If you are currently considering a move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida and you are actively searching for reputable movers, keep reading. Find out what are the most important things to know before moving to Fort Lauderdale. Our brief guide should come in handy for this.
Quick Overview Of Living in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Fort Lauderdale is a small coastal city with a population of around 180,000 located. The city is located in the southeast part of the Florida coast, around 30 miles north of Miami. Fort Lauderdale is the 8th largest city in the Florida state and it counts more than 300 miles of waterfront, 23 miles of divine beaches, numerous canals (500 miles) and rivers that have brought it the “Venice of America” nickname.
The city is part of the fast-growing Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach metropolitan area that now counts over 5.5 million. Many people still think of Fort Lauderdale as the city living in Miami’s shadow. While this might have been true many years ago, things have taken a different turn in recent years. The city started recording amazing residential growth on its own, throwing the focus on independent development and growth projects.
How Much Would It Cost To Move To Fort Lauderdale?
One of the most important things to know before moving to Fort Lauderdale is the cost of living. Before you head over to the nearest Fort Lauderdale mover and start planning all the details for your move, take some time learning how much life in this sunny city would actually cost.
Here are some quick facts to come to your help:
- Fort Lauderdale is the 7th most expensive city in the state
- the cost of living here is 37% higher compared to the US city average
- the average listing price for a home in Fort Lauderdale is $495,000
- renting an apartment here can cost anywhere between $1,470 and $2,053, depending on the neighborhood
- the city has a robust job market employing people in a variety of different fields, with salaries ranging from $70,000 a year for an accountant, $90,000 a year for an HR manager or web developer, $106,000 for a mechanical engineer or $57,000 for a real estate agent
More Things To Know Before Moving To Fort Lauderdale
If you do not own a car or a driver’s license, you should rest assured there are plenty of good alternatives to moving around in the city. You could opt for one of the following alternatives:
- Go by bus. For instance, the Broward County Transit counts an impressive fleet of more than 300 buses that currently serve 1,600 stops, covering over 400 square miles within the city.
- Go by train. Brightline is a private passenger rail system offering express rail services connecting Fort Lauderdale, Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. There is also the Tri-Rail commuter rail line alternative. This trail is bringing together West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. It is 71 miles long and it counts 19 stations located alongside the Southeast Florida coast. It has direct ties with Amtrak at a number of different stations. There is an additional rail line part of the Florida East Coast Railway that expands its service to Jupiter and Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
- Join a bike-sharing program. Check out B-Cycle/AvMed Rides and bring your own contribution to lowering the carbon footprint generated by heavy car traffic. The program has 16 stations in the city, so there is plenty to choose from.
- Go by trolley. The cool Sun Trolley project counts 6 routes in the city and it uses a wave-and-ride system. This means that whenever you see a Sun Trolley passing you by and you want to ride it, you just need to wave it down and it will immediately stop and pick you up.
Best Neighborhoods For Living in Fort Lauderdale
Depending on your budget and personal expectations, you could choose any of the following Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods:
Colee Hammock
This neighborhood is found in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and it is one of the oldest and funkiest neighborhoods to look into right now. If you are into antique homes with wraparound porches, apartments, condos, bungalows, or even homes built using the Cape Cod architectural style, you are going to love walking around Colee Hammock. The neighborhood is also known for its fancy boutiques, cozy restaurants, and top-rated schools.
Tarpon River
This neighborhood has that old, nostalgic working-class vibe and it is also conveniently located next to a number of shopping centers and supermarkets. It is also close to the ocean and it is suitable for families with children, as well as young professionals looking to get a jump-start on their careers.
Harbor Beach
This is a safe, gated community located behind Seabreeze Boulevard. It is home to a marina and even hosts its own private beach club. Harbor Beach is one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in the city. The breathtaking architecture and Pier Sixty-Six are some of the main attractions here. Enjoy waterfront dining on the Pier and watch some of the most memorable sunsets in the area.
Restaurants and Museums
Moving to Fort Lauderdale, FL also means getting ready to live in a city with over 4,100 restaurants and more than 120 nightclubs, most of them found in the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District. Check out Rocco’s Tacos, YOLO, or Shooter’s Waterfront and don’t miss the Escape Lounge and the Culture Room if you are a big fan of live music.
The NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, the Coral Springs Museum of Art Museum of Discovery and Science, the Tortuga Music Festival or the South Florida Symphony Orchestra are gemstones passionate art and culture lovers will have the pleasure of discovering here as well.
Ready to take the plunge and move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida? Get in touch with some professional cross country Florida movers and get started today!