Just 28 miles north of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, FL, is an oceanfront community filled with miles of beaches, artists, waterways, great restaurants and beautiful homes. The “Venice of America” offers a premier cosmopolitan scene filled with a mix of full-time residents, snowbirds, and visitors. With a lower unemployment rate, it’s simple to find a great job if you’re interested in moving to the area.
What Makes Fort Lauderdale Great
- Proximity: Fort Lauderdale is close to many Florida attractions, including Miami, the Florida Keys, the Everglades, and Alligator Alley. It’s only hours away from Orlando and beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches, such as shell-filled Sanibel.
- Its own airport: Fort Lauderdale has an international airport, saving you the trip to Miami to fly to the destination of your dreams. The area also has several cruise ship terminals.
- An abundance of art: Fort Lauderdale’s FAT Village and MASS district are creativity sanctuaries with monthly art walks.
- Great food: You’ll find more than seafood in Fort Lauderdale. The city is home to a variety of cuisines from around the world.
- Good schools: There are more than 150 public and private schools in the city, many of which are ranked in the top 20 for the best in the state. In addition, there are a number of colleges and universities in the area.
- Las Olas Boulevard: Once a dirt road that led to the beach, Las Olas Boulevard is now the ultimate center for dining, shopping and attractions.
- Get healthy: Fort Lauderdale has no shortage of parks, making it simple to swim, walk, cycle, skate, jog, water ski, practice yoga on the beach, and more.
Fort Lauderdale Weather
Fort Lauderdale has a tropical rainforest climate with dry, sunny winters and springs, and seasonal rainfall between May and October. The wet season is typically hot and humid with average highs in the upper 80s (F) and lows in the 70s (F). Average highs from November through mid-April are in the upper 70s (F) with lows between 57 and 64 degrees (F).
Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s Neighborhood Recognition Program is the official program for designating and recognizing neighborhoods. The area has more than 60 recognized neighborhoods, as well as up to 30 unofficial neighborhoods. Among the most popular are:
- Victoria Park: A gated community located near downtown; attracts young professionals and singles
- Sevens Isles: Located north of Las Olas Boulevard, the neighborhood is on finger islands
- Sailboat Bend: A historic area with a growing number of established professionals and families
- Rio Vista: An affluent community near downtown Fort Lauderdale with tree-lined streets and unique architecture
- Coral Ridge Country Club Estates: Primarily attracts retired couples
- Colee Hammock: One of the oldest neighborhoods in the city with restored homes and newer homes, condos and apartments
- Harbor Beach: A hidden neighborhood with a marina and private beach club
- Tarpon River: Close to the water and filled with parks and single-family homes
Average Housing Costs
At the time of publication, the median home price is $317,800. The median rent is $2,050 per month.
Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale
- Water sports galore: From body surfing to scuba diving, you can enjoy your favorite water sports throughout the year (or learn new ones). Attractions like Dolphin World let you swim with dolphins.
- Golf: Fort Lauderdale has more than 60 golf courses and several golfing communities, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn the sport or exercise your clubs.
- Nightlife: Fort Lauderdale’s nightlife is slowly catching up to the sophisticated choices found in Miami. Waterfront bars and water taxis give the area a unique form of entertainment: waterway bar crawls. Start with the clubs on Las Olas Boulevard.
- Join in the festivities: Thanks to great weather, Fort Lauderdale has festivals throughout the year. Popular events include the Tortuga Music Festival, Fort Lauderdale Fringe Festival, Las Olas Food and Wine Festival, Florida Renaissance Festival, Lauderdale Air Show, Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, and Family Fun Week. Friday Night Sound Waves is a free weekly live-music event that happens rain or shine at the Beach Hub.
Does Fort Lauderdale seem like your idea paradise? If so, check out the employment opportunities at Solairus.