Homes for sale in Rio Vista are some of the most sought-after properties in the Fort Lauderdale area. Learn more about this neighborhood and what sets it apart from other affluent communities in Broward County.
Rio Vista is the quintessential Florida town with tropical palms, quiet streets, deep water canals, and Mediterranean-style homes. As one of the oldest and most established communities in Fort Lauderdale, it has a casual elegance that's hard to emulate. It offers a vibrant lifestyle with fantastic restaurants, trendy boutiques, and well-maintained parks.
"River View" in Spanish, the community more than lives up to its name with stunning views of Intracoastal Waterways, which provide access to the Atlantic Ocean. As one of the most picturesque destinations in Florida, Rio Vista offers plenty of green space in a gorgeous tropical setting. Residents enjoy easy access to the beach, creating countless opportunities for waterfront recreation and outdoor activities.
Homes for sale in Rio Vista offer luxury living with stunning architecture reminiscent of Southern Europe as well as contemporary spaces that reflect Fort Lauderdale's modernity and sophistication as a city.
Location
Located north of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the community offers quick access to world-class dining, nightlife, and entertainment. It is surrounded by the Intracoastal Waterway to the east, Federal Highway (US 1) to the west, and the New River to the south. Nearby communities include Lauderdale Harbors and Harbordale.
Rio Vista is located near Las Olas Boulevard, providing access to major highways. The nearest airports are Fort Lauderdale International Airport, St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport, and Tampa International Airport. The community is also within proximity to Broward Hospital as well as the Broward and Federal Courthouses. Interstate 95 connects Rio Vista to many destinations in South Florida.
Brief History
Once an undeveloped stretch of sand in the 1900s, Fort Lauderdale has transformed into a premier travel destination. It was the introduction of modern transportation that helped the city make the transition from sleepy agricultural hub to prosperous resort town in the 1920s.
Its residential areas, including Rio Vista, began to develop at the end of World War I. The first plat was recorded by Mary Brickell and purchased by Iowa homesteader C.J. Hector following her death. Hector began developing Rio Vista with over 5,000 feet of sidewalk and street lights having been installed by 1923. The community continued to grow along with Fort Lauderdale's population boom.
While the area entered an era of depression after the devastation of the 1926 Miami Hurricane, it bounced back with the arrival of thousands of servicemen discovering the place and settling there after World War II.
Today, the bustling city of Fort Lauderdale surrounds the community of Rio Vista and continues to attract residents from all walks of life. From families and young professionals, to retirees and international buyers, there's something for everyone at Rio Vista.
What Rio Vista is Known For
Rio Vista is primarily known as an affluent enclave with luxury homes and a fantastic location near downtown Fort Lauderdale. It is coveted for its proximity to the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center, Lauderdale Yacht Club, and Rio Vista & Harbor Beach. Residents enjoy convenient public transport with an inter-city Brightline rail station as well as the Port Everglades seaport.
Fast Facts
- Rio Vista has a population of 3,584
- The community encompasses 0.577 square miles
- The median household income was $171,034 in 2021
HOMES FOR SALE IN RIO VISTA, FL
With just over 1,000 homes, Rio Vista is one of the most exclusive communities in Fort Lauderdale. It offers a fine selection of upscale homes, including estate-style properties, Old Florida bungalows, Spanish Revival-style homes, and Mediterranean-style villas.
As one of the oldest communities in the city, many homes date back to the 1920s with mature oaks and palm trees and colonial-style architecture. However, Rio Vista also offers newer homes with modern design and layouts.
Some of the most desirable properties in the community are the waterfront homes located on Isles and along the New River. These properties offer sweeping water views as well as direct access to deep water canals that connect to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. These homes are a fantastic option for buyers with yachts and other watercrafts.
Rio Vista is primarily residential and homeowners have a strong sense of community. Its historic charm and modern conveniences make it one of the most in-demand neighborhoods for high-net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals in search of properties that meet their expectations.
LIFE IN RIO VISTA, FL
Rio Vista offers a laid-back but luxurious lifestyle amidst the natural beauty of South Florida. Here's what you can expect in terms of living costs, amenities, education, and recreation.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is approximately 22% higher than the national average, according to PayScale. Housing is one of the main factors affecting living costs in the area. However, affluent buyers are willing to pay a premium for homes for sale in Rio Vista, FL due to location, prestige, craftsmanship, water access, and yachting amenities.
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- Las Olas Boulevard is undoubtedly the most famous street in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Its name means "The Waves" and invites visitors to enjoy everything that the city has to offer. These include three museums, 13 international art galleries, and over 75 shops and boutiques.
Restaurants serve a wide variety of cuisine, including Cuban, Greek, Indian, Italian, Japanese, Mediterranean, Thai, and more. From classic steakhouses and bakeries, to sports bars and organic dining, Las Olas Boulevard offers a wide range of gastronomic experiences.
As a major east-west thoroughfare, Las Olas Boulevard runs from the Central Business District to Fort Lauderdale Beach. Las Olas Beach is located roughly one mile east of downtown Fort Lauderdale and is accessible by bus.
- Harbor Shops offers more than 230,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment near downtown Fort Lauderdale. The shopping center is anchored by supermarket and fitness chains as well as several specialty stores, casual dining restaurants, banks, and offices. It is the perfect place to pick up groceries and beauty and yachting supplies.
Schools
Rio Vista residents have access to quality education with some of the finest public and private schools in all of Broward County. Schools in and around the neighborhood include:
Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) is the second-largest school district in Florida and the sixth-largest in the United States. Founded in 1962, it is the first fully accredited school system in the state. It provides education and other services to a diverse student population of over 254,000.
Parks and Outdoor Recreation
- Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale, Riverwalk Linear Park and Downtown Riverwalk District provide access to 10 parks and a tropical waterfront in the vibrant downtown area. Popular activities include walking, jogging, cycling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and nature photography.
- Colee Hammock Park is a 1.1-acre waterfront park and fishing spot with breathtaking river views. The park is usually less crowded than other green spaces in Fort Lauderdale, making it an excellent spot for picnics and leisurely strolls. Located on the south fork of the New River, Colee Hammock Park features several tables, benches, mature trees, and a waterfront path.
- Henry Kinney Tunnel Top Park will be situated on top of the tunnel under the New River upon completion. It will feature four recreational areas that link to The Symphony, Riverwalk, Las Olas Boulevard, and Historic Stranahan House Museum.
These areas include Laura Ward Plaza, an open space that sits between the Riverside Hotel and Stranahan House Museum along the New River. It will feature tent staging for the Stranahan House Museum's events.
Others include The Cheesecake Factory Plaza, an expansive sidewalk space with lush trees and outdoor dining; Icon Plaza, another sidewalk space with water features; and Tunnel Top Plaza, which will feature open green spaces and seating areas on top of the extended Henry E. Kinney tunnel entrance.
- Francis L. Abreu Place is a 0.26-acre park named for the prominent Fort Lauderdale architect best known for Mediterranean Revival architecture with Cuban influences. The park features a pond, lush greenery, and several benches and mature trees for shade.
- Virginia Young Park is a 0.42 acre green space that may be rented for private events and special occasions. It features a children's playground as well as several benches and picnic tables.
- Hector Park is named for Rio Vista's developer and hosts the Holiday Park Youth Soccer Program. This 0.17-acre green space features several benches, lush foliage, and mature trees.
- Stranahan Landing Park is a 0.67-acre waterfront park named for city pioneers Frank and Ivy Cromartie Stranahan. It features a pavilion, waterfront walkway, and several park benches. Stranahan Landing Park is located at the end of North Rio Vista Boulevard and is situated on top of the tunnel right across from the Stranahan House Museum.
- The Lauderdale Yacht Club is a private club known for its premier sailing program. As a luxury sports hub, it offers top-notch boating amenities, on-site dining, exclusive events, and impeccable service. A favorite among Rio Vista residents, the club is ideal for those who want to relax, socialize, and make new contacts in a prestigious setting.
Other Attractions in the Fort Lauderdale Area
- The Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) has been offering fascinating exhibits and science education for more than 40 years in South Florida. Highlights include the Sprouting STEM Early Childhood Learning Lab, which offers hands-on STEM activities, nature-based learning, and playtime to children up to 6 years of age; and the AutoNation® IMAX® Theater, a state-of-the-art theater facility that screens documentary films during operating hours and Hollywood films after regular museum hours. MODS also hosts cultural events, birthday parties, nighttime adventures, and pajama parties.
- The NSU Art Museum currently has 11 exhibits and a permanent collection of over 11,000 paintings, drawings, photos, sculptures, and artifacts, many of which may be viewed online. The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year. These include talks, lectures, opening receptions, and signature events like Free First Thursday - Sunny Days/Starry Nights.
- The Historic Stranahan House Museum was the home of Frank and Ivy Cromartie Stranahan and is recognized as the oldest and historically significant surviving structure in all of Broward County. Built in 1901, the home originally served as a trading post before being converted into a residence in 1906.
Today, the Stranahan House is open for tours and offers a glimpse into the birth and development of Fort Lauderdale. The property is a wood-frame vernacular-style home with spectacular views of the New River. It was restored by the Fort Lauderdale Historical Society and Fort Lauderdale Board of Realtors before being opened to the public in 1984.
It hosts exhibitions, educational programs, and special events, including Founding Families Fall Festival, History Happy Hour, and Yoga on the River. The Stranahan House may also be rented for weddings, private events, and corporate functions. The property features a river patio and gardens that can accommodate up to 100 guests.
- The Broward Center for Performing Arts has been hosting events and live performances since 1991. It has since been expanded to include the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center and the Huizenga Pavilion as well as new dining spaces. It hosts concerts, plays, Broadway musicals, operas, and ballet recitals as well as lectures, workshops and cultural events.
The Broward Center for Performing Arts ranks among the world's most-visited theaters with over 700 world-class performances and more than 700,000 guests annually. It also offers one of the most comprehensive arts-in-education programs in the US with more than 150,000 students each year. Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, this premier performing arts center commands stunning views of the New River.
Local Events
- Las Olas Art Fair is an annual event that puts the spotlight on the city's thriving arts scene. Ranked among the top 100 art festivals in the US, it is one of the most anticipated art events in Fort Lauderdale and attracts some of the finest exhibitors in the area. This juried art fair showcases contemporary paintings, photography, sculptures, and mixed media.
Attendees get the chance to meet and speak with the exhibitors with the possibility of commissioning a piece, purchasing fine works of art, and learning about techniques and the creative process.
- The Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival has been running for over 38 years and brings a spectacular lineup of filmmakers, actors, producers, and other special guests who walk the red carpet and participate in Q&A sessions with the audience. This year, the festival will screen almost 200 films, including documentaries and short films, from all over the world.
Attendees can look forward to seven world premieres and six US premieres at the event. Highlights include "Filmed in Broward", which features 21 films that have all been filmed in Broward County by South Florida's most gifted filmmakers.
In addition to film screenings and Q&As, the festival also has themed parties and glitzy socials. These include the Opening Night Film, Centerpiece Film & Party, and Red Carpet & Party.
- Craft Fair at Stranahan House Museum is a community event that celebrates creativity and showcases a variety of handmade crafts and goods by local artisans. Residents can browse the displays, support local artisans, and become a vendor and sell their own creations.
- Historic Happy Hour at the Stranahan House Museum features guest speakers and local historians who shed light on Fort Lauderdale's rich heritage over drinks and light bites at the Historic Stranahan House.
- Christmas on Las Olas is an annual community event that brings residents and guests together for the holiday season. The event features vendor booths, food, drinks, and live performances.
View the calendar of events for Las Olas Boulevard.
FIND HOMES FOR SALE IN RIO VISTA, FL
If you have any questions about real estate in Rio Vista and other communities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida Exclusive Living is here to assist you. As a trusted name in real estate, our team helps clients buy and sell properties in the area. Feel free to contact Florida Exclusive Living at 954.644.9118 or send our team an email here .
Our team of experienced real estate agents would be happy to share information on the housing market, available listings, schools, amenities, and more. Whether you're looking for a permanent resident or a second home, we will provide access to some of the most exceptional homes for sale in Rio Vista.
