Fort Lauderdale is known as a very pedestrian-friendly city, making it an ideal place to live for physically active people or those looking to live a healthier, more active lifestyle. Grocery stores, food shops, cafés, and many primary schools in Fort Lauderdale can be reached on foot.
For car owners, most of the homes for sale in Fort Lauderdale are a short drive away from major highways such as Interstate 95. Parking in the city is also quite hassle-free. As for public transit options, Fort Lauderdale has two stops on the Tri-Rail: Cypress Creek Station and the Fort Lauderdale Broward Station. There are also nearly 30 different bus lines crossing the city, and many homes are situated a short distance away from the nearest bus stop.
Fort Lauderdale’s economy
While Fort Lauderdale was mostly known as a spring break destination in the 1980s, the city’s economy has become more diverse throughout the years. Although the city still continues to attract the college crowd, Fort Lauderdale’s cruise ships and nautical recreation opportunities now draw in more affluent tourists.
More than ten million convention attendees also flock to Fort Lauderdale every year, as many conventions are hosted in the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center, which boasts 1.2 million square feet of space.
Fort Lauderdale’s bustling central business district is also the largest in Broward County, and is home to numerous high-rise office buildings such as 110 Tower, Las Olas Grand, Broward Financial Center, One Financial Plaza, Bank of America Plaza, and many more.
The city is also a major maintenance and manufacturing hub for yachts, which has helped generate more than 109,000 jobs for the county. Its network of canals and close proximity to both the Caribbean and the Bahamas also makes it a popular yachting stop. The annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, known as the largest boat show in the world, attracts more than 125,000 visitors to the city every year.
Fort Lauderdale’s top employers include:
• Broward County Public Schools
• AutoNation
• MEDNAX
• Citrix Systems
• Extended Stay America
• Broward Health
• Kaplan
• Broward County Sheriff’s Office
• Charter Schools USA
• SEACOR Holdings
Schools in Fort Lauderdale
Public schools in Fort Lauderdale are administered by Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), Florida’s second-largest school district. The first fully accredited school system in Florida since 1962, BCPS currently serves a student population of over 270,000, along with more than 175,000 adult students in more than 240 schools, technical colleges, centers, and charter schools.
Some of the top-ranked schools in Fort Lauderdale are:
• City/Pembroke Pines Charter High School
• Sheridan Technical High School
• Bayview Elementary School
• Floranada Elementary School
• Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School
• Harbordale Elementary School
Attractions, destinations, and things to do in Fort Lauderdale
Located in downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District is home to a dazzling collection of shops, restaurants, parks, and family-friendly attractions. Some of the city’s top cultural destinations are located right here, including the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, History Fort Lauderdale, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, and the Stranahan House Museum.
Nestled right between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is a scenic urban oasis perfect for relaxation, exercise, and fun activities with friends and family. The park is a popular location for activities such as sightseeing, jogging, canoeing, picnicking, and camping. Park visitors can also access the beach through a pedestrian tunnel, or drop by the Terramar Visitor Center which features exhibits highlighting the area’s natural and cultural history.
Las Olas Boulevard is Fort Lauderdale’s premier shopping and dining district with more than three dozen bistros, restaurants, and clubs, along with a colorful array of specialty boutiques, art galleries, museums, and retail establishments.