Margate, Florida is a city located in northern Broward County. It was founded in the 1950s as a small residential community and has since grown into a bustling suburban city with a population of over 56,000 residents. Margate has a rich history, and there are many interesting facts that you may not know.

The History of Margate

Margate was founded by Jack Marqusee Sr. and his son-in-law Arvid Johansson in the early 1950s. They purchased a large tract of land just west of US-441, north of McNab Road, and east of NW 62nd Ave. They named their new development Margate, after a seaside town in England. The original plan included the Margate Shopping Center, which opened in 1955, and the Margate Lanes bowling alley, which opened in 1957.

After several years of slow growth, Margate began to boom in the 1960s. In 1961, the city was incorporated, and construction of homes and businesses continued at a rapid pace. The area became popular for retirees and snowbirds seeking to escape the harsh winters up north. The city continued to grow through the 1970s and ’80s, with the addition of more shopping centers, parks, and schools.

Modern Life in Margate

Today, Margate is a thriving suburban community with a diverse population. The city offers a variety of amenities to its residents, including numerous parks and recreational facilities, community events, great restaurants, shopping centers, and educational opportunities.

Parks & Recreational Facilities:

Margate has an impressive selection of parks and recreational facilities that are great for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the most popular parks include Calypso Cove Water Park, Coral Gate Park, David Park Community Center, Juniper Serra Park, Riverglades Elementary School Park & Sports Complex.

Community Events:

Margate is home to many fun and exciting community events throughout the year. Some of the most popular include the Margate Farmers Market, Margate Under the Moon, Margate Pantry Drive, and Margate’s Fourth of July Celebration.

Restaurants:

The city has many fantastic restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. One of the most popular is Tavolino’s Italian Ristorante, which has been voted the Best Italian Restaurant in Broward County multiple times.

Shopping Centers:

Margate has several shopping centers for its residents to enjoy. Some of the most popular include The Crossings, Margate Square Plaza, and Peppertree Plaza.

Educational Opportunities:

Margate is home to several excellent schools, including Atlantic West Elementary School, Margate Middle School, and Atlantic Technical College & Technical High School. The city is also located near several colleges and universities, such as Florida Atlantic University and Nova Southeastern University.

Conclusion

Margate is a thriving suburban community with a rich history. Although it started as a small residential development in the 1950s, it has since grown into a bustling city with a diverse population that offers an array of amenities to its residents. With outstanding parks and recreational facilities, community events, excellent restaurants, shopping centers, and educational opportunities, Margate is an excellent place to live!