Fort Lauderdale, FL
Why You’ll Love Living in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Travel to the Greater Fort Lauderdale area just once, and you’ll soon understand what all the fuss is about. Residents aren’t exaggerating when they talk about this Florida city’s high quality of life. With an average temperature of 76 degrees, Fort Lauderdale is primed for enjoying the great outdoors, with access to miles of beaches and waterways where you can boat and paddle board, plus hundreds of parks, golf courses, gardens and more. When you’re ready to relax, you can head back to a home that suits you and your lifestyle, whether it’s a waterfront condo, an LGBT-friendly neighborhood or a quaint suburban home. And when it comes to education and business here, both are thriving. Greater Fort Lauderdale is home to 35 colleges and universities and 200 corporate, regional and international headquarters.
Thinking of moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL? Keep scrolling to find all the details about living in Fort Lauderdale, including quick facts such as the population, median home value and property taxes. Plus, learn more about the cost of living and quality of life in Fort Lauderdale, from the economy and job opportunities to weather, outdoor activities and things to do, including local restaurants and points of interest.
What Makes Fort Lauderdale, FL, a Best Place to Live in 2024
Fun in the sun is the obvious reason why Fort Lauderdale, FL, ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S. After a visit, you’ll no doubt want to make this your home, too. Because, let’s face it, who can resist a cosmopolitan city that boasts 24 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, a dynamic dining scene and arts and culture aplenty?
The Greater Fort Lauderdale area is home to 31 distinct neighborhoods that provide all the amenities you can expect from living in South Florida. That includes a strong and diverse economy with significant industry sectors such as global logistics, aerospace, aviation, technology, financial services and marine industries.
It’s a breeze to get around, too, with access to major interstates, airports, passenger rail service, as well as water taxis and a bustling cruise ship boarding seaport. Fort Lauderdale is often called the “Venice of America” due to the 300 miles of inland waterways that wind through the city.
Fort Lauderdale also embraces the arts in a big way, catering to many different interests, including fine art, Native American heritage, LGBTQ culture, antique cars and African American history. The city hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show every fall. It is the world’s largest in-water boat show, with over 1,500 boats and 100,000 boat lovers.
Another plus of living in Fort Lauderdale is that your dollar goes further here, with low taxes (including no income tax), an array of affordable housing options, and lots of free fun at your fingertips – yes, the beach is calling!
Fort Lauderdale, FL Quality of Life LivScore
Fort Lauderdale, FL Top Categories
Amenities
Economy
Transportation
Fort Lauderdale ranks highest for amenities, economy and transportation.
Weather and Outdoor Activities in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This beach city gets 3,000 hours of annual sunshine, and year-round temps average 77 degrees. The average highs and lows are 89°F and 76°F (summer) and 77°F and 62°F (winter).
The average annual snowfall in Fort Lauderdale is 0 inches. While the city may experience occasional frost or freezing temperatures during the winter months, snowfall is extremely rare.
The average annual rainfall in Fort Lauderdale is around 63 inches, with the highest averages occurring from June to September.
Fort Lauderdale averages 246 sunny days a year.
Did you know the Greater Fort Lauderdale area has two dozen Atlantic beaches to enjoy? Get scuba certified and explore the area’s 76 artificial reefs. Spend a day at Lauderdale-By-The-Sea, a cute coastal town with punchy colors and a good spot for snorkeling or diving in the reefs and wrecks.
Things To Do in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Take free Saturday morning surf lessons with Island Water Sports at nearby Deerfield Beach. It’s been a tradition for more than 30 years.
Some locals describe Hugh Taylor Birch State Park on East Sunrise Boulevard as a little slice of paradise nestled within the bustling city of Fort Lauderdale, and we couldn’t agree more. Boasting picnic tables, a dog park, plenty of space and playgrounds where children can burn off their energy, this is a must-see when staying in the area.
There are all manner of open secrets about Fort Lauderdale that are worth exploring, but our pick would have to be Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, with its rich history and stunning natural beauty.
Las Olas Boulevard is known as the ‘style mile’ and is an upscale shopping district with many boutiques, galleries and cafes. It’s a good spot for meeting friends, window shopping or exploring on a leisurely afternoon.
Anyone hoping to spend a night out at a local waterside restaurant will appreciate the vibe and menu at Coconuts on Seabreeze Boulevard. Featuring all manner of fresh seafood dishes and a rave Sunday brunch, this is a hot spot for date nights and weekend dinners out with the family.
Unsurprisingly, there are several places to catch a concert in Fort Lauderdale, but narrowing down the choices can be tricky. Locals often rave about Revolution Live, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and Blue Jean Blues for anyone wanting to enjoy a night out on the town.
Pair spritzes or glasses of wine with sushi rolls, oysters and “angry chicken” at Takato, a Japanese-Korean fusion restaurant with water views inside Conrad Fort Lauderdale.
The Local and State Economy in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale is a major economic center in South Florida. Its diverse economy includes several industries, including tourism and hospitality, financial services and marine and yachting. In addition, Broward County Public Schools, Publix Super Markets and Florida Power & Light are among the largest employers in the city.
In 2024, the sales tax rate in Fort Lauderdale is 7%.
No, Florida does not have a state income tax.
Residents can find stellar health care options in Fort Lauderdale. Broward Health is a major provider in the Miami-Fort Lauderdale area and operates several hospitals and medical facilities throughout Broward County, including the flagship Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale. Memorial health care System also has a significant presence in the area. In addition, Holy Cross Hospital is also consistently ranked one of the best in the region by U.S. News & World Report.
Fort Lauderdale has several colleges and universities, including Broward College, Nova Southeastern University and Florida Atlantic University.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Businesses & Brands to Know
Weather in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Average Temperatures
83 high / 69 low
Average Annual Rainfall
63 in
Average Annual Snowfall
0 in
Quick Facts about Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Median Home Value
- $400,541
- Median Property Tax
- $2,977
- Total Population
- 194,928
- Average Commute
- 22 min
- Median Household Income
- $82,198
- Median Monthly Rent
- $1,373
Map of Fort Lauderdale, FL
Experiences & Adventures in Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Fort Lauderdale, FL: Where to Live Now
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Fort Lauderdale, FL: Love Where You Live
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All Inclusive: Fort Lauderdale is For All
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