Sunrise / Metropica District

Sunrise / Metropica District

Metropica and the surrounding Sunrise area combine newer residential development with major shopping, entertainment, employment, and transportation corridors in western Broward County. Metropica is planned as a mixed-use district with residential towers, retail, dining, recreation, and public spaces, while nearby Sawgrass Mills and the Amerant Bank Arena anchor one of the region’s largest commercial and entertainment destinations. The area blends contemporary higher-density development with the broader suburban landscape of Sunrise. Prices: typically $400K–$1.5M+, depending on building, residence size, condition, amenities, and current inventory.

Broward County

Explore Sunrise condos and residences for sale in the Metropica District, an ambitious mixed-use development near Sawgrass Mills and Amerant Bank Arena. Sunrise has evolved into a major shopping, sports, and entertainment hub, while the Metropica District represents its next phase with urban-style towers, walkable plazas, dining, retail, and contemporary amenities.

Interesting Facts

  • Metropica district: Metropica is a large master-planned mixed-use development in Sunrise designed to combine residential towers, offices, retail, dining, parks, and public spaces.
  • Mixed-use vision: Residential development is being integrated with walkable streets, landscaped areas, shopping, dining, recreation, and other urban-style amenities.
  • Shopping destination: Nearby Sawgrass Mills is one of the largest retail and outlet shopping destinations in the United States.
  • Sports & concerts: Amerant Bank Arena is home to the NHL’s Florida Panthers and hosts concerts, entertainment, and major events throughout the year.
  • Everglades edge: Sunrise is located near the Everglades and extensive conservation lands along western Broward County.
  • City history: Sunrise was incorporated in 1961 and has grown into a major residential, commercial, shopping, and entertainment center in western Broward County.
  • Regional connectivity: I-75, I-595, the Sawgrass Expressway, and other major roadways connect Sunrise with destinations throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties.

History

Sunrise began developing rapidly during the 1960s as a planned suburban community, famously promoted with developer Norman Johnson’s upside-down house as an attention-getting sales attraction. Over the following decades, the city expanded with single-family neighborhoods, commercial centers, Sawgrass Mills, office development, and the arena now known as Amerant Bank Arena. In the 2010s, planning and development began on Metropica, a major mixed-use district designed to introduce a more urban combination of residential towers, retail, offices, hospitality, and public spaces near Sawgrass Mills. Today, Metropica represents an important part of Sunrise’s continuing evolution from a predominantly suburban city toward a more diverse mix of residential, commercial, entertainment, and mixed-use development.

Lifestyle Snapshot

Life in Sunrise and Metropica combines suburban convenience with an evolving urban environment. Sawgrass Mills and the surrounding district provide extensive shopping, dining, sports, concerts, and entertainment, while Metropica introduces contemporary residential towers, pools, fitness facilities, co-working spaces, landscaped plazas, and mixed-use amenities. Parks and recreational facilities are located throughout Sunrise, with the Everglades and natural areas extending immediately west of the city. Unlike Miami’s coastal neighborhoods, Sunrise offers a distinctly western Broward setting combining major entertainment and shopping destinations with residential communities, open space, and newer mixed-use development.

Why Live in Sunrise / Metropica District

Sunrise and Metropica combine contemporary residential development with major shopping, entertainment, recreation, and suburban convenience. Mornings might begin with skyline views from a modern condominium, while afternoons offer shopping and dining at Sawgrass Mills, parks, fitness, or recreation throughout western Broward. Evenings can bring an NHL game or concert at Amerant Bank Arena, restaurants, or entertainment nearby. For buyers exploring Sunrise and Metropica real estate—especially new construction—the area offers modern residences, resort-style amenities, mixed-use development, and convenient access to major highways, entertainment destinations, and the Everglades.

Why Buyers Choose Sunrise / Metropica District

Master-planned development

Metropica combines residences, retail, dining, offices, recreation, and public spaces within a large mixed-use district.

New construction

Contemporary residential towers feature modern architecture, technology, pools, fitness facilities, resident lounges, and other amenities.

Shopping & dining

Sawgrass Mills and surrounding commercial districts provide extensive retail, restaurants, and entertainment.

Sports & entertainment

Amerant Bank Arena hosts NHL games, concerts, and major events nearby.

Connectivity

I-75, I-595, Sawgrass Expressway, and other major roads provide connections to Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Palm Beach County, and surrounding destinations.

Nature nearby

Everglades recreation areas, parks, trails, and natural landscapes are accessible just west of Sunrise.

What to Consider

Not beachfront
Metropica is inland, so Atlantic beaches in the Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, and surrounding coastal areas require travel east.
Phased development
Metropica continues to develop in stages, so buyers should expect ongoing construction and should review current completion status, approved plans, future phases, and anticipated surrounding uses.
Lower-density surroundings
Outside the immediate Metropica and Sawgrass commercial district, much of Sunrise has a more spread-out development pattern than dense urban areas such as Downtown Fort Lauderdale or Brickell.
HOA costs
Residences with resort-style pools, fitness facilities, staffing, landscaping, common areas, and other amenities may involve substantial association fees.
Evolving resale market
Because Metropica is a multi-phase development, future competing inventory, amenities, views, construction exposure, and surrounding uses may change as additional phases are completed; purchase decisions should be based on current conditions, approved plans, and property-specific financials rather than assumed future appreciation.

New Construction & Pre-Construction

Metropica is a multi-phase master-planned development in Sunrise near the Sawgrass Mills and Amerant Bank Arena area. One Metropica represents the development’s first completed residential tower, with contemporary residences and resort-style amenities. Additional residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use components have been planned for future phases, while the broader Sawgrass corridor continues to add apartments, townhomes, hotels, and commercial development. Because long-term master plans can change in scope, ownership, approvals, and timing, buyers should verify current construction status, approved future phases, developer inventory, amenities, pricing, association fees, rental policies, and delivery information rather than relying on earlier master-plan concepts.

Places to Go & Things to Do

Sawgrass Mills
Major regional shopping and entertainment destination with outlet stores, luxury retailers, restaurants, and services.
Amerant Bank Arena
Home of the Florida Panthers and a major venue for concerts, shows, and other entertainment events.
Metropica commercial areas
Restaurants, cafés, wellness, retail, and other mixed-use components form part of the broader master-planned development, with individual openings and future phases subject to current project status.
Markham Park & Target Range
Large regional park offering mountain biking, boating, camping, trails, sports facilities, model-aircraft activities, and other recreation.
Sunrise Civic Center & cultural facilities
Performing arts, exhibitions, recreation, civic programming, and community events.
Nearby destinations
Weston, Plantation, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Lauderdale Beach provide additional restaurants, shopping, entertainment, parks, business districts, and cultural attractions within the broader area.

Places to Go & Things to Do

Sawgrass Mills — Major regional shopping and entertainment destination with outlet stores, luxury retailers, restaurants, and services.
Amerant Bank Arena — Home of the Florida Panthers and a major venue for concerts, shows, and other entertainment events.
Metropica commercial areas — Restaurants, cafés, wellness, retail, and other mixed-use components form part of the broader master-planned development, with individual openings and future phases subject to current project status.
Markham Park & Target Range — Large regional park offering mountain biking, boating, camping, trails, sports facilities, model-aircraft activities, and other recreation.
Sunrise Civic Center & cultural facilities — Performing arts, exhibitions, recreation, civic programming, and community events.
Nearby destinations — Weston, Plantation, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, and Fort Lauderdale Beach provide additional restaurants, shopping, entertainment, parks, business districts, and cultural attractions within the broader area.

Practical Tips

  • Transportation— Metropica provides pedestrian access among some residential, retail, and entertainment components, while a car may remain useful for many regional trips; compare transportation needs based on the specific residence and routine.
  • Traffic— Sunrise Boulevard, Sawgrass Expressway, mall approaches, and roads surrounding Amerant Bank Arena can experience congestion during commuting periods, shopping peaks, concerts, and sporting events.
  • Development phases— For pre-construction or future Metropica phases, compare current pricing, deposits, construction status, association costs, competing inventory, and project documents rather than assuming early purchase will generate appreciation.
  • Rental rules— Minimum lease terms, rental frequency, tenant approvals, management programs, and short-term or seasonal rental eligibility vary by building and applicable regulations; verify current requirements individually.
  • Location & activity— Evaluate proximity to Sawgrass Mills, Amerant Bank Arena, restaurants, employment centers, parks, major roads, and entertainment based on the specific property.

Top Nearby Schools

Public Schools

Sawgrass Elementary
8/10
Bair Middle
5/10
Plantation High
4/10

Private Schools

American Heritage (Plantation)
  • A+ (PK–12
  • ~15 min)
Pine Crest (Fort Lauderdale)
A+ (~25 min)
Sagemont Preparatory (Weston)
A (~15 min).

Proximity

Airports
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) ~15 mi; Miami (MIA) ~30 mi.
Cruise ports — Port Everglades ~17 mi.
Rail
Brightline Fort Lauderdale ~16 mi; potential future westward expansion.
Beaches
Fort Lauderdale Beach ~25–30 min E.
Key hubs
Weston ~10 min W; Plantation ~10 min E; Downtown Fort Lauderdale ~20 min SE.

Compare Nearby Neighborhoods

Not sure about Sunrise / Metropica? Compare with: Weston — Family-focused luxury suburb. • Plantation — Business + suburban mix. • Downtown Fort Lauderdale — Urban lifestyle. • Aventura — Luxury waterfront + mall access.

FAQ

01

Which celebrities have homes or have lived in Sunrise or the Metropica District?

Sunrise has connections to prominent figures from professional sports, entertainment, and business, particularly through its major sports and entertainment venues, although specific celebrity residences should be distinguished from appearances, professional connections, and the broader western Broward area.

02

What is the typical price range for luxury real estate in Sunrise / Metropica District?

Condominiums and residences span a broad price range, with newer and larger luxury units reaching seven figures.

Pricing varies significantly by building, size, floor, condition, amenities, view, and current inventory, so current listings and comparable sales should be reviewed for the specific property.

03

Does Metropica allow short-term rentals?

Rental eligibility depends on the specific building, condominium documents, minimum lease terms, rental frequency, tenant approval requirements, licensing, and applicable regulations.

Verify current requirements for the specific residence.

04

How do HOA fees compare?

Association fees vary by building and can reflect staffing, amenities, insurance, reserves, maintenance, utilities, recreational facilities, and included services.

Review current budgets, reserves, assessments, insurance, and building-specific obligations individually.

05

Do you need a car?

Metropica is designed as a mixed-use district with residential, retail, dining, and recreational components, while driving, rideshare, cycling, and transit provide access to the broader Sunrise and Broward County area.

06

What new projects are coming?

Metropica is planned as a multi-phase mixed-use development, while the broader Sawgrass corridor continues to see residential, commercial, hospitality, and mixed-use activity.

Verify individual future phases, approvals, construction status, timelines, pricing, and availability.

Location

Similar neighborhoods

Las Olas Boulevard — Fort Lauderdale’s central dining, shopping, gallery, entertainment, and nightlife corridor.
Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale — Waterfront parks, paths, cultural destinations, restaurants, and events along the New River.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts — Theater, concerts, dance, Broadway productions, and other live performances.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale — Modern and contemporary art exhibitions and cultural programming.
Museum of Discovery and Science — Interactive science exhibits, educational programming, and IMAX theater.
Fort Lauderdale Water Taxi — Hop-on, hop-off transportation connecting waterfront districts, restaurants, hotels, and attractions along the city’s waterways.
Fort Lauderdale Beach — Atlantic beachfront, promenade, restaurants, hotels, and recreation approximately two miles east of Downtown.
Bayfront Park — Downtown Miami waterfront park with lawns, walking paths, public art, festivals, concerts, and community programming along Biscayne Bay.
Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) — Modern and contemporary art museum overlooking Biscayne Bay.
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science — Science museum combining aquarium exhibits, a planetarium, and interactive galleries.
Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts — Major performing-arts venue presenting Broadway productions, ballet, opera, concerts, and other live performances.
Kaseya Center — Home of the Miami Heat and a major venue for concerts and entertainment events.
Bayside Marketplace — Open-air waterfront destination with restaurants, shops, entertainment, and sightseeing-boat departures.
Miami Worldcenter — Large mixed-use district adding restaurants, retail, public spaces, residences, hotels, and pedestrian-oriented streets to Downtown Miami.
Coral Ridge Country Club — Golf, tennis, dining, and club amenities.
Coral Ridge Yacht Club — Marina, boating, sailing, dining, and club facilities along the Intracoastal.
The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale — Shopping and dining near Sunrise Boulevard and the Intracoastal.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea — Nearby coastal town with beach access, restaurants, shops, and a walkable town center.
Las Olas Boulevard — Restaurants, shops, galleries, entertainment, and nightlife in central Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale Beach — Atlantic beach, promenade, restaurants, hotels, and waterfront recreation nearby.
Bonnet House Museum & Gardens — Historic estate, gardens, art, exhibitions, and cultural programming near the beach.
North Bay Village waterfront dining — Restaurants and hospitality venues along Biscayne Bay offer skyline, water, and causeway views.
Boating & marinas — Private docks, marina facilities, and Biscayne Bay boating access are available at select properties and waterfront locations.
Miami Beach (nearby) — Beaches, restaurants, shopping, entertainment, and cultural destinations across the causeway.
Miami Design District & Wynwood — Luxury retail, galleries, public art, restaurants, and nightlife within a drive of the village.
Downtown Miami & Edgewater — Museums, performing arts, restaurants, parks, and waterfront destinations south of North Bay Village.
Future waterfront improvements — Public-space, pedestrian, retail, and waterfront components form part of various redevelopment plans; scope, access, approvals, and completion timelines should be verified as individual projects progress.
Dania Beach Pier — Atlantic Ocean pier and beachfront destination for walking, fishing, and sunrise views.
Dr. Von D. Mizell–Eula Johnson State Park — Coastal state park with beaches, paddling, fishing, trails, picnic areas, and natural habitats.
The Casino @ Dania Beach — Gaming and entertainment venue with a long history associated with jai alai.
Federal Highway & Dania Beach commercial areas — Antique stores, specialty shops, restaurants, and local businesses.
Frost Park — Recreation complex with sports facilities and community programming.
Dania Beach Ocean Park — Beach access, pier, waterfront recreation, and nearby dining.
Nearby destinations — Hollywood Beach Broadwalk, Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas, and Aventura are accessible from Dania Beach.
Blowing Rocks Preserve — Protected coastal preserve known for its distinctive limestone shoreline, natural habitats, trails, and conservation programs.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse & Museum (nearby) — Historic lighthouse, museum, trails, and waterfront views at Jupiter Inlet.
Jupiter Island Club — Private golf, racquet, dining, and recreational facilities, with access subject to club membership and guest policies.
Intracoastal & ocean boating — Waterfront properties may provide access toward Jupiter Inlet or St. Lucie Inlet depending on location, dockage, vessel characteristics, and waterway conditions.
Jupiter waterfront dining (nearby) — Restaurants and marina destinations around Jupiter Inlet and the Intracoastal.
Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge — Protected coastal habitat with beach access, wildlife viewing, environmental education, and natural areas.
Aventura Mall — Major luxury shopping and dining destination with designer boutiques, restaurants, entertainment, and public art installations.
JW Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa — Golf, spa, fitness, dining, and resort amenities in the heart of Aventura.
Don Soffer Exercise Trail — Landscaped 3.1-mile paved loop around the Turnberry golf course, popular for walking, running, and cycling.
Aventura Arts & Cultural Center — Waterfront performing-arts venue presenting concerts, theater, dance, comedy, and community programming.
Founders Park — 12-acre city park with athletic fields, tennis, basketball, pickleball, fitness trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, and a splash pad.
Gulfstream Park (nearby) — Horse racing, casino gaming, restaurants, shopping, and entertainment in neighboring Hallandale Beach.
Sunny Isles Beach & Golden Beach — Nearby Atlantic coastline and beach destinations just east of Aventura.
FATVillage — Arts and entertainment district with galleries, creative businesses, restaurants, public art, events, and ongoing mixed-use redevelopment.
Flagler Village cafés & restaurants — Independent coffee shops, restaurants, breweries, and neighborhood businesses throughout the district.
Sistrunk Boulevard & surrounding districts — Dining, cultural destinations, entertainment, and local businesses west of Flagler Village.
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale — Modern and contemporary art exhibitions and cultural programming just south of the neighborhood.
MASS District — Nearby creative district with art, design, events, restaurants, and independent businesses.
Holiday Park — Large nearby recreation area with sports facilities, walking areas, green space, and community amenities.
Las Olas & Riverwalk — Downtown restaurants, galleries, entertainment, waterfront paths, and cultural destinations within easy reach.