Living a Beach Lifestyle in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Fort Lauderdale, the “Venice of America," on the southeast coast of Florida, has many miles of white sandy beaches on the barrier island portion of Fort Lauderdale, which is a short drive across one of the many bays that are in this area.

Formerly known as a college spring break mecca, the city has branched out as a high-end destination for boaters and cruise ships. Many wealthy people live here.  Water taxis are an interesting way to get around. Fort Lauderdale is a vital, diverse, and growing city of almost 200,000. 

Where to Retire in Fort Lauderdale and Home Prices

Fort Lauderdale has many retirement housing options including many apartments and communities that are in effect active adult communities.
Real estate prices declined drastically beginning in 2007.  Prices in Ft. Lauderdale are hard to characterize. In the 4th quarter of 2021, the NAR had the Miami/Fort Lauderdale/West Palm Beach area Metro median selling price at $500,000.

What Is Special about Fort Lauderdale

Beautiful white sandy beaches; intricate canal system and waterside living for many; warm weather all winter; average Jan temperature is in the mid-60; many upscale housing opportunities for retirees, including high rise apartments near the beach; Broward Center for the Performing Arts

What Is Not Special about Fort Lauderdale

Crowds and tourists; lots of very wealty people, hurricane season

Climate and Physical Environment

Fort Lauderdale is on the southeast coast of Florida, about 20 miles north of Miami. It is flat with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Everglades well to the west. Ft. Lauderdale is one of America's warmest cities in winter - in summer it rains briefly almost every day.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Fort Lauderdale’s has many artists and galleries in residence. • Mark K. Wheeler Gallery at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. • Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale  • Museum of Discovery and Science •  Bienes Museum of the Modern Book •Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum • More than 4000 restaurants and nightclubs •  Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Center

Crime

Fort Lauderdale's crime rate is above the national average.

Medical Facilities

There are at least 4 hospitals and even more medical centers in Fort Lauderdale.

Transportation

Several railroads pass through Fort Lauderdale. Amtrak provides passenger service and Tri-Rail provides commuter service from through Broward County/Fort Lauderdale, and into Miami-Dade County. Virgin Trains USA operates the Brightline train with service between Miami and West Palm Beach - Orlando will be connected in 2021. The MiamiCentral station connects to Metro Rail and the Tri Rail. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the country, an emerging international gateway. Port Everglades is the nation's second busiest cruise ship port. You can take the water taxi downtown from many places.

Valuable Links

Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale on Wikipedia

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