Should You Move to Fort Lauderdale? – Pros and Cons

Thinking about a new start in the Sunshine State? If you’ve been asking should you move to Fort Lauderdale, you’re not alone. This coastal city has become one of the fastest-growing spots in South Florida. Over 180,000 people now call it home, and more are arriving every day. Why? The reasons stack up fast: nearly 3,000 hours of sunshine a year, 24 miles of sandy beaches, and a booming job market in tourism, marine industries, and healthcare. Even moving companies in Florida have seen a spike in Fort Lauderdale relocations since 2020. Curious why move to Fort Lauderdale is such a common question? Beyond the beach life, it offers lower density than Miami, plenty of family-friendly neighborhoods, and one of the country’s most extensive canal systems, more than 300 miles, earning it the nickname “Venice of America.

Is Moving to Fort Lauderdale a Good Idea?

When it comes to great things about this city, it’s not lacking. It’s got beautiful beaches, plenty of sightseeing opportunities, and vibrant nightlife. While the city is big (around 150,000 residents), it’s not overcrowded like many other big US cities. Moving services Miami offers do get a lot of calls for Fort Lauderdale. Moreover, it’s constantly swarmed with tourists, meaning there’s lots of money flowing through the city, making for a good opportunity for business owners. It’s a true Floridian experience, and with Miami being super close to it, there’s a lot to like.

Beautiful Beaches and a Booming Tourism Sector

Fort Lauderdale is a pretty prominent location for tourism, and with it come many great things. Thanks to its famous beaches, thousands of tourists come each year, bringing money. That’s a great opportunity for all those who work in the tourism sector, as the market is always growing. Apart from the financial aspect of it, this also means you have a lot to see and experience in the city. You will greatly cut down on your holiday expenses, as the city itself is a great place. There’s no shortage of summer activities in Fort Lauderdale for newcomers, from beachside festivals to sunset paddleboarding sessions.

Best Beaches in Fort Lauderdale

• Fort Lauderdale Beach – wide, clean, and central with a lively promenade
• Las Olas Beach – right off Las Olas Boulevard, close to restaurants and nightlife
• Lauderdale-By-The-Sea – quiet, charming, and great for snorkeling
• Hollywood Beach – famous boardwalk and family-friendly vibe
• Pompano Beach – laid-back with a newly renovated pier and fishing spots
• Deerfield Beach – relaxed atmosphere with water sports and dining options
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Beach – nature trails meet beachfront access

Popular for Families Looking to Move to Florida

Fort Lauderdale has become a very family-friendly city recently. With its great location, proximity to other big Florida cities, and beautiful natural surroundings, it has a lot to offer. The city itself is stuffed with facilities and activities that are made for children. It is big, but not that big, meaning you still have a great pool of schools to choose from, yet avoid the bad sides of living in cities such as NYC, LA, or Miami.

When it comes to finding a family home in Fort Lauderdale, buyers have plenty of options. The city has over 90 public and private schools, including 45 elementary schools and 15 high schools. Broward County Public Schools ranks as the sixth-largest school district in the U.S., serving more than 260,000 students. The average class size is around 23 students. Fort Lauderdale’s violent crime rate is 5.6 per 1,000 residents, compared to Miami’s 8.2.

Other Fun Things

On another note, moving to Fort Lauderdale will mean moving to a restaurant mecca! This place has so many impressive places to dine and wine. It doesn’t matter if you are going to go open-air dining in Las Olas Boulevard, or simply relocate to a restaurant in Beach Place, you will be left speechless. The local cuisine is amazing!

Sometimes referred to as Fort Liquerdale, Fort Lauderdale is the place to be when it comes to nightlife. During the day, a nice quiet place to have a bite and enjoy a long walk. During the night, a party man’s haven. Some say that it could even be on par with Miami, believe it or not. This is how much it has grown recently. The place is the real deal. You will never regret your decision by moving there.

Top Spots for Food and Nightlife in Fort Lauderdale

• Las Olas Boulevard – a popular strip packed with upscale restaurants, wine bars, and casual cafés
• The Wharf Fort Lauderdale – open-air waterfront venue with food trucks, music, and weekend events
• Louie Bossi’s – classic Italian restaurant with house-made pasta and a lively outdoor patio
• YOLO – stylish spot for dinner and drinks, with an attached lounge for nightlife
• Moxies – modern American eatery known for its vibrant atmosphere and cocktails
• The Floridian Restaurant – 24-hour local diner, famous for its comfort food and history

Some of the Negative Things to Consider

While there are a ton of great things, there are some bad ones to consider, too. While they may seem off-putting, remember that most of the bigger American cities are like that. When choosing a city to relocate to, it’s always important to choose your priorities wisely. And the city is quite popular for relocating, as shown by the number of people hiring movers in Fort Lauderdale.

The cost of living is about 18% higher than the national average, with housing being the biggest factor. The median home price in Fort Lauderdale is around $530,000, while the median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $2,800 per month. The city also sees heavy seasonal traffic, especially during winter months when tourist numbers spike. Fort Lauderdale experiences about 60 days of heavy rainfall annually and is vulnerable to hurricanes, with hurricane season running from June through November.

A Move to Fort Lauderdale Can Be Expensive

This one is a mixed bag. While on average it is more expensive than the US, it is cheaper in some areas than the rest of Florida. Generally, it is more expensive to live here than in other places in Florida, on average, but only in some aspects. According to data, health and utilities are cheaper than the Florida average. On the other hand, the housing market in Fort Lauderdale is really expensive, and it beats both the Florida and the US averages. This means that you will need to spend a lot more money to rent here or buy some property than in many other places. This is because of how close the city is to Miami, and with people leaving the bigger cities and settling down in smaller ones, the prices jump.

How Much Money Do You Need to Live Comfortably in Fort Lauderdale?

If you are moving to Fort Lauderdale as a single person, you should budget around $4,000 per month, while a family of four may need $7,500 or more, depending on lifestyle and housing choices.

• Overall cost of living – Approximately 22–23% higher than the U.S. average and about 20% above Florida’s statewide average .
• Housing – Housing costs are around 65–68% above the U.S. average. Median rent runs from $2,240 (1‑bedroom) to $4,100+ (3‑bedroom), and median home prices are between $826,000 and $850,000
• Utilities – Only 5–7% pricier than the national average. Monthly energy bills average $220, and phone around $197
• Healthcare – Slightly cheaper than average, by about 8–13%. Typical doctor visits cost $122–$129, and dentist around $107
• Groceries & food – Roughly 9–10% above U.S. averages. Monthly grocery spend is around $350–$450 per person.
• Transportation – Near U.S. average for gas (~$3.30/gal); car insurance ~$120/month; public transit pass ~$72

There’s a Higher Crime Rate Than You Would Expect

While Fort Lauderdale is usually taken as a peaceful city, its crime rates have been jumping recently. Statistically speaking, Fort Lauderdale is safer than only about 5% of U.S. cities. The combined crime rate is roughly 40 per 1,000 residents, meaning a 1 in 25 chance of being a victim annually. Violent crime stands at 4.7 per 1,000 (1 in 213 chance), and property crime is around 35.5 per 1,000 (1 in 28 chance). This definitely is out of the ordinary for cities of this size.

This makes it important to consider this aspect when checking about living in Fort Lauderdale pros and cons. While this data might be off-putting before you move to Fort Lauderdale, as shown by the fact that local movers Florida receive a lot of calls, the city is still quite popular for relocations. Generally, there are some neighborhoods that are safer than others (just like in any other city). If you are moving to Fort Lauderdale, consider:

• Rio Vista – consistently ranked as the safest neighborhood
• Poinsettia Heights – noted for its family-friendly feel
• Harbor Beach / Seven Isles – gated waterfront communities with ultra-low crime
• Colee Hammock / Victoria Park – popular with professionals, lower crime than average

Is It Better to Live in Miami or Fort Lauderdale?

It depends on your priorities. Miami has a larger population—over 440,000 compared to Fort Lauderdale’s 180,000—and offers more nightlife, international business hubs, and cultural diversity. However, the cost of living in Miami is about 11% higher. Median home prices are roughly $610,000 in Miami versus $530,000 in Fort Lauderdale. Traffic congestion is more severe in Miami, and average commute times are longer. Fort Lauderdale offers easier beach access, quieter neighborhoods, and a growing downtown, making it more manageable for families and retirees.

Miami has more job opportunities in finance, tech, and media, while Fort Lauderdale is stronger in tourism, marine, and real estate. Public transportation is limited in both, but Miami has more extensive rail options. If you value affordability and lower density, Fort Lauderdale may be better. If you’re seeking big-city energy, global connections, and more career variety, a move to Miami from Fort Lauderdale makes sense.

Should You Move to Fort Lauderdale? – Final Decision and What to Expect

When comparing the good and bad sides of a move to Fort Lauderdale, consider your personal taste, as well. A lot of the bad aspects can be ‘covered’ by living in a good neighborhood or finding a good deal for your new house/ apartment. That means that you can really pick whatever works best for you. Before hiring a moving company, such as Miami Movers For Less, or doing a DIY move, visit the city and spend some time there. You will really feel the city’s energy, and this will probably put you in a better position to make the final decision. Should you move to Fort Lauderdale is definitely a question that doesn’t depend on any list of pros and cons. In the end, you will live there personally, and your personal taste should be the last one to decide.