7 Reasons to Move to Greater Fort Lauderdale

There's so much to adore about this surprisingly affordable region in South Florida.

By Rebecca Treon on October 10, 2023

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

When considering a relocation, families aren’t just looking for opportunities to further their careers, they are also looking for ways to enhance their quality of life. Among the most important are educational opportunities for both kids and adults, followed by safety, affordability and inclusiveness. Plus, parents want to know if there will be things to keep their kids entertained, from parks and museums to outdoor activities.

Lucky for families, Fort Lauderdale, FL, has all these things and more. Here are just a few reasons why it may be time to consider making the move to Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding communities.

1. Your Dollars Go Farther Here

Fort Lauderdale enjoys a relatively low cost of living. With no state income tax, families have a leg up when it comes to finding their dream home for a reasonable price tag. Median home values in Broward County are lower than in neighboring Miami-Dade or Palm Beach. 

2. You Will Feel Welcome

As one of the nation’s most diverse communities, the Fort Lauderdale region is welcoming to newcomers. Approximately 32% of the population is Hispanic and nearly 31% is Black. Plus, in addition to the city’s affordable cost of living and great weather, its surging job market is attracting new tech startups and companies, while its health care and hospitality industries continue to be economic mainstays.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

3. Naturally, You’ll Love the Outdoors

In Fort Lauderdale, families have access to all the entertainment options of a major city, while also having nature at their fingertips. The region boasts over 24 miles of sandy beaches, from the buzzing boardwalk at Hollywood Beach, lined with shops and restaurants, to more quiet stretches, like Deerfield Beach, where you can collect shells, build sandcastles, fish or enjoy water sports like stand-up paddleboarding or surfing. Hillsboro Beach, known as a turtle nesting site, has a lighthouse, while Pompano Beach and Lauderdale-By-The-Sea are loved by scuba divers and snorkelers for coral reefs and shipwrecks. 

4. Speaking of Nature, It Is Protected Here

Broward County has nearly 40 designated conservation areas. Among them are Everglades Buffer Strip North, Fern Forest Nature Center, Red Lichen Preserve, Tall Cypress Natural Area and Tree Tops Park.

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

5. Did We Mention the Fantastic Food?

When you’re ready for a fun night out, or an unforgettable lunch (or brunch) with friends, you’ll have plenty of places to choose from. There are over 4,000 restaurants and 100 nightclubs in the Fort Lauderdale area.

6. Your Educational Options Are Endless

Fort Lauderdale’s quality education options set students up for success. Certificate programs and accessible higher education are attracting young families of different backgrounds to the region. The city has both public and private options for pre-K through high school, and it’s home to more than 20 higher education options, including Broward College and Florida Atlantic University. All of these choices lead residents to great careers. The city boasts a higher job growth rate than the national average and a higher average hourly pay rate. 

Visit Florida

7. The Museums Are Marvelous

Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding region are home to some of the state’s best museums, including Butterfly World (located inside Tradewinds Park), the Museum of Discovery and Science, the International Swimming Hall of Fame, the Historic Stranahan House Museum, History Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs Museum of Art, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and several others.