As much as Fort Lauderdale is any boater’s dream destination, the city offers so much more for many people regardless of their interests. When you consider its fascinating beaches, exquisite cuisine, art, and cultural scene, you will know why it’s experiencing an influx of people from across the country.So, what’re the pros and cons of living in Fort Lauderdale?
The advantages of living in Fort Lauderdale, include an almost perfect weather, varieties of beaches, low crime rate, no income tax and exciting sports scene. On the other hand, living in Fort Lauderdale has its downsides: traffic issues , overcrowded beaches , high cost of living , the proximity of local wildlife to homes and hurricane threats.
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Living in Fort Lauderdale PROS
1. An Almost Perfect Weather
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a place with almost perfect weather. The average temperature is a comfortable 75 degrees and the sun shines almost everyday. Fort Lauderdale is a great place to live if you enjoy the outdoors and being active. There are many activities to do such as swimming, fishing, surfing, and paddle boarding. The beaches are beautiful and there are many restaurants and bars to enjoy. Fort Lauderdale is also a great place to raise a family. The schools are good and there are plenty of activities for kids to do. If you are looking for a place to retire, Fort Lauderdale is a great option. The cost of living is reasonable and there are plenty of activities to keep you busy.
2. Varieties of Beaches
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a beach lover’s paradise. With over 23 miles of sandy beaches, there’s a beach to suit every taste. From the bustling atmosphere of Fort Lauderdale Beach to the laid-back vibe of Hollywood Beach, there’s something for everyone.
If you’re looking for a party scene, look no further than Fort Lauderdale Beach. This stretch of sand is packed with bars, restaurants, and shops, and is always buzzing with activity. If you want to catch some rays without the crowds, head to Hollywood Beach. This beach is quieter and more relaxed, and is perfect for a lazy day by the water.
Whether you’re looking to sunbathe, swim, or just take in the stunning views, Fort Lauderdale has a beach for you. So grab your sunscreen and head to Florida’s sunny shores!
3. Low Crime Rate
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is known for its low crime rate. The city has a population of over 181,000 people and a crime rate of 3,137 per 100,000 residents. This is significantly lower than the national average crime rate of 4,937 per 100,000 people. Fort Lauderdale is a safe place to live, work, and raise a family. The police department is well-trained and efficient, and the community is supportive. If you’re looking for a safe place to call home, Fort Lauderdale is a great option.
4. No Income Tax
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a great place to live for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is that there is no income tax! This means that you get to keep more of your hard-earned money.
Another great reason to live in Fort Lauderdale is the weather. The average temperature is a comfortable 75 degrees. And, of course, there’s the beach! Fort Lauderdale is home to some of the best beaches in the country.
If you’re looking for a place to retire, or just want to live in a beautiful and affordable place, Fort Lauderdale should be at the top of your list!
5. Exciting Sports Scene
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a great place to live for sports fans. There are many exciting professional and amateur sports teams to watch in the area. The Fort Lauderdale Strikers are a professional soccer team that plays in the North American Soccer League. The Miami Marlins are a professional baseball team that plays in the National League East. The Miami Dolphins are a professional football team that plays in the National Football League. The Miami Heat is a professional basketball team that plays in the National Basketball Association. There are also many amateur sports teams in the area, including the Fort Lauderdale Minor League Baseball team and the Fort Lauderdale High School football team. There are also many recreational sports leagues and clubs in the area, such as the Fort Lauderdale Tennis Club and the Fort Lauderdale Golf Club. There are many opportunities for sports fans to enjoy their favorite activities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Living in Fort Lauderdale CONS
1. Traffic Issues
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a bustling city with a lot to offer its residents and visitors. Unfortunately, the city also has a bit of a traffic problem.
There are a few things that contribute to the traffic issues in Fort Lauderdale. First, the city is located in South Florida, which is a very popular tourist destination. This means that there are a lot of people coming in and out of the city, which can add to the congestion on the roads. Second, Fort Lauderdale is home to a lot of businesses and industries, which also add to the traffic during rush hour.
The good news is that the city is working on improving its traffic situation. There are plans to add more public transportation options and to improve the infrastructure of the roads. In the meantime, residents and visitors can do their part by carpooling, using public transportation when possible, and avoiding driving during rush hour if possible.
2. Overcrowded Beaches
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a beautiful place to visit, but its overcrowded beaches can be a bit of a turnoff. The city is home to some of the busiest beaches in the country, and on any given day, you’ll find them packed with people.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing beach experience, you might want to consider visiting one of the many other beaches in Florida. Fort Lauderdale’s beaches may be crowded, but they’re still worth checking out if you’re in the area.
3. High Cost of Living
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is known for its high cost of living. The average cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is $3,000 per month, which is higher than the national average of $2,000 per month. The high cost of living is due to the city’s high housing costs, which are some of the highest in the country. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale is $1,500 per month, which is significantly higher than the national average of $1,000 per month. The high cost of living can be a challenge for residents, but there are ways to save money. For example, many residents carpool or use public transportation to save on transportation costs. Additionally, many residents take advantage of the city’s many free or low-cost attractions, such as its beaches and parks.
4. The proximity of Local Wildlife to Homes
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a beautiful place to live. The weather is great and the beaches are stunning. However, one downside to living in Fort Lauderdale is the proximity of local wildlife to homes.
Alligators are a common sight in Fort Lauderdale, and they are not shy about approaching homes. In fact, there have been several incidents of alligators entering people’s yards and even their homes. While alligators are not usually aggressive, they can be dangerous and should be avoided.
If you live in Fort Lauderdale, it’s important to be aware of the local wildlife and take precautions to avoid them. If you see an alligator, do not approach it and call the police or animal control immediately.
5. Hurricane Threats
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a beautiful place to live, work, and raise a family. The city has a lot to offer its residents, including great schools, parks, and beaches. However, Fort Lauderdale is also vulnerable to hurricanes.
In the past, Fort Lauderdale has been hit by hurricanes that have caused significant damage to the city. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was a Category 5 hurricane that caused $26.5 billion in damage in the United States. Hurricane Wilma in 2005 was a Category 3 hurricane that caused $20 billion in damage in the United States.
Hurricane Irma in 2017 was a Category 5 hurricane that caused $50 billion in damage in the United States. Fort Lauderdale was one of the hardest hit areas by Hurricane Irma. The hurricane caused widespread flooding and damage to homes and businesses.
Fort Lauderdale is working hard to recover from Hurricane Irma and to prepare for future hurricanes. The city has adopted new building codes that require buildings to be built to withstand high winds and flooding. The city is also working on plans to improve its drainage system to reduce flooding during future hurricanes.
Fort Lauderdale is a beautiful city with a lot to offer its residents. However, the city is also vulnerable to hurricanes. Fort Lauderdale is taking steps to improve its resilience to future hurricanes and to help its residents recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Irma.
Is Fort Lauderdale, Florida a great place to live?
It depends on what you are looking for!
Fort Lauderdale, Florida is a great place to live for many reasons. The weather is almost perfect, there are a variety of beaches to choose from, the crime rate is low, there is no income tax and the sports scene is exciting. On the other hand, living in Fort Lauderdale has its downsides: traffic issues, overcrowded beaches, high cost of living, the proximity of local wildlife to homes and hurricane threats. Is Fort Lauderdale, Florida a great place to live? It depends on what you are looking for!
FAQs
Is it worth living in Fort Lauderdale? ›
Fort Lauderdale has a lot to offer, with many activities and beaches their is something for everyone! From living in Fort Lauderdale all 17 years of my life, I see this place as really to be my state grounds. Nice weather, pretty flowers, lovely beaches, and a peaceful place to call home.
Is Fort Lauderdale a good place to live in Florida? ›Living in Fort Lauderdale offers residents an urban feel and most residents own their homes. In Fort Lauderdale there are a lot of bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks. Many young professionals live in Fort Lauderdale and residents tend to lean liberal. The public schools in Fort Lauderdale are above average.
Is Fort Lauderdale a good place to buy a home? ›Fort Lauderdale is family-friendly
A relatively safe place to live, find your fair share of family-friendly neighborhoods and homes as well as a highly ranked public school system.
You ought to be particularly cautious if visiting and staying in the western neighborhoods of Fort Lauderdale, as the incidence of burglary is pretty high here (1 in 216 people). However, the southeastern region of the city is safer as the chances of becoming a victim of burglary is 1 in 363 people.
What salary do you need to live in Fort Lauderdale? ›The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is 14% higher than than the national average. The national average salary is $56,310, so a good salary in Fort Lauderdale is anything over $64,756 by this measure.
What is the safest city in Fort Lauderdale? ›- Coral Ridge.
- Imperial Point.
- Rio Vista.
- Tarpon River.
- Victoria Park.
Fort Lauderdale was named one of the top 25 best places to live and as having one of the top 10 downtowns in the U.S. by Livability.com. The city was named one of the country's “100 Best Places to Live and Launch a Business” by CNN Money and the "2nd Happiest City for Young Professionals in the U.S." by Forbes.
What type of people live in Fort Lauderdale? ›The largest Fort Lauderdale racial/ethnic groups are White (46.0%) followed by Black (29.8%) and Hispanic (19.5%).
Why is Fort Lauderdale so popular? ›Fort Lauderdale is famous for its beaches, arts, culture, and events. From shopping on Las Olas Boulevard to gondola rides on the canals, to a historic riverfront, this is the "Venice of America." Along Las Olas Boulevard, shopping, dining, and the historic districts.
Are home prices dropping in Fort Lauderdale? ›Fort Lauderdale Housing Market Trends
What is the housing market like in Fort Lauderdale today? In January 2023, Fort Lauderdale home prices were up 12.6% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $538K. On average, homes in Fort Lauderdale sell after 73 days on the market compared to 57 days last year.
Is Boca Raton or Fort Lauderdale better? ›
If you are looking for a very pervasive boating culture and more mileage for cruising, then Fort Lauderdale is probably the best choice for you. If you're looking for a quiet place to dock your boat or yacht with less boat traffic and easy access to major waterways, then Boca Raton is probably best for you.
Are property taxes high in Fort Lauderdale? ›The median property tax in Broward County, Florida is $2,664 per year for a home worth the median value of $247,500. Broward County collects, on average, 1.08% of a property's assessed fair market value as property tax.
Is Fort Lauderdale safe from hurricanes? ›1. Southeast Florida (Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm Beach) Southeast Florida is very susceptible to hurricanes, given its location at the tip of the state. Most large hurricanes affect Southeast Florida with storm surges and plentiful rain – and those that make direct landfall can cause severe damage.
Is Ft Lauderdale safer than Miami? ›However, most experts agree that Ft. Lauderdale is generally more dangerous than Miami (comparing data from within their respective city limits). That said, both cities have their fair share of problems, and, believe it or not, neither ranks as the most dangerous place in South Florida.
Is Fort Lauderdale for older adults? ›Fort Lauderdale has an enormous number of senior-friendly attractions to offer. Whether it be immersive cultural experiences, beautiful nature escapes, or satisfying wellness classes, this Florida city can be a delightful home for older adults.
What is the downside of living in Florida? ›Since there are good reasons not to live in Florida. The drawbacks include severe weather, heat, humidity, sales taxes, fees, and the negative effects of urbanization.
Is it better to live in Miami or Fort Lauderdale? ›The Bottom Line. Both cities offer the things people love about South Florida: beautiful weather, beaches, great food, and rich culture. But while Miami is more culture-rich and walkable with quality schools, Fort Lauderdale offers a quieter lifestyle, less congestion, and more affordable housing options.