Central Beach is best known as the tourist hub of Fort Lauderdale, with a bustling market for condos with ocean views. “The large majority of condo owners have this as their winter residence,” says William Brown, president of the Central Beach Alliance community association. Brown is a longtime resident who has led the local advocacy group since 2019. Though many people rent out their properties between May and September, permanent residents take pride in their community and find plenty to do year-round. With miles of sandy beaches and a thriving restaurant and nightlife scene, life in Central Beach is active at any time of day, any time of year.
Hotels and condos line Central Beach's oceanfront.
Takato restaurant has a high-end feel and is perfect for special occasions in Central Beach.
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Condo hotels offer beachfront luxury
Residents live in high-rise condos steps from the beach, which they often rent out during the summer months. One- and two-bedroom units with community pools can range between $300,000 and $600,000, though prices shoot up for new builds on the beach. Many developments date back to the 1970s, renovated over time as construction continued in the area. Condo hotel hybrids grant residents the luxuries of hotel amenities, including housekeeping, fitness centers and parking, and often the ability to rent out the unit during the year. These luxury units start above $1 million and can rise above $3 million.
Find the perfect condo by the ocean in Central Beach.
A Central Beach condo complex equipped with a pool and expansive terrace.
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A hub for nightlife in Fort Lauderdale
Central Beach is a nightlife destination, with top-rated restaurants, nightclubs and themed bars attracting local foodies and spring breakers alike. Young tourists flock to the Las Olas Beach area, densely populated with restaurants and bars, though residents can find diverse dining all along the beachfront. “We have everything from fine dining to local pizza and ice cream shops,” Brown says. Locals can make a reservation at S3, an upscale, Asian-inspired restaurant named for the sun, surf and sand surrounding it. S3 serves locally sourced seafood and is often ranked among the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, and even the state. For a more casual vibe, Blondies Sports Bar is a favorite among residents, with pub food, pool tables and plenty of TV screens. The Galleria shopping mall just northeast of the neighborhood has major retailers such as Macy’s and Banana Republic, and locals can stock up on groceries at the Publix Super Market next door. Residents can fill in the gaps between trips at corner stores throughout the neighborhood.
Locals love to dine alfresco in Central Beach.
Residents and visitors can explore the nightlife at Rock Bar in Central Beach.
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Central Beach is popular with locals and tourists alike.
Central Beach’s Great American Beach Party
Residents of Central Beach can walk to events throughout the year, including Fort Lauderdale’s 4th of July Spectacular and the 3-day Tortuga Music Festival. Locals spend Memorial Day weekend at the Great American Beach Party, a free annual festival hosted by the city’s parks and recreation department. Crowds gather at Las Olas Oceanside Park for live music, classic car shows and a sand sculpting contest in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Walking distance to Las Olas Beach
Central Beach is home to two of the most coveted beaches in Fort Lauderdale. Las Olas Beach is a busy stretch of sand beside an oceanside park with green space, an amphitheater and walking paths. The park hosts year-round markets and events and is a central hub for the neighborhood. Fort Lauderdale Beach Park has courts for basketball and volleyball, a playground and a boat ramp, in addition to miles of pristine beach. For a bit of variety – and a brush with history – locals visit Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, a 1920s-era home with guided tours of the estate’s lavish architecture and gardens.
Grab some friends for a game of beach volleyball in Central Beach.
Every day feels like a vacation on palm-lined beaches in Central Beach.
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Residents walk, drive or bus around Central Beach
Central Beach is a walkable area where residents are always within a half mile of the shore. Sidewalks throughout the neighborhood connect people to the beach, where pedestrians rule the waterfront. Buses stop along Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard, delivering riders to beaches farther north. Drivers can head 3 miles west to reach downtown, or easily access I-95 for trips out of town.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale is on the horizon, not far from Central Beach.
Central Beach offers a resort lifestyle for residents in Florida.
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Teens attend Fort Lauderdale High
Students head a few miles inland to attend highly rated public schools. Younger children start at Harbordale Elementary, which has an A-minus from Niche, then move on to Sunrise Middle, a B-rated school. Four miles from the neighborhood, Fort Lauderdale High is an A-rated school with two magnet programs: one in international education and another in law and public affairs. Students on the latter track can choose from various concentrations, including social work, politics and criminal justice.
Entrance to Fort Lauderdale High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Harbordale Elementary School
Learning excellence at Sunrise Middle School in Ft Lauderdale, FL.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Miguel Rodriguez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Fort Lauderdale Beach Park & Playground
Basketball
Boating
Grills
D.C. Alexander Park
Trails
Beach
Events
Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Bike Trails
Camping
Fishing
Idlewyld Park/Merle Fogg Park
Boating
Picnic Area
Trails
Las Olas Oceanside Park
Bike Trails
Trails
Ocean
Fort Lauderdale Dog Beach
Dog Park
Beach
Transit
Airport
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International
19 min drive
Bus
A1a & Granada S
Bus
A1a & Banyan S
Bus
A1a & Castillo S
Bus
A1a & NE 9 S
Bus
Las Olas B & Birch R
Bus
A1a & Sebastian S
Bus
A1a & Vistamar S
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Central Beach
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
9
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
5
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
6
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale sell after 133 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Central Beach, Fort Lauderdale over the last 12 months is $1,077,179, down 4% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Maya Marca in vibrant Fort Lauderdale Beach! This modern 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath condo offers tropical views from an open balcony perfect for enjoying stunning sunsets and ocean breezes. Relax by the heated pool overlooking a serene canal, where you can kayak and paddleboard. Maya Marca offers resort-style amenities including a renovated clubhouse, a modern gym, 24-hour doorman, & onsite
Location, Location, Location! Nautical Towers has just completed major improvements with all new impact windows & sliding doors and completing its 50 year certification. Enjoy the ultimate beach lifestyle—morning walks by the water, nearby cafes, shopping, and restaurants. Easy access to everything you love about coastal living, yet tucked away in a serene neighborhood setting.This Beautiful 2
Beautiful corner unit 2BR/1BA located in the Central Beach area of Fort Lauderdale walking distance to the beach ! LOW HOA and a quiet complex. Garden view of the Pool and courtyard. This is a 55+ community. 1 assigned parking space and guest parking Common Laundry,No Pets. BBQ. Close to restaurants, Shops and Entertainment.
This fully furnished, one-of-a-kind townhome offers 4,000 sqft of luxury in a gated community just steps from the ocean. Completely rebuilt from 2022-2024, it features custom cabinetry, high-gloss porcelain flooring, and a state-of-the-art elevator. The Miele kitchen, Murano glass vanities, and 24K gold-foiled master shower tiles showcase impeccable craftsmanship. The fourth-floor bar/kitchen is
Welcome to the most unique unit at the ultraluxe Paramount. 3 bedroom floorplan inclusive of a Den is only 1 of 2 in the building. Upon immediate entry from your private elevator, the tailor-made entryway doors lead you into the most customized space. Crown molding+millwork punctuate the unit adding design interest other units do not have. The bespoke built-in bar ties into the kitchen aesthetic
OCEANFRONT LUXURY LIVING! Seasons Condo has RESERVES! Prime location across from Atlantic Ocean! 2nd floor front SE corner unit w/direct ocean views! Steps to beach! Secure building w/24 hour front desk security. ALL ages. Sought after E stack. Open floor plan w/kitchen, full size washer/dryer, impact windows. 2-new A/C units April 2025. Newly renovated halls & front door! While tax record states
Remodeled and furnished one bedroom one bath annual rental just ONE BLOCK from the OCEAN! Intracoastal VIEWS from the unit! New white kitchen and upgraded appliances, newer flooring throughout, newer mini split a/c system, HIGH IMPACT windows and sliding glass door. Newly remodeled bathroom, queen sized bed and ready for move in. Nice Intracostal and pool view from the open balcony. Secured
Stunning 2024 renovations with mesmerizing views from this 18th floor CORNER UNIT PENTHOUSE. Direct Ocean & Intracoastal views. Short walk to beach, Bonnet House & Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Full size Washer & dryer in unit. Walk to Michelin rated restaurants and nightlife. Walk in closet. Be dazzled by the sunrise over the ocean and the night lights of downtown Fort Lauderdale. 24 hour live
Fully Stocked & Appointed W Hotel & Residences 2Bedroom/2Bathroom Oceanfront Private Unit Professionally Managed. PRICING IS BASED ON RENTAL DATES. Get FULL ALL ACCESS to all amenities @ W Hotel & Residences Beach Resort w/ expansive Ocean Views, 2 PRIMARY SUITES w/ KING SIZE BEDS & QUEEN SOFA SLEEPER in the living room. Floor2Ceiling windows & doors with sweeping views of the ocean. The split
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Miguel Rodriguez,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
5,783
Median Age
60
Population Density
16 ppl/acre
Population under 18
8.2%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
38%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$102,289
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$132,578
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
91.2%
College Graduates
58.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
17.9%
% Population in Labor Force
55.9%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
69''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
69/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
71/ 100
Some Transit
Transit Score®
31/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
