Fort Lauderdale is located on Florida’s southeastern coast, known as the Venice of America and is a popular travel destination for beaches, boating canals, and the semi-tropical weather that is loved by many people.
But people often ask, is Fort Lauderdale a good place to live? What are the pros and cons of living in Fort Lauderdale? Is it very expensive? Is it safer place to live?
And, a lot more…
From living perspective, these questions does make sense. And, I as a an experienced and local realtor, becomes my responsibilities to help you get the necessary information that would help you decide if Fort Lauderdale really a good place to live or not.
So, join me in this post, where I am going talk various things that you must know before you find any movers in Fort Lauderdale.
In this post, we will discuss everything about Fort Lauderdale, such as house prices, cost of living, employment, education, transportant, and healthcare. These things will help you better understand whether it’s the right place to call home or not.
Overview of Fort Lauderdale, Florida
| Geography | Data |
|---|---|
| Location | Southeastern of Florida |
| Population | 182,673 |
| State | Florida |
| Economy Trend | Growing |
| Cimate | Warm & Sunny |
| Temperature Range | 61 degrees F to 89 degrees F |
Fort Lauderdale is a city that’s located in the southeastern part of Florida. Popularly known for its stunning beaches, waterways, boating canals, and amazing semi-tropical weather.
This city offers a beautiful scenic view of island waterways, an extensive canal system, vibrant nightlife, and let’s not forget the thriving arts and culture, making it the “Venice of America” or should I say “Venice of Florida”.
The semi-tropical weather is nice and cool ocean breezes, make it a desirable place for people who are thinking of living there or just going for a travel trip.
With the latest data and statistics, the population in Fort Lauderdale was reported to be about 182,673. Things are changing and the city’s Economy is booming because of the lifestyle it offers.
Let’s explore more about Fort Lauderdale’s location, population, demographics, and climate.
Location and Geography
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is located in the east-central part of Broward County and is about 23 miles north of Miami, along the Atlantic Ocean.
It’s kind of similar to Miami but a lot better for many reasons. Fort Lauderdale is mostly surrounded by water, making it a haven for boating enthusiasts.
It is popular for its stunning beaches and extensive canal system. Also got nicknamed as the “Venice of America” because of its 165 miles of inland waterways that make it unique from other cities.
Population and Demographics
Fort Lauderdale city has a diverse population and holds nearly a tenth of the country’s population. In 1900, its population rapidly grew from 91 to 139,590, and after this, the city went through a period of slow growth.
According to recent data and statistics in DataUSA, Fort Lauderdale is home to around 182,673 people.
This data was last updated in 2022, the city is still growing and thriving as a popular tourist destination.
There are five largest ethnic groups- White (non-Hispanic)45.7%, Black or African American (non-Hispanic) 28.9%, White (Hispanic) 9.4%, two+ (Hispanic) 7.85%, and two+ (non-Hispanic) 3.46%.
Climate
The climate of Fort Lauderdale is perfect for those people who love the warm sunny beach along with the cool ocean breeze.
The temperature in Fort Lauderdale typically varies from 61 degrees F to 89 degrees F and rarely goes below 47 degrees F or above 92 degrees F.
According to Koppen climate classification, Fort Lauderdale has a tropical rainforest climate where in summer, you get good rainfall whereas the winters barely have any rainfall.
Is Fort Lauderdale a good place to live?
In this section, we are going to discuss some points that will help you determine whether you should choose Fort Lauderdale as your next residence or not. We will cover things like the cost of living, taxes, crime rates, education, employment, and so on.
Cost of Living
Fort Lauderdale’s cost of living is higher than the national average and that includes the cost of housing and other amenities.
As per the recent data and statistics, the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is 118.5, while the cost of living in Florida is 103.1, making it the seventh most expensive city in Florida and ranked in 34th position among 273 US cities.
However, the cost of living can go higher depending on certain areas. If we talk about other areas then the cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is 7.4% less expensive than living in Miami.
Taxes
Living in Fort Lauderdale can be less expensive since there’s no state income tax in Florida, and considering how the area is, it’s quite good.
The lack of state income tax offers significant savings, especially for retirees and higher earners. However, there are some other taxes that you should be knowing about.
First comes sales taxes, the sales tax in Florida is 6%, but Fort Lauderdale has 7% of the sales tax. So be mindful while buying certain things since the sales tax is a bit(1%) higher than the other cities in Florida.
Also, the property tax in Fort Lauderdale is higher than the national average. The property tax is 1.20% higher than any Florida county.
However, the tax prices may vary depending on the location of the house and how large the property is.
House Prices
The house market in Fort Lauderdale is thriving thanks to its tourism industry and growing population.
From bungalows to craftsman-style homes, you will find some of the great options that will suit your style. And if you are someone who just moved to Fort Lauderdale or just planning out, can rent a place according to their living requirements.
For a bedroom apartment with an average size of 959 sq. ft., the monthly rent is around would be close $2,700.
Housing in Fort Lauderdale can be a bit expensive, but it is quite affordable compared to other places like Miami, Los Angeles, San Fransisco, and New York. According to recent data and statistics in July 2024, the median house price in Fort Lauderdale is approximately $545,500, a 6.0% increase compared to the previous year.
House prices in Fort Lauderdale can also vary depending on where you buy, what type of house it is, and the neighborhood around it.
These factors can also affect the price of homes, so keep these things in mind while looking for a home in Fort Lauderdale.
Employment and Market Economy
Fort Lauderdale offers a robust job market with diverse economic sectors with many employment opportunities. This city’s economy is boosted by several industries such as tourism, healthcare, and marine services, making this place an attractive option for job seekers.
However, from the recent report in May 2024, the unemployment rate in Broward County stands at 2.8% which is slightly below the state average of 3.0%. Considering how this city’s unemployment rate peaked at 11.2% during the pandemic and still bounced back.
Then later in 2021, Fort Lauderdale’s GDP grew by 4.2%, surpassing both State and national growth rates.
One thing for sure is, that Fort Lauderdale’s economy is mostly below the national average which shows how strong their local economy is. Since there’s no state income tax, makes this city’s economic environment more attractive for job seekers and businesses.
Education
Apart from its attractive economy and places, Fort Lauderdale is an ideal place for education to settle down. This city has a diverse educational landscape which is perfect for families with kids and those individuals who prioritize education.
This city’s schools are majorly served by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS). This is one of the largest school districts in the United States which has 332 schools and over 256,000 students enrolled in all.
You get access to various private and public universities and colleges, which is quite great for the kids studying there.
It was also noted that the district has a minority enrollment of 80% which reflects its diverse community.
For those who want higher education, The University of Fort Lauderdale offers that with a much better setting.
The median tuition for undergraduates is $7,200, which is significantly lower than the national average. So if you are considering relocating, moving to Fort Lauderdale is a great option.
Safety & Crime Rate
After looking at the stats, Fort Lauderdale has a crime rate of 204.1 per 100,000 residents which is much higher than the national average. That means the chances of you becoming a victim of property crime are 1 in 25.
Violent crime rates in Fort Lauderdale are also higher than the national average which means 628 per 100,000 residents. This includes violent crimes like assault, robbery, rape, and murder.
However, it’s important to consider that the crime rates can vary significantly depending on the areas and neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale.
There are three districts in Lauderdale and out of them, district 2 had more assault cases as it covers most areas where commercial activity happens a lot.
However, in recent years, steps have been taken to make the city safe for everyone. Policing efforts and the use of advanced technology have helped reduce crime rates in the city.
Some parts of Fort Lauderdale are much safer in comparison to other areas.
Fort Lauderdale has a vibrant and attractive lifestyle but let’s be real, almost every country has its cons, no matter how safe and fun it looks.
Remember, it is important to do your research on the safety and crime rate of the area before moving there.
Transportation
It’s quite easy to get around in a city like Fort Lauderdale. Moreover, there are many types of public transportation services available in this city which makes it easier for people to travel.
They can make use of buses, Amtrak, Broward County Transit, Riverwalk Water Trolley, and the Tri-rail.
Let’s not forget about the waterways, it’s one of the best things in Fort Lauderdale. To help you navigate through those waterways, you can make use of a water taxi.
It’s a great tourist attraction and also a mode of transportation.
There are lots of transportation options that make it easier to commute from one place to another.
You can also use online transport services that you can use whenever you want to, for example- Community Shuttle (LauderGO), Riverwalk Water Trolley, and Fort Lauderdale Sun Trolley.
Another thing you should know, LauderGO Community Shuttle is a free transportation service that’s accessible to both visitors and residents.
However, if you are thinking of traveling with your own car or vehicle, be ready for some traffic too. Fort Lauderdale is a tourist city that lots of tourists visit all year round.
Cultural & Social Environment
Coming to Fort Lauderdale’s culture and social environment that make this city vibrant and attractive to many people. Culturally, this city is popular for its semi-tropical climate and the diverse cultural attractions that it offers.
There you will find amazing restaurants, trendy bars, robust art scenes, and a live music venue, for those who are looking for something exciting and fun.
But if you need something relaxing then there’s the Broward Center for Performing Arts, NSU Art Museum, and the Museum of Discovery and Science.
Fort Lauderdale has everything that one needs, no wonder it’s known as the Venice of America.
This city’s initiatives toward the environment are also great as they have this Sustainability Action Plan, which focuses on climate change adaptation and mitigation.
They also make sure to work on the waterways and beaches, keeping them clean while also promoting recreational activities.
Healthcare
Fort Lauderdale has a strong healthcare system with great hospitals and medical centers. Some major facilities like Broward Health Medical Centre and Holy Cross Health, offer a wide range of services.
They also have many specialty clinics for special health needs. There you can find access to a wide range of services, from emergency care to specialized treatments like heart care and cancer.
These facilities are equipped with the latest medical technology and provide high-quality care to their patients. You can also gain easy access to this healthcare, you will find numerous doctors and specialists available on-site, ready to help you.
Additionally, they also offer healthcare insurance options that include private plans and also government programs like Medicare, to help cover the medical costs.
They also organized community programs where they do healthcare screenings, vaccinations, and wellness education to spread awareness.
Pros and Cons of Fort Lauderdale
Just like every other place, Fort Lauderdale has both sides to it, one that is vibrant and attractive and the other which is not so attractive but that’s quite fine if you know your way around there or have someone who knows this place best.
Pros
In this section, we are going to discuss about the Pros of Fort Lauderdale:
- First, we are going to put Fort Lauderdale’s amazing tropical weather that stays year-round. You can relax under the sun and enjoy the nice, cool breeze on your skin.
- Known for its beaches and waterways which are one of the most popular things in Fort Lauderdale and also one of the reasons to move there.
- Fort Lauderdale’s amazing nightlife is where you can unwind and live your life. There you can find amazing restaurants, trendy cafes, and live music venues. If not in the mood for this, then you can explore museums.
- This city is quite affordable in comparison to other vacation places.
Cons
In this section, we are going to discuss about the Cons of Fort Lauderdale:
- Since it is a tourist place, it can sometimes get crowded by visitors and tourists, especially during the peak season.
- In the tourist season, another problem that you might have to face is the traffic.
- Even though most of the homes in Fort Lauderdale are built to face Hurricanes. There is still a risk since this city faces hurricanes in the hurricane season which starts on June 1 and lasts till Nov.
- The cost of living can be a bit expensive but in comparison to other cities like Miami or Los Angeles, it’s quite affordable. The housing price may vary depending on the location and neighborhood you choose, so do the research carefully.
Bad Things About Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful city but like any place, it has its downsides. If you are thinking of moving to Fort Lauderdale, then it’s important to do your research properly as a potential resident whether it suits your living needs or not.
One of the significant concerns is the risk of hurricanes. Since Fort Lauderdale is located in the southeastern part of Florida, it is vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes, mostly when it’s the season that starts in June and lasts till November. This can lead to property damage and also cause safety concerns.
Another concern is the flooding of this city because of its close proximity to the ocean. In the rainy season, the water level increases which leads to safety concerns. Also during peak season, the city gets too crowded because of tourists and visitors. So, it’s better to use public transport instead of your own vehicle to save yourself some time.
The cost of living is slightly higher than the national average but in comparison to cities like Miami, and Los Angeles, it’s quite affordable. Although it is a safe city, there are some parts where the crime rate is higher so it’s best to talk with a local or consult someone if you are thinking of moving there. They will help you by suggesting some best areas with great neighborhoods.
Conclusion
I think, that’s enough to explain “is Fort Lauderdale a good place to live”.
Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful city that offers beautiful beaches, amazing cultural activities, waterways, and amazing semi-tropical weather. This city has everything one needs to relax and have fun in their vacation spot. This city has so much to offer whether you are going there as a visitor or to live there, you will never get tired of it. This city may have a high cost of living but the good thing is there’s no state income tax and the property tax is also below the national average.
Also, the education and employment rates are pretty good too as you get access to a variety of job opportunities and also get a chance to study in one of the best education institutes. Aside from this, the healthcare services are also great. This city has one of the best healthcare centers and hospitals with the best medical technology to ensure they provide high-quality patient care.
However, Fort Lauderdale is surely a vibrant city that offers a great lifestyle but just like any other place, this city also has its downside. During the tourist season, this place can sometimes get an overwhelming crowd, especially during spring break and during summer, so be ready to face heavy traffic and crowds. This place is also at risk of hurricanes and storms considering how close it is to the Atlantic Ocean. Even though the houses are hurricane-safe, the safety concerns are still there.
Aside from these, Fort Lauderdale is a safe city for living purposes, just make sure to do a thorough research of the location where you are going to live.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Fort Lauderdale is a good place for those young adults to live. This place has great educational institutes for higher studies and great employment rates. There you will find lots of job opportunities and also a place to live on rent.
If we talk about the bad things in Fort Lauderdale, then it’s the crowd and traffic that increases during tourist season. This city is generally safe but there are still some areas where crime rates are higher. Another thing, it’s at risk of hurricanes and storms because of its close proximity to the ocean.
Fort Lauderdale’s cost of living is quite higher than the national average but in comparison to other cities, it’s quite affordable. However, just know that the housing expenses are 57% higher than the national average and the utility prices are 4% higher than the national average.
Both cities are unique and charming in their own way. Miami offers a vibrant and party-like atmosphere, Fort Lauderdale has beaches and a bit more laid-back lifestyle. So, they are both great places to live, it all depends on what kind of experience you want.
