Living in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Complete 2025 Neighborhood Guide

Key Takeaways Q&A Box

Q: What’s the median home price in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? A: Median home prices range from $425,000-$580,000, making it one of Fort Lauderdale’s more affordable established neighborhoods with diverse housing stock from the 1950s-1980s.

Q: How safe is Poinsettia Heights compared to Fort Lauderdale average? A: Poinsettia Heights maintains crime rates approximately 15-20% below the Fort Lauderdale city average, with particularly low property crime statistics.

Q: What are the top-rated schools near Poinsettia Heights? A: Bayview Elementary School (A-rating) and Northeast High School (B+ rating) serve the area, both part of Broward County Public Schools system.

Q: How long is the commute from Poinsettia Heights to downtown Fort Lauderdale? A: Downtown Fort Lauderdale is 8-12 minutes via Federal Highway (US-1) or Sunrise Boulevard, with easy access to I-95 and major employment centers.

Q: What’s the walk score for Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? A: Walk Score ranges from 55-65 (Somewhat Walkable) with good access to Sunrise Boulevard commercial corridor and nearby Galleria Mall area.

Quick Facts About Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale

• Population: Approximately 4,800 residents (Poinsettia Heights Demographics)
• Median Home Price: $425,000-$580,000 (Poinsettia Heights Housing Market)
• Average Rent: $1,800-$2,600/month (Fort Lauderdale Apartments)
• Walk Score: 55-65 (Somewhat Walkable) (Fort Lauderdale Walk Score)
• Crime Rate: 15-20% below Fort Lauderdale average (Fort Lauderdale Crime Statistics)
• Top-Rated School: Bayview Elementary (A rating) (Bayview Elementary GreatSchools)
• Commute to Downtown: 8-12 minutes
• Median Household Income: $68,000 (Fort Lauderdale Demographics)
• Price per Sq Ft: $285-$395 (Poinsettia Heights Real Estate)

Overview & Location

Poinsettia Heights is located in central Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, bounded roughly by Oakland Park Boulevard to the north, Sunrise Boulevard to the south, Federal Highway (US-1) to the east, and Andrews Avenue to the west. This well-established residential neighborhood sits strategically between the Galleria Mall area and downtown Fort Lauderdale, offering convenient access to both commercial districts and major transportation corridors including I-95 and I-595. The neighborhood features tree-lined streets with mature landscaping, reflecting its development during Fort Lauderdale’s mid-20th century growth period. Poinsettia Heights benefits from proximity to the New River and easy access to Port Everglades, making it attractive for both families and professionals working in South Florida’s logistics and maritime industries. The area maintains a suburban feel while being centrally located within Fort Lauderdale’s urban core.

What Are Home Prices Like in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale?

Redfin data for Fort Lauderdale shows median home prices in Poinsettia Heights typically range from $425,000-$580,000, representing excellent value compared to waterfront neighborhoods like Las Olas Isles or Coral Ridge. The neighborhood features diverse housing stock including original 1950s ranch homes, updated mid-century properties, and newer construction from the 1980s-2000s. Over the past 12 months, approximately 85 homes sold in the area with a median sale price of $495,000 and average days on market of 45-60 days. Price per square foot ranges from $285-$395, significantly below Fort Lauderdale’s waterfront premium areas. Realtor.com listings show strong inventory turnover with good rental yield potential of 6-8% for investment properties.

FAQ: Are homes in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale expensive compared to other areas? Poinsettia Heights offers more affordable homeownership compared to prestigious Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods, with prices 25-40% below waterfront areas while maintaining good appreciation potential and central location benefits.

Best Schools Near Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale

Bayview Elementary School serves the area with an A-rating from GreatSchools, making it one of Broward County’s top-performing elementary schools. Students typically attend Northeast High School, which maintains a B+ rating and offers strong academic programs including Advanced Placement courses and career academies. The area also provides access to Nova High School, an A-rated magnet school focusing on science and technology. Private school options include Saint Anthony Catholic School and several highly-rated charter schools within a 10-minute drive. Broward County Public Schools transportation serves the neighborhood efficiently, with most elementary students able to walk to school. The proximity to Nova Southeastern University also provides educational opportunities and community programs for residents.

FAQ: What are the school ratings in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? The neighborhood benefits from A-rated Bayview Elementary and access to several B+ to A-rated middle and high schools, with strong Broward County Public Schools performance and nearby private school alternatives.

Transportation & Commute from Poinsettia Heights

Downtown Fort Lauderdale is easily accessible via Federal Highway (US-1) or Sunrise Boulevard in just 8-12 minutes during normal traffic conditions. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is 15-20 minutes away via I-95 or I-595, making the neighborhood ideal for frequent travelers. Port Everglades can be reached in 12-18 minutes, benefiting residents working in maritime or cruise industries. The neighborhood offers excellent highway access with I-95 entrances within 5 minutes and I-595 connections to western Broward County and Sawgrass Mills. Brightline train service to Miami and West Palm Beach is accessible from downtown Fort Lauderdale station. Broward County Transit provides bus service along major corridors, though most residents rely on personal vehicles. The area maintains a bike score of 45-55 with some dedicated bike lanes along Sunrise Boulevard.

FAQ: How long does it take to get from Poinsettia Heights to Fort Lauderdale airport? Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is typically 15-20 minutes from Poinsettia Heights via I-95 or I-595, with multiple route options during peak traffic times.

Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale Crime & Safety Statistics

AreaVibes safety data indicates Poinsettia Heights maintains crime rates 15-20% below Fort Lauderdale’s city average, with particularly low property crime statistics. The neighborhood benefits from active community watch programs and regular Broward Sheriff’s Office patrols. Violent crime rates are approximately 25% below the Florida state average, making it notably safer than many urban Fort Lauderdale areas. The central location provides good lighting and traffic flow, contributing to overall safety perception among residents. Property crimes like burglary occur less frequently than in tourist-heavy areas, though residents are advised to maintain standard urban security practices. The neighborhood’s established character and homeowner stability contribute to natural surveillance and community cohesion.

FAQ: Is Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale safe for families? Yes, Poinsettia Heights maintains below-average crime rates for Fort Lauderdale with strong community engagement, making it a family-friendly neighborhood with good safety statistics and active neighborhood watch participation.

Cost of Living in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale

Data USA reports median household income in the area at approximately $68,000, providing good affordability compared to higher-priced Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods. Property taxes average $8,000-$12,000 annually depending on home value and exemptions, managed by the Broward County Property Appraiser. Utility costs typically range $180-$250 monthly for a average-sized home, including Florida Power & Light electricity and city water/sewer services. The neighborhood offers good value for essential services with nearby grocery stores, pharmacies, and medical facilities keeping daily expenses reasonable. Residents benefit from no state income tax while enjoying central Fort Lauderdale amenities. HOA fees are minimal in most areas, typically under $200 annually for basic neighborhood maintenance.

FAQ: What’s the average cost of living in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? Cost of living is moderate for Fort Lauderdale, with housing costs below premium areas, reasonable property taxes, and good access to affordable services and shopping, making it budget-friendly for middle-income families.

Lifestyle & Amenities in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale

What’s the Neighborhood Feel Like in Poinsettia Heights?

Poinsettia Heights maintains a quiet, residential atmosphere with tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes representing diverse architectural styles from the 1950s through 2000s. The neighborhood attracts a mix of young families, established professionals, and retirees who appreciate the central location without waterfront premium pricing.

Waterfront & Boating Access

While not directly waterfront, residents enjoy easy access to the New River and Intracoastal Waterway within 10 minutes. Las Olas Marina and Bahia Mar Yachting Center provide full-service boating facilities, while Hugh Taylor Birch State Park offers kayak and paddleboard rentals.

Shopping & Dining Near Poinsettia Heights

The nearby Galleria at Fort Lauderdale provides major retail and dining options within 10 minutes. Sunrise Boulevard corridor features diverse dining including authentic ethnic restaurants and local favorites. Las Olas Boulevard shopping and restaurant district is easily accessible for upscale dining and entertainment.

Parks & Outdoor Activities in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale

Holiday Park offers sports facilities, playground, and community programs within walking distance. Fort Lauderdale Beach is 15 minutes away, while Hugh Taylor Birch State Park provides nature trails and lagoon access.

Healthcare Near Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale

Broward Health Medical Center is the nearest major hospital facility, while Cleveland Clinic Florida campuses are accessible within 20 minutes for specialized care.

Arts & Culture Around Poinsettia Heights

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts downtown hosts major productions and concerts. NSU Art Museum and various cultural events along Las Olas Boulevard provide regular entertainment options.

FAQ: What amenities are available in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? Residents enjoy central access to Galleria Mall shopping, diverse dining on Sunrise Boulevard, Holiday Park recreation, nearby beaches, major medical facilities, and Fort Lauderdale’s downtown cultural attractions all within 15 minutes.

Neighborhood Comparison Table

Poinsettia Heights offers exceptional value compared to premium neighborhoods like Coral Ridge while maintaining good school access and safety ratings. The neighborhood provides better affordability than Rio Vista with similar commute convenience, making it ideal for buyers seeking central Fort Lauderdale location without waterfront premiums.

Pros & Cons of Living in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale

Pros: Affordable homeownership in central Fort Lauderdale location A-rated Bayview Elementary School and good educational options Easy access to I-95, I-595, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Below-average crime rates with established neighborhood stability Proximity to Galleria Mall, Las Olas Boulevard, and downtown amenities

Cons: Limited waterfront access compared to premium Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods Some older housing stock may require renovation and updating Sunrise Boulevard traffic congestion during peak hours No direct beach access requiring 15-minute drive to coastline Limited walkability for daily errands compared to urban core areas

FAQ: What are the downsides of living in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? Main drawbacks include lack of direct waterfront access, some aging housing stock, traffic congestion on major corridors, and limited walkability for daily needs, though the central location and affordability often outweigh these concerns.

FAQ Section

Is Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale a good place to raise a family? Yes, Poinsettia Heights offers A-rated elementary schools, safe neighborhoods with below-average crime rates, affordable housing options, and excellent access to family amenities including Holiday Park, while maintaining convenient commutes to employment centers throughout Broward County.

What’s the average home price in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale in 2025? Average home prices range from $425,000-$580,000 depending on size, condition, and specific location, with price per square foot averaging $285-$395, making it significantly more affordable than waterfront Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods.

How walkable is Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 55-65 (Somewhat Walkable) with good access to Sunrise Boulevard commercial areas, though most daily activities require driving, and public transportation options are limited compared to downtown areas.

What’s the commute like from Poinsettia Heights to Miami? Miami downtown is typically 45-60 minutes via I-95 depending on traffic conditions, while Miami International Airport averages 50-70 minutes, making it reasonable for occasional travel but challenging for daily commuting to Miami-Dade County.

Are there good restaurants in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? The area offers diverse dining along Sunrise Boulevard corridor including ethnic restaurants, casual dining, and fast-casual options, with upscale dining available on nearby Las Olas Boulevard and at Galleria Mall within 10 minutes.

What’s the hurricane risk in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? Located inland from the immediate coast, Poinsettia Heights has lower storm surge risk than beachfront areas but still requires standard Florida hurricane preparedness, with most homes built to modern wind resistance codes and good evacuation route access via multiple highways.

How is the job market near Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale? The central location provides excellent access to major employment centers including downtown Fort Lauderdale, Port Everglades maritime jobs, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport careers, and corporate offices along I-595 corridor, with diverse opportunities in tourism, logistics, finance, and healthcare sectors.

Living in Poinsettia Heights Fort Lauderdale: Your Next Home?

Poinsettia Heights represents one of Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secrets for homebuyers seeking central location, good schools, and affordable pricing without sacrificing safety or convenience. The neighborhood’s established character, tree-lined streets, and diverse housing stock appeal to families and professionals who value accessibility to Broward County’s employment centers, airports, and amenities. With A-rated elementary schools, below-average crime rates, and easy highway access, Poinsettia Heights offers the ideal balance of suburban comfort and urban convenience. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, growing family, or investor seeking rental income potential, this centrally-located neighborhood deserves serious consideration for your next Fort Lauderdale home.