Cascata. While not considered among Parkland’s top-tier luxury neighborhoods like Parkland Golf & Country Club or Parkland Bay, it’s a popular choice for buyers seeking newer construction and generous square footage at a more accessible price point.
Location: Situated in northwest Parkland, MiraLago is close to Loxahatchee Road and State Road 7, offering convenient access to northern parks, schools, and nearby shopping.
The Parkland Lifestyle
Parkland is known for its family-oriented atmosphere and strong sense of community. The city offers a variety of activities, including:
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Youth sports programs such as soccer, baseball, and tennis
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A seasonal farmers market with local vendors, fresh produce, and community booths
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An amphitheater hosting concerts, cultural events, and movie nights
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Seasonal festivals and holiday celebrations
With its tree-lined streets, gated neighborhoods, and abundance of parks, Parkland delivers a suburban atmosphere that’s ideal for families with young children, while still offering quick access to urban conveniences in Boca Raton and Fort Lauderdale.
Buying in Parkland: What to Know
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HOA Structure & Fees – Many Parkland communities are gated and have homeowners associations (HOAs). In some cases, there are two HOAs:
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A master association for the overall community
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A sub-association for your specific subdivision
These fees cover amenities, security, landscaping, and community upkeep. It’s important to review both fee schedules and what they include before making an offer.
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HOA Rules & Restrictions – Luxury neighborhoods often have detailed guidelines on exterior design, landscaping, rentals, and pets. Reviewing these early can prevent surprises after closing.
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Property Taxes & Insurance – Florida taxes are favorable compared to many states, but luxury homes may also have higher insurance premiums, especially for waterfront or large estates.
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Resale Trends – Understanding how homes in your chosen community have appreciated (or held value) can guide both purchase and negotiation strategy.
Negotiating in the Parkland Market
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Terms Often Matter as Much as Price – Sellers in the luxury tier are often less pressured to sell quickly. Flexible closing dates, leaseback options, or allowing time for the seller to secure another property can sometimes tip the scales over a small difference in price.
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Proof of Funds is Expected – In the luxury market, presenting strong financial credentials early (bank letter or proof of funds) is standard, especially for cash purchases.
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Limited Inventory & Quiet Opportunities – A small number of high-end properties change hands without broad public marketing. An agent with deep local connections can sometimes secure early or private access to these homes.
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Appraisals Are Often Skipped – With many luxury buyers paying cash, appraisals are not always required. When they are, unique features and oversized lots may not be fully captured in the valuation — something to plan for if financing.
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HOA Approvals – Some luxury communities require formal HOA approval before closing. Knowing the process and timeline in advance can prevent delays or renegotiations.
Final Thoughts
Parkland offers a rare blend of upscale living, strong community, and natural beauty. The key to buying here isn’t just finding the right house — it’s understanding the unique character and market dynamics of each neighborhood.
About the Author
Elsa Rozenberg is a luxury real estate advisor specializing in Parkland, Boca Raton, and South Florida. With over a decade of experience and a background in law, Elsa guides high-net-worth clients through seamless real estate transactions with integrity, discretion, and expertise.
📞 Call/Text: +1.954.918.3785
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 www.ElsaRozenberg.com
