K S Park - Coconut Creek, FL

K S Park lies within the city of Coconut Creek, Fla., which gets its name from the vast number of coconut trees occupying the terrain. The city was incorporated in 1967, when it seceded from the city of Pompano Beach. The landscape of K S Park is complimented by cascading fountains in several of the small lakes.

Coconut Creek holds a reputation as the butterfly capital of the world, and K S Park sits in close proximity to Butterfly World, one of the largest museums and aviaries on the planet. Tradewinds Park hosts an annual holiday lights tour each December along with other recreational activities. The Homegrown Concert series in Coconut Creek features local talent throughout the summer, giving residents a glimpse at some local rising stars.

K S Park sits in close proximity to many national chain restaurants and locally owned dining options. The mainly residential area contains few bars, but residents have close access to bars and nightlife along the major roadways surrounding the K S Park area. The Hillsboro Boulevard corridor houses most of the dining and nightlife options for locals, and downtown Fort Lauderdale's lively riverfront scene can be accessed by a short trip along Interstate 95.

You can find many locally-owned restaurants scattered through the area as well. One local favorite, Amicci's Pizza Cafe serves up fresh Italian dishes with an old world flair. The pizza makes you forget about delivery brands, the calzones are worth the calories, and the chicken piccata cannot be beaten.

Another local favorite provides residents South American flavors at an affordable price. Medellin Restaurant brings Colombian food and culture to the suburbs of South Florida. Classic Latin flavors thoughtfully prepared with a comfort food feeling make this a restaurant worth visiting, and it won't take a toll on the budget. For the perfect empanada, skip the meats and go straight for the cheese. It oozes perfectly as you bite into the lightly crisped crust.

Locals frequent the Promenade at Coconut Creek for happy hour and after-work drinks. World of Beer gives guests a bevy of options to choose from, including draft and bottled selections that you have not likely encountered before. Other hotspots include Bottega Wine Bar, Ciao Cucina and Bar, and Bar Louie.

After the happy hour deals have passed, residents take to the bars and clubs near K S Park to let loose. One popular location, Seminole Casino of Coconut Creek, provides late-night entertainment in the form of games, concerts, and stand-up comedy.

The Broward County Transit system services K S Park, and residents can reach Fort Lauderdale from one of the many bus stops nearby for a fare of $1.75. Taxi services provide pickups near the shopping centers and along Hillsboro Boulevard, or they can be summoned with a simple phone call. Residents have access to the Tri-Rail system, which grants travelers access to Miami and West Palm Beach, with a short bus ride east to the Pompano Beach station. Parking along major roadways and at retail stores is free.

The Sawgrass Expressway borders the southern edge of K S Park, and grants residents access to Interstate 75 and communities east of Coconut Creek. To the east, you can access Florida's turnpike and Interstate 95. K S Park residents find commuting to be painless thanks to easy access to highways, a fact that may entice those considering a move to a neighborhood in South Florida. The streets host bikers, joggers and walkers of all ages with sidewalks present in many places.

K S Park is situated near several family- and dog-friendly parks. The Long Pine Greenway cuts through the heart of K S Park. Throughout the area, greenways connect areas of the community, providing residents a great alternative to normal roadways. South of K S Park sits Winston Park Nature Center and Sabal Pines Park. Residents enjoy a bit of green space and free entry for visitors.

Access to athletic fields, walking and jogging paths and nature trails make these go-to parks for exercise and outdoor recreation. Annually residents are treated with holiday hay rides, light shows and concert series to capture attention. You must also experience Butterfly World, which grants you a walk amongst the butterflies in the world's largest aviary.

The cost of living in K S Park sits 2.9 percent higher than the national average, but only 1.9 percent above the Florida average. K S Park residents enjoy a desirable location and cost of living thanks to the multitude of national retailers and housing options in the immediate vicinity. Taxi service to Fort Lauderdale costs more than $30 due to the distance and the routes taken. One-bedroom apartments cost an average of $1,203, with a majority of residential space being single family homes in the area. A pint of beer typically costs about $4 at any of the local bars and restaurants. Gas prices sit 8.4 percent above the national average near K S Park, consistent with similar areas in South Florida given the large volume of traffic present.

Shoppers delight thanks to the numerous national and local retailers that abound throughout Coconut Creek and the K S Park area. Publix, the Fresh Market, and Wal-Mart all have locations within a short distance of K S Park. Many national retailers make the Promenade at Coconut Creek their home. New York & Company, J. Jill, and Charming Charlie's are just a few of the stores located here.

Pizazz Boutique has a location at the Promenade as well, providing locals designer clothing and accessories, along with custom labeling and jewelry accents. The mother-daughter team at Pizazz cares for their customers and ensures they have the most desired Vera Bradley fashions and shimmering jewelry perfect for any diva in training.

Over at West Creek Commons, Sara Mique combines flair with elegant styling to ensure customers not only enjoy their look, but stand out in a crowd without having to resort to bright colors. The designs fit more formal evening occasions and have a simple but elegant look. Women of all ages and sizes are treated to a comfortable shopping experience in this classy boutique.