Check Out These Great Places to Live in Fort Lauderdale

From downtown dwelling and beachside condos to quaint family friendly communities, you have plenty of great options in Greater Fort Lauderdale.

By Joe Morris on October 9, 2023

Nathan Lambrecht

Looking for a bungalow loaded with historic charm? Maybe a new condo with all the bells and whistles is more your speed – or a house with lots of indoor and outdoor room for a growing family? How about the beach within a few blocks? Whatever your desire, when it comes to finding the right house, apartment or condo, you can find plenty of great places to live in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and the surrounding communities.

Local Realtors Whitney Dutton of The Dutton Group at RE/MAX First and Sam DeBianchi LaViola, president and Realtor at DeBianchi Real Estate, break it down.

No Car? No Problem! Dwell in Downtown

Your search for great places to live in Fort Lauderdale can start downtown, which offers a great, walkable area with stunning views.

“Of course, the area is known for the main drag of Las Olas Boulevard, but there’s also the new Riverwalk Fort Lauderdale running through it,” he says. “There are plenty of restaurant and retail just off the main streets, as well, so easy to get to whatever you need.”

Living close to downtown Fort Lauderdale means easily getting your groceries from Publix or having your morning coffee from Sip Java, says LaViola.

Just north of Las Olas Boulevard and downtown Fort Lauderdale, you’ll find Flagler Village, one of the region’s trendiest neighborhoods with art districts, luxury residential developments and easy access to a Brightline train station.

“Need a place to work from? There are multiple coworking options like Spaces and General Provision Work Club that are off Las Olas,” he says.

Both Rio Vista and Coral Ridge have a community feel with yacht club options to join within the neighborhood (Lauderdale Yacht Club and Coral Ridge Yacht Club), and also boast great parks, says LaViola.

Nathan Lambrecht

Searching for More Space?

Communities such as Davie, Plantation, Parkland, Weston, Hollywood, and Pompano Beach tick all the boxes for those who want more elbow room.

“The amount of house and square footage you get, as well as lot size, is bigger in those neighborhoods, so your dollar stretches further,” Dutton says.

Coral Ridge and Harbour Inlet are also good options, says LaViola, with lots that are upwards of 9,000 square feet, allowing for more room to entertain and enjoy.

Long for Luxurious Living?

Head for the beach if you want the area’s newest luxury-loaded properties.

Auberge Beach Residences and Spa at Four Seasons Hotel and Residences are just two of the new properties that have come online in the last couple of years that feature amazing interiors as well as on-site amenities, such as world-class restaurants and spas.

Las Olas Isles also is worth looking at, LaViola says, as it is “booming with new, modern development along with waterfront living. When traveling down the various isles, you’ll see a variety of interpretations of the modern home.”

Want to Settle into a Historic Neighborhood?

The area’s oldest neighborhood, Sailboat Bend, is a natural choice for anyone who wants a property drenched in character. It’s a designated historical area and provides a window into the region’s earliest, underdevelopment days. Another slice of history can be found in Colee Hammock and Victoria Park, which offer up everything from stately homes to old live oak trees.

Head west to Weston, Davie, Plantation and Coral Springs to be near the Florida Everglades Wildlife Management Area, and you’ll also score great proximity to Markham Park.

“If being near the beach is your thing, Idlewyld, Lauderdale Beach, Harbor Beach and Harbour Inlet are great options,” LaViola says. “South Coral Ridge, Dolphin Isles and Las Olas by the Sea offer great proximity to the beach and Birch State Park.”