Sunrise

About Sunrise

The city of Sunrise is an integral part of the Miami metropolitan area, located in the western region of Florida's Broward County. During its early years, it was home to the 1960s Upside Down House, which earned the community state-wide attention as a unique attraction. Sunrise's population is very diverse, spanning a number of cultures, ethnicities and ages.

The History of Sunrise

Sunrise didn't incorporate until 1961, when real estate developer Norman Johnson established a small development named Sunrise Golf Village. Local history states that he originally called the community Sunset Village, but that name didn't impress his target market of retirees, who felt that the name hinted at an odd sense of finality. Johnson started building model homes to attract new residents, and by the late 1960s, nearly 5,000 people had bought or rented property here.

Although Sunrise originally occupied less than two square miles of Broward County, it eventually annexed neighboring land and grew to cover nearly 20 square miles. The 1970s and 1980s saw massive population growth, swelling the city's numbers to more than 50,000 people. New businesses set up shop within the city limits, and hospitality and retail venues began to draw tourists to the area. The city's growth paused for a short time in the early 2000s, but has since resumed its steady growth rate.

Living in Sunrise

In the last couple of years of the 20th century, several new developments broadened Sunrise's reach and added to its attractiveness as a city. First, the BB&T Center, a sports arena, became the home of the NHL's Florida Panthers. This major venue has supplemented the local economy and provided a major entertainment option for locals. The city has also invested millions of dollars into a city and road-planning initiative, ensuring that its beautiful streets and neighborhoods will provide a quaint, small-town atmosphere even as the population grows.

The city's rapid expansion has created a dynamic economy that supports many different businesses and venues, from fitness centers and restaurants to supermarkets and retail outlets. There are also four public parks within the city limits, providing plenty of space to enjoy the outdoors. Sunrise's Earth Day Festival, Cultural Festival, Woodstock Arts & Crafts Festivaland Harvest Festival are among the community events that attract visitors and residents alike.

Sunrise Schools

The Broward County Public Schools system operates the schools in Sunrise. There are also several highly-rated private schools in the city, providing an alternative to traditional public school education.

Nearby institutions of higher education include Barry University, Broward College and Nova Southeastern University.

Resources for Moving to Sunrise

As you're preparing for your move to Sunrise, take advantage of the information below to make the process a bit easier:

• Utilities: The city of Sunrise manages water and sewer services, and Florida Power & Light supplies the area with electricity.
• Garbage and Recycling: Your trash will be collected twice a week, with curbside collection provided for single-family homes. Most residential areas have single-stream recycling collection, meaning that all recyclables can be placed in a single disposal bin.
• Transportation: The city operates a network of mini-buses, traveling on fixed routes to major points within the city. Senior citizens can also inquire about medical transport services.

Sunrise Housing

Sunrise housing prices are on the rise, and currently are slightly higher than the national average. However, Sunrise is more affordable than many other cities in the Miami metro area, and it offers a variety of options whether you're considering renting or buying. There are a number of retirement communities in Sunrise, in addition to traditional residential neighborhoods.