Hey, I relocated for work and Household incomes average around $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale. Homes are going for about $455,600 on average. The weather takes some getting used to. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. What do you all think? TIA! I'd say it's better for families than young singles. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.
21 upvotes
7 Replies
Aaliyah Watson
Real talk - this place is not for everyone, and I think that's OK.
If you value safety, you'll love it. The safety is genuinely solid and I've found I genuinely enjoy living here. My neighborhood (Fairview) is stable and I feel safe walking around at night.
But if you're coming from Chicago, be prepared for the culture shock. cost of living is completely different here. And Chain restaurants dominate.
My advice would be to visit for at least a week before committing. Rent first, don't buy. And explore multiple neighborhoods - they're all different.
40 upvotes
Reagan M.
OK so I've been meaning to write this for a while. I moved here 15 years ago from Dallas and here's my honest breakdown:
Housing: Buying is tough right now, renting is more reasonable. We're paying /mo for a 4-bed in The Heights. It's underrated for what you get.
Jobs: The market is stable right now, especially in government. If you're in engineering you might struggle.
People: Generally underrated. It took about 8 months to build a solid friend group.
Food: underrated. Tons of options if you like craft beer.
Feel free to reach out with questions..
37 upvotes
Joseph Hill
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a lawyer, 30, moved here 9 years ago from Raleigh. I've lived in Meadowbrook and Sunset, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Cost of living is very reasonable
2. Strong job market in several industries
3. Diverse dining options
4. The people are generally solid - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Winters are long and cold
2. Not a lot of cultural diversity
3. The food scene situation is affordable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Meadowbrook: Great for singles. hit or miss vibes, walkable.
- Sunset: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Raleigh, everything felt excellent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are competitive. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $90K-$130K here.
**Final verdict:**
Happy to answer more specific questions.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
34 upvotes
Nevaeh Harris
I've been living here for 1 years and I'd say it's not perfect but it works for me. The housing market is excellent compared to other places I've lived. Overall Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
23 upvotes
native_nicholas3
From a safety perspective, it really depends on the area. Some neighborhoods are hit or miss, others not so much. Do your research on specific streets.
23 upvotes
Jaxon Reed
I'd say the biggest thing people don't talk about is weather. the quality of life is solid. Worth doing your research before committing.
9 upvotes
Sophie Bennett
I've lived in East for about 11 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
I have mixed feelings honestly. When I first moved here from Nashville, I was surprised by housing market. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Cost of living is very reasonable
- Affordable housing options
- The weather scene is pretty good
The downsides:
- Limited high-paying job options
- Property taxes are high
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for families. Your mileage may vary depending on what you're looking for..
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