Fort Lauderdale

Named after a series of forts built during the Second Seminole War, Fort Lauderdale was incorporated in 1911. Population booms of the 1920s and after World War II turned the “New River Settlement” into today’s busy and beautiful metropolis; it’s the perfect blend of sand and city. Within the more than 60 distinct neighborhoods of Fort Lauderdale, residents have no problem parking their car, beach cruiser, or yacht.

Known as the “Venice of America,” Fort Lauderdale sits on the southern coast of Florida, tucked between Miami and West Palm Beach. From ballet at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, this bustling city offers more than 50 neighborhoods to explore on sand or by water, in sunshine or moonlight.

 

Long-time residents will tell you the best thing about growing up in Fort Lauderdale is the city’s perfect combination of beach and city. Its sea breeze and diverse landscape make it easy to live a balanced, active life and raise a family. Attractions like the Museum of Discovery and Science or shopping at the Galleria provide as much to do indoors as outside.

 

A typical weekend in Fort Lauderdale can feel like a vacation, beginning with a tropical cocktail and live island music at the Aruba Beach Café. Sand volleyball courts and every water sport imaginable make it hard to stay inside on a sunny weekend. For culture seekers, the Broward Center for the Arts offers broadway shows and exciting concerts.

 

As with any urban setting, traffic during rush hour or big events can be slow and steady. Fortunately, the Tri-Rail chugs by clogged motorways, and 23 miles of coastline offer alternatives for getting around the city. If you need a quick escape, there are cruise ships leaving Port Everglades daily, cheap flights at Hollywood-Fort Lauderdale International airport, and airboat rides in the Everglades.

 

This city has many distinct neighborhoods, each with its own real estate gems. For example, Las Olas is considered the Beverly Hills of Fort Lauderdale, while there’s golf course living in Coral Ridge. Rio Vista is a tranquil oasis, and Wilton Manors is the fashionable place to be with hip streets, cafes, and lofts. Classic estates with original wood flooring can be found in Victoria Park, and Harbor Beach has villas in gated communities. Multi-million dollar waterfront properties and quaint cottages lend this city classic Floridian charm. Best of all, Fort Lauderdale has a home for any budget and taste.

 

On any day of the week, a stroll along the Riverwalk is a lovely way to spend the afternoon, but on the first Sunday of the month residents gather with picnic baskets and blankets to enjoy Jazz Brunch. Tourists may travel from across the world to sunbathe at the beaches in Fort Lauderdale, but for residents there’s much more to the city than the Atlantic Ocean.