Weston, Florida is a suburb of Fort Lauderdale (not Miami!) located in southwestern Broward County. With a population of approximately 71,000, Weston is known for its affluent neighborhoods, excellent schools, and numerous parks and recreational amenities.
If you’re considering a move to Weston, you may be wondering about the pros and cons of living in this community. Here’s a closer look at some of the key factors to consider:
Pros and Cons of Living in Weston
Pros
High Quality of Life
Weston consistently ranks as one of the best places to live in Florida. It has a low crime rate, excellent schools, and a wide range of amenities that make it a desirable place to call home. Indeed, the schools are probably the primary motivator for most people looking to move here; they are top-notch from elementary to high, which can be a rarity in South Florida.
Great Public Schools
Like I was saying, the schools are top-notch, from elementary all the way through high school. Indeed, Cypress Bay High School sends kids to some of the best universities in the country.
You’ll Get a Big House for Your Money
For your money, you’ll get a relatively large (albeit cookie-cutter) house at a good value (in comparison to Miami prices for the same size of house). Houses in Weston tend to be about 2,000 square feet, or much bigger.
A street in Weston. Credit: Francisco Anzola at Wikimedia Commons
Strict HOAs
Some people might call this a con, but I call it a pro: the HOAs tend to be very strict. Yes, uniformity and upkeep requirements will be strictly enforced, but, in the long run, I think it’ll help keep your property value high.
This is the kind of place that will fine you if you leave your trash cans outside overnight on trash day.
Family-Friendly
Weston is a great place to raise a family, with a variety of housing options, top-rated schools, and numerous recreational facilities. There are plenty of extremely well-maintained parks and pools, and businesses that serve families in the surrounding areas.
The community is also home to several family-friendly events and activities throughout the year.
I’ll go so far as to say that Weston revolves around families; it feels like practically everything is geared to them. Kids trick-or-treat in large groups on Halloween, there are birthday parties every weekend, etc. That kind of place.
Beautiful Natural Setting
Weston has a tropical climate, with year-round warm weather and plenty of sunshine. The community is surrounded by beautiful parks and nature preserves areas, providing plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Strong Economy
Weston is home to a number of major employers, including Cleveland Clinic, Memorial Healthcare System, and Tenet Healthcare. The community also has a strong retail and service sector, with a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
Credit: AITFFan1 at Wikimedia Commons
Good Government
This is a well-governed city. It’s clean, orderly, and manicured (almost Disney-like).
Cons
High Cost of Living
Weston is an affluent community, and as a result, the cost of living is higher than in many other parts of the state. Housing costs, in particular, can be quite high. However, the cost tends to be lower than comparably affluent neighborhoods in Miami. Places in Miami like Pinecrest and Miami Lakes can be more expensive, and the schools not as good.
Limited Public Transportation
Weston is a primarily residential community, and as a result, the public transportation options are limited. While there are some bus routes available, many residents rely on cars to get around.
It Lacks the Glamour and Amenities of Miami
It’s very typically suburban, and about a 20-minute drive to Fort Lauderdale (and at least 30-45 minutes to Miami). Some may even call it boring. Lots of nice (but unremarkable) strip malls and similar sprawl. Just going by visuals, it could basically be a nice suburb anywhere in the US.
Weston is Out of the Way
The city is out-of-the-way, nested in a corner of South Florida, next to the Everglades. There are many amenities nearby, but think carefully if you’re going to be commuting to Miami for work. The ride can be 1 hour or more in unpleasant highway traffic.
Miami is about an hour or more away, depending on the traffic.
This also means that your life may become centered in Weston. Like, realistically, some weekends you won’t leave the place. In that sense, you could be in any rich suburb in the US, at least going by the looks of it.
Some of the Neighborhoods are too Big
Most neighborhoods are large suburban areas, and it may take a long time to even get from the guard gate to your house. Like 5 minutes or more. And from your house, getting out of Weston itself can take 10 minutes.
Summing Up the Big Pros and Cons of Living in Weston
Overall, Weston is a desirable place to live, with a high quality of life and a wide range of amenities. The unusually-high public school quality is often reason enough to move here, especially since top private schools in Miami and South Florida as a whole can be extremely expensive.
There are many neighborhoods in South Florida with great elementary schools, but then the quality drops off when you get to middle and high, and you have to go through the whole magnet-or-charter process or pay for private school. In Weston, you don’t have that problem, with an excellent education practically guaranteed all the way through high school graduation.
That said, the relatively high cost of living, placid (and perhaps boring) suburban life, and potentially long commutes may be drawbacks for some potential residents.
Weston Video
I leave you with a YouTube video with extra information:
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