Those who still think of Fort Lauderdale primarily as a haven for spring breakers are seriously behind the times. Not only has the area become a center for business and job opportunities, but it’s also more family-friendly than ever before.
The real estate options in Fort Lauderdale continue to grow as more people learn about everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer. It’s a city that has become one of the most popular relocation destinations in a state filled with them.
For families interested in Florida, Fort Lauderdale should rank high on the list of cities to consider.
Reasons Why Families Move to Fort Lauderdale
If you’re thinking about making the move to Fort Lauderdale, welcome to a large and growing group of savvy people. Moving with a family is a big decision to make. You want to weigh all the important factors. The following looks at some of the factors that have made families choose Fort Lauderdale.
Fort Lauderdale Parks and Recreation Centers
Going to the park is a frequent event for many families if there are good parks available. Fort Lauderdale has many of them.
- Hugh Taylor Birch State Park: This park between the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean has a peaceful environment, with plenty of walking paths to enjoy nature and spot wildlife, including the gopher tortoise. The park also has a boat ramp on the Intercoastal.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach Park: Not only is the park on the Atlantic Ocean, but it also features a full basketball court, boat ramp, grills, outdoor showers, picnic tables, a playground, restrooms, and a volleyball court.
- Colee Hammock Park: This waterfront park is known for its good fishing and plenty of picnic tables. It also offers nice water views.
- Esplanade Park: Part of the city’s Riverwalk Park walking route, it’s also home to a ton of events each year at its waterfront garden and amphitheater.
- Secret Woods Nature Center: This 56-acre park offers great walking trails, a butterfly garden, and plenty of areas for the whole family to explore together. The park is the first in the state dedicated to an urban wilderness area.
Fort Lauderdale Beaches
Most families have to travel many miles once a year to spend a vacation at the beach. By choosing to live in Fort Lauderdale, you have the option of traveling just a short distance to great beaches on any weekend you like. Some of the most popular in Fort Lauderdale include the following.
- Fort Lauderdale Beach. White sand, palm trees, and excellent shopping and dining options await visitors to this seven-mile stretch of beach.
- Hollywood Beach. South of Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood Beach is a dog-friendly beach that attracts people from across South Florida.
- Dania Beach. A quiet beach that is perfect for families. It also has a popular fishing pier.
- Pompano Beach. Just north of Fort Lauderdale, this is another family-friendly, quiet beach that is (relatively) away from the crowds.
Great Healthcare
The good healthcare options in Fort Lauderdale also make it attractive to families and one of the main reasons people move to Fort Lauderdale. Part of the reason for this is that one segment of the Fort Lauderdale population is older residents. It’s also a city that puts an emphasis on good health and plenty of outdoor activities that allow people to get exercise. The lifestyle in Fort Lauderdale is typically very relaxed and laid back – another plus for everyone’s health.
Great Diversity
Parents in the 21st century increasingly want their children exposed to people of different races, ethnic origins, and cultures. Fort Lauderdale offers plenty of diversity, For example, 30% of the population comes from outside the U.S. More than 100 different languages are spoken in Fort Lauderdale and throughout Broward County. No matter where you come from, you will find a group to connect with quickly.
Fort Lauderdale School Choices
Fort Lauderdale also offers a variety of good schools for families to choose from. Five of the best schools in the city, according to Great Schools, are:
- Bayview Elementary School
- Harbordale Elementary School
- Floranada Elementary School
- Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School
- Sunland Park Academy
Some of the best high schools include Cypress Bay High School, College Academy at Broward College, Pompano Beach High School, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, and West Broward High School.
These are some of the reasons families are moving to Fort Lauderdale. It’s a great South Florida city with plenty to offer both parents and their children.
