If you’re curious about living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, you’ve come to the right place. In this article I’ll walk you through everything I cover in my quick 10-minute walkthrough video — and then expand on it with practical tips, neighborhood guidance, lifestyle notes, and the local realities people ask me about most. Whether you’re relocating from up north, downsizing for retirement, or moving here for work, this guide will show you what to expect when considering living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Overview of Fort Lauderdale
• Real Estate in Fort Lauderdale
• Things To Do in Fort Lauderdale
• Education in Fort Lauderdale
• Job Market in Fort Lauderdale
• Transportation in Fort Lauderdale
• Shopping & Dining in Fort Lauderdale
• Wrap Up
• Practical tips for a smooth move
• FAQs About Living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Final thoughts

Introduction

Living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida offers a unique blend of beach-town sun and year-round urban conveniences. Known as the "Venice of America" for its extensive inland waterways, Fort Lauderdale is a coastal hub with a cosmopolitan feel — international visitors, great restaurants, boating culture, and walkable downtown pockets. If you want a city that feels connected to Miami and Palm Beach but isn’t Miami, living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is often the compromise people choose.

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Overview of Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale sits along Florida’s Atlantic coast as the largest city in Broward County and the 10th largest city in Florida. As of 2023 the city population tops roughly 179,000 spread over about 36 square miles — a comfortable mid-size coastal city with a population density that supports both urban amenities and beachside calm.

Key stats that matter if you're thinking about living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:

• Population: ~179,000 (2023)
• Beaches: 7 miles of public coastline along the city
• Waterways: ~165 miles of canals, 50,000 registered yachts, and about 100 marinas
• Climate: average year-round temperature ≈ 75°F (25°C) and >3,000 sunlight hours annually

Fort Lauderdale’s location is a major advantage. It’s ~30 miles north of Miami and ~30 minutes south of Boca Raton, positioning the city as a central spot in South Florida — close to big-city entertainment and international flights without the constant frenzy of Miami. That makes living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida appealing for commuters and those who want access to wider South Florida resources.

One reality to keep in mind: South Florida gets very busy (and crowded) from October through April. Snowbirds and tourists flood in to escape winter up north. If you prefer quieter months, consider off-season planning for moves or visits.

How the city scores on lifestyle metrics

Niche.com gives Fort Lauderdale an overall grade of A- on lifestyle metrics, with highlights and gaps that are worth knowing before deciding on living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Strengths include outdoor activities (A) and weather (A). Areas to watch include housing (C-) and crime and safety (C). For retirees, Fort Lauderdale ranks highly — top five cities to retire in America in Niche’s evaluation.

Real Estate in Fort Lauderdale

The Fort Lauderdale real estate market shifted significantly since around 2016 when developers realized there was demand for luxury living on a coastline that was more affordable than Miami and Palm Beach. That growth has brought luxury oceanfront condos and a resurgence of downtown projects while also supporting a healthy single-family home market in established neighborhoods.

Luxury developments to know

Recent notable projects include:

• Four Seasons – oceanfront residences
• The Wave on Bayshore
• Addison Residences
• 160 Marina Bay
• 100 Las Olas — a newer luxury downtown condo

These buildings cater to buyers who want concierge services, upscale finishes, private docks, and premium locations close to the water. If luxury living is your primary goal, these are the addresses people consider first when thinking about living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Single-family neighborhoods worth exploring

Fort Lauderdale has distinct neighborhoods each offering different lifestyles — golf-country club living, historic charm, waterfront yachting neighborhoods, and family-oriented suburbs. Here are my top five favorites:

• Coral Ridge — eastern Fort Lauderdale, country-club style living with golf and tennis, waterfront contemporary homes, ocean-view condos, and townhomes.
• Coral Ridge visual:
• Coral Ridge image alternate:
• Cedar Hammock — established in 1916, southern charm, historic homes with wraparound porches and mature oak trees. (Note: transcript called it "Cah Hammock" — neighborhood names often vary; research the exact neighborhood name when house hunting.)
• Victoria Park — east Fort Lauderdale, 1930s-era “old Florida” feel with lovingly restored historic homes and a hip small-town ambiance.
• Rio Vista — affluent, south of downtown, prime for yachting, private docks, and large waterfront estates.
• Imperial Point — northeast area built in the 1960s, community-oriented with good parks, low crime, and strong schools.

While each neighborhood offers benefits, higher desirability means higher prices. If you’re serious about living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, decide which lifestyle (waterfront, historic, family-friendly, or more urban) matters most before starting your search.

Things To Do in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is built for life outdoors and on the water. With 165 miles of canals and a culture centered around boating and beach life, living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida feels like being on vacation even on a weekday.

Top waterfront and outdoor experiences

• Take a water taxi to hop between bars and restaurants along the Intracoastal.
• Hop on Carrie B for celebrity-home sight-seeing boat tours.
• Sun-bathe, surf, or take part in public beach events at Fort Lauderdale Beach — from beach yoga to sea turtle hatchings.
• Attend the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show — one of the biggest yacht shows worldwide.
• Visit Port Everglades or take a cruise — the port is one of the world’s busiest.

Family-friendly and adventurous outings

• Extreme Action Park — ropes courses, go-karts, and family fun.
• Dolphin World — aquatic experiences and shows.
• Museum of Discovery and Science — hands-on exhibits that kids love.
• Everglades airboat tours — fast, exciting, and a true South Florida experience.

Events and culture

Fort Lauderdale hosts popular events like the Tortuga Music Festival and has a thriving performing-arts scene at the Broward Center. The historic Stranahan House Museum offers a window into the city’s past — a must-see for locals who want to learn Fort Lauderdale’s history.

Education in Fort Lauderdale

Families moving here will be glad to know that Fort Lauderdale has strong school options, both public and private. If education is a top priority for your move, living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida provides several standout choices depending on whether you prefer private colleges, public magnet programs, or traditional public schools.

Top schools and programs

• Pine Crest School — one of Florida’s top private schools (academics and athletics).
• College Academy at Broward College — a public college-prep option with a strong track record (99% graduation rate reported).
• Highly rated elementary schools: Bayview Elementary, Harbordale Elementary, Floranada Elementary, and Virginia Shuman Young Elementary (each rated 8+/10 by GreatSchools).

Additionally, Broward College and several community college and vocational options provide adult education and continuing education near the city. If you plan on moving with kids, always verify current ratings, school boundaries, and program availability when house-hunting — these can change year to year.

Job Market in Fort Lauderdale

Job seekers will find Fort Lauderdale’s unemployment numbers favorable (about 3% at the time of the video). The economy is diverse, but tourism and hospitality remain major drivers thanks to the beaches, marinas, and cruise port. If you’re moving here for work, living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida can offer opportunities across several sectors.

Major employers and sectors

• Corporate headquarters: AutoNation, Hotwire Communications, Citrix Systems, Spirit Airlines, and others in the region.
• Health care providers form about 10% of the local workforce.
• Growing sectors: Technology, manufacturing, global logistics, and financial services — supported by the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.

Broward County’s business climate has been ranked very favorable for mid-sized metros — an indicator that if you’re moving to the area for work or to build a business, there’s local support and a good economic environment.

Transportation in Fort Lauderdale

Most residents own cars, but Fort Lauderdale has solid public-transit options that make it possible to get around without a vehicle depending on where you live. For those considering living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, transportation choices are plentiful.

Major transit options

• Broward County Transit (BCT) — nearly 400 buses on 42 routes that connect Fort Lauderdale to Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
• Tri-Rail — commuter rail service linking West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami for faster inter-city travel.
• Brightline — a privately-run express rail with a luxury experience connecting Miami and Orlando, stopping in Fort Lauderdale.
• Airports — Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport for domestic and international flights and Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport for smaller-scale domestic travel.
• Cruise port — Port Everglades is one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, making Fort Lauderdale a popular departure point for cruises.

Commuters who work in Miami or Palm Beach can leverage rail options, while locals benefit from comprehensive bus routes. If you enjoy occasional travel, the proximity to major airports and Brightline gives Fort Lauderdale an edge over smaller coastal towns.

Shopping & Dining in Fort Lauderdale

One of the joys of living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is how easy it is to find great food and entertainment without driving far. Las Olas Boulevard downtown is the core for boutiques, galleries, and restaurants. The city has everything from classic seafood houses to inventive new bakeries and cool craft breweries.

Restaurants and local favorites

• Foxy Brown — beloved for brunch: donut holes, banana bread, grilled cheese, and their Barnyard frittata.
• Louie Bossi — excellent Italian on Las Olas; house-made pasta and solid wine list.
• Boatyard — known for charred octopus and fresh catches like grilled swordfish.
• Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar — large tequila selection and tableside guacamole.
• Chill and Nitrogen Ice Cream — inventive nitrogen-made flavors like cake batter and dulce de leche.

Breweries and nightlife

Fort Lauderdale’s craft beer scene is growing. Visit LauderAle (dog-friendly), Khoffner Brewing for seasonal events, and Tarpon River Brewing for a low-key evening. Nightlife ranges from casual beachfront bars to music venues and upscale bottle-service clubs like YOLO and Blue Martini. Downtown clubs like Club Euro regularly feature high-energy nights and guest DJs.

Wrap Up

So, what’s the bottom line about living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida? It’s a coastal city that balances beach life, boating culture, and growing urban amenities. The city is an excellent fit for:

• People who want beaches and boating close to home.
• Buyers wanting luxury condos with waterfront views without Miami price tags in some cases.
• Families seeking quality schools and community neighborhoods.
• Professionals who prefer a mid-size metro with good access to Miami and Palm Beach.

On the flip side, be prepared for higher-than-average living costs (about 17% above the U.S. average) and seasonal crowds from October through April. As with any move, prioritize what matters most to you — is it weather, walkability, schools, boating access, or nightlife? The better you can rank your priorities, the faster you’ll find the right neighborhood and home.

Practical tips for a smooth move

When planning your move to Fort Lauderdale, keep these practical tips in mind:

1. Schedule home tours off-peak if possible — winter months are the busiest.
2. Research hurricane preparedness and insurance costs — waterfront properties can carry higher premiums.
3. Check school boundaries early if you have children; catchment areas change.
4. If you depend on public transit, choose neighborhoods close to Tri-Rail or Brightline stations.
5. Work with a local agent (yes, feel free to reach out to me) who can advise on flood zones, HOA fees, and boat-slip availability.

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FAQs About Living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Is living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida expensive?

Compared to the national average, living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is about 17% more expensive. That said, it’s still generally less expensive than other high-end coastal cities like Palm Beach, San Diego, or Key West. Housing costs vary widely — luxury waterfront condos and prime single-family neighborhoods cost more, while inland areas and older condos are more affordable.

How crowded does Fort Lauderdale get?

Very. The city experiences a significant population influx from October through April, commonly referred to as "snowbird season." If you don’t like crowds, plan visits or moving logistics for the summer or shoulder seasons.

Is Fort Lauderdale safe?

Safety varies by neighborhood. Niche.com rates crime and safety as a C for Fort Lauderdale, which indicates you should research specific neighborhoods. Many neighborhoods like Imperial Point and Coral Ridge are known for lower crime rates, while urban centers require the same awareness you’d have in any city.

Can I live in Fort Lauderdale without a car?

It’s possible in certain neighborhoods (downtown, Las Olas) thanks to walkability and public transit like BCT buses, Tri-Rail, and Brightline. However, most residents own cars. If avoiding a car is important, consider neighborhoods with good transit access and walkability scores.

What neighborhoods are best for families?

For families, Imperial Point, Coral Ridge, and some pockets of Victoria Park offer strong schools, parks, and lower crime rates. If proximity to beaches is a priority, weigh the trade-offs of beachfront noise and tourist traffic versus convenience and views.

How’s the job market in Fort Lauderdale?

The job market is healthy with ~3% unemployment. Tourism and hospitality dominate, but healthcare, logistics, technology, and financial services are solid growth areas. For remote workers or entrepreneurs, Fort Lauderdale provides a pleasant lifestyle paired with business-friendly infrastructure.

Final thoughts

To summarize: living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida is about choosing a lifestyle that blends the water with city comforts. You get beautiful beaches, exceptional boating culture, a growing luxury condo market, lively dining and nightlife, and strong school and job options. It’s not perfect — higher costs and seasonal crowds are real — but for many people the pros outweigh the cons.

If you want help narrowing down neighborhoods, comparing properties, or lining up school info and neighborhood safety statistics, feel free to reach out to me at 561-962-2865 . I work with people moving next week, next month, and next year — and I enjoy helping families and individuals find the right fit for living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.