Why It Stands Out
Ask around Pembroke Pines and chances are someone will bring up Centra Falls within a few minutes. It's not just another gated community, it's one of the few neighborhoods here that feels intentionally designed, from the dramatic waterfall entrance to the tight cluster of townhomes inside.
Built by Label & CO in 2016, Centra Falls (along with its sister community Centra Falls West) consists of just 150 boutique townhomes total; 89 in the original Centra Falls and 61 in Centra Falls West. This isn't a sprawling development. It's intimate, upscale, and highly coveted.
Centra Falls has always attracted buyers who want something that feels a little more "South Florida resort" without leaving Pembroke Pines or paying Weston prices.
Courtesy of Centra Falls HOA
What Makes It Different
Centra Falls works because it blends a few things buyers usually have to choose between:
Gated, visually distinctive entrance – The waterfall isn't subtle, and that's the point. It signals you're entering something special.
Newer construction with luxury finishes – These aren't flipped 1990s townhomes. We're talking 10–12 foot ceilings, impact windows and doors, granite countertops, stainless steel Energy Star appliances, and two car garages with brick paver driveways.
Fee simple ownership – You own the home and the land. This isn't a condo. That matters for financing, resale value, and long term equity.
Tri-level layouts with smart design – Many units are 2–3 stories with open concept living areas, balconies off the master suite, and optional features like private elevators, outdoor kitchens, and guest kitchenettes.
Walkable, resort-style amenities – Heated pool, spa, fitness center, community park, billiards room, basketball court, picnic and BBQ areas. The amenities actually get used here, not just marketed.
Prime location within Pembroke Falls – You're in the heart of Pembroke Pines with easy access to I-75, Pembroke Lakes Mall, The Shops at Pembroke Gardens, Memorial Hospital West, and CB Smith Park.
It's especially popular with buyers who want low maintenance living but still want to feel like they're in a "real" neighborhood, not a high rise or cookie cutter subdivision.
The Numbers
Let's talk real pricing. When Centra Falls first opened in 2016, townhomes were priced from the mid-$300s to low $500s. Fast forward to today, and the market has shifted significantly.
Current Market Activity (as of late 2024/early 2025):
Active listings: $569,000–$725,000
Recent sales (past 12 months): Average asking price of $667,225, average selling price of $649,750
List-to-sell ratio: 97% (meaning homes are selling close to asking price)
Price per square foot: $220
Days on market: Averaging 127 days (slower than the Pembroke Pines average, but still moving)
Typical square footage: 1,687–2,922 sq ft (under air: 1,734–2,928 sq ft)
Floor plans: 3, 4, and 5 bedroom options with 2–3.5 bathrooms
What does this tell us?
Centra Falls has appreciated significantly since 2016, some units have nearly doubled in value. But the slower days on market number (127 days vs. Pembroke Pines' overall average of 51–78 days) suggests that pricing has to be right to move. Overpriced listings sit. Well priced listings still generate interest quickly.
Who It's Right For
Centra Falls tends to appeal to:
Buyers relocating from condos who want more space, a yard, and fee simple ownership without dealing with single family home maintenance
Professionals and renters who value security, aesthetics, and proximity to work/schools
Empty nesters downsizing without going fully condo they want low maintenance but still want to own land
Buyers who want newer design but don't want Weston, Parkland, or newer Miramar pricing
Investors looking for stable rental income in a desirable, gated community (rental restrictions apply, so verify with the HOA)
Homes here don't sit quietly when priced right, they usually get attention fast. But if you're overpriced by even $20K–$30K, you'll feel it.
What Locals Say
The Good:
Newer construction with modern finishes – You're not dealing with 1980s tile and popcorn ceilings
Resort style amenities that people actually use – The pool, spa, and fitness center see regular traffic
Strong sense of community – Smaller size means people know their neighbors
Fee simple ownership – You own the land, not just the unit
Prime location – Minutes to I-75, shopping, dining, hospitals, and entertainment
Low HOA fees for what you get – Considering the amenities and maintenance covered, the fees are reasonable
The Tradeoffs:
Pricing has climbed significantly – What sold for $400K in 2016 now sells for $650K+
Slower sales pace if overpriced – The market is more selective now; buyers won't overpay
Smaller lot sizes – You're not getting a sprawling backyard; these are townhomes
Pet restrictions – Certain breeds are restricted, size limits apply, and there's a cap on number of pets
Rental restrictions – If you're buying as an investment, verify HOA rental rules upfront
HOA approval process – Allow extra time for buyer approval when under contract
Insider Tips
If You're Buying:
1. Focus on corner units and tri level layouts
Corner units tend to have better natural light, more privacy, and sometimes extra outdoor space. Tri level townhomes with elevators (where available) offer excellent long term flexibility, especially for aging in place or resale appeal.
2. Don't overpay
The days of bidding wars are over. Homes priced at market move in 60–90 days. Homes priced 5–10% over market sit for 4+ months. Use recent comps (not 2021 prices) to guide your offer.
3. Verify what's included
Some units have upgrades like outdoor kitchens, guest kitchenettes, or private elevators. Others don't. Make sure you're comparing apples to apples when evaluating pricing.
4. Factor in HOA fees and reserves
HOA fees cover pool, spa, fitness center, landscaping, exterior maintenance, and more. Make sure the association has healthy reserves and no pending special assessments.
5. Get pre-approved early
These are fee simple townhomes, not condos, so financing is typically easier. But you'll still want pre-approval in hand before making an offer as sellers favor ready buyers.
If You're Selling:
1. Price it right from day one
Overpriced listings in Centra Falls are sitting for 4–6 months. The market has cooled, and buyers have options. Price competitively based on recent sales, not what your neighbor's unit "should" be worth.
2. Highlight the upgrades
Did you add an elevator? Outdoor kitchen? Custom closets? Smart home features? These details matter and justify premium pricing but only if buyers know about them.
3. Stage and photograph professionally
Centra Falls competes with other high end gated communities. Buyers expect to see resort style photos, not iPhone snapshots. Invest in professional staging and photography.
4. Be ready to negotiate
The 97% list to sell ratio means sellers are giving a little to close deals. Don't expect full asking price unless your home is immaculate and priced aggressively.
How Centra Falls Compares
Wondering how Centra Falls stacks up against similar Pembroke Pines communities?
Community | Price Range | Year Built | Style | Gating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Centra Falls | $569K–$725K | 2016 | Townhomes | Gated |
Pembroke Falls (overall) | $400K–$800K+ | 1999–2003 | Single family + townhomes | Gated |
Silver Lakes | $350K–$550K | 2000s | Townhomes + condos | Gated |
Bella Grand | $259K–$320K | Late '80s/early '90s | Condos | Not gated |
Country Lake Estates | $300K–$450K | 1980s–1990s | Townhomes | Some gated sections |
The takeaway: Centra Falls sits at the higher end of the Pembroke Pines townhome market but you're paying for newer construction, better finishes, fee simple ownership, and a premium location within the larger Pembroke Falls master-planned community.
The Takeaway
Centra Falls is a solid option if you're looking for a newer, boutique gated community in Pembroke Pines with resort style amenities and modern finishes. It's not the cheapest option, but it's one of the best for buyers who want low maintenance living without sacrificing design, location, or ownership structure.
If you're a first time buyer on a tight budget, Centra Falls might be a stretch. But if you're relocating from a condo, downsizing from a larger home, or simply want a turnkey townhome in a well managed community, this is one of the top contenders in Pembroke Pines.
Just remember: pricing matters. The days of "close your eyes and buy anything" are over. Do your homework, run the comps, and make sure the unit you're considering is priced in line with recent sales not wishful thinking.
Want help comparing Centra Falls to other communities? Or want to see which units are actually moving vs. sitting?
I've got the real list and I'm happy to walk you through it.
