Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach is a classic Florida beach town.
The relatively small city is known for its sandy beaches and quiet way of life compared to Miami, Fort Lauderdale and other cities along Florida’s Atlantic coastline.
Deerfield Beach is a “Blue Wave” beach with very nice golden sand and clear blue water.
Underwater Camera
Live Beach Cam
Location
The City of Deerfield Beach includes land on the Florida mainland, and a beachfront section, on a narrow barrier island.
History
Deerfield Beach is located on Florida’s east coast, in Broward County. It sits south of Boca Raton and north of Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
The history of Deerfield Beach dates back to the late 1800s, when the first settlers arrived in the area. It was initially known for its lush natural surroundings, including swamps, pine groves, and nearby Hillsboro River.
In 1898, a post office was established in Deerfield, named after the deer that roamed the Hillsboro River area. The community began to grow with the expansion of the Florida East Coast Railroad by Henry M. Flagler in the late 19th century.
By 1925, the town was officially incorporated as the Town of Deerfield. In 1939, the town’s name was changed to Deerfield Beach, and its population continued to increase, driven in part by tourism along its scenic oceanfront.
The post-World War II era brought a surge in tourism, leading to the development of hotels, motels and resorts along the shoreline.
In 1951, the town’s name was changed to the City of Deerfield Beach as its economy shifted from agriculture to a more diversified one, including tourism, distribution, manufacturing, and office industries. The city continues to thrive with a growing population. The city hosts a variety of events and recreational programs; it is a vibrant community in south Florida.
The US Census estimated the population of Deerfield Beach to be 86,772 as of July 1, 2022. The population in 2010 was 75,018.
Things to Do
- Beautiful beaches
- International Fishing Pier and Boardwalk
- Quiet Waters Park, Deerfield Island Park and others
- Shopping and local boutiques
- Deerfield Beach Arboretum
- Surfing, fishing and watersports
Pros and Cons of Deerfield Beach
Deerfield Beach is a lovely community, but like any place, it does have some downsides.
Pros
- Beautiful beaches
- Access to outdoors and water recreation
- Access to south Florida with a quiet way of life
- Beautiful weather for much of the year
Cons
- Hot, humid summer weather
- Vulnerability to hurricanes
- High cost of living
- Low wages and limited job market
- Relatively few things to do compared to other areas
I personally love Deerfield Beach and always look forward to going back. I’ve always enjoyed my stays there. It’s just a lovely, low-key beach town!
