What You Need to Know Before Moving to Fort Lauderdale
When you want to live in Fort Lauderdale, FL, there are several things to know that will help you move go as smoothly as possible. Fort Lauderdale is home to about 182,437 people as of 2019. It's one of the biggest cities in the Miami-Dade metropolitan area. Its location on the Atlantic Ocean, about 25 miles north of Miami and 25 miles south of West Palm Beach, makes it one of the top spring break destinations in the United States. The city's nickname is the "Venice of America," and it earned that title because of its extensive canal system. The city has more than 300 miles of waterfront, including rivers, canals and Atlantic beaches.
Things to Know When You Move to Fort Lauderdale
When moving to Ft. Lauderdale, there are several key details you need to know in advance. The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is about 18% higher than the average cost of living in the United States. Most of this is due to real estate prices, which are 35% higher than the average cost of a home or apartment rental for the USA as a whole. Transportation costs are also higher in the city. The cost of owning a vehicle here is 31% higher than the average costs of vehicle ownership for the United States. Groceries cost about 8% higher than the national average. On the other hand, healthcare and utility costs are about 4% lower than the average for the USA. The city has a low unemployment rate, making it a popular place for young professionals who are looking for their first jobs. Some of the top industries of employment are information systems and technology, finance, retail, tourism and hospitality.
Fort Lauderdale Area Landmarks to Check Out
The Stranahan House is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it offers a glimpse at one of the area's founding fathers and the history of the area. Hillsboro Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in South Florida. You may also want to check out the Cape Florida Lighthouse, which offers tours every day. The tour guides share stories about sunken ships just off the coast. Another top landmark to visit is Boca Chita Lighthouse, which is located at Boca Chita Key. Its observation deck offers a beautiful view of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Water taxis and the Sun Trolley will take you to many of these cool landmarks, or you could rent a bicycle, or use one of the city's many hiking or walking trails to get there. Mobster Bugsy Siegel's former house is also in the city.
Top Attractions in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale Beach is one of the area's top attractions. This public beach offers plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming and surfing. Downtown Fort Lauderdale is known as an emerging hub for international foods and microbreweries. At the Museum of Discovery & Science, you can check out exhibits on weather and dinosaurs. The Riverwalk Arts and Entertainment District provides opportunities to visit art galleries, listen to live music, go dancing or catch a musical or artistic performance. You may also want to visit Las Olas Boulevard, which is home to more than 50 family-owned and -operated restaurants. It also hosts boutiques, cafes and bars. Public transportation offers easy access to these attractions. In Victoria Park, visit the Stonewall National Museum & Archives. It's home to 100 years of LGBTQ history.
Outdoor Activities in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale's year-round warm, tropical weather means that you'll have plenty of time to engage in a wide range of outdoor activities. While swimming, surfing and sunbathing are some of the most popular options, you may want to challenge yourself or try something new. Xtreme Action Park offers rope climbing courses and go-karts. At Dolphin World, you can swim alongside the trained dolphins. Victoria Park's water area offers kayaking and paddleboarding, and you can rent equipment if you don't own it. At Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, use the hiking trails to explore the mile-long freshwater lagoon and beach. The Terramar Visitor Center offers tours, and there's also an on-site restaurant.
Tips for a Smooth Move to Fort Lauderdale
March and April are busy months of the year due to spring break. You'll find it more challenging to manage a move during these months. Snowbirds populate the area during the winter months of the year. In the summer and autumn months of the year, Fort Lauderdale is at risk of tropical weather systems. Be sure to download an app for weather forecasts because hurricane season begins in June and goes through November. Hurricanes and tropical storms are most likely to make landfall in September and October.