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Fort Lauderdale : Florida

What it's Like to Retire in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale, the “Venice of America," on the southeast coast of Florida has been a popular retirement community since the end of World War II. This bustling city on the intercoastal waterway is warm in the winter and has a rich array of choices for retirement living. Many people live on the intercoastal waterway and its intricate system of connecting canals – in fact going out to dinner or visiting friends is often a question of getting in one’s boat and driving it to your destination. Many communities and developments have golf courses and other high-end amenities sought out by active adults 55 plus. There are miles of white sandy beaches on the barrier island portion of Fort Lauderdale, which is a short drive across one of the many bays that are in this area.

Formerly known as a college spring break mecca, the city has branched out as a high-end destination for the yachting world and cruise ships. Fort Lauderdale is a vital, diverse, and growing city of almost 200,000, which makes it appeal to a certain type of retiree – those looking for a small town environment will not find it here.

Where to Retire in Fort Lauderdale and Home Prices

Fort Lauderdale has many retirement housing options including many apartments and communities that are in effect active adult communities.
Real estate prices declined drastically beginning in 2007. Prices in Ft. Lauderdale are hard to characterize. In the first quarter of 2016, the NAR had the Miami/Fort Lauderdale Metro median selling price at $286,900.

What is special about Fort Lauderdale

Beautiful white sandy beaches; intricate canal system and waterside living for many; warm weather all winter; average Jan temperature is in the mid-60; many upscale housing opportunities for retirees, including high rise apartments near the beach; Broward Center for the Performing Arts

What is not special about Fort Lauderdale

Crowds and tourists; lots of very wealty people, hurricane season

Who will like retirement in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale attracts a diverse community and is therefore quite cosmopolitan. It tends to attract former urban retirees rather than small town Midwesterners.

Local economy is driven by

It is a vital business center and headquarters for several multi-nationals, particularly those with large Latin American operations. Tourism, retail, and real estate are important to the economy.

Climate and Physical Environment

Fort Lauderdale is on the southeast coast of Florida, about 20 miles north of Miami. It is flat with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Everglades well to the west. Ft. Lauderdale is one of America's warmest cities in winter - in summer it rains briefly almost every day.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Fort Lauderdale’s has many artists and galleries in residence. • Mark K. Wheeler Gallery at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. • Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale • Museum of Discovery and Science • Bienes Museum of the Modern Book •Fort Lauderdale Antique Car Museum • More than 4000 restaurants and nightclubs • Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Center

Crime

Fort Lauderdale's crime rate is above the national average.

Medical facilities

There are at least 4 hospitals and even more medical centers in Fort Lauderdale.

Transportation

Several railroads pass through Fort Lauderdale. Amtrak provides passenger service and Tri-Rail provides commuter service from through Broward County/Fort Lauderdale, and into Miami-Dade County. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is one of the fastest growing airports in the country, an emerging international gateway. Port Everglades is the nation's second busiest cruise ship port. You can take the water taxi downtown from many places.

Valuable Links

Fort Lauderdale on Wikipedia

What people are saying about Fort Lauderdale
A great place to visit
If you havent done it, take the water taxi along the inland wateway. It's a great trip and you will see how the TRULY rich and famous live. My problem with Fort Lauderdale is that I am not an urban guy. And that's what you get here, along with its traffic. Living in a high rise just isnt for me. But that said, there are obviously lots of people who love the excitement and variety of the place. With all its water and beaches and boats, it's a heck of a lot more than just another pretty city. Definitely worth checking out.
Posted by Boomer1 on March 16, 2007

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Fort Lauderdale Active Communities

Facts about FORT LAUDERDALE

State: FL
Environment: Urban,Suburban,Coastal,Boating Community,Resort Community,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 25-44
Avg Jan Temperature: 61 +
Avg July Temperature: 81+
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $200,001-$300,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 111-120 (high)
Cost of Living Index: 111-120 (high)
Culture Index: 111-120 (high)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: john

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