Overview
There are many reasons to love Ft Lauderdale. It is the central jewel of South Florida located midway between Palm Beach and Miami. Ft Lauderdale has a vibrant downtown where urban dwelling is enhanced by boutique shops, café bistros, riverfront walks and cultural amenities. Take a leisurely five minute drive or comfortable one mile stroll east along famed Las Olas Blvd which connects the Downtown District to Ft Lauderdale Beach. Along the way you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds emanating from local shops and eateries. You will soon enter the luxury waterfront neighborhood of Las Olas Isles. Homes in this area begin at $1,000,000 and can range as high as $35,000,000 for a desirable point lot with enough dockage for the mega yacht of your dreams. Continue east to cross the Las Olas bridge and arrive at the beach where the blue ocean beckons you to kick off your shoes and get the sand between your toes.
More than 60 miles of navigable waterways meander through the City of Ft Lauderdale. The waterways hug the coastal shore and wind their way through picturesque neighborhoods lined with luxury private residences and condominiums. These waterway canals are so numerous that Fort Lauderdale has been described as “The Venice of America”. Adventure awaits on the water and for many homes the main entry is considered the dockside entrance. Take a tour on the Water Taxi (yes, we actually have taxis on the water) and you will be amazed by the grandeur and elegance of the waterfront homes.
The Lifestyle offered is….
Ft Lauderdale offers the gamut of lifestyle activities to choose from. If you are more inclined to culture the Broward Center for Performing Arts and NSU Art Museum will be a delight. The Broward Center for Performing Arts was selected as the first stop for Hamilton after Broadway. The Director of the NSU Art Museum came from MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) in Miami. Her influence has helped to catapult the art scene in Ft Lauderdale. Foodies will also delight in the exceptional array of eateries and gastronomy pleasures found in Ft Lauderdale. One of our favorites is the Hardy Park Bistro tucked in the historically designated neighborhood of Sailboat Bend. If a more active lifestyle is what you seek there is no limit. Ft Lauderdale offers world class fishing, yachting and all manner of watersport. A less active lifestyle works in Ft Lauderdale as well. You can celebrate the sunrise at the beach or enjoy a leisurely seaside stroll.
The most popular building type is…
currently considered to be Coastal Contemporary. This type of home is contemporary in style with clean construction lines that are softened with natural textures and enhancements such as stacked stone. Another favorite is the modern Key West style island homes with shady porches, numerous windows and gabled roofs. Homes of these design can command higher prices per square foot due to their popularity. There is also a wide selection of homes built in the Mediterranean Style. Of course, Ft Lauderdale has it’s share of bungalow and ranch style homes depending on where your neighborhood search takes you.
The area’s greatest highlight is…
The biggest area highlight is the Ft Lauderdale Beach and miles of waterways meandering through the city. The water is our source of entertainment and beauty. The earliest settlers to the city built their first homes along the river near what is now considered downtown Ft Lauderdale. The Historic Stranahan House was built in 1901 and is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County. The house has been at the center of growth to Ft Lauderdale and is as reminder of the important roll the surrounding waters have been to the vibrancy of this city.
The area’s best driving distance getaway is….
Why go anywhere when you live in a top vacation wonderland. Can you say “Staycation”. Our area resorts such as Lago Mar Beach Resort transport you to relaxation and rejuvenation. As a second option don’t drive, sail away. Take a luxury cruise out of Port Everglades which is located within a fifteen minute drive from most city neighborhoods.
The best spot to dine fancy is…
Ft Lauderdale is known for its relaxed lifestyle. There are a few fancy restaurants but you will never find a stuffy dress code. Our recommendations include local favorites Valentino’s in Rio Vista, 3030 Ocean Restaurant at Harbor Beach Marriot, Dune Restaurant at The Auberge and Truluck’s Seafood in Coral Ridge. All offer white tablecloth service with experienced waitstaff to make for an enjoyable fancy dining experience.
The best spot to find entertainment is….
Well that would depend on what your looking for? Las Olas Blvd offers boutique dining and shopping with a backdrop of city lights. This area is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Or try the youthful energy of pubs and nightlife in the Himmarshee District or FAT City (Flagler Arts and Technology). Both are art centric areas offering pub style nightlife and entertainment. Ft Lauderdale also offers an array of local breweries. You can stay coastal and head to the beach. The Elbow Room on Ft Lauderdale beach is a famous hang out. Be sure to bring cash because no cards are accepted.
The best spot to go shopping is…
The Galleria Mall is the best spot for department store shopping. All the top stores are represented including Neiman Marcus, Dillards, William Sonoma and the other cast of characters. If you seek local we suggest Las Olas Blvd which offers the best boutique shopping.
