Fort Lauderdale 81 Exceptional
Fort Lauderdale Livability #79 ranked city in Florida#1,119 ranked city in the USARanks better than 96% of areas

Fort Lauderdale, FL - The Venice of America

Fort Lauderdale, FL, known as "The Venice of America," is famous for its extensive canal system and vibrant lifestyle. Located in southeastern Florida, Fort Lauderdale is approximately 25 miles north of Miami and 40 miles south of West Palm Beach. This medium-sized city offers a unique blend of urban amenities and waterfront living, making it a highly desirable place to reside.

Fort Lauderdale's climate features hot, humid summers and mild winters, ideal for enjoying outdoor activities year-round. The city boasts numerous parks and recreational areas, such as the scenic Hugh Taylor Birch State Park and the expansive Fort Lauderdale Beach Park, which offer hiking, biking, and opportunities for water sports.

The cultural scene in Fort Lauderdale is dynamic, with attractions like the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, the NSU Art Museum, and the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The city hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, including the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and the Las Olas Art Fair, which draw visitors and residents alike.

Education is a priority in Fort Lauderdale, with institutions like Broward College and Nova Southeastern University providing higher education opportunities. The city's public and private schools are highly regarded, making Fort Lauderdale an attractive place for families. The presence of major healthcare institutions, such as the Broward Health Medical Center, also supports a strong job market.

Living in Fort Lauderdale combines the benefits of urban living with the charm of a coastal community. Residents enjoy access to top-notch healthcare facilities, diverse dining options, and a range of housing choices. The city's efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Sun Trolley, makes commuting and exploring the area convenient. With its cultural richness, excellent amenities, and welcoming atmosphere, Fort Lauderdale offers a dynamic and fulfilling living experience.

Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Lauderdale

PROS
  • Amenities

    The area boasts an ample array of local amenities, such as restaurants, entertainment options, grocery stores and parks, all conveniently located within walking distance.

  • Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Ratings

    Locals express favorable opinions about the proximity of everyday local amenities, parks, public transit, neighborly atmosphere, strong sense of community and the general safety of the area.

CONS
  • Nothing Found

    There are no cons identified for this area, as none of the categories received a poor score.

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What's it like Living in Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is a medium-sized city located in the state of Florida. The city has a population of 181,818 inhabitants. Fort Lauderdale has a population density of 5,257 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. All the single ladies and all the single fellas might want to take notice as only 43% of the Fort Lauderdale population is married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Fort Lauderdale, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 27 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida could be a good experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, commute, education, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Fort Lauderdale and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Fort Lauderdale to Florida and the national average.

Using data and statistics Fort Lauderdale has received a livability score of 76 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 90th percentile when compared to all other cities. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Fort Lauderdale could be a great choice! Another exciting tidbit, is that Fort Lauderdale ranks better than 90% of all US cities! If we dig a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Fort Lauderdale has higher than average scores for the following: amenities (A+), education (B), employment (B-) and housing (B). The bad news for Fort Lauderdale, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: crime (F) and cost of living (D).

Fort Lauderdale has many conveniently situated amenities and captivating attractions that adds to the continuous enjoyment of your everyday life. Having the assurance of abundant conveniences and a wide array of activities ensures your easy access to nearby grocery stores, restaurants, bars, fitness facilities, coffee shops and exciting entertainment options. This not only simplifies daily routines but also fosters a vibrant and dynamic lifestyle within the community. With a wealth of resources at your fingertips, you can savor the convenience and variety that Fort Lauderdale has to offer, making it a desirable destination for those seeking both accessibility and enjoyment in their daily lives. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Fort Lauderdale: Las Olas Boulevard, Las Olas Boulevard, and Jungle Queen Riverboat.

Finding affordable real estate and housing in Fort Lauderdale can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.

Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Fort Lauderdale is real estate affordability. The median home price for Fort Lauderdale homes is $350,900, which is 110.4% higher than the Florida average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Fort Lauderdale, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 5.5, which is 61.8% higher than the Florida average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Fort Lauderdale

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Fort Lauderdale?

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Compare Fort Lauderdale, FL Livability

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      Fort Lauderdale transportation information

      Statistic Fort Lauderdale Florida National
      Average one way commute27min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work75.2%79.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.2%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit3.4%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.8%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk1.7%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home8.4%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Fort Lauderdale, FL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).