Pembroke Falls - Pembroke Pines, FL

After World War II, the United States Navy purchased the area of Pembroke Pines in order to construct a flight-training field. However, during the 1950s, Broward County bought the land from the Navy, and families and veterans began to settle in the area. This increase in population resulted in a need for new highways and streets.

Following hurricane Andrew in 1992, the neighborhood witnessed a huge cultural shift. Thousands of Miami Dade County residents moved north and settled in Pembroke Pines. From one day to the next, the area became the third fastest growing city in the nation, establishing itself as a retail center with a steady economic development.

The Old Davie School Historical Museum includes a collection of photographs, artifacts, maps and vintage items that depict the history of the community. It also hosts an annual history festival on the last Sunday of February.

Outside the tightly knit community, the City of Pembroke Pines houses a splendid assortment of American, Cuban, Japanese, Italian and Colombian cuisine. Pembroke Lakes Mall and The Shops at Pembroke Gardens together contain more than thirty restaurants.

The classically elegant Brimstone Woodfire Grill serves the juiciest steaks in town. From the certified Angus beef, to the unique takes on fresh seafood plates like the favorite cedar plank salmon, Brimstone’s premise is quite simple — prepare consistently good food that satisfies every taste. Try one of the fresh cocktails like the classic mojito or the margarita flight.

If you feel like experiencing a day in 1950s Havana, then check out Havana 1957 for dinner or lunch. Discover warm Cuban vintage memorabilia, classic Cuban music, a great ambiance and, most importantly, authentic Cuban food. Start with a Sopa de Pollo with a squeeze of fresh lime that lifts up your soul and taste buds. Make sure to drink at least one of the 120 mojitos available at the bar.

Don’t let the name fool you — Ra Sushi is less about raw food and more about cooked seafood, tempura, jalapeños and kiwi. For instance, the popular crazy monkey roll combines salmon, cream cheese and mango dressed with cashew nuts, avocado and red tempura bits. Find food from $3 to $7 and drinks from $2.25 to $7.25 during the daily happy hour specials.

Pines Boulevard carries an ample selection of nightlife options. Café Iguana Pines features great DJs, happy hour specials and a down-to-Earth atmosphere. This venue attracts one of the most ethnically mixed crowds in town as this establishment hosts Latin nights, Caribbean parties and even bar mitzvahs. The cover on Saturday nights is only $10. If you’re in the mood to dance salsa, then pass by La Klave Nightclub, a Colombian joint that serves amazing cocktails and plays catchy Spanish music.

The Broward Country Transit system provides an affordable and efficient option for traveling to and from town. The fleet of 300 buses has links to Miami and Palm Beach, taking you practically anywhere you want to go, including shopping, libraries, school, work and parks. For traveling within the community, residents hop on the free city bus service, which connects to the Broward Country Transit and provides three different routes and schedules.

Locals typically prefer to drive their cars, as free parking is available everywhere in the city. Easy access to major highways makes it possible to reach downtown Fort Lauderdale and Miami within 30 to 40 minutes during off-peak travel hours.

Ample, gorgeous lakeside sidewalks make it a real treat to walk inside the community. Whether you ride a bicycle for fitness, training, commuting or just for fun, Pembroke Falls offers a safe, extensive and clearly marked biking trail system throughout the city.

The 18,000-square-foot clubhouse inside the community features a state-of-the-art fitness center, activity rooms, aerobic studio and a grand ballroom. In addition to the indoor amenities, the clubhouse provides guests with a jacuzzi, heated pool, kiddy pool, eight tennis courts, three basketball courts and a stunning lakeside park that welcomes dogs of all sizes. Entrance is free for all members of the community

Within walking distance of the east entrance, the YMCA Aqua Center provides a wide range of swimming programs and competitions throughout the year.

The cost of living in Pembroke Falls is higher than the South Florida average. Although the price of food and entertainment remains more or less the same, a typical one-bedroom apartment rents for $1,320 per month.

Getting in and out of the city in public transportation costs you $2.25 for a one-way trip. Gas prices are about 6 percent lower than the national average, and a pint of beer at a local pub runs around $5.

Locals do all their shopping at the 130 retailers found in Pembroke Lakes Malls and The Shops at Pembroke Gardens. Both of these destinations offer big name stores like Banana Republic, DSW Shoe Warehouse, Old Navy and much more.

Shoe lovers enjoy visits to Mixx, a boutique that carries men's and women's designer shoes. It includes over sixty designer brands such as Toms, Uggs, Lacoste, Hugo, and Boss. For a unique boutique feel, excellent service and private-label trendy fashion head to Chico's.

The Publix Supermarket on Flamingo Pines Plaza is within walking distance of the community and stocks a wide selection of fresh foods. Eco-minded residents shop for natural and organic grocery items at the Whole Foods Market on Cobblestone Plaza.