10 Things to Know Before Moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale, a stunning city, that extends along the southern Atlantic coast of Florida. This city has been nicknamed “The Venice of Florida” because of the vast network of canals and waterways that run throughout it and lead to the Intracoastal. 

Fort Lauderdale is a boater’s heaven thanks to its gorgeous beaches, vast canals that go inland, delicious cuisine, and prestigious art and culture scene. The city and the state of Florida as a whole are seeing an influx of new residents as a result of the strong economy. 

Let’s talk about ten things to know before moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL!

1. It is in a centralized location

Fort Lauderdale is the main city in Broward County, located in southeastern Florida and roughly 25 miles north of Miami. It is located on the Atlantic coast, and its port, Port Everglades, is a significant departure point for several cruise lines. Fort Lauderdale is also a central departure point for different cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruises, Holland America, and Princess Cruise Lines. The city contains about 500 miles of navigable waterways, including the Intracoastal Waterway. 

From Fort Lauderdale, it takes only about an hour to drive to Palm Beach, two hours to go to Naples, three hours to get to Orlando, and four hours to drive to Key West. One of the three airports that serve the Miami metropolitan region is the Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport. This airport is beneficial for locals because it allows for more domestic flights and offers cheaper airlines.

2. The beaches are stunning

Some of the most stunning beaches in all of southeast Florida can be found just outside the city limits, stretching for 23 miles. Both locals and visitors are drawn to the area by the beautiful white sand and clear blue ocean. 

Because of its shallow and tranquil waters, Blue Wave is the best beach in town for families with young children. Expect to see dolphins and stick around for the breathtaking sunset. 

Seven miles of white sand, swaying palm trees, and fantastic restaurants and shops define Fort Lauderdale Beach. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a small beach hamlet only five miles outside of the city, and it’s a fantastic place to go free diving or fishing. The Anglin Fishing Pier is a popular spot for beachgoers. 

3. Get a job in the tourism industry

Do you plan to relocate in search of employment? The job market is heating up in Fort Lauderdale, so you won’t have to apply for jobs for too long. In fact, there has been a 1.9% increase in local employment openings over the past year. Experts estimate a 37.9% increase in employment over the next decade, which is 4.4% higher than the average for the United States. 

With the unemployment rate so low, it shouldn’t be hard to find a job that pays well enough to cover the cost of living increase. The tourism business is booming here, so it’s a good time to look for work if that’s something you’re interested in. Companies like AutoNation, Citrix Systems, SmartWater CSI, SFN Group, and Broward County Public Schools are among the largest employers in the area because they have headquarters there.

4. It doesn’t snow in this city

One of the main reasons so many people are relocating to the area is the fantastic climate. Typical of a tropical climate, the summers are long, hot, wet, and humid, while the winters are short, clear, windy, and cloudy. There are 246 days of sunshine a year, and the nights are mild and windy. The average temperature is a balmy 77 degrees Fahrenheit all through the year. May through October is the rainy season, with September being the wettest month. 

Fortunately, you won’t need a snow shovel. Snowbirds from northern latitudes need not worry; Fort Lauderdale has a tropical climate. Never again endure bitterly cold winters, with averages between 61 and 89 degrees.

5. Eat at Coconuts or The Foxy Brown

Enjoy the great flavors and delicacies South Florida offers, including classic Floridian seafood meals and a blend of foreign cuisine. 

Enjoy locally caught seafood at Coconuts while watching boats and yachts pass by. This laid-back hangout is ideal for a romantic outing, thanks to its delicious Sunday Brunch. The Foxy Brown is another fantastic venue for brunch, serving up delicious fare at reasonable prices. Have a milkshake, please! 

El Camino Fort Lauderdale serves authentic Mexican cuisine, margaritas, and a lively atmosphere. Kousine Fort Lauderdale is a great place to satisfy your cravings for Peruvian and vegetarian meals. 

6. Living costs are 16% higher than the national average

In general, everyday expenses in Fort Lauderdale are somewhat substantial. The overall cost of living is 16% more than the U.S. average, with a $525,948 median home price for houses. Compared to the U.S. average, housing costs here are much higher.

Costs for utilities are 1 percent below the national average, and grocery store prices are 3% higher than the U.S. average. If you’re planning to live here, it’s best to be prepared for this.

7. Get around the area on Amtrak or BCT

Fort Lauderdale is a city that fits into a very small space. In fact, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about your gas mileage because you can get everything you need within a five-mile radius. You could put aside money for gas to take weekend getaways to Miami or neighboring state parks.

You may not even need a car, and that’s good news. You can take Amtrak to get to Miami or anywhere else in the country. Likewise, there are 299 buses in the Broward County Transit (BCT) fleet, and they serve 1,600 different bus stops across the county’s 410 square miles.

8. The city has traffic problems

Traffic has worsened as a result of the city’s expansion and the increasing number of visitors to its beaches. 

According to the ETC Institute’s survey, Fort Lauderdale drivers have a much lower level of satisfaction with traffic than drivers across the country.

Location choice can have a significant impact on how much time you spend stuck in traffic. Try to stay in a convenient area where you can easily access shops and public transit. If you work from home or plan to relocate to the city without regard to location, this will be much less of a hassle.

9. Go shopping at Sawgrass Mills or take a stroll down Flagler Village

You won’t waste a minute in Fort Lauderdale because there are so many exciting things to do here.

Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village, north of Las Olas Boulevard, is the city’s primary cultural hub. The Flagler Village art galleries are located in a building once used for manufacturing. 

There are hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a reptile habitat at the Secret Woods Nature Center, which spans 57 acres. Wonderful for a day out with the kids.

Plan a day of retail therapy at Sawgrass Mills. Take a stroll along Riverwalk, a popular area for art and entertainment. To explore South Florida in luxury, consider signing up for a boat trip. 

10. It’s a lovely city

There is no denying the overwhelming beauty of South Florida’s natural landscape. 

Fort Lauderdale has miles of beachfront on the stunning Atlantic. The New River and other waterways wind their way inland, leading to places like the Florida Everglades and other protected natural areas. Butterfly World, the largest butterfly refuge in the world, and Flamingo Gardens, a nature reserve home to fascinating animals like flamingos, are both within easy driving distance of Fort Lauderdale.

This city has everything a nature lover could want, and more.

In Summary

Fort Lauderdale offers everything one could want in a city; a thriving economy, a ton of exciting places to explore, lovely beaches, favorable weather, and lots more. However, the city also has a high cost of living, and traffic can occasionally get bad.