Miami may be the bigger city, but Ft. Lauderdale’s smaller size doesn’t mean it’s less exciting than its southern neighbor. The aptly called “Venice of America” has its own unique personality, with many prosperous neighborhoods rife with enticing activities and events,
So what can you expect if you decide to settle down in one of Fort Lauderdale’s upscale communities? Get to know more about the city’s real estate landscape to help you decide if luxury living in Fort Lauderdale is indeed the right decision for you.
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WELCOME TO FORT LAUDERDALE!
Fort Lauderdale is a coastal paradise city that boasts a 24-mile stretch of powdery white sands and bright blue waters. Once a popular springtime destination full of beach parties and dive bars, the tenth largest city in the state of Florida has evolved into a posh metropolis known for its multitudinous arts, culture, and heritage offerings as it is for its eventful beachfront communities. Whether you want just to vacation here for the summer or live and work here for the long term, Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone under the sun.
Fort Lauderdale’s beginnings
Fort Lauderdale’s history goes back thousands of years, when Seminole Indians inhabited the land. They successfully defended their territory against the invading Spaniards in the 1500s, but eventually lost after two wars in the early 1800s. By 1838, General William Lauderdale fortified America’s hold on the area with the construction of three fortresses, which became the city’s namesake. The residential communities were not developed until after the fortresses were abandoned after the bloody conclusion of the Second Seminole War in 1842.
Fort Lauderdale’s location and demographics
Fort Lauderdale is the county seat and largest city in Broward County. It is located roughly 25 miles north of Miami, adjacent to the Atlantic Ocean. The city has a total area of 38.6 square miles, of which 34.7 square miles are land and 3.8 square miles are occupied by water.
Fort Lauderdale borders the following municipalities:
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and Sea Ranch Lakes in the east
- Hollywood and Dania Beach in the south
- Davie in the southwest
- Plantation, Lauderhill, Lauderdale Lakes in the west
- North Lauderdale, Oakland Park, and Tamarac in the northwest
- Wilton Manors, Pompano Beach in the north
There are 300 miles of navigable waterways within the city, including rivers, canals, and the Intracoastal Waterway. The northwestern section is separated from the remainder of the city by the Cypress Creek Canal.
There are 181,668 people living in Fort Lauderdale, roughly 40% of Miami’s total number of residents. The median age in Fort Lauderdale is 42. About 91,000 people work within the city. Nearly half of employees carry at least a bachelor’s degree, and a majority of employed degree holders majored in business.
Fort Lauderdale’s economy
Despite the shift towards a diverse array of industries over the years, Fort Lauderdale’s economy remains largely driven by the tourism, travel, and the hospitality industries. The city welcomes about 10 million visitors annually, with cruise ships and other forms of nautical recreation taking up a large portion of the tourism market.
The Retail Trade sector is another major economic driver in Ft. Lauderdale, employing more than 10,000 workers. Other top employment industries include Professional, Scientific and Technical, Healthcare & Social Assistance, Construction, Education, Logistics, and Real Estate.
Fort Lauderdale’s cost of living
Fort Lauderdale’s cost of living is 22% higher than the national average, due in large part to its reputation as a luxury coastal city. Consequently, the cost of housing, utilities, groceries, and transportation are all higher than the national average. In comparison, the cost of living in Miami is 21%.
Although residents spend a lot more in Fort Lauderdale, it is still more affordable than the nation’s more populous metropolises such as New York (128%), Los Angeles, (51%), Seattle (50%), and Washington DC (39%). In comparison, Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a good place to live for anyone looking for better value for their money.
8 GREAT REASONS TO MOVE TO FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
Investing in a Fort Lauderdale, Florida house for sale is like having the best of everything. Imagine owning a luxury beachfront home where you wake up every morning with the sun and the ocean outside your window, where peace and serenity embrace you at every turn, and where everything you need to live comfortably is close by.
Quite simply, relocating to Fort Lauderdale is a smart move not only for your career, but also for your comfort, happiness, and overall well-being. Here are just some of the reasons why Fort Lauderdale deserves to be your next home.
- Fort Lauderdale offers tranquility and exclusivity
For those in search of tranquility and exclusivity, Fort Lauderdale is not only the home of many stunning beachfront homes with privacy and security features that make you feel like royalty. Top neighborhoods such as Shady Banks, Harbor Beach, and Seven Isles are characterized by stunning views, surrounding nature, and an overall high quality of life. Browse homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Choosing the best place to live in Fort Lauderdale allows you to enjoy life in relaxed surroundings with easy access to modern amenities, from shopping, to restaurants, to schools, to parks and recreation, and more.
Keep in mind that the availability of homes in Fort Lauderdale’s exclusive beachfront communities remain limited. To start living the life you want, it’s best to get in touch with a Fort Lauderdale real estate agent now rather than later.
- Fort Lauderdale’s warm, sunshiny weather is year-round
Fort Lauderdale enjoys 246-plus days of sun per year, with temperatures typically ranging between 61 to 89 degrees. The coolest temperatures are still quite warm, so you can often be sure of the weather holding up. Spring is a wonderful time to go out and about, as the weather is warm and welcoming. If you want to get the most sun, the months of June, July, and August are the best times to hit the beach. Fall and winter seasons aren’t as cold as different parts of the country, so you can still enjoy everything the area has to offer.
- Fort Lauderdale’s vibe makes it easier to kick back and relax
A lot of people from colder states have left their heavy coats behind and moved to Fort Lauderdale, thanks to the city’s casual vibe and promise of more time for relaxation and recreation. During the pandemic, relaxed COVID policies only served to boost the influx of relocators, as Fort Lauderdale and the rest of the Sunshine State remained open while many major metropolises locked down. With the work-from-home setup now more widely accepted than ever before, moving to a less expensive Fort Lauderdale, Florida house for sale just makes more sense for those who live in the nation’s costlier cities.
- Fort Lauderdale boasts a wide range of dining options
The dining scene in Fort Lauderdale is as sizzling as summer temperatures. The city remains one of Florida’s hotbeds for culinary delights, featuring delectable cuisines from all around the world. Central Beach and Las Olas Isles in particular, are packed with cafes, bars, restaurants, and even hole-in-the-wall eateries offering a diverse array of food experiences.
So where should you start? Local haunts such as Canyon Southwest Cafe and The Capital Grille serve tasty Tex-Mex and Southwestern fare. Casa D’Angelo Ristorante and Dolce Salato or your go-to spots for everything Italian. For delicious and filling meals to start your day, or to eat anytime of the day, 3711 Beach Side and Golden Lyon Vintage Pub are your best bets.
- Fort Lauderdale has no income tax
Unlike most states, Florida does not impose a state income tax. This means that people living in Fort Lauderdale get to keep more of their hard-earned money. This can be especially beneficial for those who have a fixed income or are retired, as they can stretch their savings further and enjoy the higher standard of living that Fort Lauderdale affords.
Aside from no income tax, Florida also boasts low property taxes, so homebuyers can save money on their mortgage payments and boost their buying power.
- Fort Lauderdale has amazing attractions and recreational activities
Wide open beaches aren’t the only amazing things to experience in Fort Lauderdale. Widely renowned as a tourist’s paradise, the city offers a wealth of attractions and activities for both visitors and residents to enjoy.
The local yachting culture boasts the best boat shows you can find anywhere. On land, there’s plenty of great museums, theme parks, state parks, shopping malls, botanical gardens, and more. Some of Fort Lauderdale’s must-sees include Stranahan House Museum, Butterfly World, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Flamingo Gardens, and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
- Fort Lauderdale has a warm and hospitable community
Fort Lauderdale locals are known for their friendly and approachable demeanor. As a new resident living in Fort Lauderdale, don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with a friendly smile and wave from people you come across on the street. Fort Lauderdale is a tight-knit town that loves to welcome new arrivals.
- Fort Lauderdale offers incredible investment opportunities
Though the prices of homes in Fort Lauderdale have dipped slightly, the real estate market is expected to remain strong. For those looking to diversify their investment portfolio with a Fort Lauderdale, Florida property, the city has plenty of locations that offer a great deal of value for your money. Some of the best communities for investing in Fort Lauderdale include Victoria Park, Riverland, and Tarpon River.
If you’re interested in knowing more about Fort Lauderdale investment opportunities, our team of expert real estate agents can provide you with everything you need to make well-informed decisions.
LIVE AMONG THE WEALTHIEST RESIDENTS OF FORT LAUDERDALE
If you want to know the best place to live in Fort Lauderdale, residents will likely mention Millionaire’s Row. It is widely reputed to be Fort Lauderdale’s most affluent community due to the area’s high exclusivity and the prices of the properties. Below are just some of the luminaries who have owned a waterfront estate on Millionaire’s Row at one time or another.
- Football legend Lionel Messi
The legendary Argentinian football player, who joined Inter Miami in July 2023 in a deal worth around $60 million a year, has become the most high-profile resident of Fort Lauderdale’s Millionaire’s Row. Messi bought a sprawling $10.75 million waterfront mansion in September 2023. Located in Colony Bay, the 10,500-square-foot, 2-story home has 8 bedrooms, 9.5 bathrooms, a 3-car garage, and a pool. The primary bedroom alone measures 1,600 square feet. In addition, the property has two boat docks and 170 feet of waterfront. Messi shares the home with his wife and their three sons.
Forbes ranked him the second highest paid athlete in the world in 2023 with earnings of $130 million. Other sources have estimated his net worth to be $600 million.
- Financial executive Andrew Heller
Founded in 2013, Heller Capital Group has managed to become one of the biggest private equity firms in the nation in just a short span of time, thanks in no small part to the vision of its founder, Andrew Heller. Under his leadership, the Heller Capital Group amassed an annual revenue in the nine digits. As one of the most influential financial executives of the modern era, Heller has a net worth of over $50 million.
Heller bought a 6-bedroom, 12,428-square-foot mansion in Fort Lauderdale in 2014 for a whopping $15 million. The mansion includes a 4-car garage, private dock access, a swimming pool, and a 2-story guest house.
- Car racing champion Hélio Castroneves
Brazil’s beloved Hélio Castroneves, who competes full-time in the IndyCar Series, once owned a 7-bedroom, 6,473-square-foot home on Millionaire’s Row. The four-time Indy 500 winner, who currently has a net worth of $40 million, bought the property in 2016 and sold the home to a JP Morgan regional director in 2021. Property listings describe the property as having a separate cabana, a 60-foot lap pool, an 8-car garage, and staff quarters.
- Billionaire Wayne Huizenga
Harry Wayne Huizenga Sr. was a successful businessman who founded automotive retail chain AutoNation and environmental services company Waste Management Inc. He went on to become an owner or part-owner of numerous Florida-based professional sports teams including the Miami Dolphins (NFL), Florida Panthers (NHL), and Florida Marlins (MLB). His waterfront property on 1575 Ponce de Leon Drive in Fort Lauderdale’s Rio Vista neighborhood is surrounded by The New River on three sides, with a wide water frontage that can fit a megayacht.
At the time of his death in 2018, Huizenga had a net worth of over $2.8 billion. His Fort Lauderdale mansion went on sale soon after his passing, and was bought by premium pet food chain founder Check West in 2019 for $16.02 million.
- Real estate developer Terry Stiles
Terry Stiles is a well-known real estate developer who led the development of Fort Lauderdale from a spring break town to a boomtown. As the Chairman of the Board and CEO of Stiles Corporation, Stiles completed over 43 million square feet of commercial and residential development projects in Florida, the Carolinas, and Tennessee. He is credited for shaping the Fort Lauderdale skyline, based on his vision of a planned commercial business district with an abundance of recreational amenities and residential options.
Stiles clearly knows that Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a good place to live. He owned a waterfront mansion on 1776 Southeast 10th Street. Upon his death in 2017, his widow, Jamie Stiles oversaw the sale of the mansion for $10.1 million in 2019.
- NFL Hall of Famer Jason Taylor
NFL Hall of Famer and Miami Dolphins all-time sack leader Jason Taylor is another proud Millionaire’s Row homeowner. Taylor retired from the Dolphins in 2011, but has since returned to the league as a defensive ends coach for the Miami Hurricanes. Taylor’s net worth is estimated at $25 million.
- Pizza chain founder John Schnatter
The founder of the Papa John’s pizza chain has gone a long way since his restaurant’s humble beginnings in 1984, when Schnatter installed an oven inside a broom closet at the back of his father’s tavern in Jeffersonville, Indiana. Today, Papa John’s has a total of over 5,700 restaurants worldwide. There’s very little detail about his Fort Lauderdale estate, but with Schnatter’s net worth of up to more than $1 billion, we can only imagine the extravagance and lavishness to be found within.
- Entertainer Jay Leno
The former host of The Tonight Show is practically a household name. Aside from his successful two-decade stint as a talk show host, Leno is also known for his business savvy, building his financial wealth through smart investments and entrepreneurial exploits. His net worth is estimated at $450 million. Leno resides primarily in Beverly Hills, and his Fort Lauderdale estate is likely one of his many vacation homes around the country.
Needless to say, a lot of rich and famous people have owned a Fort Lauderdale luxury home at some point. Lucille Ball’s old house still exists, as does the former home of 1960s pop duo Sonny and Cher. Burt Reynolds, Oscar winner Nick Nolte, Mr. Spock himself Leonard Nimoy, and even gangster Al Capone also lived here.
Folks who are interested in seeing Fort Lauderdale homes of the wealthy and famous can book a New River scenic boat tour which explores the city’s many attractions and landmarks, as well as the mansions and estates on Millionaire’s Row.
Or you can begin browsing homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale, FL here.
SHOPPING FOR A FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA HOUSE FOR SALE
Want to know the best place to live in Fort Lauderdale for retirees? Looking for a Fort Lauderdale, Florida good place to live and raise a family? Or are you in the market for luxury digs? If you have any real estate questions about Fort Lauderdale, we can provide you with answers.
We at Florida Exclusive Living are a team of experienced real estate agents who are knowledgeable in every aspect of the Fort Lauderdale real estate market. Thus, we’ll have no trouble helping you find the right Fort Lauderdale, Florida house for sale for your needs. Call Florida Exclusive Living at 954.644.9118 or send an email here.