Oakland park
History of Oakland Park
From Farmland to a City on the Move
The story of Oakland Park begins in 1901, when Tom and Netta Whidby left Georgia to farm the land just north of what is now Northeast 38th Street, beside the Florida East Coast Railway. By the 1910s, this quiet stretch of farmland north of Fort Lauderdale was known as “Colohatchee,” a rural community that laid the groundwork for what would soon become Oakland Park. The name itself took root in the 1920s, when developers drew inspiration from the stately oaks lining the Middle River and began promoting a neighborhood called “Oakland Park.”
But history took a turn in 1925 when wealthy investors created the short-lived city of Floranada, a grand vision stretching from the ocean to U.S. 441. The land boom quickly fizzled, Floranada collapsed, and locals were left to rebuild. In July 1929, Oakland Park officially incorporated, carving out its own identity as a farming town anchored by community landmarks like Oakland Park Elementary School, which opened in 1925 and still stands today as the oldest operating school in Broward County. Dixie Highway became the center of life, lined with mom-and-pop shops and small-town charm.
Fast-forward to today, and Oakland Park has transformed from its humble farming roots into a thriving city of more than 42,000 residents. Tucked between Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, and Pompano Beach, the city is now known for its parks, independent library, and the popular Culinary Arts District that draws food lovers from across Broward County. While locals still celebrate Oakland Park’s “small town in a big city” roots, the city has embraced growth and reinvention, becoming a true community on the move.
What Oakland Park is Known For
Oakland Park has carved out its own identity in Broward County with a mix of culture, convenience, and community charm. The city is best known for its Culinary Arts District and vibrant food scene, anchored by Funky Buddha Brewery, one of Florida’s largest and most recognized craft breweries. From food festivals to local dining gems, Oakland Park has become a destination for those who appreciate great food and drink.
The city also celebrates its diverse and welcoming community, hosting cultural events that showcase international music, art, and cuisine. This strong sense of identity is part of what makes Oakland Park so appealing to new residents.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, Oakland Park offers plenty of green space and recreation. Easterlin Park, Royal Palm Park, and other local spots provide opportunities for camping, hiking, and water activities. Add to that the city’s central location, just minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s beaches, Wilton Manors nightlife, and major highways. It’s easy to see why Oakland Park has become one of South Florida’s most desirable places to live.
Oakland Park Neighborhoods
Oakland Park is home to several diverse and welcoming neighborhoods. If you’re considering making this city your home, here are some of the top communities to explore:
Coral Heights: Located near the eastern edge of Oakland Park, Coral Heights is one of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods. With tree-lined streets, updated mid-century homes, and close proximity to Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors, it attracts both young professionals and families.
Royal Palm Acres: Known for its lakes and canal-front properties, Royal Palm Acres offers a peaceful suburban vibe while still being close to major highways and shopping. Many homes here feature waterfront access, making it a hidden gem for boating and outdoor enthusiasts.
North Andrews Gardens: Situated just south of Commercial Boulevard, North Andrews Gardens is an established neighborhood with a mix of affordable single-family homes. Its central location and sense of community make it popular with first-time buyers and long-term residents alike.
Oak Tree: This newer gated development is bringing luxury living to Oakland Park. Featuring modern townhomes and single-family homes, Oak Tree has quickly become a sought-after neighborhood for those looking for upscale amenities in a convenient location.
Lloyd Estates: Tucked away with large lots and plenty of green space, Lloyd Estates is a quiet residential neighborhood offering both charm and privacy. Residents enjoy being close to downtown Oakland Park’s Arts & Culinary District while still having a tranquil, suburban atmosphere.
When selecting a neighborhood in Oakland Park, it’s important to consider proximity to downtown, access to schools and parks, and the overall lifestyle each community offers. From waterfront homes to modern new builds, Oakland Park has something for everyone.
Here are the names of other neighborhoods:
Central Business District (Downtown Oakland Park-Main Street)
Central Corals
Central Oakland Park
Coral Brook
East Lakeside
Garden Acres
Harlem McBride
Lake Emerald
North Corals
North Ridge
Oakland Forest
Oakland Grove
Oakland Hills
Oaktree Estates
Orange Grove Manors
I-95 Business Corridor Central
Prospect Gardens
Rivers Edge
Royal Palm Isles
Sailboat Lake Pointe
Sleepy River
South Corals
Three Lakes
Twin Lakes South
West Lakeside
I-95 Business Corridor North
I-95 Business Corridor South
Commercial Real Estate in Oakland Park
Oakland Park, Florida is an emerging hub for businesses looking to establish a footprint in Broward County. With its central location just minutes from Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and major highways like I-95, the city offers excellent connectivity and a growing economy that attracts both startups and established companies.
If you're exploring commercial real estate in Oakland Park, here are some property types to consider:
Office Space: Oakland Park offers a range of office options, from professional buildings along main corridors to flexible co-working spaces that cater to small businesses and entrepreneurs. Many offices feature modern amenities and proximity to the city’s Culinary Arts District, adding to their appeal.
Retail Space: With the growth of the Culinary Arts District and local hotspots like Funky Buddha Brewery, Oakland Park has become a magnet
for food, beverage, and specialty retail businesses. Independent shops, dining venues, and service providers thrive in this walkable and creative environment.
Industrial Space: Oakland Park’s location near I-95 makes it ideal for logistics, distribution, and light manufacturing. The city offers a variety of warehouse and industrial spaces that are well-suited for businesses seeking both affordability and accessibility.
Mixed-Use Properties: As development continues, mixed-use projects are bringing together retail, office, and residential components in one place. These properties are in high demand among businesses that value visibility, convenience, and a built-in customer base.
When searching for commercial real estate in Oakland Park, it’s important to partner with an experienced local agent who understands the market trends. The right guidance can help you find the perfect property to fit your business goals and budget.
Recreation Activities in Oakland Park
Oakland Park, Florida may not have its own beaches, but it offers plenty of recreation and outdoor activities that make it a great place to live and visit. With its beautiful parks, nature preserves, and central location near Fort Lauderdale’s coastline, Oakland Park has something for everyone to enjoy.
Here are some of the top recreational activities in Oakland Park:
Parks & Nature: Oakland Park is home to green spaces like Royal Palm Park and Greenleaf Park, perfect for families looking to enjoy playgrounds, picnic areas, and sports facilities. For a true escape into nature, Easterlin Park offers hiking trails, camping, and a 46-acre urban wilderness area with birdwatching and fishing opportunities.
Boating & Water Access: While Oakland Park doesn’t sit directly on the ocean, residents are just minutes from Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway and marinas. Many locals enjoy easy access to boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding in nearby waterways.
Fitness & Sports: The city provides community recreation programs and facilities, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and soccer fields. The Oakland Park Community Center regularly hosts events, classes, and activities that bring residents together.
Beaches: Just a short drive east, residents can enjoy the sandy shores of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, or Pompano Beach for swimming, snorkeling, and water sports. Living in Oakland Park means the beach is never far away.
Events & Festivals: Oakland Park is also known for its community events and festivals, many centered around food, music, and culture. The Culinary Arts District frequently hosts outdoor gatherings that bring the city’s diverse community together.
Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a family looking for weekend activities, or someone who enjoys local events and culture, Oakland Park offers a balanced lifestyle with recreation for all ages.
Blog
Congress Moves to Give Seven Broward Cities Their Own ZIP Codes
Seven Broward County cities could soon have their own unique ZIP codes under a bill recently passed by the U.S. House of Representatives.
The measure, H.R. 3095, would assign individual five-digit identifiers to Oakland Park, Deerfield Beach, Lighthouse Point, Wilton Manors, Hollywood, Coconut Creek, and Parkland. Supporters say the change would strengthen community identity, improve public services, and resolve long-standing confusion caused by shared ZIP codes.
Oakland Park, for example, currently shares nine ZIP codes with neighboring cities including Fort Lauderdale, Tamarac, Wilton Manors, and Lauderdale Lakes. Mayor Tim Lonergan called the bill’s passage “an exciting day” for the city, noting it could enhance grant allocation, data collection, and equitable development.
Deerfield Beach has three ZIP codes, one of which 33064 is shared with Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, and Hillsboro Beach. Mayor Todd Drosky said unifying Deerfield Beach under one ZIP would improve recognition for residents and businesses.
Wilton Manors, with about 12,000 residents and four ZIP codes, would also benefit, according to Mayor Scott Newman. He noted that insurance rates can be tied to ZIP codes, and sharing one with a larger city could lead to higher premiums for some residents.
Hillsboro Beach, which also shares the 33064 ZIP code, is not on the list of cities set to receive their own. Mayor Dawn Miller said the change could have helped with faster mail delivery, better emergency response times, and clearer tax allocation.
The bill, led by Florida Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R) and Colorado Representative Lauren Boebert (R), and supported locally by Congressman Jared Moskowitz (D), passed the House in July with bipartisan support. It now moves to the Senate’s Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. If approved and signed into law, the U.S. Postal Service would have 270 days to implement the new ZIP codes.
While some former postal officials question whether the change is worth the cost, many local leaders argue it’s overdue. The ZIP code system, introduced in the 1960s, remains a critical tool for economic development, emergency services, and community identity.
If approved, Broward residents in the affected cities could see their new ZIP codes in place within the next year.
What are your thoughts on these changes?
Custom HTML/CSS/JAVASCRIPT
Feel Free to Contact Us
Links
© Copyright 2025. Hansel Duran Real Estate. All rights reserved.