Fort Lauderdale, Florida is referred to as the "Venice of America". The city offers an unbeatable mix of luxury living, sunny beaches, and vibrant neighborhoods.
Known for its 165 miles of canals, the city attracts homebuyers looking for waterfront properties, new construction homes, and diverse housing options. Whether you’re moving to Fort Lauderdale for work, retirement, or family life, there’s a neighborhood perfectly suited to your lifestyle.
This guide highlights the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, FL, focusing on the housing market, cost of living, and unique features of each area.
Why Consider Moving to Fort Lauderdale?
Before diving into specific neighborhoods, let’s understand why living in Fort Lauderdale is a dream for many:
- Year-Round Sunshine: With over 300 sunny days annually, Fort Lauderdale is a haven for sunseekers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Strong Real Estate Market: The Fort Lauderdale housing market offers diverse investment opportunities, from new construction homes to historic properties.
- Waterfront Living: With over 165 miles of canals, waterfront properties are a staple.
- Proximity to Amenities: The city boasts world-class dining, shopping, and entertainment, alongside top-tier schools and healthcare options.
Cost of Living in Fort Lauderdale
When deciding where to live in Fort Lauderdale, understanding the cost of living is crucial. Here's an overview:
- Median Sale Price:
Affordable neighborhoods like Riverland Village start at around $545,000 whereas luxury areas like Las Olas Isles have a median home listing price of $7.1M.
Transportation Costs:
Car ownership is standard, with gas prices averaging $3.70–$3.83 per gallon. Ride-sharing apps and public transportation are also available, though limited.
- Groceries & Dining:
Food costs in Fort Lauderdale tend to be around 6% above the national average. Dining out can also be pricey, with upscale options on Las Olas Boulevard and waterfront restaurants in the Isles neighborhoods. - Healthcare Costs: Health costs are 6% lower than the national average. Access to leading hospitals like Broward Health Medical Center ensures quality care, with costs aligning with national averages.
Best Neighborhoods to live in Fort Lauderdale
Below are some of the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, FL to consider for your next home search:
1. Las Olas Isles: Luxury and Waterfront Living
Las Olas Isles offers some of the most sought-after homes in Fort Lauderdale. This exclusive waterfront neighborhood is a haven for those seeking luxury living with access to the Intracoastal Waterway. Expect sprawling mansions, private docks, and canals, allowing easy boating access.
Housing Market
- Median Sale Price: As of 2024, the median sale price in Las Olas Isles is around $3.59 million. The area features older historic homes and modern new-construction properties.
- New Construction Homes: There has been a surge in new construction homes, with modern luxury properties featuring state-of-the-art designs, open floor plans, and waterfront access.
Cost of Living
- Food and Groceries: Food costs in Las Olas Isles are 4% higher than the national average.
- Transportation: Most residents in this area own cars, as public transit options are limited. Data shows that 65% of residents drive to work. However, proximity to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport makes traveling convenient.
- Healthcare: The area is close to top medical facilities, including Broward Health Medical Center and Kindred Hospital South Florida.
Places to Eat
- Enjoy a unique Brazilian rodizio experience with various meats served tableside at Chima Steakhouse, or head to Louie Bossi's Ristorante, an Italian eatery known for its handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas.
2. Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a popular, up-and-coming neighborhood that offers a blend of quiet, tree-lined streets and proximity to the vibrant downtown area. Its historic homes, parks, and trendy cafes are ideal for homebuyers seeking charm and convenience.
Housing Market
- Median Sale Price: As of 2024, the median sale price is $907,000, making it more affordable than some of the city's luxury waterfront areas.
- New Construction Homes: The neighborhood is seeing a wave of new construction, particularly townhomes and modern single-family homes starting from $785,000 that offer contemporary finishes and smart-home features. Buyers can enjoy various incentives offered by builders.
Cost of Living
- Taxes: The property tax rate averages around 0.91% of a home's assessed value. Florida has no state income tax, making it a favorable destination for residents seeking tax advantages.
- Transportation: Victoria Park is centrally located, providing easy access to I-95 and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Public transportation options, like buses and ride-share services, are available, and about 20% of the residents opt for public transportation.
- Education: Victoria Park's graduation rate is 87%, which is relatively high and speaks to its highly-regarded school districts.
Places to Eat
- Culinary delights abound, with The Foxy Brown serving up comfort food and renowned brunch offerings, while Canyon provides innovative Southwestern cuisine in an intimate setting.
For those seeking a balance of affordability, charm, and convenience, Victoria Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale to call home.
3. Harbor Beach
Harbor Beach is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale. It features private gated communities, luxury homes, and beach access. It's ideal for those seeking seclusion, privacy, and top-tier amenities.
Housing Market
- Median Sale Price: Homes in Harbor Beach have a median sale price of around $5.7M.
- Cost of Living
- Food and Groceries: Groceries cost 4% more than the national average in Harbor Beach.
- Transportation: The presence of highways and private boat docks for waterfront residents offers convenient ways to travel.
- Healthcare: Broward Health Medical Center and Holy Cross Hospital provide healthcare to the area.
Places to Eat
- Dining options include 3030 Ocean, a chic dinner bistro offering seafood and a seasonal menu, and Pelican Landing, which provides casual waterfront dining focusing on fresh seafood.
If you want privacy, luxury waterfront living, and access to exclusive amenities, Harbor Beach is the best neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale for you.
4. Riverland Village
Riverland Village is one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale for first-time homebuyers or families. It offers a suburban feel with the advantage of being close to urban amenities and affordable housing options.
Housing Market
- Median Sale Price: Riverland Village offers a more affordable median sale price of around $500,000 as of 2024.
- New Construction Homes: There is a growing trend of new construction homes in the area, especially single-family homes, perfect for young families wanting space and privacy.
Cost of Living
- Taxes: Broward County sets property taxes at an average rate of 0.91% of the assessed value, and homeowners may qualify for a Homestead Exemption to reduce their taxable value. Additionally, Florida has a state sales tax of 6%, with local surtaxes in Broward County raising it to 7%.
- Transportation: Riverland Village is near I-595, making it easy to commute to downtown Fort Lauderdale, the beach, or Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.
- Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to several medical facilities, including Broward Health Medical Center and Westside Regional Medical Center.
Places to Eat
- The local dining scene features Tom Jenkins' Bar-B-Q, a local favorite for authentic Southern barbecue, and My Market & Deli, known for its hearty sandwiches and friendly atmosphere.
Riverland Village offers affordable housing and growing amenities, making it a solid choice for those looking to enter the Fort Lauderdale housing market without the high costs of more established neighborhoods.
5. Fort Lauderdale Beach
Fort Lauderdale Beach is an iconic location offering oceanfront condos, luxury beachfront properties, and beachside living. The neighborhood is ideal for those who want to live by the ocean and enjoy Fort Lauderdale's vibrant tourism scene.
Housing Market and Lifestyle
- Median Sale Price: The median sale price for homes in Fort Lauderdale Beach is $491,000.
- Lifestyle: Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a vibrant lifestyle with endless outdoor recreation, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Residents can enjoy world-class beaches, soak up the sun, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or surf the waves. The area's numerous water sports activities, such as boating, fishing, and paddleboarding, cater to thrill-seekers and water enthusiasts.
Cost of Living
- Utilities: Fort Lauderdale Beach offers a decent bargain on utilities, which are just 3% higher than the national average.
- Education: Lauderdale Beach's graduation rate is 91%, which is 9% higher than the state average.
- Transportation: Residents can walk or bike to many attractions. Public transportation is available for longer trips. However, only 6% of Lauderdale Beach residents utilize public transit.
Places to Eat
- Residents and visitors can enjoy dining at Coconuts, which offers seafood with a view and a relaxed atmosphere, or S3 Restaurant, combining steak, seafood, and sushi with oceanfront dining.
Fort Lauderdale Beach offers an unparalleled living experience for homebuyers seeking beachfront luxury and a thriving social scene.
6. Colee Hammock
Colee Hammock is a historic neighborhood that blends old-world charm with modern amenities. It offers a close-knit community while being within walking distance of downtown Fort Lauderdale, making it perfect for professionals and those who want to experience the city's rich cultural offerings.
Housing Market
- Median Sale Price: Homes in Colee Hammock typically have a median price of $1,12M.
- New Construction Homes: The area is seeing an increase in new construction homes while maintaining the neighborhood's historic appeal.
Cost of Living
- Food and Groceries: Food and Groceries are 4% higher in Colee Hammock than the national average.
- Transportation: Over 85% of residents prefer to drive their cars for easy travel. Consequently, Public transit and biking are not heavily relied upon.
- Healthcare: The neighborhood is close to Broward Health Medical Center and Holy Cross Hospital.
Places to Eat
- The area boasts eateries like Wild Sea Las Olas, known for its fresh seafood and chic ambiance, and The Floridian Restaurant, a classic diner serving the community since 1937.
Colee Hammock is ideal for those seeking historic charm with modern conveniences. It's perfect for people who want to be close to the heart of Fort Lauderdale's cultural and social attractions.
Which is the best Neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale for You?
Fort Lauderdale has a neighborhood to match just about every lifestyle. Whether you’re drawn to the luxurious waterfront homes of Las Olas Isles, the affordable charm of Riverland Village, or the lively beachfront vibe of Fort Lauderdale Beach, this city truly has something for everyone.
When deciding where to live in Fort Lauderdale, consider what matters most to you—home prices, cost of living, nearby amenities, or ease of getting around. Each neighborhood offers its unique character and benefits, so take your time, explore, and find the one that feels like home.
FAQ
Which neighborhood is the cheapest to live in in Fort Lauderdale?
Riverland Village is considered one of the most affordable neighborhoods with a median sale price of approximately $500,000. It’s ideal for first-time homebuyers or those looking to enter the Fort Lauderdale real estate market without overspending.
Which are the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale for families?
Victoria Park and Riverland Village are excellent family options, offering parks, schools, and modern new construction homes at a more affordable rate than resale properties.
Where is the best place to look for luxury waterfront real estate?
For those looking for luxurious waterfront property, the key choices are Las Olas Isles and Harbor Beach. Some of these neighborhoods feature beautiful houses, personal piers, and proximity to some of the city’s waterfront areas.
Why do people love Fort Lauderdale Beach?
Living in Fort Lauderdale Beach is to be surrounded by ocean views, luxurious properties, and social opportunities. It is ideal for those who want homes with easy access to the beach and vibrant city life during the evening.
