Home > FL > Fort Lauderdale > Love Where You Live > The Fun is Never Done in Fort Lauderdale

The Fun is Never Done in Fort Lauderdale

Live where you vacation in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area. 

By Brittany Anas on October 14, 2022

Sunrise over the pier in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Deerfield Beach is located in the Greater Fort Lauderdale region. Drone photo.
Jeff Adkins

You already know Greater Fort Lauderdale for its 24 miles of postcard-perfect beaches. But beyond the sandy shores and abundant sunshine, Greater Fort Lauderdale is a cosmopolitan region with a dynamic arts and culture scene, diverse residents and a hot job market. Plus, locals get access to the good life at an affordable price.

“With close to 75 unique neighborhoods, each with their own energy and style, Fort Lauderdale has something for everyone,” says Jenni Morejon, president and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority. “From exploring art exhibitions and good restaurants to enjoying sandy white beaches and a vibrant nightlife scene, the amenities are endless.”

Curious about what it’s like to live where you vacation? Find out more about why Greater Fort Lauderdale is a fast-growing region.

Glass works in the Art on Fire – The Chihuly Connection - glass art is on display at the Wiener Museum of Decorative in Dania Beach, Florida. Dania Beach is located in the Greater Fort Lauderdale region.
Jeff Adkins

Affordable & Convenient

It’s less taxing to live in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Not only is there no state income tax in Florida, but housing costs are the lowest in South Florida. Housing costs in Fort Lauderdale are 26% lower than in New York and 19% lower than in San Francisco, according to SmartAsset’s cost of living calculator.

Plus, there’s plenty of free fun to be had, from family-friendly festivals to endless beach days.

Not only does your dollar stretch further in Greater Fort Lauderdale, but you’ll also have more leisure time to enjoy sunsets on the sand or sample the diverse food scene.

“For those lucky enough to live and work here, it is easy to move around, with short commutes of less than 20 minutes,” says Robert Esposito, director of sales at RelatedISG Realty’s Fort Lauderdale office.

Diverse Populations

All are welcome in Greater Fort Lauderdale, a region that’s one of the most diverse places in the nation. More than 100 languages are spoken, and the community celebrates cultural traditions.

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau figures, Broward County’s population is 33.6% white, 32% Hispanic or Latino, 30.6% Black and 3.9% Asian. Plus, six of the top 10 most diverse suburbs in Florida are in Fort Lauderdale, according to Niche’s 2022 ranking.

The region has a strong international presence: South Florida has 70 consulates and 25 foreign trade offices from major countries in Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe and Asia.

Hallandale Beach, Florida
Courtesy of Hallandale Beach CRA

Ample Career Opportunities

The sky’s the limit in Greater Fort Lauderdale, no matter what stage of your career you are in. Since 2011, the region has added 150,000 jobs and counting. As a result, many cylinders are firing Greater Fort Lauderdale’s economic engine, including technology, life sciences, financial services, manufacturing and aviation industries.

With top firms like ICON International, West Marine and Future Tech Enterprise Inc. relocating their offices here, the region’s job market has never been hotter, says Morejon.

“These top firms have received the message that young professionals and the nation’s top talent are attracted to its desirable lifestyle, and they are eager to capitalize on that interest by bringing their high-paying jobs down here,” she says.

Ideal Climate

Seeking sunshine? An average temperature of 76 degrees means you can maintain an active outdoor lifestyle year-round. Plus, with miles of beaches, you can enjoy plenty of time on the water.

Esposito says newcomers are often surprised by all the close-to-home amenities Greater Fort Lauderdale offers for weekend fun. For example, a laid-back day on the beach can be followed up by a delicious meal at a five-star restaurant.

Fort Lauderdale is also home to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), with many direct flights to local and international destinations available.

“From exploring art exhibitions and good restaurants to enjoying sandy white beaches and a vibrant nightlife scene, the amenities are endless.”

Jenni Morejon, Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority

Thriving Arts & Culture

Arts lovers will feel at home in Greater Fort Lauderdale, with more than 500 cultural organizations and an art scene that continues to grow.

“While Fort Lauderdale is known for its amazing beaches, the arts and culture offerings are just as amazing,” says Phillip Dunlap, director of the Broward County Cultural Division. “We have world-class art museums, an interactive science museum, and our performing arts center is one of the top venues in the country to see a Broadway show.”

There are also a number of local theater companies like Island City Stage, Thinking Cap Theatre and New City Players that produce cutting-edge plays, he says, and many great monthly art walks give folks a chance to connect with the talented artists that call this area home.

“Even our airport and port are great places to see and experience art,” Dunlap says.

If you’d like to learn more about the Greater Fort Lauderdale Region, check out the latest edition of Livability: Greater Fort Lauderdale

Array ( [0] => 171104 [1] => 171145 [2] => 171074 [3] => 171129 [4] => 171184 [5] => 149120 )
Array ( )
Array ( )
Array ( [0] => 171104 [1] => 171145 [2] => 171074 [3] => 171129 [4] => 171184 [5] => 149120 )

More To Read

Newsletter Sign Up

Keep up to date with our latest rankings and articles!
Enter your email to be added to our mailing list.