Downtown Fort Lauderdale is a centerpiece of South Florida
Fort Lauderdale is a South Florida mainstay for its arts, culture, events and waterways, and the downtown is where to find it all. It's an area where residents live, work and play in the same neighborhood, immersed in a financial district, a buzzing nightlife, entertainment, attractions, restaurants, shops and a scenic riverwalk. “It’s the heart of all the dining, bars and shopping in Fort Lauderdale,” says Joseph Beltrand, a Realtor with Coldwell Banker who has been selling homes in South Florida for 15 years. And the city continues to improve. “Downtown Fort Lauderdale is a really big up-and-coming area,” Beltrand says. A new pedestrian area makes it easier than ever to access Las Olas Boulevard, the shopping and dining hub, while new businesses and condos draw more residents to the area. Locals live in upscale high-rise condos and apartments with stellar waterfront views of boats passing by on the New River. They are well positioned for travel, located near Interstate 95 and the airport.
The Grand Tower Las Olas is located in the Downtown Fort Lauderdale neighborhood.
Outdoor dining in Downtown Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard is a treat and experience.
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Outdoor cafes, five-star restaurants on Las Olas
In 2023, Fort Lauderdale completed Tunnel Top Plaza, creating a safer pedestrian area with lush landscaping on Las Olas Boulevard. “It’s really easy for pedestrians to walk between east and west Las Olas Boulevard,” Beltrand says. “Big-name restaurants and bars are opening up on the west side now that it’s connected.” Crossing Southeast 6th Avenue and heading east, locals enter the shopping and dining district, with a long stretch of restaurants, bars, boutiques and art galleries. It’s a destination for various occasions, from breakfast at an outdoor café accommodating pets to a five-star dinner. Rocco’s Tacos serves tacos and margaritas with over 400 varieties of tequila lining the bar. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood serves shellfish, premium steaks and specialty cocktails. Las Olas stays awake late into the night with live music at several venues. Groceries are available less than half a mile from the center of the neighborhood at Publix GreenWise Market and The Fresh Market.
Outdoor dining in Downtown Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard is a treat and experience.
Java and Jam restaurant is located conveniently in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Wall art display at Pura Vida restaurant terrace located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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Luxury condos for different budgets
The downtown is split between rentals and condominiums, and sales are high, according to Beltrand. “It’s a very busy market, with lots of apartments, a lot of new condos and a lot that have been there for a while – and all very highly sought after,” he says. Most were built between 2000 through today. Prices can fall around $350,000 for a one-bedroom, 800 square-foot condo, over $1 million for a two-bedroom, 2,000 square-foot condo and $5 million for a four-bedroom, 3,900 square-foot condo. They often come with garages to park in and luxury amenities such as balconies with ocean views, doormen, heated pools, concierge services, fitness centers and saunas.
Venezi Las Olas Condominiums are located in the Downtown Fort Lauderdale neighborhood.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale offers condo communities with pools and other amenities.
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You cannot miss The Wharf in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Celebrations are centered on Las Olas
Las Olas becomes a pedestrian strip for several festivals including the Exotics on Las Olas car show, Las Olas Art Fair and Christmas on Las Olas. Locals venture to the beach for several other events including a Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, Fourth of July Spectacular and the Tortuga and Riptide Music Festivals. The Wharf is an open-air event center by the river with live music shows, game nights and happy hours.
Beach and city collide in Downtown Fort Lauderdale
Downtown Fort Lauderdale mixes the urban with the outdoors, with Las Olas Beach just three miles away. Due to the growth of the downtown, in January 2023, the Fort Lauderdale City Commission committed $5 million to reimagine Huizenga Park. Locals will enjoy concerts and movie nights on the large lawn, a redesigned fountain, a shaded terrace, a dog park, climbable play mounds for children and a three-story riverfront restaurant. Art enthusiasts could spend an entire day exploring over 7,500 works in the NSU Art Museum, while history buffs will get a kick out of the historic Stranahan House Museum.
Huizenga Park Fountain view with the buildings in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Huizenga Park Amphitheater is located in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
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Experience an easy commute by bus through the vibrant streets of Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Brightline zips to Orlando, Miami
Locals board the the Brightline train at the downtown Fort Lauderdale station to get to Orlando, Miami and several stops in between. The Tri-Rail, U.S. Highway 1 and Interstate 95 go to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, which is six miles away. Bicyclists can utilize Bike Broward, a planning tool that provides step-by-step directions to their desired destination. For public transportation, locals pay bus fares from their phones to get around the city.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale schools make the grade
Fort Lauderdale has several schools that receive an A grade from Niche. For private schools, students may attend Pine Crest, a pre-K-12 school which gets an A-plus. It’s about seven miles away. For public schools, they can attend Virginia Shuman Young Elementary, which gets an A-minus, Sunrise Middle, which gets a B, and Fort Lauderdale High, which gets an A. Students at Fort Lauderdale High can take part in the pre-law and public affairs program.
Welcome to Sunrise Middle School in Ft Lauderdale, FL.
Bird's eye view of Fort Lauderdale High School in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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Flood risk
Fort Lauderdale is subject to flooding from high tides, prolonged heavy rains and storm surges from hurricanes and tropical storms.
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
Michelle Haast,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Smoker Family Park
Stranahan Park
Picnic Area
Trails
River
Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Stranahan Landing
Picnic Area
Trails
River
Smoker Park
Bike Trails
Trails
River
Huizenga Plaza & Bubier Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Events
Transit
Airport
Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International
14 min drive
Bus
Andrews A & SE 5 S
Bus
SE 3 A & SE 6 S
Bus
Central Terminal Bay A1 - Rt40 East
Bus
NE 3 A & NE 3 S
Bus
Broward B & NE 3 A
Bus
Las Olas B & SE 6 A
Bus
NE 3 A & Broward B
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Downtown Fort Lauderdale
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
9
4
Assault with Weapon
7
4
Robbery
8
4
Burglary
10
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
10
4
Larceny
10
4
Crime Score
10
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale sell after 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale over the last 12 months is $882,610, down 8% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome home to Villa Tuscany, located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's emerging downtown. With proximity to major airports, cruise ports, retail, shopping, and the famous Las Olas Blvd retail corridor. A secluded townhome community offering privacy, spacious floor-plans, garage parking, and a community pool. The 2nd floor level offers tall ceilings, spacious living space, and open kitchen
Welcome home to Villa Tuscany, located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's emerging downtown. With proximity to major airports, cruise ports, retail, shopping, and the famous Las Olas Blvd retail corridor. A secluded townhome community offering privacy, spacious floor-plans, garage parking, and a community pool. The 2nd floor level offers tall ceilings, spacious living space, and open kitchen
Welcome home to Villa Tuscany, located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's emerging downtown. With proximity to major airports, cruise ports, retail, shopping, and the famous Las Olas Blvd retail corridor. A secluded townhome community offering privacy, spacious floor-plans, garage parking, and a community pool. The 2nd floor level offers tall ceilings, spacious living space, and open kitchen
Welcome to your dream home in this PRIME downtown Ft. Lauderdale living Space. This Mediterranean-style townhouse in the heart of Fort Lauderdale's desirable Rio Vista neighborhood. Built in 2005, this updated residence offers 3 bed, 2.5 baths inside it's 1,804 sq ft. of living space. The 1st floor boasts 10-ft ceilings with custom lighting creating a bright and open atmosphere. Upstairs, you'll
Sophisticated 3 bedroom, 2 baths corner residence at 350 Las Olas Place in downtown Fort Lauderdale with 3 private balconies offering sunrise & sunset views. Features Saturnia marble floors, open-concept living, gourmet kitchen with custom pantry & stainless steel appliances, and newer Carrier A/C. Primary suite has spa-like bath with dual sinks, walk-in shower, soaking tub & window. 3rd bedroom
INVESTORS! Amazing 1 Bed 1 Bath condo @ Strada 315 in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. --- Amenities include from a fitness center and theater to a billiards/game room, heated pool/spa—not to mention 24/7 security. Strada 315 which overlooks the New River and Riverwalk area, is just a stone’s throw from the city’s best fine-dining, retail and nightlife options. --
Exceptional views of downtown Fort Lauderdale from this beautiful 19th floor condo featuring floor to ceiling windows, porcelain flooring in the main living area, Nolte European cabinetry and a Jenn-Air built-in appliance collection. Included in this rental is the enjoyment of all of the resort-style amenities including a pool, tropical outdoor entertainment area, BBQ grills, club room & fitness
Experience Rare Modern Sophistication at Strada 315, Perfectly Located between the Dynamic Energy of Downtown Las Olas Boulevard and Flagler Village. This ONLY 1-Bedroom, 1.5-Bath Residence Features Bright White Tile Flooring, an Open Layout, & Dazzling Views of the Fort Lauderdale Skyline from the Living Room and the Ocean in Distance on the Private Balcony. Enjoy a Spa-Inspired Bathroom with
Welcome to 350 Las Olas Place! This furnished 2 bedroom split, 2 baths residence is freshly painted & has marble flooring thru-out - ready for occupancy upon association approval. Open gourmet kitchen w/ plenty of cabinetry & counter space plus pantry and newer appliances. Crown molding throughout. This unit features an extended east facing balcony with an amazing city & ocean view in the
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Michelle Haast,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
12,130
Median Age
43
Population Density
58 ppl/acre
Population under 18
11.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
18.8%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$117,894
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$143,076
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.5%
College Graduates
64.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
26.9%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
68.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
69''
Average Winter Low Temperature
39°F
Average Summer High Temperature
91°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Bikeable
Bike Score®
60/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
92/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
55/ 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.
