Coral Springs, officially chartered July 10, 1963, is a city in Broward County, Florida, United States, approximately 20 miles (32 km) northwest of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to the U.S. Census Bureau estimates of 2007, the city had a population of 126,875.The city was master-planned and primarily developed by WCI Communities, then known as Coral Ridge Properties, a division of Westinghouse. The city's name is derived from the company's name, and was selected after several earlier proposals had been considered and rejected.During the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, the young city grew rapidly, adding over 35,000 residents each decade. Coral Springs has a distinctive atmosphere among South Florida cities, due in part to its stringent codes designed to maintain the city's aesthetic appeal. The city government's effective fiscal management has maintained high bond ratings, and the city has won accolades for its overall livability, its low crime rate, and its family-friendly orientation.