Pembroke Lakes - Pembroke Pines, FL

When Pembroke Pines was incorporated in 1960, its name was inspired by the convenient location along Pembroke Road and the many pine trees growing around it. The town kicked off as an agricultural land composed of dairy farms, which began to grow steadily after World War II.

However, the city witnessed a boom in the mid-to-late 1990s during the aftermath of Hurricane Andrew. Thousands of Miami-Dade County residents moved up to Broward, and in just three years, there was a demand for new schools, parks and businesses. The community of Pembroke Lakes emerged as a family-oriented area promising comfort, luxury and plenty of recreational opportunities to its new residents.

The Young at Art Museum provides a place for families to gather and build a sense of identity through history, art and architecture. This 55,000-square-foot facility houses a fine collection of contemporary art.

In addition to delightful ethnic flavors, such as Columbian, Peruvian, Cuban, Italian and Spanish, Pembroke Lakes also delivers plenty of traditional-American eateries. The Pembroke Lakes Mall alone carries over 10 food-court cafes, all located next to a soothing Wildlife Lagoon with placid waterfall sounds and native flowering trees.

For great Italian food, lovely music and excellent service head to Capriccio Ristorante. Start with the Burrata, it has a firm texture on the outside, but it’s soft and creamy on the inside. The Osso Buco, a braised veal shank served over demi-glace tomato sauce seems to be the house favorite.

Dragon Gate serves some of the most authentic Chinese food in all of South Florida. The lunch menu alone has 18 tasty specials ranging from $5 to $7, all including a serving of their amazing pork-fried rice. Try the Pu Pu Platter for two for under $20, a mix of egg rolls, fantail shrimp, chicken wings and steak on skewers that fill up even the hungriest of appetites.

Romeu’s Cuban Restaurant has a rich history in Pembroke Pines. This venue has been providing friendly service and wonderful food to locals for over 40 years. Every item on the lunch menu stays under $10, from the Pork Chops to the Shrimp Scallops and Vegetable Skewer. End your meal with the Coco Rallado con Queso, a sweet mixture of coconut flakes and cheese.

When the sun comes down, locals like to gather at Cigar Bar, a superb lounge with great DJs playing a variety of music. The wine selection remains as ample as the electric dance floor, and the walls line with dimly lit glass cases showing every tobacco imaginable. Once you get tired of dancing, head to the pub next door for some cheap drink specials.

Residents can hop on the free community trolley to get around town. It conveniently connects to the Broward Country Transit System, with three different schedules and routes available Monday through Friday.

The Broward Country Transit system provides one of the most affordable and efficient options for traveling to and from the community. With a massive fleet of 300 buses, travelers can easily link to Miami and Palm Beach. This proves deal for going to school or work during peak-hour times.

The majority of residents own a car, as parking often comes free and remains abundantly available everywhere in the city. Easy access to major highways makes it simple to reach South Beach, downtown Fort Lauderdale or Miami within 30 to 40 minutes. If you prefer to leave the car at home, Uber services the area and cabs are just a phone call away.

There’s very little traffic on the streets throughout the week, so riding a bike proves a safe and enjoyable experience. The ample sidewalks afford great space for walking, jogging or enjoying some time with your dog.

Living in Pembroke Lakes resembles living inside a park, with plenty of green spaces, walking trails and peaceful lakes available. However, residents also have the 299-acre C.B. Park located a few minutes to the west. This place includes a water park, large campgrounds, dog-friendly spaces, basketball courts, volleyball sand courts, tennis complexes, golfing centers and many other amenities.

You can work up an appetite at one of the jogging paths or bicycle trails. Bikes are available for rent from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends, and they cost $15 per hour. Kids enjoy the water slides found in Paradise Cover Water Park. The concert green, a 5,000-capacity open-air amphitheater hosts popular events, such as the 99.9 Kiss Country Chili Cook-off.

The cost of living in Pembroke Lakes sits slightly higher than the rest of South Florida. However, this area includes a higher level of comfort and luxury. A one-bedroom apartment rents for an average of $1,271.24 per month.

Getting around the city in public transportation costs $2.25 for a one-way trip. Gas prices hover about 6 percent lower than the national average, and a domestic beer in a local pub costs you about $4.

Pembroke Lakes Mall, named after the community, provides exciting shopping and entertainment opportunities for everyone. You can find big department stores, such as Macy’s, Sears, Dillard's and JC Penney. When looking for upscale items, visit Michael Kors, Steve Madden, or Zales Jewelers.

LuxC Closet Boutique carries a unique selection of women’s apparel at great prices.

When it comes to groceries, residents have two Publix Supermarkets to choose from as well as a Whole Foods Market. Big Bazar in nearby Cooper City sells Indian and Middle Eastern spices and foods.

If you like purchasing seasonal organic vegetables and fruits, then head to Brother’s Farmers Market, a little strip-mall market that opens every Sunday.