Considering a move to Fort Lauderdale? You’re not alone. Fort Lauderdale was Miami’s lesser known sister for a while, but she’s come into herself and has been experiencing massive growth over the past few years. It has big-city vibes while also offering slower-paced suburban neighborhoods. Niche rated the area as one of the best places to live in the entire state, and Florida is massive so that’s a pretty impressive accolade. But really, the place is pretty perfect. An added bonus for those with kids, the public schools are above average.
Here are some of the top reasons to move to Fort Lauderdale ASAP.
1.) Fort Lauderdale has a vibrant art scene.
Fort Lauderdale’s art scene may be lesser known than Miami’s, but it’s equally as cool. FATVillage is Fort Lauderdale’s premier art district, with murals surrounding the neighborhood. What was once an empty warehouse district is now akin to Miami’s Wynnewood. It’s home to the county’s largest and longest running art walk. The monthly art walk features local art, music, crafts, and food.
The Mass District is a newer art and entertainment hub. It’s less than a 15-minute walk from FATVillage. The neighborhood is known for its eclectic live music venue, local breweries, and of course, lots of art.
January is Fort Lauderdale’s Art & Design week, where mansions along the intercoastal canals transform into art galleries that host open exhibits. Attendees ride water taxis to each home. You can purchase the pieces, but if you’re not flush, it’s just as fun to ogle the lavishness of it all.
Art lovers will also enjoy the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, and the Florida Grand Opera.
2.) It’s central to everything!
Miami is just south of Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach is north, so you can check out what the nearby areas in South Florida have to offer with just a few day trips. Public transit in Fort Lauderdale is a great way to get around. but most people still own cars. You can take the Brightline train system to Miami, West Palm Beach, and in 2020, Orlando, so you can hit the theme parks. The city is also home to a major public airport, so you can easily fly someplace if you need to escape the Florida heat.
3.) Fort Lauderdale is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
The water is crystal clear, and the white sand beaches stretch for 23 miles along Fort Lauderdale. Get out on the water for some watersports, go for a swim, learn to surf, or simply laze the day away in a lounge chair (but seriously, wear sunscreen).
There are plenty of reefs that are full of sea critters. Immersing yourself in the alienlike world of the Atlantic Ocean is truly an unforgettable experience for novice snorkelers and experienced divers alike.
Perhaps you’re a thrill seeker, or maybe you’ve finally overcome the Jaws nightmares that plagued your childhood. Head 30 minutes north to Jupiter and go on a shark diving trip to get up close and personal with the ocean’s most feared and respected creature. No certification needed.
4.) Tons of international cuisine and unique dining options to choose from.
Dining in Fort Lauderdale is an adventure. Every continent is represented, and there’s trendy eateries everywhere.
Loui Bossi has some seriously good Italian food, but you’ll want to make a reservation, or you’ll likely be waiting for over an hour.
If you like your dinner with a show, head to the B Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. There, you can have your meal and watch striking mermaids as they perform and drift by the restaurant’s underwater porthole window. There are family-friendly shows, and adults only risqué burlesque shows go on later in the night.
5.) All are welcome!
Fort Lauderdale’s diversity is what makes it such an interesting and beautiful place to live. Niche gave the city an A+ in diversity.
6.) Employment opportunities abound.
The cost of living can seem a little high, but the area has tons of employment options and a low unemployment rate. The tourism industry is its largest economic driver, so if you aren’t sure what you want to do when you arrive, check out the thriving tourist industry.
Some of the major companies headquartered in the city include AutoNation, Hotwire Communications, Citrix Systems, SmartWater CSI, and so many more.
7.) Fort Lauderdale is also known as the Venice of America.
With over 500 miles of traversable waterways, it’s earned its nickname as the Venice of America. If you really want to ham up the whole Venice of America thing, you can take a private gondola tour as the sun sets (a fantastic date idea, thank us later). The yachts that dot the waterways remind you that you’re in fact not in Italy, but it’s a fun way to sightsee, nonetheless.
8.) Lush landscapes and awesome public parks.
Exotic flowers, over 1500 types of palm, live oak, beautiful banyans draped with Spanish moss – simply put, it’s a tropical utopia. Visit Hugh Taylor Birch State Park for the tropical hammocks and a history lesson at the Bonnet House Museum, which is onsite.
The waterfront Riverwalk Linear Park has winding paths and areas to picnic.
9.) Distinct neighborhoods
Whether you’re looking to be where the action is or someplace a little bit quieter, Fort Lauderdale has options. The city has more than 60 neighborhoods to choose from, and it isn’t hard to find reasonably priced homes and apartments.
10.) The weather is generally pretty fantastic.
Temperatures vary from about 61 degrees Fahrenheit to 89 degrees. The winters are short, comfortable, and mostly clear. Aside from the rainy season, it’s almost always a perfect day for the beach.
Fort Lauderdale is a haven for artists, watersports lovers, adventurers, boat-enthusiasts, and foodies. If you’re considering a move to South Florida, Fort Lauderdale may just have everything you’re looking for. Whether you’re solo, coupled, or have a family, the area has appeal for all. The best part? We can help with the logistics of your move to Fort Lauderdale. Contact us today and get a free relocation quote.