Sunrise / Metropica District

Sunrise / Metropica District

A growing urban node in west Broward, Metropica and its surroundings merge modern high-rises with shopping, dining, and Sawgrass Mills proximity. Buyers include professionals and international investors seeking affordability and convenience. Lifestyle is suburban-urban hybrid, connected, and evolving. Prices: $400K–$1.5M+.

Broward County

Explore Sunrise condos and residences for sale in the Metropica District, an ambitious mixed-use development rising near Sawgrass Mills Mall and the BB&T Center (now Amerant Bank Arena). Sunrise, long known as a suburban city west of Fort Lauderdale, has evolved into a shopping, sports, and entertainment hub. The Metropica District represents its next phase: […]

Interesting Facts

  • Metropica scale: A $1.5B+ master plan with eight residential towers, office, retail, parks, and dining in a 65-acre community.
  • Global buyers: Early towers at Metropica attracted international investors, especially from Latin America.
  • Shopping magnet: Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the U.S., drawing 40M+ visitors annually.
  • Sports & concerts: The Amerant Bank Arena is home to the NHL’s Florida Panthers and major concerts.
  • Eco-edge: Sunrise borders the Everglades Conservation Area, offering quick escapes into Florida’s natural wetlands.
  • Young city: Sunrise was incorporated in 1961; Metropica is redefining it for the 21st century.
  • Transit growth: Sunrise is positioned near I-75, I-595, and Sawgrass Expressway, connecting Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach.

History

Sunrise began as a 1960s suburban development (famously launched with Norman Johnson’s “upside-down house” to attract buyers). It grew rapidly with single-family communities, malls, and the Sawgrass arena. In the 2010s, the city partnered with developers to create Metropica, a visionary urban district that would give Sunrise its first vertical skyline and transform it into a walkable, mixed-use hub. Today, Metropica anchors Sunrise’s reinvention from suburbia to global destination living.

Lifestyle Snapshot

Life in Sunrise / Metropica is suburban convenience meets urban ambition. Residents enjoy the outlet shopping, sports, concerts, and international dining at Sawgrass Mills, while Metropica offers modern towers, rooftop pools, gyms, co-working, and landscaped plazas. Unlike Miami’s coastal neighborhoods, this is a west-Broward lifestyle with easy access to both Everglades nature and big-city culture.

Why Live in Sunrise / Metropica District

Wake up in a glass condo tower, sip coffee overlooking the suburban skyline, shop at Sawgrass, catch an NHL game or concert, then dine at a Latin-inspired restaurant steps from home. For buyers, Sunrise / Metropica offers brand-new residences, affordability compared to the coast, and urban-style amenities in a suburban setting.

Why Buyers Choose Sunrise / Metropica District

Master-planned community

Metropica delivers a true live-work-play lifestyle.

New construction

Sleek towers with high-tech amenities.

Shopping & dining

Sawgrass Mills is a global destination.

Sports & entertainment

NHL arena + concerts within minutes.

Connectivity

Quick highway access to Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach.

Nature nearby

Everglades parks and trails minutes west.

What to Consider

Not beachfront
Nearest ocean access is ~25–30 minutes east.
Still developing
Metropica is mid-build; construction ongoing.
Suburban surroundings
Beyond the district, Sunrise is more spread-out suburban than urban.
HOA fees
Expect higher dues in Metropica for resort-style amenities.
Resale market
Long-term appreciation tied to Metropica’s success.

New Construction & Pre-Construction

One Metropica — First completed tower; modern condos with resort amenities. Future Metropica towers — More phases planned with expanded retail and residences. Surrounding growth — Boutique townhomes, apartments, and hotels rising around Sawgrass corridor.

Places to Go & Things to Do

Sawgrass Mills Mall
Outlet shopping, luxury brands, dining, entertainment.
Amerant Bank Arena
Florida Panthers hockey + concerts and shows.
Metropica Plazas
Dining, cafés, wellness, and retail.
Markham Park & Everglades
Mountain biking, shooting range, kayaking, and trails.
BB&T Sculpture Garden & City Civic Center
Local arts and events.
Nearby hubs: Weston (family luxury suburb), Plantation (corporate + retail), Fort Lauderdale (beach + downtown).

Places to Go & Things to Do

Sawgrass Mills Mall — Outlet shopping, luxury brands, dining, entertainment.
Amerant Bank Arena — Florida Panthers hockey + concerts and shows.
Metropica Plazas — Dining, cafés, wellness, and retail.
Markham Park & Everglades — Mountain biking, shooting range, kayaking, and trails.
BB&T Sculpture Garden & City Civic Center — Local arts and events.
Nearby hubs: Weston (family luxury suburb), Plantation (corporate + retail), Fort Lauderdale (beach + downtown).

Practical Tips

  • Car needed Metropica is more walkable than Sunrise at large, but cars remain essential.
  • Traffic flow Sawgrass Expressway & Sunrise Blvd. can jam during peak mall/arena hours.
  • Buy early Pre-construction pricing in Metropica phases offers investor upside.
  • Rental rules Some towers investor-friendly; confirm STR/seasonal leasing policies.
  • Lifestyle balance Suburban quiet vs. district nightlife/events.

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.

Who Loves Living in Sunrise / Metropica District?

  • Young professionals wanting affordability + new construction.
  • Families drawn to suburban schools and parks.
  • Investors targeting pre-construction pricing in Metropica.
  • International buyers who prefer mall + arena convenience over beachfront.
  • Commuters needing central Broward access to Miami and Palm Beach.

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 is better known for its shopping, entertainment, and sports venues than for celebrity homeowners, though Metropica’s modern luxury towers have started attracting young professionals and investors.

02

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

Condos generally start around $500K–$700K, with luxury residences averaging $800K–$1.5M, and penthouses or high-floor units in new developments reaching $2M–$3M+.

03

Does Metropica allow short-term rentals?

Some flexibility exists; rules vary by tower.

04

How do HOA fees compare?

Higher than typical suburban condos, but include resort-level services.

05

Do you need a car?

Yes — although Metropica is walkable inside, cars are essential for daily life.

06

What new projects are coming?

Additional Metropica towers, expanded plazas, and regional development around Sawgrass corridor.

Location

Similar neighborhoods

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Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale — Cultural venues and waterfront paths.
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show — Global yachting event.
Intracoastal cruising — Water taxis and private yachts glide through canals.
Fort Lauderdale Beach — Steps from Las Olas Oceanside.
Broward Center for the Performing Arts — Theater, concerts, ballet.
PGA National Resort & Spa — Home of the Honda Classic and five championship golf courses.
The Gardens Mall — Luxury retail anchored by designer boutiques and fine dining.
Downtown Palm Beach Gardens — Open-air shopping and dining center with live music and a movie theater.
Juno Beach Pier — Surfing, fishing, and casual beach days.
Palm Beach Gardens GreenMarket — Local produce, flowers, and artisan foods.
Frenchman’s Creek & Old Palm clubs — Exclusive enclaves with private golf, tennis, dining, and spa services.
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Miracle Mile — Shopping, dining, and the historic Miracle Theatre.
Venetian Pool — Historic 1924 swimming pool built from a coral rock quarry.
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University of Miami — Cultural, athletic, and educational hub.
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Hollywood Beach Broadwalk — Iconic promenade with cafés, bike rentals, and ocean views.
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort — Dining, live music, rooftop bar, and pools.
Diplomat Beach Resort — Luxury resort with restaurants and spa.
Charnow Park — Family-friendly green space with playgrounds and splash pads.
Anne Kolb Nature Center — Mangrove trails, kayaking, and observation tower.
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Downtown Hollywood (nearby) — ArtsPark, murals, dining, and nightlife just minutes away.
North Beach Bandshell — Outdoor cultural venue hosting concerts, films, and community events.
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Collins Avenue dining — Cuban cafés, Argentine bakeries, Italian trattorias, and new-wave bistros.
Miami Beach Beachwalk — Continuous pedestrian/bike path running south through Mid-Beach and South Beach.
Local vibe — Farmer’s markets, yoga in the park, and community festivals.
Peanut Island Park — Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and history tours of the JFK bunker.
Marina Village — Dining, events, and boat rentals along the Intracoastal.
Blue Heron Bridge (Phil Foster Park) — A world-renowned dive/snorkel site.
Riviera Beach Marina — Launch point for fishing charters and Bahamas ferries.
Port of Palm Beach — Gateway for cruises and shipping.
Cultural festivals — Annual music, food, and Caribbean heritage events.
Morningside Park — Kayaking, tennis, and bayfront sunsets.
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Blue Collar — Comfort food cult favorite.
Andiamo Pizza — Brick-oven pies in a retro gas station.
Upper Buena Vista (nearby) — Bohemian outdoor retail + dining.
MiMo Boulevard — Boutique hotels, cocktail lounges, and art galleries.