Find Your Piece of Paradise in One of the 12 Best Fort Lauderdale Neighborhoods of 2024

Living in a coastal city comes with its fair share of perks, and you can certainly expect to take advantage of them while living in Fort Lauderdale! With everything from world-class beaches, a diverse economy, and a wide variety of entertainment/dining options to easy access to other parts of the South Florida area, it’s no wonder residents enjoy living in the best Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods. 

Another factor that makes Fort Lauderdale such a desirable place? The real estate market. You will find everything from luxurious waterfront homes to more affordable single-family houses and condos. 

Fort Lauderdale’s average home value is $525,900, which is high compared to the national average of around $348,900. Many factors play into this more expensive value, however, such as the abundance of waterfront homes in the area and access to tourist attractions. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale is $2,700, while the national average is $1,700.

Q: Is it better to live in Miami or Fort Lauderdale?
A: Both Miami and Fort Lauderdale are gorgeous waterfront cities with great dining scenes, diverse communities, and endless fun activities. However, you will find more affordable housing options in Fort Lauderdale, along with less congestion and a more relaxed lifestyle. 

Best Fort Lauderdale Neighborhoods

No matter your age or demographic, there’s a Fort Lauderdale neighborhood to suit your lifestyle. From quieter beach areas to neighborhoods with vibrant nightlife and party scenes, we’ve laid out 12 of the best you can find.

Q: What is the nicest part of Fort Lauderdale?
A: With all of its luxurious amenities, Harbor Beach is considered one of the nicest parts of Fort Lauderdale. 

1. Coral Ridge

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,925
• Average home value: $1,179,600
• Great for: Schools, outdoor activities, families, retirees

Like most of the east neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Ridge features a variety of different homes, ranging from townhomes and condos to more upscale waterfront properties. Coral Ridge, Fort Lauderdale, is considered a great place to live for families, as the local schools are some of the top-rated in the South Florida area. 

The neighborhood features a gorgeous community park and great lanes to bike along Bayview Drive. Not only is this neighborhood a short distance from Fort Lauderdale Beach, but it’s also in close proximity to other attractions, like the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. 

2. Colee Hammock

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,375
• Average home value: $1,375,000
• Great for: Restaurants, shopping, Old Florida charm, young professionals

Colee Hammock, Fort Lauderdale, is a waterfront community filled with luxury homes — perfect for an upscale lifestyle. It's close to Fort Lauderdale Beach and is just minutes away from restaurants and shopping on Las Olas Boulevard. The area is also a short drive to Fort Lauderdale Airport.

Homes for sale in Colee Hammock are categorized into three types: single-family homes, luxury condominiums, and townhomes. This area is known for its Old Florida charm and has plenty of oak tree-lined streets, and the historic New River is also nearby, giving you easy access to different water activities.

3. Lauderdale Isles

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,175
• Average home value: $804,800
• Great for: Local attractions, tight-knit community, educational nature programs, families

Each isle in this south Fort Lauderdale neighborhood leads right to the historic New River, meaning residents always have easy access to the water. It’s a close-knit area full of people who enjoy a casual waterfront lifestyle. It's also close to the local airport, Fort Lauderdale's downtown area, and the cruise ship hub at Port Everglades.

A quick stroll away is the popular Secret Woods Nature Center, which features a variety of nature trails. Children and adults can enjoy a variety of educational programs that the center hosts year-round.

4. Victoria Park

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,275
• Average home value: $793,700
• Great for: Diversity, family-friendly activities, arts scenes, families, young professionals

Old Florida charm is evident in Victoria Park, Fort Lauderdale, which features a mix of modern and traditional single-family houses and townhouses. This area is known to be quite LGBTQ-friendly, and you can learn about the community’s history at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library.

There are a variety of fun things to do in this area, as well, like catching a show at The Parker Playhouse; playing with your pets at the dog park or paying a visit to the dog beach; and even getting involved with the art scene by visiting ArtServe.

5. Rio Vista

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $2,800,000
• Great for: Boating, water activities, restaurants, families, young professionals

Situated south of Downtown, Rio Vista, Fort Lauderdale, is an ideal location for those who love to boat. In fact, its name even translates to “river view” in Spanish! Its eastern section is filled with waterfront homes that provide families with easy access to the river, and it’s one of the safest neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale.

Rio Vista’s dining scene also has many great options. Whether you’re craving Korean BBQ, pizza, tapas, or pasta, you’ll be able to easily find it (and more!).

6. Tarpon River

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,175
• Average home value: $525,000
• Great for: Nightlife, outdoor activities, families, retirees

Tarpon River is recognized for its affordable housing options that include a variety of waterfront single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and apartments. This neighborhood has quite the urban feel, too, with lots of restaurants and coffee shops — Wells Coffee Co. is a local favorite!

Despite the bustling atmosphere, Tarpon River also maintains several relaxing green spaces for parents, kids, and dogs to enjoy. This neighborhood also provides easy access to both Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the beach.