Oakland Park, Florida
Oakland Park, Florida retains a small-town ambiance and refreshing community values while basking in the bright lights of the dynamic cities of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami. Oakland Park leaders strive for a self-sustaining city providing a safe haven for its thriving residents.
The first settlers of Oakland Park, FL were the Whidby family of Georgia, who came in 1901. Originally named Floranada, the Earl of Lauderdale hoped to create a resort town along the lines of elegant Palm Beach. The catastrophic Miami Hurricane of 1926 ended those plans, leaving the town bankrupt. By 1929, the community had reorganized and incorporated as the City of Oakland Park, named for the mighty oak trees lining Middle River, which were still standing despite nature’s fury.
Today, Oakland Park, FL is home to 30,966 people (Census 2000). Estimates for 2005 place the population at just under 32,000 citizens. Per capita income for Oakland Park residents was $18,873. The neighboring town of Wilton Manors is undergoing enormous new development, which is increasing property values in Oakland Park. Median house values in the year 2000 were just over $120,000.
The Florida East Coast Railway bisects the city of Oakland Park, Florida, running parallel to the Dixie Highway. Both extend through Oakland Park’s delightful downtown section. City leaders plan to make the downtown a mix-used pedestrian community. The South Florida Folk Festival held here is one of the highlights of the year.
Oakland Park residents reap the benefits of living only three miles north of Ft. Lauderdaleand twenty-five miles from glamorous Miami. Oakland Park, Florida students choose from twenty colleges and universities within a forty-mile radius, including such fine institutes as Palm Beach Atlantic University and the University of Miami. Three major hospitals in Ft. Lauderdale provide health care and employment for Oakland Park citizens. Choices for nightlife and entertainment never end.
Outdoor recreation opportunities abound for the people of Oakland Park, Florida. Along with all the Ft. Lauderdale Atlantic beaches, residents enjoy the John Lloyd Beach State Park, the Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and inland areas such as Oleta River State Park, which showcase Florida’s native beauty. Deep-sea fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the inland waterways, biking and hiking sites all lay within easy reach.
Oakland Park, Florida boasts a tightly-knit community base and city leaders with a strong vision. Oakland Park, FL promises a bright future for its residents.
