With the city’s perennial sunshine, lively restaurant and nightlife scene, and 24 miles of pristine Atlantic coastline, there’s so much to look forward to when moving to Fort Lauderdale. This oceanfront oasis currently ranks among the top 10 Florida cities to move to, but what are the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale to set your sights on?
Fort Lauderdale is home to an eclectic array of neighborhoods, from quaint historic pockets and cool urban districts to wealthy resort communities and peaceful suburban corridors. No matter what you’re in the market for, the options are endless. But if you need some help narrowing it down, here are our picks for the best Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods.
1. Harbor Beach: Best Neighborhood for Upscale Amenities
2. Flagler Village: Best Neighborhood for Arts and Culture
3. Sailboat Bend: Best Neighborhood for Raising a Family
4. Victoria Park: Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals
5. Coral Ridge: Best Neighborhood for Enjoying Retirement
6. Central Beach: Best Neighborhood for Ocean Access
7. Downtown: Best Neighborhood for Urban Entertainment
Fort Lauderdale Neighborhoods: Quick Facts
- Population in Fort Lauderdale: 194,579
- Size of Fort Lauderdale: 34.6 square miles
- Average Home Value in Fort Lauderdale: about $503,437
- Average Apartment Rent in Fort Lauderdale: about $2,801 per month
- Number of Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale: 60 neighborhoods across more than 24 communities
- Fun Fact: Fort Lauderdale is home to a number of celebs, including David and Victoria Beckham, Lionel Messi, Henry Cavill, and Lee Majors.
The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale
Before we explore the best neighborhoods to live in Fort Lauderdale, let’s take a quick look at the city’s housing and rental market: On average, expect a single-family home to cost over $503,000 and a two-bedroom apartment to cost nearly $3,000 per month. To learn more about life in this South Florida beach town, including the cost of living, job market, and more, check out our guide to living in Fort Lauderdale.
Here are some of the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale to start your next chapter:
1. Harbor Beach: Best Neighborhood for Upscale Amenities
- Average Home Value: $7,130,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,869
- Commute to Las Olas Beach: 5-minute drive
- Vibe: Luxurious, serene, resort-inspired
What is the richest neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale? This claim to fame goes to Harbor Beach, known for its affluent waterfront estates in gated communities with on-site boat docks and resort-style amenities. Case in point: NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen used to own a mansion here. But while the price tag is undeniably steep, Harbor Beach offers a refined yet tranquil and close-knit atmosphere that’s hard to beat.
At Lago Mar Beach Resort & Club in Harbor Beach, you can enjoy pickleball and tennis courts, a putting course, and other recreational activities. Afterward, bask in the sun along 300 feet of private beach and marina access at Harbor Beach Surf Club. For the evening, reserve a table at Sotogrande for shareable mezze plates, craft cocktails, and live entertainment. These are just a few of the upscale attractions that make Harbor Beach one of the nicest neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale overall.
2. Flagler Village: Best Neighborhood for Arts and Culture
- Average Home Value: $486,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,842
- Commute to Las Olas Beach: 15-minute drive
- Vibe: Eclectic, artsy, industrial-chic
Creatives are drawn to Flagler Village for its colorful spirit, which combines industrial architecture with bohemian galleries, maker spaces, indie boutiques, and vibrant wall murals. The neighborhood’s energy comes out in full force during the monthly FATVillage Artwalk, as artisan studios, exhibits, and live music spill into the streets. But that’s just one of the many reasons Flagler Village earns a spot among the most popular neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale.
Locals gather at quirky haunts such as Glitch Bar for retro arcade games, Invasive Species Brewing for local beers on tap, Hatch for some of the tastiest brunch in town, and the open-air MASS District for immersive arts and culture festivals. If you’re looking for a unique, eclectic spot to call home, Flagler Village hits the mark.
3. Sailboat Bend: Best Neighborhood for Raising a Family
- Average Home Value: $785,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,675
- Commute to Las Olas Beach: 15-minute drive
- Vibe: Charming, historic, community-oriented
With its lush tree-lined streets, welcoming community feel, and highly rated public schools, Sailboat Bend is one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale for families. It’s also the oldest neighborhood in the city, dating back to the early 1900s, where you’ll find timeless, nostalgic charm in the form of mid-century bungalows and Art Deco architecture.
There’s no shortage of family-oriented activities in Sailboat Bend. Explore over 2.5 acres of nature trails at the Sailboat Bend Preserve, enjoy a picnic lunch at Esplanade Park, or check out interactive STEM exhibits at the Museum of Discovery and Science. Parents looking for a little kid-free time will also love the speakeasy ambiance at Apothecary 330.
4. Victoria Park: Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals
- Average Home Value: $1,360,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,495
- Commute to Las Olas Beach: 10-minute drive
- Vibe: Walkable, friendly, energetic
Due to its prime location just one mile from booming Las Olas Boulevard, Victoria Park stands out as one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale for young professionals. Here, you’re just a quick commute away from Fort Lauderdale’s downtown business core. But when it’s time to unwind, the area’s down-to-earth friendliness is a welcome break from the urban pulse.
Victoria Park also delivers a cool yet approachable entertainment scene with walkable access to numerous local hotspots. Head over to The Parker for concerts and live performances, Serafina for Northern Italian cuisine, or Holiday Park for tons of outdoor recreation. In terms of nightlife, Wine Garden has you covered with an irresistible happy hour menu. For the ideal balance of city energy and ease, look no further than Victoria Park.
5. Coral Ridge: Best Neighborhood for Enjoying Retirement
- Average Home Value: $1,575,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,500
- Commute to Las Olas Beach: 10-minute drive
- Vibe: relaxed, suburban, picturesque
Nestled along an extensive network of canals, peaceful and scenic Coral Ridge is one of the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale for retirees. Here, suburban comfort mingles with the carefree, unhurried pace of coastal living. It’s an ideal setting for those who want to settle into their “golden years” with a waterfront home on a manicured street.
The Coral Ridge Country Club serves as the anchor of this community with a world-class golf course, swimming pool, tennis court, on-site dining options, and an active social calendar. Retirees will also appreciate the convenience of nearly 80 shops, restaurants, and wellness services at The Galleria. If you’re in the mood for a nature stroll with views of the Intracoastal Waterway, Hugh Taylor Birch State Park is just around the corner.
6. Central Beach: Best Neighborhood for Ocean Access
- Average Home Value: $650,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $3,325
- Commute to Las Olas Beach: 5-minute drive
- Vibe: Waterfront, active, outdoorsy
The famous palm tree-lined promenade, with eateries, bars, shops, and high-rise condos along the shimmering Atlantic coast, makes Central Beach one of the best Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods for oceanfront access. Beach bums of all ages flock to this part of town for a breezy, energetic ambiance just steps from the sand. Central Beach also hosts the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the world’s largest annual maritime festival.
When it comes to entertainment, this neighborhood offers excitement for everyone. Outdoor enthusiasts and thrill seekers can immerse themselves in water sports, from boating and jet skiing to parasailing. Foodies can savor fresh surf and turf at Casablanca Cafe. Meanwhile, culture buffs can tour the 35-acre Bonnet House Museum & Gardens. Toss in those sweeping ocean views, and living in Central Beach feels like a year-round vacation.
7. Downtown: Best Neighborhood for Urban Entertainment
- Average Home Value: $630,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $4,114
- Commute to Las Olas Beach: 10-minute drive
- Vibe: Urban, walkable, nightlife-friendly
If you’re after an authentic city-living experience with a lively nightlife scene, Downtown is one of the best places to live in Fort Lauderdale overall. From its modern skyline and after-dark energy to its impressive Walk Score of 98, Downtown Fort Lauderdale places trendy entertainment right at your doorstep. Las Olas Boulevard also runs through this urban corridor, making your options for a fun night on the town virtually endless.
Downtown also boasts some of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Think: globally-inspired entrees and matcha-infused cocktails set to live DJ music at YOLO, or Pan Asian and Mexican fusion cuisine with a premium sake list at Casa Sensei. If you’re looking for a livelier atmosphere, the dance floor is always thumping at Rooftop @1WLO.
Settle into Fort Lauderdale with Help from CubeSmart
Once you choose the best Fort Lauderdale neighborhood for you, it’s time to start planning your move. Depending on where you settle and how much space your new home offers, you might need some extra storage room when you arrive.
Whether you have things that need climate-controlled storage or you need a spot for all your South Florida beach gear and other recreational items, CubeSmart has numerous Fort Lauderdale self-storage options to choose from.* Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
*Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
