Better known to South Floridians as simply, "the Pines," Pembroke Pines, located just north of vibrant Miami, has a mix of suburban characteristics and big city lifestyle thanks to its neighbor Fort Lauderdale. You can find beaches close by, shopping areas, residential areas and plenty of local businesses.
Are you thinking about relocating to the Sunshine State? Here is a helpful guide with information and tips on how to make your transition to Florida as easy as possible.
Pembroke Pines Climate
Pembroke Pines is characterized by a tropical rainforest-like climate. Summers are hot, humid and muggy with temperatures averaging around 80 to 90 degrees, with some lows in the 70's. If you move here, be prepared for plenty of afternoon thunderstorms that can be sporadic.
Winter months are warm with temperatures ranging from approximately 75 degrees up to 85 degrees, with occasional cold fronts and very rare winter freezes. The average precipitation per year is approximately 64inches. The winter months are usually much drier than the summer, but rain falls almost all year, averaging about 66-inches annually.
Hurricanes are a threat to this area, being so close to the coast. If hurricanes hit, they generally hit between September and October, but hurricane season runs from June through November.
Pembroke Pines Neighborhoods
If you're considering a move to Pembroke Pines, be aware that this area is mostly residential, with most of the "city" atmosphere in neighboring areas like Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood and Miami. Many people who work in those cities live in Pembroke Pines and commute daily. Some popular subdivisions in the city are: Boulevard Heights, Silver Lakes at Pembroke, Pembroke Lakes, Century Village and Parkside at Spring Valley.
Pembroke Pines was voted one of the best places to raise children in Florida by BusinessWeek in 2010. With this in mind, you will find plenty of condominiums, single-family homes and paved tree-lined streets all throughout the city.
Registering Your Car
If you're making a permanent move to Florida, you have 10 days to register your car from the date you begin working in the state, or register a child in a Florida school. You must have proof of ownership of your vehicle, verification of your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number), and proof of Florida insurance requirements.
You have 30 days to transfer your existing out of state driver's license to a Florida driver's license. To do so, you will need your primary identification, proof of Social Security Number and two documents verifying your Florida address. The Florida DMV issues over 400,000 new resident licenses per year, and advises you to know your requirements and have your documents ready prior to going to the office.
Pembroke Pines Schools
Broward County Public Schools, the sixth largest public school system in the nation and the largest fully accredited school system in the country, serves the Pembroke Pine area and surrounding areas. The district has over two dozen schools in Pembroke Pines, including elementary, middle, high and charter schools.
Higher education offered in Pembroke Pines is limited to regional campuses of nearby universities such as: Barry University, Broward College and Florida International University. The University of Miami is located just south in Coral Gables, and Pembroke Pines also has a Keiser University campus.
Pembroke Pines Employment
As of early 2013, the unemployment rate in Pembroke Pines was approximately 5.7 percent - significantly lower than the national average. The median household income sits around $63,000, while household income per capita averages around $24,000.
Some of the city's top employers are: Bergeron Land Development, Broward College, Claire's Stores, Inc., Kaplan College, Memorial Healthcare System, Miami Herald and Nautilus Corporation.
Living Costs in the City
While utility costs are slightly lower than the national average in Pembroke Pines, the overall cost of living is about 3 percent higher than the average. Generally, this statistic stems from the housing market as well as entertainment costs, being that Pembroke Pines is so close to two major cities. While some homes can start as low as $100,000 for a condo, single-family homes are closer to the $250,000 to $400,000 range. Keep in mind that as a Florida resident, you may be eligible for a homestead exemption, which can decrease the amount of taxes you pay.
Apartments specifically in Pembroke Pines rent at a hefty price tag, most somewhere in the $1,200 range per month. If you are a renter, you may want to consider a surrounding city like Davie, if you don't mind a few more minutes added to your commute. Typically, utility bills will cost somewhere between $150 to $300 a month based on the size of your home and usage - the higher costs being during the summer months when the air conditioner is running more often.
Pembroke Pines Moving Resources
Moving and storage companies are ready and willing to help you with your move to Pembroke Pines, whether you're moving from out of state or from another county in Florida. Make sure you get estimates from multiple moving services before you commit to hiring any (at least three estimates). Check back to our guides for tips on how to choose your moving service wisely with important questions to ask, differentiating between types of estimates, and mistakes to avoid. Visit the following pages at Movers.com to get quotes for the following services:
Pembroke Pines Transportation
If you live in Pembroke Pines, Broward County Transit provides the bus system with routes throughout the county. These routes have connections to the Miami-Dade County Metrobus and the Palm Beach County Palm Train. You can also hop on the Tri-rail commuter system available, or various taxis and water taxis.
Most commuters, which are most of the residents in the city, drive through Pembroke Pines and the rest of Broward County using three major interstates: I-75, I-95 and I-595, as well as Florida's Turnpike, Highway 869 (Sawgrass Expressway), Highway 826 (Palmetto Expressway) US 1, US 27 and US 441. Many people in the area commute using personal vehicles, so the traffic can be heavy during the morning and evening hours on these major highways.
Culture & Contemporary Life
While you may find a decent amount of retail to choose from within Pembroke Pines itself, you will most likely have to venture further out to experience the culture around Broward and Miami-Dade County. Neighboring Fort Lauderdale's entertainment district (Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District) is along Las Olas Boulevard from the beach to downtown, and features Broward County Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Fort Lauderdale, shopping opportunities and restaurants. Head a little further south to Miami, and the sky's the limit with glittering beaches, upscale nightlife and a myriad of sporting events.
The Pembroke Pines sports fans cheer on local teams in Miami. These teams include: Miami Marlins (MLB), the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and the Florida Panthers (NHL). The FIU Panthers and University of Miami Hurricanes are college teams in close proximity as well.
Pembroke Pines Relocation Tips
- If you will be commuting to various parts of South Florida (specifically Fort Lauderdale or Miami), using the Florida Turnpike or other main highways like the Palmetto Expressway, look into getting a Sun Pass. This can cut your commute times with access to faster lanes and you won't have to stop to pay certain tolls.
- Be prepared for potential tropical storms and hurricanes when living here, or anywhere else in South Florida. Stock up on water, blankets, flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food items and rain gear.
- Subscribe to your local newspaper to get a sense of what's going on in your area! The Sun Sentinel serves the Broward County area.