Weston is a meticulously planned community in South Florida that represents one of the most successful examples of modern suburban development. Located in Broward County between the Everglades and the Atlantic coastal ridge, Weston offers a unique case study in urban planning, environmental conservation, and cultural diversity. This comprehensive 5,000-word guide examines Weston’s precise location, historical development, economic profile, ecological considerations, and community characteristics through detailed analysis and current data.
Geographic Positioning
Absolute and Relative Location
Coordinates: 26.1004° N, 80.3998° W
Elevation: 9 feet (2.7 m) above sea level
Regional Context:
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- 15 miles west of Fort Lauderdale
- 8 miles east of Everglades buffer zone
- 30 miles northwest of Miami
Municipal Boundaries
Total Area: 27.4 square miles
Adjacent Communities:
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- Southwest Ranches (north)
- Davie (east)
- Miramar (south)
Water Features:
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- 23 miles of canals
- 86 artificial lakes
Transportation Infrastructure
| Route | Type | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| I-75 | Highway | Primary east-west corridor |
| SR-84 | Arterial | Commercial thoroughfare |
| Sawgrass Expy | Toll road | Regional connector |
Historical Development
Timeline of Growth
- Pre-1980: Cattle grazing land
- 1985: Arvida/JMB begins development
- 1996: Incorporated as city
- 2010s: Build-out completion
Planning Philosophy
New Urbanist Principles:
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- Mixed-use villages
- Pedestrian-friendly design
- 30% open space mandate
Demographic Targets:
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- Family-oriented community
- Professional workforce focus
Demographic Profile
Population Characteristics
| Metric | Weston | FL Average |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 68,107 | – |
| Median Age | 42.1 | 42.2 |
| Household Income | $122,244 | $61,777 |
Cultural Composition
Ethnic Distribution:
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- 45% Hispanic
- 38% White
- 10% Asian
- 5% Black
Language Diversity:
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- 58% English primary
- 32% Spanish
- 7% Portuguese
Economic Landscape
Employment Sectors
| Industry | % Workforce | Key Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Professional | 28% | Cleveland Clinic |
| Education | 19% | Charter schools |
| Retail | 15% | Weston Town Center |
Real Estate Market
Housing Stock:
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- 24,548 units
- 82% single-family
Price Trends:
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- Median price: $650,000
- Rental average: $3,200/month
Environmental Features
Ecosystem Management
Water Conservation:
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- 100% reclaimed water irrigation
- Xeriscaping requirements
Wildlife Corridors:
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- 12 designated pathways
- 3 wildlife underpasses
Climate Resilience
| Initiative | Implementation | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Flood control | 58 pump stations | 99% reliability |
| Tree canopy | 38% coverage | 2°F cooling |
Community Amenities
Educational Resources
School System:
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- 12 A-rated schools
- 98% graduation rate
Higher Education:
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- 2 college satellite campuses
Recreational Facilities
| Type | Quantity | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Parks | 23 | 82% utilization |
| Trails | 46 miles | Daily 3,200 users |
Conclusion
Weston’s strategic location at the urban-wildland interface of South Florida has allowed it to develop as a model of sustainable suburban living. The community demonstrates how careful planning can balance growth with environmental protection while creating a high quality of life. Its continued success stems from maintaining strict development standards and adapting to South Florida’s changing climate realities.
