Downtown Fort Lauderdale is a centerpiece of South Florida
Fort Lauderdale is a South Florida mainstay for its arts, culture, events and waterways, and the downtown is where to find it all. It's an area where residents live, work and play in the same neighborhood, immersed in a financial district, a buzzing nightlife, entertainment, attractions, restaurants, shops and a scenic riverwalk. “It’s the heart of all the dining, bars and shopping in Fort Lauderdale,” says Joseph Beltrand, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who has been selling homes in South Florida for 15 years. And the city continues to improve. “Downtown Fort Lauderdale is a really big up-and-coming area,” Beltrand says. A new pedestrian area makes it easier than ever to access Las Olas Boulevard, the shopping and dining hub, while new businesses and condos draw more residents to the area. Locals live in upscale high-rise condos and apartments with stellar waterfront views of boats passing by on the New River. They are well positioned for travel, located near Interstate 95 and the airport.
Discover a blend of commercial and residential spaces in the vibrant Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Enjoy the vibrant wall art at Pura Vida restaurant's terrace in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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Outdoor cafes, five-star restaurants on Las Olas
In 2023, Fort Lauderdale completed Tunnel Top Plaza, creating a safer pedestrian area with lush landscaping on Las Olas Boulevard. “It’s really easy for pedestrians to walk between east and west Las Olas Boulevard,” Beltrand says. “Big-name restaurants and bars are opening up on the west side now that it’s connected.” Crossing Southeast 6th Avenue and heading east, locals enter the shopping and dining district, with a long stretch of restaurants, bars, boutiques and art galleries. It’s a destination for various occasions, from breakfast at an outdoor café accommodating pets to a five-star dinner. Rocco’s Tacos serves tacos and margaritas with over 400 varieties of tequila lining the bar. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood serves shellfish, premium steaks and specialty cocktails. Las Olas stays awake late into the night with live music at several venues. Groceries are available less than half a mile from the center of the neighborhood at Publix GreenWise Market and The Fresh Market.
Gather with friends for lunch at Marlin Bar, creating memories in the vibrant ambiance of Downtown.
Outdoor dining in Downtown Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard is a treat and experience.
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Luxury condos for different budgets
The downtown is split between rentals and condominiums, and sales are high, according to Beltrand. “It’s a very busy market, with lots of apartments, a lot of new condos and a lot that have been there for a while – and all very highly sought after,” he says. Most were built between 2000 through today. Prices can fall around $350,000 for a one-bedroom, 800 square-foot condo, over $1 million for a two-bedroom, 2,000 square-foot condo and $5 million for a four-bedroom, 3,900 square-foot condo. They often come with garages to park in and luxury amenities such as balconies with ocean views, doormen, heated pools, concierge services, fitness centers and saunas.
Check out The Grand Tower Las Olas which stands tall in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Explore Downtown Fort Lauderdale's condos with pools and amenities.
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Celebrations are centered on Las Olas
Las Olas becomes a pedestrian strip for several festivals including the Exotics on Las Olas car show, Las Olas Art Fair and Christmas on Las Olas. Locals venture to the beach for several other events including a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Fourth of July Spectacular and the Tortuga and Riptide Music Festivals. The Wharf is an open-air event center by the river with live music shows, game nights and happy hours.
Artists from all across the United States come to sell their art at the Annual Las Olas Art Fair.
Rides, treats and Santa will show up at the annual Christmas on Las Olas.
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Beach and city collide in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Downtown Fort Lauderdale mixes the urban with the outdoors, with Las Olas Beach just three miles away. Due to the growth of the downtown, in January 2023, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission committed $5 million to reimagine Huizenga Park. Locals will enjoy concerts and movie nights on the large lawn, a redesigned fountain, a shaded terrace, a dog park, climbable play mounds for children and a three-story riverfront restaurant. Art enthusiasts could spend an entire day exploring over 7,500 works in the NSU Art Museum, while history buffs will get a kick out of the historic Stranahan House Museum.
Experience the arts at Huizenga Park Amphitheater in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale and NSU are in the Downtown Fort Lauderdale neighborhood.
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Brightline zips to Orlando, Miami
Locals board the the Brightline train at the downtown Fort Lauderdale station to get to Orlando, Miami and several stops in between. The Tri-Rail, U.S. Highway 1 and Interstate 95 go to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which is six miles away. Bicyclists can utilize Bike Broward, a planning tool that provides step-by-step directions to their desired destination. For public transportation, locals pay bus fares from their phones to get around the city.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale schools make the grade
Fort Lauderdale has several schools that receive an A grade from Niche. For private schools, students may attend Pine Crest, a pre-K-12 school which gets an A-plus. It’s about seven miles away. For public schools, they can attend Virginia Shuman Young Elementary, which gets an A-minus, Sunrise Middle, which gets a B, and Fort Lauderdale High, which gets an A. Students at Fort Lauderdale High can take part in the pre-law and public affairs program.
Kids age 11-14 are welcome at Sunrise Middle School in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
A colorful mural at Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Grades 9-12 are taught at the Fort Lauderdale High School.
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Flood risk
Fort Lauderdale is subject to flooding from high tides, prolonged heavy rains and storm surges from hurricanes and tropical storms.
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Downtown Fort Lauderdale Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale sell after 121 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale over the last 12 months is $635,000, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Live in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale at Strada 315! This spacious 1BR/1.5BA unit boasts soaring 9' ceilings, expansive views, and a large private balcony—perfect for entertaining and enjoying outdoor space. Designed with accessibility in mind, it features extra-wide doors and hallways to ensure wheelchair accessibility. Walk to the Brightline station, Las Olas Blvd, Broward Center for
Located in the heart of the city's lifestyle this Boutique building is yours to enjoy. Easy access to boating and free water taxi service in walking distance. This beautiful light and airy unit will welcome you to your dream home. Upon entering you will notice all living areas are covered with high gloss wood floors, large windows, access to sliding glass doors leading out to your relaxing open
Stunningly designed 2 bedroom, 2 bath split floor plan residence with 2 parking spots (tandem) at the WaterGarden Condominium right on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This renovated residence blends minimalism with warmth - pure sophistication you'll normally find only in new construction at a higher price point. Porcelain tiles throughout the residence. Enjoy east-facing views with
Urban chic meets modern comfort in this tastefully remodeled loft-style unit with stunning skyline views. Floor-to-ceiling impact windows and doors flood the space w/ natural light. Features include soaring ceilings, polished concrete floors, granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Located in a pet-friendly, investor-friendly building with only 52 units—well-funded & fully inspected.
NEWLY RENOVATED, HIGH FLOOR SAN MARCO UNIT W/ SOUGHT AFTER SPLIT PLAN & EASTERN EXPOSURE!! LIVE JUST OFF THE MAIN CORRIDOR OF ALL THE ACTION & ENERGY OF DOWNTOWN FT. LAUDERDALE!! JUST A MINUTES WALK TO ALL THE TOP RESTAURANTS, SHOPS, NIGHTLIFE, PERFORMING ARTS, & EVEN A NEW PUBLIX!! THIS 1ST CLASS, FULL SERVICE COMPLEX OFFERS EVERY AMENITY SUCH AS ROOF TOP POOL & SPA, VALET, SECURITY, FITNESS
Welcome home to Villa Tuscany, located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's emerging downtown. With proximity tomajor airports, cruise ports, retail, shopping, and the famous Las Olas Blvd retail corridor. A secluded townhomecommunity offering privacy, spacious floor-plans, garage parking, and a community pool. The 2nd floor leveloffers tall ceilings, spacious living space, and open
This spectacular, modern luxury, spacious, fully furnished 1 bedroom, 1 bath high floor residence is located on a high floor, steps away from famous Las Olas Blvd. Feel fully alive with the stunning views of the downtown skyline from your living room or relax on your private balcony enjoying the amazing sunsets. Workout in the gym or chill out watching a movie in the theatre, entertain friends in
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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
