Is Tamarac safe?
Tamarac, Florida · safety score updated nightly
Mostly yes, with normal city awareness.
VibeLoco rates Tamarac as “Go, stay aware”.
Gogo's take on Tamarac
“Go. Tamarac is a quiet, predominantly residential suburban community in Broward County with low violent crime rates and a relaxed atmosphere. While typical suburban property crimes like vehicle break-ins occur along major retail strips, visitors will find it generally safe and peaceful, particularly within its residential enclaves and park systems.”
Local law enforcement continues regular community safety patrols and traffic enforcement along Commercial Boulevard and University Drive to manage speeding and deter retail theft.
About the area
Tamarac is an established South Florida suburb characterized by single-family subdivisions, active 55+ retirement communities, and strip retail centers along major thoroughfares. It offers a low-key setting with manicured golf courses, community parks, and convenient access to the greater Fort Lauderdale metropolitan area.
- Suburban
- Retirement-Friendly
- Car-Dependent
- Family-Oriented
Walking and biking in Tamarac
Walk score: 42/100 · Bike score: 46/100
There is no municipal bike-share system, but cyclists use designated bike lanes along major thoroughfares and recreational paths along local canals like the C-14 greenway.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Lower rates of violent crime compared to broader Broward County and regional metropolitan averages.
- Well-maintained, stable residential neighborhoods with strong homeowner association presence.
- Abundant public recreation spaces, including the expansive Tamarac Sports Complex and neighborhood community centers.
Cons
- Occasional opportunistic property crimes and vehicle break-ins in commercial strip mall parking lots.
- Heavily car-dependent layout with multi-lane arterial roads that are not pedestrian friendly.
- A few older multifamily housing pockets experience slightly higher rates of non-violent police calls.
Homelessness: Visible homelessness is relatively minimal, occasionally observed near major transit shelters or commercial intersections along Commercial Boulevard, with outreach provided via Broward County Social Services.
What Tamarac is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Pleasant and quiet, with seniors and families walking dogs and jogging safely through neighborhood streets and parks.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Active with standard suburban traffic around commercial shopping plazas, feeling safe and routine.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm in residential areas with steady patron traffic at local strip-mall restaurants and grocery centers.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Very quiet and generally peaceful, though pedestrian activity is rare and basic situational awareness is recommended in open parking lots.
Transit, parking and getting around
Public transit is operated by Broward County Transit (BCT), with key bus corridors along Commercial Boulevard (Route 55) and University Drive (Route 2); the nearest commuter rail stations (Tri-Rail and Brightline in Fort Lauderdale) are 7 to 9 miles east.
Parking is abundant and almost universally free throughout the city in spacious surface lots fronting shopping centers, recreational parks, and community facilities.
Things to do in Tamarac
- Explore the walking paths, sports fields, and dog park at the Tamarac Sports Complex.
- Book a tee time or enjoy casual dining at the renovated Woodmont Country Club.
- Browse local vendors and seasonal events at the Tamarac Community Center.
Local favorites
- Hong Kong City BBQ · Chinese Restaurant · 4.5★ (1150)Renowned local spot specializing in traditional Cantonese roast duck, char siu, and dim sum dishes.
- Woodmont Country Club · Golf & Country Club · 4.2★ (430)Championship golf facility featuring an 18-hole course, modern practice grounds, and a full-service clubhouse.
- Tacos El Papi · Mexican Restaurant · 4.6★ (590)Casual, highly rated eatery serving authentic street-style tacos, quesadillas, and Mexican platters.
Scores are safety-driven — recent reported crime and local news plus Census income, poverty, housing, education, household and access data — refreshed nightly. Walk and bike scores are shown separately and do not affect the safety score. A guide, not a guarantee — conditions change street to street.