Pros and Cons of Living In Fort Lauderdale

Are you thinking about that trip you took to Venice? Or those beautiful pictures you saw on Pinterest, and you started dreaming about moving there? But you don’t want to leave America…

No need to worry! We’ve moved countless clients to Fort Lauderdale, and we can tell you one thing – it’s the Venice of America, and guess what; we think you might’ve just found your new dream home.

Now that we’ve agreed on that let’s see how much of a fit it is for you. That being said, we thought some pros and cons of living in this tropical paradise might help you make the decision.

Pros

Fort Lauderdale has miles of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and a thriving arts and culture scene. It’s also home to some of the best restaurants and shopping destinations in South Florida. And don’t get us started on the weather … With year-round sunshine, you’ll never have to shovel that snow again!

1. Beaches

If you love Venice, you must love the water and beaches. That’s probably one of the main reasons people move here. And Fort Lauderdale’s beaches are among the best in the country, with crystal-clear waters and soft, white sand. So no matter if you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun, go for a swim, or try your hand at snorkeling or scuba diving, you’ll never want to leave this place. You can find some of these beautiful spots at Fort Lauderdale Beach, Deerfield Beach, and Hollywood Beach.

2. Nightlife

Fort Lauderdale sometimes feels just like a vacation. Like a summer holiday, you went on with your friends – and with the beaches, swimming, and sunbathing, there must be parties, right? You only live once. So many options allow you to even pick the spots depending on your mood that day. And who doesn’t love that? Not us… From a trendy bar or nightclub or a world-class restaurant to a live music venue, you can choose something even if you’re not in the mood for a party, and we all have those days. Some popular spots you can check out are Las Olas Boulevard, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries, and the Riverfront, which has so many bars, clubs, and theaters.

3. Culture

Fort Lauderdale has a thriving arts and culture scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and performing arts centers. So on the days you’re not partying, or if you just finished sunbathing, you can surprise your brain with some art. You can take your loved one on a date to some classical music, modern art, or experimental theater to get some extra points. We’ll even give you a hint about where to take them: Broward Center for the Performing Arts, the Museum of Discovery and Science, and the NSU Art Museum. These are some popular kids in the hood. So you’re safe.

4. Climate

As we already said – No snow, no more! With warm temperatures and a lot of sunshine year-round, Fort Lauderdale is the perfect hiding spot from cold winters and rainy springs. However, you have to be careful with the hurricane season, which happens from June to November, and occasional tropical storms can bring heavy rain and wind.

5. Safety

The crime rate in Fort Lauderdale has been decreasing in recent years, and the city has a lower crime rate than many other large cities in Florida and the United States, so you’re good even with feeling safe in such a magical place. Some of the family-friendly neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, such as Coral Ridge, Rio Vista, and Victoria Park, have a reputation for being clean, well-maintained, and relatively low-crime.

Cons

1. Cost of living

As with many desirable cities, like our lovely Venice, living in Fort Lauderdale can be expensive. Housing costs, mostly, can be high, especially if you’re looking for a beachfront property, which we all would. However, there are plenty of more affordable options available if you’re willing to compromise on location or amenities.

2. Crowds

Fort Lauderdale is a popular tourist destination, which means that the beaches and other attractions can get crowded during peak season. But if you’re willing to explore some of the lesser-known spots, you can still find plenty of peaceful places to relax. Those tend to be the hidden gems, and usually those hide-away pots. And let’s face it, we all need some adventure from time to time.

3. Traffic

Like in many cities in South Florida, there can also be some traffic in Fort Lauderdale. However, there are plenty of alternative transportation options available, like buses, water taxis, and bike-share programs. ( Water taxis sound so much fun!)

BONUS TIPS

Best Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale

1. Victoria Park

If you’re looking for something close to the life of the party, this neighborhood that’s located just north of downtown Fort Lauderdale is worth looking at. It’s known for its beautiful tree-lined streets, historic homes, and proximity to the beach. It’s a win-win on every end. The area is popular with families and young professionals, and it has so many restaurants, shops, and entertainment options.

2. Coral Ridge

This wealthy neighborhood is mostly popular with families and retirees and has a mix of single-family homes and condos, and you can find many of them on the waterfront. Coral Ridge has several parks, schools, and shopping centers, like the famous Galleria Mall. So maybe you’ve found the one if you’re more into an easier, slow-paced lifestyle.

3. Rio Vista

This one’s more for history lovers. It’s loved among its locals for all those charming Mediterranean-style homes, tree-lined streets, and of course, its proximity to the beach. Rio Vista is mostly popular with families and professionals. Southport Shopping Center is probably the most visited spot there, and you’ll never get bored with so many entertainment activities around every corner.

4. Las Olas Isles

This is the rich aunt of the family because of its luxury waterfront homes and boating lifestyle. Las Olas Isles is located just off Las Olas Boulevard, one of Fort Lauderdale’s main shopping and entertainment districts- you get the picture. The area is popular with retirees and wealthy professionals, and they all hang out at upscale restaurants and boutiques. So if this screams – you, let’s get your apartment packing!

5. Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

While technically a separate town, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea is located just north of Fort Lauderdale and is a popular destination for beach lovers and retirees. (There’s never enough of the beach). The area has a charming small-town feel, with everything you need; a variety of restaurants, outdoor activities, shops, parks, entertainment options, and more importantly – a friendly, welcoming community.