Fort Lauderdale is Broward County's largest city and its county seat, known for its beaches, Las Olas Boulevard and an extensive network of canals and waterways. Many neighborhoods are built along the water, which makes boating part of everyday life for a large number of residents.
Housing ranges from downtown and beachfront condominiums to canal-front single-family homes and older neighborhoods inland. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades and the downtown Brightline station keep the city closely connected to the rest of South Florida.
What buyers look for
- Condominiums downtown, on Las Olas and along the beach
- Canal-front homes with dockage and ocean access
- Established single-family neighborhoods away from the water
- Walkable areas near Las Olas Boulevard and downtown
Neighborhoods and home types
Downtown and the beach are lined with high-rise condominiums, along the New River and on State Road A1A. Waterfront single-family neighborhoods include Las Olas Isles, Rio Vista, Harbor Beach and Coral Ridge, many with docks on canals that connect to the Intracoastal Waterway. Victoria Park sits close to downtown, and neighborhoods farther inland, such as Imperial Point, offer single-family homes away from the water.
Living on the water
On a canal lot, ask how far the dock is from open water and what fixed bridges sit along the way, since bridge clearance limits the size of boat you can bring home. Have the seawall and dock inspected, because repairs are expensive and the city has rules on seawall height and upkeep. Check the flood zone and ask for an elevation certificate, which affects flood insurance.
Buying a condo
Florida's condo safety laws passed after 2021 require structural inspections for older buildings and reserve studies for key building components. In some buildings that has meant higher monthly fees or special assessments. Before you buy, review the association's budget, reserves, inspection reports and any planned assessments.
Getting around
Brightline's downtown station connects Fort Lauderdale with Miami, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Orlando. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades are minutes from downtown, I-95 and U.S. 1 run north to south, and the Water Taxi links downtown, Las Olas and the beach by boat.
Fort Lauderdale by the numbers
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates.
Schools
Public schools in Fort Lauderdale are part of Broward County Public Schools. Attendance boundaries can change, so confirm the zoned schools for a specific address with the district. Broward County Public Schools.