The Everglades

Our Backyard Treasure Worth $31.5 Billion

Author

Mike Ugarte
June 29, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 3 minutes

It’s Not Just Swamp Right Outside Our City

When we talk about Pembroke Pines real estate, we usually mean square footage, HOA fees, and school zones, but one of the biggest factors quietly shaping our local economy is just west of I-75.

The Everglades.

A new study puts a dollar figure on its value, $31.5 billion a year, boosting everything from home values and tourism to flood protection and drinking water.

Yep, that view of open sky and sawgrass?

It’s doing a lot more for us than meets the eye.

More Than Just A View

Pembroke Pines sits at the gateway to the Everglades.

That proximity is a perk for homeowners, especially home owners near waterways, and it’s also a major reason our real estate stays resilient.

According to researchers, water views and nearby fresh water can add up to 14% to condo values, and 7% to single-family homes.

That natural buffer also protects us from floods, keeps our drinking water clean, and stabilizes the climate around us.

Simply put, the health of the Everglades is directly tied to the health of our property values and daily lives.

THINGS TO DO NEARBY:

Want to experience this economic powerhouse for yourself?

Here are a few local favorites that connect you with the Everglades:

  • Chapel Trail Nature Preserve (Pembroke Pines): Kayak the calm water trail or stroll the boardwalk, right in our backyard. (We wrote about this local gem, check it out!)

  • Everglades Holiday Park (Weston): Take an airboat tour and meet some gators.

  • Miccosukee Indian Village & Airboats (US-41): Learn about the culture and history of the Miccosukee Tribe and explore the River of Grass on their classic airboats.

  • Shark Valley in Everglades National Park: About an hour out, but totally worth it for biking, wildlife, and big sky views.

  • Airboat Operators along US 27: You’ll find several locally run airboat tours along US 27, perfect for a weekend Everglades adventure with friends or family.

Insider Tip:

Want a local secret for soaking in the Everglades?

Head to the Atlantic Trailhead just west of the Sawgrass Expressway on Atlantic Blvd.

There’s a levee path where locals bike, walk, and come golden hour, line up to catch the most underrated sunset view in Broward.

Bring a chair or just perch on the berm.

It’s peaceful, wide open, and pure South Florida magic.