Monterra isn't just another gated community, it's a statement.

Built in the early 2010s on the former Waldrep Dairy property (Wiley Waldrep was known as Broward County's last real cowboy, holding his dairy farm from 1928 until his death in 1997), Monterra transformed a stretch of eastern Pembroke Pines that most people never expected would become one of the area's hottest residential destinations.

Just west of University Drive and east of Pine Island Road, Monterra's location bridges Pines and Cooper City, and that's exactly why so many buyers fall in love with it. It offers the convenience of central Broward with the polish and planning of a newer west side development.

This isn't a community chasing trends. It's the one that set them. And more than a decade later, other builders are still trying to copy what Monterra got right from day one.

Monterra sits on over 500 acres bordered by Stirling Road, University Drive, Sheridan Street, and Pine Island Road. You're 10 minutes to the Florida Turnpike, I-595, I-75, and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Perfect for anyone who commutes in multiple directions or travels frequently.

The community is spread across 18 lakes, with many homes offering water views and lakefront access. Inside the gates, you'll find wide, tree lined streets, sidewalks throughout, walking and biking trails, and a neighborhood layout that actually encourages people to get outside and use the amenities.

Nearby conveniences:

Inside Monterra, you'll find a mix of architectural styles, all Mediterranean inspired with courtyards, impact windows, high ceilings, and real design variety. This isn't your typical South Florida sprawl where every home looks identical. Monterra was intentionally designed with character.

Monterra consists of approximately 1,200 homes with a mix of single family residences, estates, and townhomes built between 2007-2013. The community is divided into multiple subdivisions, each with its own character:

Single Family Home Subdivisions:

Townhome Subdivisions:

Home sizes and styles:

Common features across most Monterra homes:

Current price ranges:

Typical recent sales data:

Models you'll see referenced in listings include: Amador, Anacapa, Avila, Barcelona, Bonita, Brisbane, Cambria, Castilla, Chapala, Cordova, Delano, Dorada, Escala, Escondido, Flora, Laguna, Montecito, Pacific, Sabila, Selena, Tortuga, and Valencia.

Monthly HOA fees vary by subdivision and home type:

That may sound high compared to other communities, but here's what's included:

Translation: For $150-$371/month, you're getting gated security, maintained common areas, and access to a 10,000 sq ft clubhouse with resort style amenities. That's exceptional value for what you're receiving.

Monterra's 10,000 sq ft clubhouse was designed with a mix of Santa Barbara architecture and Palm Beach beauty. It's not just for show, residents actually use it.

Clubhouse amenities:

Outdoor amenities:

Security:

The community hosts regular events, holiday celebrations, and social gatherings. It's a genuinely active, family-oriented neighborhood where people know their neighbors and kids have friends within walking distance.

Though Monterra is technically in Pembroke Pines, many residents send their children to Cooper City schools due to boundary lines. This is a major draw for families.

Typical school zoning (verify with Broward County Public Schools, as zones can change):

Cooper City High offers career and technical education pathways in subjects like early childhood education, marketing, film, and journalism, making it one of the most well rounded public high schools in Broward County.

Broward County also allows school choice, so families have flexibility beyond zoned schools if needed.

Monterra makes sense for:

Who this is NOT for:

Let's say you're buying a single family home in Monterra for $1,100,000 (middle of the current market range):

Purchase Price: $1,100,000
Down Payment (20%): $220,000
Loan Amount: $880,000
Interest Rate: 6.27% (current 30-year average)

Monthly Payment Breakdown:

Total Monthly Cost: $7,492-$7,792

Income requirement (28% front-end ratio): $321,000-$334,000 annual household income
Income requirement (conservative 25% ratio): $360,000-$374,000 annual household income

For a townhome at $625,000:

Purchase Price: $625,000
Down Payment (20%): $125,000
Loan Amount: $500,000

Monthly Payment Breakdown:

Total Monthly Cost: $4,242-$4,342

Income requirement (28% front-end ratio): $182,000-$186,000 annual household income

Monterra was one of the fastest selling new home developments in the country during the early 2010s. More than a decade later, it's still one of the most sought after communities in Pembroke Pines and Cooper City.

Why it holds value:

Market observation: Inventory moves fast in Monterra. Homes don't hit the market often, and when they do, they typically command top dollar. Average days on market is 99 days, which is slower than the feeding frenzy of 2020-2021 but still indicates steady demand.

List-to-sell ratio of 95% means homes are selling close to asking price, a sign of a healthy, balanced market where sellers aren't overreaching and buyers aren't lowballing.

If you're eyeing Monterra but want a lower maintenance option, keep an eye on Cascada and Cascada Isle, the townhome sections.

These offer the same access to all Monterra amenities (clubhouse, pool, security, etc.) but with:

Perfect for downsizers, young professionals, or anyone who wants the Monterra lifestyle without managing a large single family home.

Monterra isn't just desirable, it's a blueprint. Other builders are still trying to copy what it got right over a decade ago:

If you're serious about Monterra, know this: inventory moves fast. Homes here don't hit the market often, and when they do, they typically command top dollar. But they hold their value and for good reason.

This is what a master planned community looks like when it's done right.