With 165 miles of navigable canals weaving their way through the city, it’s easy to see why Fort Lauderdale is known as the “Venice of America.” The unique waterfront setting is complemented by 9 miles of pristine oceanfront on the Atlantic coast. With such easy access, the city is one of South Florida’s premier boating communities. It is home to more than 50,000 registered yachts and more than 100 marinas.
But while the marine and maritime industry anchors the economy, tourism remains important. The two key economic drivers come together at Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina, an iconic attraction in the “Yachting Capital of the World” that recently underwent an extensive renovation to make it an inviting destination for boaters worldwide. A similar convergence can be found at Port Everglades, one of the region’s most active cargo facilities and the third-busiest cruise ship homeport in the world. “No city offers the nautical lifestyle, both personally and commercially, more than Fort Lauderdale,” says Andy Ziffer, a Realtor with Compass and longtime city resident.
This contemporary city of 185,000, the largest in Broward County, also features the trendy Las Olas Boulevard in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and array of coastal and cultural attractions. “Between Miami and West Palm Beach, you can look at the region as a wave,” Ziffer says. “In Miami, it’s become too active. In West Palm, it’s too calm. Fort Lauderdale is the perfect little mix of tranquil and vibrant.”
Fort Lauderdale, known as the Venice of America, boasts scenic canals and waterfront charm.
Fort Lauderdale has 9 miles of Atlantic oceanfront, ideal for beach lovers and coastal living.
The Yachting Capital of the World, Fort Lauderdale is perfect for boating and waterfront fun.
Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale is a busy hub for cruises, trade, and waterfront activity.
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Waterfront homes found throughout
The city’s single-family housing is a diverse mix of historic homes dating to early pre-war development and feature ranch and large estate-style homes incorporating architectural influences such as midcentury, Spanish Mediterranean, Transitional and Modern. Given the presence of so many canals, waterfront homes can be found throughout. Homes tend to get larger and more expensive the closer they are to the coast. Contemporary townhouses and a variety of condominiums are concentrated in the city’s island neighborhoods just west of the oceanfront, including Central Beach and Lauderdale Beach . Neighborhoods like Harbordale , Harbour Isles of Fort Lauderdale and Harbour Inlet are close to Port Everglades and Pier Sixty-Six Hotel & Marina.
Overall prices range from the mid-$100,000s for small inland condos to $40 million-plus for sprawling, newly built waterfront estates with private yacht slips. The median home price of $540,000 represents an 8% increase from 2023 and is relatively high for the region. Still, it’s about $100,000 lower than that of nearby Miami. Prices are rising the fastest in the downtown area. As with any coastal Florida community, Fort Lauderdale is susceptible to severe weather. The risk of flooding is exacerbated by all the canals, and the risk of severe weather is heightened during hurricane season, which runs from June through November. Insurance rates will reflect these realities.
Fort Lauderdale’s ranch-style waterfront homes offer spacious living with coastal charm.
Spanish Mediterranean homes in Fort Lauderdale blend timeless elegance with coastal appeal.
Luxury condos in Fort Lauderdale offer upscale amenities with stunning city and water views.
Contemporary townhouses in Fort Lauderdale provide modern design with access to city life.
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Easy access to ocean appeals to more than the yacht crowd
Tens of thousands of yachts dot the neighborhoods near the ocean, but this city appeals to much more than the yacht crowd. Plenty of sailboats and smaller vessels can be found along the easily navigable system of canals. “You can jump in your boat and go for a cocktail cruise, go to dinner or just go fishing,” Ziffer says. Residents can travel the canals by kayak, canoe and paddleboard, or hop on water taxis for convenient trips to citywide attractions.
The city is also well known for its beaches. Las Olas Beach, the city’s top destination, is part of a large recreational complex that straddles the city’s waterfront. At Las Olas Oceanside Park, known locally as The LOOP, visitors gather for weekend markets, summer movie nights and concerts. Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park offers the chance to watch a parade of cruise ships and cargo ships from Port Everglades. Other nearby attractions include Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Beach, which features a busy fishing pier, and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, where visitors can enjoy an array of activities among the natural landscape.
Riverwalk Park is a walkable urban green space in the heart of downtown. The newest addition to the city’s offerings is a 43-court pickleball facility at Snyder Park on the city’s south side. The city is also home to Baptist Health IcePlex, a 33,000-square-foot facility at Holiday Park that is the practice home of the NHL’s Florida Panthers and a regional nexus for ice skaters and hockey players. “The city of Fort Lauderdale offers an incredible parks system that is integral to the great quality of life that's attracting visitors and new residents from around the world,” says Mayor Dean J. Trantalis. “Our park system is more than just the picturesque beach and iconic Riverwalk through downtown. It's dozens of neighborhood parks offering both active and passive uses. We've invested heavily in expanding the park system to take our goal of being a family-friendly community to a new level.”
Visit Las Olas Oceanside Park in Fort Lauderdale for events and unique activities by the beach.
Residents can travel Fort Lauderdale’s scenic canals by kayak, enjoying unique waterfront views.
Take Fort Lauderdale water taxis for easy trips to city attractions and scenic waterfront views.
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park in Fort Lauderdale offers nature trails, picnics, and kayaking.
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Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale’s Madison Avenue
Las Olas Boulevard is the most important street in the city. It runs from the oceanfront into the heart of the city. “It’s our Madison Avenue,” Ziffer says. “It’s stunning and beautiful.” The commercial corridor is filled with all the amenities of modern living. Boutique stores offer everything from hemp to high fashion to yachts. The Riverwalk along Las Olas Boulevard provides a picturesque setting for shopping, dining and relaxing along the New River. The Las Olas dining scene features established eateries such as Ann’s Florist and Coffee Bar, which has been serving the area since the 1970s, and popular contemporary restaurants such as Louie Bossi’s Ristorante Bar & Pizzeria.
Nearby downtown dining destinations include Pirate Republic, a seafood restaurant featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” and The Katherine, the newest restaurant from James Beard-nominated chef Tim Balloo. Waterfront restaurants are highlighted by MAASS, a contemporary creation of chef Ryan Ratino, who owns two Michelin-starred restaurants in Washington, D.C. The city is home to a variety of shopping centers, from the Publix-anchored Harbor Shops along the 17th Street corridor to the upscale Galleria at Fort Lauderdale on Sunrise Boulevard. Las Olas Boulevard is also home to the NSU Art Museum. Other nearby attractions include the Museum of Discovery & Science, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and the historic Stranahan House museum, the former home of Fort Lauderdale's founding father, Frank Stranahan.
The city’s efforts to redevelop downtown have produced an annual economic impact of $35 billion, an increase of $6 billion from 2019. “Downtown has grown tremendously,” Ziffer says. “It used to be completely quiet. Now it’s a vibrant community that is like a mini-Chicago or mini-New York. It’s a proper downtown.” Flagler Village , a trendy neighborhood north of downtown, is known for its street murals and art galleries that showcase the work of a diverse collection of artists through monthly art walks. “People who move here will find that there’s more to Fort Lauderdale than Las Olas,” Ziffer says.
Las Olas Boulevard links Fort Lauderdale’s oceanfront to the vibrant heart of the city.
Relax at bars along Fort Lauderdale’s New River, offering scenic views and a laid-back vibe.
Enjoy lunch with friends at the charming Ann's Florist in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Discover educational wonders at the Science Museum in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
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Home to Broward County Public Schools headquarters
Broward County Public Schools, the nation's sixth-largest public school district, is rated B-plus by Niche. Both Fort Lauderdale High and Cardinal Gibbons High earn an A from Niche, and the city’s private St. Thomas Aquinas High and Westminster Academy both earn an A-plus. St. Thomas Aquinas is a national football powerhouse that has sent more than 20 players to the NFL. In 2023, the school made history with its fifth consecutive state title. Post-secondary options include the University of Fort Lauderdale, a private, non-denominational school, and Florida Atlantic University, a four-year public institution in nearby Boca Raton.
Entrance to Fort Lauderdale High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Learning excellence at Sunrise Middle School in Ft Lauderdale, FL.
Stephan Foster Elementary School is the first step in education for the kids in Lauderdale Isles
Harbordale Elementary School offers the children of the area the start to their education.
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Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is easy to navigate
Public transportation options include Broward County Transit buses, the New River Water Trolley and the Brightline high-speed commuter rail. Cyclists can make use of the Broward County B-cycle app to traverse the city via bike lanes and trails. The Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport on the city’s south side offers service to more than 135 domestic and international destinations. “People will pick the Fort Lauderdale airport over airports that may be closer to them because it’s such an easy place to navigate,” Ziffer says. “Its layout is much better than Miami International.” Interstate 95 and U.S. Highway 1 connect Fort Lauderdale to South Florida’s other metropolitan areas. Miami is 30 miles south, and West Palm Beach is 45 miles north. Broward Health Medical Center and Holy Cross Health offer top-rated facilities.
Crime
Between 2023 and 2024, statistics from the Fort Lauderdale Police Department show that violent crime was up 3% overall. However, homicides and robberies had dropped significantly during that time period. Overall property crime was down 12%, with the numbers for burglary and larceny declining the most. Following a regional surge in gun violence, Mayor Trantalis announced that Fort Lauderdale would be taking part in the National Crime Gun Intelligence Center Initiative.
The reality of hurricane and crime risk
Fort Lauderdale's official hurricane season spans from June through October, peaking in August and September, so it's always wise to stay in touch with the weather forecast. Homeowners living in or near any Special Flood Hazard Area may be required to purchase flood insurance.
Compared to the national average of around 380 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, Fort Lauderdale Police Department reported 1,256 among a population of around 180,000 in 2023, which is roughly 1.8 times the national average. According to Crime Grade, those living in central neighborhoods may experience more crime risk than those in the northeast section of the city. However, Fort Lauderdale's crime rate is less than other Florida cities including Miami Beach, Daytona Beach and Pompano Beach.
He Received his real estate license in Florida in 2008; then became a broker and started Premier Associates Realty in 2015 as an owner. He belongs to the "Master Brokers Forum" in South Florida, which recognizes the top 1% of realtors, the most prestigious of all industry achievements. In addition, he holds the highest recognition from “The Institute For Luxury Home Marketing” Guild certification since 2011. His team has closed over 1000 home purchases just in the last 5 years. Not only are his professional accomplishments extraordinary, he has long been a true champion for home buyers and sellers in his area. He brings a high level of experience, knowledge, and professionalism to every transaction.
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.
