Moving to South Florida? Here Are 7 Great Cities to Consider

You've chosen Greater Fort Lauderdale as your next home. Now comes the fun part: Which community is calling your name?

By Livability on October 13, 2021

Anthony J. Rayburn

Are you ready to find your version of a blissful lifestyle in Greater Fort Lauderdale? This South Florida region offers a plethora of welcoming, unique places to live. Here’s a quick tour of several spectacular communities. Enjoy!

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Nicknamed the “Venice of America” and “Yachting Capital of the World,” Fort Lauderdale offers miles of coastline along the Atlantic. Its proximity to the ocean is far from its only asset, but it does allow for some great water adventures. The city boasts a number of higher education institutions, such as Nova Southeastern University, Broward College and a Florida Atlantic University satellite campus.

Residents love strolling along the attraction-lined Las Olas Boulevard, where they can shop the latest fashion trends at boutiques, peruse art galleries, try a myriad of dishes at area restaurants, sip a cold one or two at some of the local bars and just enjoy the views and vibes that come with the region. FATVillage (Flagler Arts and Technology Village) is another cool neighborhood in the area, which offers a monthly art walk featuring open galleries, artisan goods, food and music.

City of Pompano Beach

Pompano Beach, FL

Following the community’s motto, you’ll find Florida’s warmest welcome in Pompano Beach. This area, whether you’re a visitor or resident, is a great place to enjoy water sports, from scuba diving and paddleboarding to deep-sea fishing. One of the area’s most popular gathering spots is Fisher Family Pier, which fronts the Atlantic Ocean.

Golfers are sure to rate the area a hole-in-one, as they practice their swing on the championship Greg Norman Signature Pines Course, and shoppers love to frequent the city’s weekly Festival Marketplace, a quarter-mile shopping area that features more than 250 shops. Another source of entertainment is Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park, offering approximately 1,500 slot machines and six restaurants. The city also hosts popular events like the Pompano Beach Seafood Festival, St. Patrick’s Irish Festival and St. Coleman Italian Festival.

Pembroke Pines, FL

Incorporated in 1960, Pembroke Pines offers an enviable quality of life for people of all ages, especially families. Numerous higher education options are here, such as Broward College-South Campus, satellite campuses of Florida International University and Barry University, Florida Technical College-Pembroke Pines and Florida Career College-Pembroke Pines.

Residents here love visiting Paradise Cove Water Park and Pines Ice Arena. Plus, the area offers excellent shopping options, such as the Shops at Pembroke Gardens, where a number of delicious dining options are also available, and Pembroke Lakes Mall. A top family destination is C.B. Smith Park.

Hollywood Community Redevelopment Agency

Hollywood, FL

Located between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Hollywood offers residents the “urban feel” they are seeking, providing several neighborhoods and housing options. Residents love getting out and about, taking advantage of the area’s 50+ parks, seven golf courses and gorgeous beaches. And if you’re looking for a place to take a leisurely walk, try the 2.2-mile paved Hollywood Beach Broadwalk. Travel + Leisure magazine voted it one of America’s Best Boardwalks.

Families can head to ArtsPark at Young Circle to catch an outdoor movie every Friday night. Other area attractions include guided boat tours along the Intracostal Waterway and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Yellow Green Farmers Market is a must-visit, too. Some of the city’s largest employers are Memorial Healthcare System, Chewy and Publix Super Markets.

Lauderdale Lakes, FL

Incorporated in 1961, Lauderdale Lakes, nicknamed the “Heart of Broward County,” was originally a retirement area for Northeasterners primarily from New York. Today, the city has activities and attractions for residents of all ages. While only measuring four square miles, it packs a lot into a small area.

Residents can find basketball and racquetball courts and an inclusive playground at the beautiful Vincent Torres Memorial Park and butterfly gardens and a walking trail at Cypress Preserve Conservation Park. Another fun place to spend time is Lauderdale Lakes Swimming Pool Complex.

City of Wilton Manors

Wilton Manors, FL

Step foot in Wilton Manors, and you’ll quickly discover it is a vibrant and welcoming community. The area is nicknamed the “Island City” because it is actually an island located on the outskirts of downtown Fort Lauderdale, and the views it offers are pretty breathtaking – rays of sunshine reflecting off the turquoise water that’s lapping onto the flecks of white sand.

Several bars and restaurants occupy the city landscape, as well. In fact, it will be hard for you not to find a meal you’ll love, as you have access to burgers and beer, tacos, brunch spots, you name it. Beautiful outdoor areas that are great for walking include the 8.5-acre Colohatchee Park as well as Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve.

Tamarac, FL

Expect to live a life you will love in Tamarac, as residents are met with the peace and quiet they want, yet enough activities to keep them entertained. Appropriately enough, the city’s motto is “The City for Your Life.” This bedroom community is beautiful and a great area for families. Parents can send their children to a host of elementary schools as well as the high-ranking Millennium 6-12 Collegiate Academy.

The current median age is 49.5, and the city continues to see its population decrease in age. An array of activities are available for people of all ages. Four parks offer residents walking paths, and citizens have access to places like Colony West Golf Club, Caporella Aquatic Center and Tamarac Veterans’ Park.