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Fort Lauderdale!

 

 

“Venice of America”

Anna Maria Island

Fort Lauderdale

 A City and the County Seat in Broward County, Florida

 

Fort Lauderdale, – nicknamed the “Venice of America” – is a vibrant coastal city known for its 165 miles of scenic inland waterways, sandy beaches, and lively boating culture. Incorporated in 1911 and now home to about 183,000 residents, Fort Lauderdale blends luxury living with a relaxed, tropical vibe. The city boasts upscale shopping and dinning along Las Olas Boulevard, world-class yachting and marinas, cultural attractions like the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District, and easy access to cruises from Port Everglades. With year-round sunshine, a bustling tourism industry, and a diverse economy, it offers both residents and visitors an appealing mix of leisure, culture, and coastal charm.

Fort Lauderdale waterfront city scape

Fort Lauderdale waterfront city scape

Photo by Sean Pavone via Canva

Location & Size

Fort Lauderdale sits on Florida’s southeastern Atlantic coast, about 30 miles north of Miami, and covers an area of approximately 36 square miles.

Founded

Fort Lauderdale’s history stretches back thousands of years, beginning with the Tequesta people, who lived along the waterways long before European contact. The area’s modern name comes from a series of forts built by U.S. troops during the Second Seminole War in 1838, commanded by Major William Lauderdale. After the war, the region remained sparsely populated until the late 19th century, when pioneers arrived to farm and trade.

The arrival of the Florida East Coast Railway in 1896 spurred rapid growth, turning the once-isolated settlement into a hub for commerce and tourism. Incorporated as a city in 1911 and named the seat of the newly formed Broward County in 1915, Fort Lauderdale experienced a development boom in the 1920s, a postwar tourism surge in the 1950s, and gained fame as a Spring Break hotspot in the mid-20th century. In recent decades, the city has transformed into a sophisticated destination known for its yachting, arts, and upscale coastal lifestyle.

FORT LAUDERDALE WEATHER

Population

As of the 2020 Census, the population stands at about 182,760, making it the 10th-largest city in Florida

Known For

  • “Venice of America” – 165 miles of scenic inland waterways.

  • Yachting Capital of the World – major boating industry and marinas.

  • Beautiful Beaches – miles of sandy Atlantic shoreline.

  • Port Everglades – one of the busiest cruise ports in the world.

  • Las Olas Boulevard – upscale shopping, dining, and nightlife.

  • Arts & Culture – Riverwalk, FATVillage Arts District, and museums.

  • Year-Round Sunshine – warm weather and tropical climate.

Cost of living

Median Income: $79,935 per year

Median Home Price:  Median home listing price is around $600k,  Home Value Index sits near $516k

Median Rent: Citywide average rent ranges from $2,229 to $2,800 per month

 

Things to do

  • Beach & Waterways: Wide sandy beaches, boating, fishing, and the scenic New River water taxi.

  • Arts & Culture:

    • Las Olas Boulevard: boutique-lined shopping and dining district.

    • FATVillage Arts District: monthly “Last Saturday” art walks and creative community hub.

    • Riverwalk: scenic promenade linking museums (Museum of Art, Discovery & Science) along the New River.

  • Port Everglades: Cruises, deep-sea fishing, and waterborne commerce.

  • Outdoor Recreation: Over 63 golf courses, numerous parks (like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park), marinas, and camping areas

Fun Facts

  • Fort Lauderdale hosts around 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, with an average temperature of ~75.5°F .

  • Historically, it was known as the Spring Break capital, but significant redevelopment (hotels, upscale dining, cultural venues) has rebranded the city.

  • Realtor & news coverage highlight property-value increases near Brightline train stations; real estate in downtown Fort Lauderdale has seen ~51% resale value growth from 2018 to 2023.

  • Originally inhabited by the Tequesta people for thousands of years before European contact.

  • Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport is a major hub with 35 million annual passengers, offering easy connectivity.

Nearby Cities

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