Guide to Cooper City
Top Guide to Cooper City
History, food, things to do, schools, community, and real estate in Cooper City
If you're the type of person who likes quiet afternoons and long walks around your neighborhood, then you may want to consider moving to Cooper City. Cooper City is a small, quaint community between Fort Lauderdale and Miami’s infamous South Beach.
Located in Broward County, Cooper City offers a variety of benefits for residents. It’s only about 30 miles from the Miami International Airport and 12 miles from the Fort Lauderdale Airport. Being so close to these large airports makes a weekend trip to Puerto Rico possible, but residents are not so close to hear the rumble of jet engines or spend hours in disastrous traffic.
Asides from having the dual conveniences of small-town life and city living, Cooper City residents also enjoy the privilege of having fantastic restaurants, like the fanciful Melting Pot and the casual, local-favorite Blue Moon Diner LLC. And Cooper City has cool shops and fun things to do on the weekends. Spend your Saturday and Sunday rummaging through an antique treasure trove or take a short drive to gamble your worries away.
Today, Cooper City is home to about 36,000 residents. It’s a relatively young community with a quarter of its residents under the age of 18. And even though it’s small, Cooper City is a great place to raise a family. It only has a few schools, but they’re all highly-rated and demonstrate a high commitment to academic excellence. Plus, it also has a lower crime rate than the surrounding cities.
Cooper City is a growing area. In the last ten years, Cooper City has experienced close to a 25% increase in population, and with new developments, more people are making the move to Cooper City. It’s a great commuter town for professionals working in Miami or Fort Lauderdale who want a slower pace of life and a safe place for their kids to grow up. With homes in a variety of price ranges, Cooper City has an option for everyone. To find out more about living in Cooper City and homes in Cooper City, contact the best Cooper City realtors, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty.
History of Cooper City
Cooper City, Morris’s city
Cooper City was incorporated in 1959, but its story goes back further than that. While Cooper City would have eventually developed, it would have taken longer if it weren’t for Morris Cooper, the city’s industrious founder.
Morris Cooper is proof that the American Dream was real. In 1910 when Cooper was eighteen, he immigrated to the United States. Growing up in Ukraine, life was tough for Cooper. His father was killed when he was younger, so he quickly had to become the man of the house and help provide for his family. When Cooper reached the United States, he saw an opportunity and went for it.
For two years, Cooper worked in a shirt factory only making $4 a week. But in 1912, he borrowed $750 and opened up the Imperial Shirt Company in New Jersey with a partner. It didn’t take long for Cooper to pay back his loan, and within twenty years, he had nine factories.
In the late 1930s, Cooper started to invest in Florida real estate. And in 1952, he purchased close to 700 acres of land in South Florida. By 1959, Cooper had sold some of his lands to developers, and Cooper City was incorporated.
In 1963, there were about 120 homes built on Cooper’s original 700 acres, but few people were actually moving to Cooper City. In order to keep his namesake alive, Cooper invested $1,250,000 to create the Cooper Colony Golf and Country Club and the Cooper City Water and Sewage Company.
Cooper’s investment eventually paid off because when he died in 1975, Cooper City had become home to 4,000 residents.
And even though Cooper City may have a humble beginning, its story is a testament to what one person can accomplish if they set their mind to achieve their goal. Cooper City may not have the bustle and liveliness of Miami or Fort Lauderdale, but it is a place where you can feel comfortable letting your kids play outside. It’s a quiet, quaint area that values safety and community. Cooper City lives up to its city motto because it truly is someplace special.
Top 5 Best Places to Eat in Cooper City
Check out the top 5 places to eat in Cooper City. Fondue? Mexican? Bar food? Diners? European? Italian? Fine Dining? Whatever you’re craving, there’s something for you in Cooper City.
The Melting Pot
5834 S Flamingo Road Cooper City, Fla. (954)-880-0808
If you like fondue, then The Melting Pot is quickly going to become your favorite restaurant in Cooper City. The Melting Pot offers a unique dining experience where you can cook your own food and revel in the joys of cheese and chocolate fondue. Start with a cheese, pick your entree, and then finish with a decadent chocolate fondue. Just be sure to make a reservation because The Melting Pot is one of the most popular Cooper City go-tos on the weekend.
Tijuana Flats
8703 Stirling Road Cooper City, Fla. (954)-318-0586
If you’re looking for your new Taco Tuesday joint, then look no further. Tijuana Flats is the ultimate place to come hang out, have a few margaritas, and eat some authentic Tex Mex. Every Tuesday, you can get two tacos, chips, and a drink for only $6.49. It’s the ultimate deal, and the atmosphere is laid back and chill. Plus, make sure to try their new golden agave margarita. After a couple, you'll definitely feel like you’re on vacation.
Blue Moon Diner LLC
10076 Griffin Road Cooper City, Fla, (954)-915-3800
What’s a city without a classic diner? If you’re looking for a diner in Cooper City that checks all the boxes, then Blue Moon Diner LLC has you covered...for every meal. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Blue Moon serves up classic comfort food that feels like home. From fluffy silver dollar pancakes to country-fried steak, Blue Moon has something for everyone in the family, and it’s super affordable. Come by on the weekends for $3.95 mimosas and gourmet omelets. You won’t regret it.
Vienna Cafe & Bistro
5724 S Flamingo Road Cooper City, Fla. (954)-680-6599
Want to go to Europe, but can’t just jump on a plane and leave everything behind? Well, Vienna Cafe & Bistro is your next best bet. Come by Vienna Cafe & Bistro for an authentic European dining experience. You can make a reservation for a British-style high tea complete with seasonal scones and tea imported from Britain, or you can drop by for a boozy brunch with bubbly mimosas, sweet and savory croque monsieurs, and traditional Parisian crepes. Whatever you choose, you’re bound to feel like you’re somewhere across the pond, relaxing and enjoying fantastic European fare.
Vita Italian Restaurant & Pizza
10014 Griffin Road Cooper City, Fla, (954)-434-8422
With amazing service, a lovely atmosphere, and classic Italian comfort food, it’s no surprise that Vita Italian Restaurant & Pizza made Cooper City’s Top 5 Best Places to Eat. Dining at Vita Italian is like getting a hug from nonna. It’s warm, welcoming, and makes you feel a little bit better about life. Their manicotti is rich and baked to absolute perfection. And their chicken parmigiana has the best cheese to sauce ratio I’ve seen in a while. Also, don’t forget about dessert: the light, fluffy, indulgent toasted almond cream cake.
Top 5 Things to Do in Cooper City
Check out the top 5 things to do in Cooper City. Spend your weekend treasure hunting, gambling, or playing a pick-up game of basketball.
Cooper City Antique Mall
9800 Griffin Road Cooper City, Fla, (954)-252-0788
Feel like the American Pickers and spend your day treasure hunting for rare, antique finds at the Cooper City Antique Mall. The Cooper City Antique Mall sells a variety of items from recycled furniture to vintage clothes. It’s the perfect place to find a unique gift or historical lamp to complete your home decor. Keep up with them on Facebook to see their latest finds.
Tree Tops Park
3900 SW 100th Ave. Davie, Fla.
Tree Tops Park is not technically located in Cooper City, but it’s so close that it’s become a favorite of many Cooper City residents. Tree Tops Park is easily one of Broward County’s most beautiful parks. After exploring the park for only ten minutes, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported back in time when Florida was truly wild. Tree Tops Park features a boardwalk that traverses over the restored marsh and an equestrian center where you can take a horseback tour throughout the extensive trails in the park. Make a reservation and spend all day enjoying nature.
Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome
9501 Sheridan St. Cooper City, Fla. (954)-357-5150
Brian Piccolo Sports Park & Velodrome is the place to go for any sporting activities. The park has multiple recreational fields for football, soccer, and baseball, courts for tennis, basketball, and racquetball, and a state-of-the-art velodrome for cycling and skating. You can also play cricket or disc golf at the park. With so many activities, you can spend the whole day here being active and enjoying the community.
Cooper Colony Country Club
5050 SW 90th Ave. Cooper City, Fla. (954)-434-2181
Visit the original Cooper Colony Country Club and Golf Course to play 18 holes on its executive golf course. The Cooper Colony Country Club and Golf Course was one of Morris Cooper’s investments to solidify the city of Cooper City and attract new residents. And today, residents still love to play at the course. The course caters to golfers of all levels, and it has a driving range and two putting greens. It’s the perfect place for any golfer who wants to enjoy a relaxed game of golf under the South Florida sun. To find more information about bookings, call the pro-shop at (954)-434-2181.
Seminole Hard Rock Casino
1 Seminole Way Hollywood, Fla. (866)-502-7529
The Seminole Hard Rock Casino may not actually be in Cooper City, but it’s only a short drive away. And I can promise you that it’s worth the drive. With over 90 game tables and some of the hottest slot machines, the Seminole Hard Rock Casino is the ultimate place to go blow off a little steam. In between games, you can dine at one of its many luxury restaurants and cocktail bars, or you can catch a show at the comedy club. It’s an amazing day trip that’s close to home and makes you feel like you’re in Vegas. Check it out this weekend!
Other things to do:
One of the great things about Cooper City is that it’s close to a lot of great cities and parks. South Beach is only a short drive away, and Downtown isn’t too far either. To find out more information about other cities, towns, and things to do in Broward County and Miami-Dade County, check out these other city profiles.
The Best Schools in Cooper City
Find the best schools in Cooper City
Cooper City is a great place to live, but with moving to any place, there’s always the concern of where your kids should go to school. Choosing a school can be stressful and an added hassle when you’re trying to settle into a new house and community. But don’t worry too much because we found the best schools in Cooper City from the compiled ratings of greatschools.org, niche.com, and the Florida Department of Education’s school accountability report.
Living in Cooper City, residents have the choice of attending Broward County public district schools, Broward County public charter schools, and a few private schools. It should be noted that there are limited education options in Cooper City. However, all public schools in Cooper City have been highly rated by greatschools.org, and if you still want a greater variety of schools, be sure to check out some of the highly rated schools in the surrounding areas, like Pembroke Pines.
Elementary Schools in Cooper City
The top recommended elementary schools in Cooper City are Franklin Academy (K-8), Cooper City Elementary School, and Griffin Elementary School. Franklin Academy was rated 9/10 by greatschools.org, and both Cooper City Elementary and Griffin Elementary were rated 8/10. However, all of these schools received an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
Franklin Academy is a part of Broward County’s public charter system, so students have to apply and be selected to be able to attend. However, the other two schools are a part of Broward County’s public district system, so students do not have to apply.
In terms of academic standing, all of these schools are great choices. As a whole, Griffin Elementary leads the pack in standardized testing, scoring an 81% proficiency in math, a 76% proficiency in English, and a 63% proficiency in science. Franklin Academy and Cooper City Elementary have similar scores in all three subjects, but Cooper City Elementary scores slightly higher. Note that all of these schools exceed the state standard in every subject area.
On average, both Cooper City Elementary and Griffin City Elementary receive more positive parent testimonials than Franklin Academy. However, note that the data for Franklin Academy includes data from the elementary and middle schools.
One Cooper City Elementary parent said, “My daughter deals with ADHD, and the school took significant steps to ensure that she received the best education possible, and that she was dealt with fairly, and that other children were not disrupted. Daughter loves the school.”
However, to find out more about these schools and read additional parent testimonials, go to greatschools.org.
Middle Schools in Cooper City
The top recommended middle schools in Cooper City are Franklin Academy (K-8) and Pioneer Middle School. These are the only two middle schools in Cooper City, but greatschools.org rates Franklin Academy a 9/10 and Pioneer Middle an 8/10. And both received an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report.
Pioneer Middle slightly outperforms Franklin Academy in standardized testing. Pioneer Middle scored a 77% proficiency in math, a 75% proficiency in English, and a 55% proficiency in science while Franklin Academy scored a 69% proficiency in math, a 73% proficiency in English, and a 58% proficiency in science.
Both schools received mixed reviews on greatschools.org. However, one Pioneer Middle parent said, “Excellent school. My daughter loves going to Pioneer. She's a gifted student and loves the challenge. The teachers care. The gifted program does come with a lot of homework but that's understandable.”
To read more parent testimonials and explore these schools more in-depth, be sure to visit their individual websites and go to greatschools.org. Remember that you can also check out other middle schools in some of our other city profiles like Pembroke Pines which has its highly-rated public charter school system along with other Broward County public schools.
High Schools in Cooper City
The only public high school in Cooper City is Cooper City High School. However, don’t worry because Cooper City High is a great school, and you always can explore other options in different cities.
Greatschools.org rates Cooper City High an 8/10, and it receives an “A” from the FDOE’s school accountability report. Cooper City High also earned the College Success Award for its efforts in preparing students for college and later careers in 2018 and 2019.
In terms of standardized testing, Cooper City High performs well, exceeding the state standard in every measured subject. Cooper City High scored a 72% proficiency in geometry, an 85% proficiency in U.S. history, and a 79% proficiency in biology.
Cooper City High was also ranked in the U.S News and World Report for the best high schools in the United States. Out of data from about 24,000 schools, Cooper City High ranked #1,551.
Cooper City High was also highly praised by parents. One Cooper City High parent said, “My son graduated from cchs. The experience was amazing; the teachers are always involved and making sure students' needs are met academically no matter what. They go above and beyond to help them.”
To find out more about Cooper City High, be sure to check out its website and go to greatschools.org to read additional parent testimonials. You can also check out our other city profiles to find out more about high schools in the surrounding areas.
For more information about each of these schools’ COVID-19 protocols, check out the Broward County public school website. Also, visit greatschools.org or niche.com for additional parent testimonials and to explore any other Doral schools in more depth. And to see the criteria for Florida Department of Education ratings, go to their website. Note that all quotes listed above come from parent reviews at greatschools.org.
Cooper City Community
Get involved and learn more about Cooper City’s community
If you’re considering moving to Cooper City, consider learning more about the community and how you can get involved. The first step to becoming a part of the community anywhere is to educate yourself about it, and Cooper City exemplifies this value.
In Cooper City, the mayor and four elected city commissioners act as the city’s legislative body, and all have equal voting power. But the mayor acts as the official head of the city, representing the city on state and federal levels. Both the mayor and each of the city commissioners serve four-year terms and cannot serve more than three terms. Day-to-day functions of the city are overseen and managed by the city manager who is appointed by the city commission and the mayor.
The current Cooper City Mayor Greg Ross has lived in Broward County since 1977 when he first moved to Florida to attend law school at Nova Southeastern University. Ross has been mayor of Cooper City since 2012 and is fulfilling his third and final term after being reelected in 2020. However, Ross has been involved in the Cooper City municipal government since 2002, having served on the Cooper City Planning & Zoning Board and as Cooper City’s Special Magistrate. In addition to his involvement in Cooper City, Ross was also elected as President of the Broward League of Cities in 2016, and he currently is on the Board of Directors for the Florida League of Cities.
For more information about Ross or any of the other city commissioners, check out the city’s website for their contact information. To get more involved in the Cooper City community, make sure to attend commission meetings and frequently contact the city commissioners to stay informed. Commission meetings usually occur on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month and are hosted virtually. To find out how you can participate virtually and see the upcoming schedule of meetings, check out the city’s website.
To stay updated on Cooper City news and to discover how you can get more involved with the community, read the Cooper City weekly newsletter. The Cooper City weekly newsletter informs residents of various volunteer opportunities and COVID-19 friendly events happening in the community each week.
Cooper City Real Estate:
Find the best Cooper City realtor near you
Imagine spending your days relaxing in a quaint, South Florida community. The weather’s ideal. You can play golf all year round, and your kids go to a good school and play in the city’s little league. Sound like your type of place? Maybe you’re thinking of making the move to Cooper City? Contact the best Cooper City realtors, the AV Home Experts with Keller Williams Realty. They can help you find a home in your price range in this lovely community. For more information about Cooper City or houses for sale in Cooper City, give them a call at (305)-680-3268 or contact them through their website.
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