10 Things to Know Before Moving to Fort Lauderdale Florida

Summary

This video script offers a comprehensive guide for prospective residents of Fort Lauderdale, highlighting the city's expansive metro area, the importance of location research, and the unique challenges of humidity, bugs, and wildlife. It addresses the bustling busy season, particularly in March, and the high costs associated with homeownership, including insurance. The narrator emphasizes the necessity of a car due to the spread-out nature of the region and the daily rain showers typical of South Florida's climate. The script also celebrates the area's cultural diversity and international appeal, inviting viewers to embrace the local lifestyle.

Takeaways

• 🏙️ Fort Lauderdale is part of a large metro area with 430 square miles and almost 2 million people, and the city itself is just a small part of it.
• 🌡️ The climate varies within the area; it's hotter towards the west near the Everglades due to humidity, and the east can be hot too due to lack of sun coverage.
• 🐊 Florida's wildlife is unique with lizards, iguanas, and peacocks commonly seen, and while alligators are rare, they do occasionally appear in canals.
• 🌞 The area experiences a very busy season, especially in March with spring break and St. Patrick's Day, leading to congestion and higher activity levels.
• 🏠 The cost of housing in Fort Lauderdale can be high, with a basic single-family home starting around $700,000, and properties on the water costing even more.
• 💰 Homeowners insurance in Florida can be expensive due to the risk of natural disasters and past issues with fraudulent claims.
• 🚗 Owning a car is almost a necessity in Fort Lauderdale due to the spread-out nature of the area, despite a decent public transportation system.
• 🌦️ Rain is a daily occurrence, especially during summer, often coming in the form of short, intense tropical storms.
• 🌆 The suburbs are growing as people are priced out of the city, offering more affordable housing options with a sense of community.
• 🌐 South Florida is an international market and melting pot, offering a rich cultural experience with people from all over the world.
• 🏡 For those considering a move, it's important to reach out to local realtors who can provide valuable insights and assistance in navigating the housing market.

Q & A

What is the size of the Fort Lauderdale metro area and what does it include?

The Fort Lauderdale metro area is about 430 square miles of urbanized or livable area with almost 2 million people. It includes the city of Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding Broward County.

How does the distance in the Fort Lauderdale metro area affect commute times?

Although the metro area is large, it's not one of those areas where it takes an hour and a half to drive from the suburbs to the city center. People can still get around fairly easily even if they live 10 miles away.

What should one consider when researching areas to live in Fort Lauderdale?

It's important to rule out areas that one absolutely dislikes as well as find areas that one likes. Researching before deciding to move is crucial, and reaching out to local realtors can provide valuable insights.

What is the climate like in the western parts of Fort Lauderdale compared to the eastern parts?

The western parts of Fort Lauderdale tend to be hotter, especially near the Everglades due to high humidity. The eastern parts, especially the beach areas, can also be hot due to lack of sun coverage but may have less humidity.

How does the presence of bugs and wildlife differ in Fort Lauderdale compared to other places?

Fort Lauderdale has a variety of bugs attracted to moisture, including roaches, and a unique wildlife such as lizards, iguanas, and peacocks. Alligators and crocodiles are occasionally seen but are not a major concern.

Why does the month of March get particularly busy in Fort Lauderdale?

March is the busiest month due to spring break and St. Patrick's Day, causing an influx of visitors, increased traffic, and congestion, especially with events like the St. Patrick's Day Parade and the Shamrock Run.

Why do many people who want to move to Fort Lauderdale city end up buying homes in the suburbs?

Homes in the city of Fort Lauderdale are more expensive than expected, and the suburbs offer more affordable options with potentially better community amenities and schools.

What are some factors affecting the cost of homeowners insurance in Fort Lauderdale?

Factors include proximity to water, the risk of natural disasters, fraudulent claims history, and whether the home has hurricane impact windows and hurricane clips on the roof.

How is the public transportation system in Fort Lauderdale and is it feasible to live without a car?

While the bus system is good within cities and trains are available for north-south commuting, living without a car is challenging due to the spread-out nature of the metro area. Owning a car is recommended.

What can one expect regarding rainfall in Fort Lauderdale and how does it affect daily life?

Fort Lauderdale experiences rain almost daily, especially during the summer, but it's usually short-lived tropical rain that comes during afternoon rush hour. It's a small price to pay for avoiding snow.

How does the cultural diversity in South Florida differ from other places and what should newcomers expect?

South Florida is an international market and a melting pot with people from all over the world. It offers a rich cultural experience with diverse food, art, and people from different walks of life, making it unique and vibrant.

Outlines

00:00

🏙️ Understanding Fort Lauderdale's Expansive Metro Area

Before moving to Fort Lauderdale in 2024, it's essential to know that the area is more than just a city—it's a vast metro area covering 430 square miles with almost 2 million residents. The city itself is small, but the broader metro region offers a lot of livable space. Unlike some other metro areas, it doesn’t take hours to commute from the suburbs to the city center. Familiarizing yourself with different areas is key, and avoiding areas you dislike is more important than finding those you love. The video aims to provide crucial insights to help with your move.

05:02

☀️ The Climate of Fort Lauderdale: Heat, Humidity, and Bugs

Fort Lauderdale’s climate varies significantly depending on location. Moving west means dealing with more intense humidity, particularly near the Everglades, while the eastern beach areas may feel hotter due to direct sun exposure. The area is also home to many bugs and unique wildlife, including roaches, iguanas, and peacocks, but these aren’t typically a problem if managed well. Alligators and crocodiles are rare but present. The climate is hot and humid, so if you’re sensitive to humidity, you may want to reconsider moving to Florida altogether.

10:02

🎉 Navigating Fort Lauderdale's Busy Season and Housing Costs

March is a challenging month in Fort Lauderdale due to spring break, St. Patrick's Day, and the resulting traffic and congestion. Many people want to move to the city for its proximity to beaches and downtown but are often surprised by high housing costs. Homes in East Fort Lauderdale start around $700,000, with those on the water reaching millions. Condos are more affordable, but come with higher down payments and HOA fees. Suburbs offer more affordable options, though homeowners insurance is costly, especially in flood zones. Understanding these factors is crucial before making a move.

15:03

🏡 Suburban Growth and Transportation Needs in Fort Lauderdale

The suburbs around Fort Lauderdale are growing, partly because people are being priced out of the city. While not as large as new developments in other parts of Florida, these areas still offer affordability and convenience. Homes built after 2001 are better equipped for hurricanes, which can reduce insurance costs. However, the expanding suburbs could eventually reach city-level prices. Having a car is almost essential in Fort Lauderdale, as public transportation is limited outside the city center, with buses and trains primarily serving north-south routes.

🌦️ South Florida’s Weather and Cultural Melting Pot

Rain is a daily occurrence in South Florida, especially in the summer, often arriving in short, intense bursts. Despite the frequent storms, it's a small price to pay to avoid snow. South Florida is a cultural melting pot, attracting people from all over the world. The diversity in food, art, and people is what makes the area unique, similar to New York City but with its own twist. Embracing this diversity is essential for anyone considering moving to the region.

Keywords

💡Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is the central city of the metropolitan area in the video script, which is described as being quite large with an extensive urbanized area spanning approximately 430 square miles and a population of nearly 2 million. The city is part of the broader Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Metropolitan Statistical Area, and the script emphasizes that the city itself is just a small part of this larger region. The keyword is central to understanding the geographical scope and living conditions discussed in the video.

💡Metro Area

The term 'metro area' in the script refers to the larger urban region encompassing Fort Lauderdale, including the city itself and the surrounding areas within Broward County. The script mentions that the metro area is not one where travel times are excessively long, which is a common characteristic of sprawling metropolitan regions. This concept is important for understanding the accessibility and connectivity within the region being discussed.

💡Humidity

Humidity is a measure of the amount of water vapor in the air and is a significant factor in the climate of the Fort Lauderdale area. The script describes how the further west one goes, the higher the humidity, especially near the Everglades, which is characterized by a swampy, humid environment. This is relevant to the video's theme as it affects the comfort and lifestyle of residents and potential newcomers.

💡Wildlife

The script mentions the unique wildlife found in the Fort Lauderdale area, including lizards, iguanas, and peacocks, which are indicative of the region's distinct ecological environment. The presence of wildlife such as these creatures adds to the charm and character of the area, setting it apart from other regions and contributing to the overall living experience.

💡Alligators

Alligators are mentioned in the script as a part of the local wildlife, but the speaker notes that sightings are rare and should not deter potential residents. This keyword is relevant as it touches on the aspect of safety and the unique fauna that residents might encounter, adding to the overall understanding of what living in the area entails.

💡Spring Break

Spring Break is highlighted in the script as a particularly busy time in Fort Lauderdale, with an influx of visitors leading to congestion and a lively atmosphere. The month of March is described as a challenging period for locals due to the sheer number of people and events, such as parades and bar crawls. This keyword is important for understanding the seasonal rhythms and social dynamics of the area.

💡Homeownership

The script discusses the cost of buying a home in Fort Lauderdale, noting that it is more expensive than some might expect. It provides a guideline for the minimum cost of a single-family home in the city and contrasts it with the more affordable options in the suburbs. Homeownership is a central theme in the video, as it directly impacts the financial considerations and lifestyle choices of potential residents.

💡Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance is described in the script as a potentially costly and unexpected expense for residents of Fort Lauderdale. Factors such as proximity to water and the risk of natural disasters contribute to higher insurance premiums. This keyword is crucial for understanding the financial implications of living in the area and the additional costs that come with homeownership.

💡Suburbs

The script contrasts living in the city of Fort Lauderdale with living in the suburbs, which are described as more affordable and potentially offering a greater sense of community. The suburbs are growing as people are priced out of the city, and they provide a different living experience with access to amenities and schools. This keyword is key to understanding the alternative living options within the broader metro area.

💡Public Transportation

The script addresses the state of public transportation in Fort Lauderdale, noting that while it is good within cities and for north-south commuting, it may not be sufficient for getting around the entire metro area without a car. This keyword is important for understanding the mobility options available to residents and the potential need for personal transportation.

💡Rain

Rain is mentioned as a daily occurrence in Fort Lauderdale, particularly during the summer, with brief but intense tropical downpours. The script suggests that residents cannot rely on weather apps for accurate predictions and must plan for rain as a part of daily life. This keyword is relevant as it contributes to the understanding of the local climate and its impact on daily routines.

💡International Market

The script describes South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, as an international market and melting pot, attracting people from all over the world. This diversity is celebrated as a unique aspect of the region's culture, offering a rich tapestry of experiences, food, and art. This keyword is important for understanding the social and cultural environment of the area and the opportunities it presents for interaction and discovery.

Highlights

Fort Lauderdale is part of a large metro area of 430 square miles with almost 2 million people.

The city of Fort Lauderdale is just a small part of the broader metro area.

The further west you go, the hotter it gets due to humidity near the Everglades.

Florida's wildlife includes lizards, iguanas, and peacocks, with the possibility of encountering alligators.

March is the busiest month in Fort Lauderdale with spring break and St. Patrick's Day causing congestion.

Home prices in the city of Fort Lauderdale are higher, with a basic single-family home starting at around $700,000.

Homeowners insurance in Florida is expensive due to the risk of natural disasters and fraudulent claims.

Suburbs are growing in popularity as people are priced out of the city, offering more affordable housing options.

Owning a car is almost necessary in Fort Lauderdale due to the spread-out nature of the metro area and limited public transportation.

It rains almost daily in Fort Lauderdale, often during afternoon rush hour, but the weather is generally favorable without snow.

South Florida is an international market and melting pot with diverse cultures and experiences.

The real estate team offers guidance for those considering a move to South Florida, providing valuable insights for potential buyers.

The video provides a detailed overview of what to expect when moving to Fort Lauderdale, including lifestyle and cost of living.

Fort Lauderdale's metro area includes various neighborhoods, each with unique characteristics and living conditions.

The video discusses the importance of considering location carefully when house hunting to avoid regrettable purchases.

Condos in Fort Lauderdale are more affordable than single-family homes but come with higher down payments and HOA fees.

Newer homes built after 2001 in Fort Lauderdale are more likely to have hurricane clips, which can lower insurance costs.

South Florida's appeal lies in its cultural diversity, attracting people from all over the world to live and work.

Transcripts

before you move to Fort Lauderdale in

2024 make sure you watch this entire

video These are 10 things that I get

asked about pretty frequently and some

things that you should really think

about before you decide to make that

move let's talk about

[Music]

it so let's get right into it 10 things

you need to know about moving to Ford

Lauderdale and and number one is that

Fort Lauderdale is big and when I say

Fort Lauderdale is Big I'm not talking

about just the city I'm talking about

the metro area it's about 430 square

miles of urbanized or livable area with

almost 2 million people for Lauderdale

the city is just the small part I mean

if you take a look at this map right

here you can see four Lauderdale

outlined in red then you see Broward

County which is the four Lauderdale

metro area outlined in yellow you can

see how big of an area this is and while

yes it is a large area it's not one of

those Metro areas where it's going to

take you an hour and a half to drive

from the suburbs to the center of the

city and I'm curious if you live in one

of those Metro areas where you can be 2

hours away from the downtown and still

be considered in the metro area let me

know in the comments but there's so much

more than just the city of Ford

Lauderdale itself and honestly you can

still be 10 m away and and get there

fairly easily when you need to and

getting this phase of your research down

before you decide to make that move here

is probably one of the best things that

you can do for yourself and I always

like to say that yes it's important to

find the areas that you like but it's

more important to rule out those areas

that you absolutely hate which is

exactly why you got to reach out to us

we are a team of Realtors here in South

Florida and we make these videos to give

you something that I didn't have when I

moved out here 5 years ago and we hope

you get value from these videos and we

want to hear from you if you're planning

on buying or even selling in South

Florida feel free to give us a call text

or email and we'd be happy to connect

with you and see how we can best help

you process your move okay so the next

thing that you need to know is that the

further west you go the hotter it is and

I know that sounds weird but it's kind

of true and you can make the argument

that the further east you go and

actually the farthest east that you can

go which is the beach that it's actually

hotter out there because there's

absolutely no coverage from the sun

which is also true but when you get out

towards the Everglades that humidity is

something else it's a swampy area it's

extremely humid out there and I really

noticed this to be true when I made my

Coral Springs Vlog in August of 2023

bear with me cuz it's hot out here um I

know you can't feel it I don't know if

you can tell I'm struggling out here

it's definitely a noticeable feeling and

it can be very uncomfortable during the

summer now is it enough to say that if

you move further east it's going to save

you from that absolutely not but it's

something something that I had to figure

out and I guess if you have a weaker

tolerance to humidity you probably just

want to stay a little bit further east

from the Everglades actually if you have

a weak tolerance to humidity Florida may

just not be for you in the first place

and the next thing that you need to know

is that we have a ton of bugs and our

Wildlife it's a bit different out here

and the bugs also come with the humid

territory typically when you think of

roaches or if you see a roach in a house

you're going to think dirty the house is

dirty well that's not the case out here

these types of bugs are attracted to

moisture they're attracted to water and

it's not uncommon to find dead roaches

in a house out here and I know a lot of

people who have issues with mosquitoes

out here to be honest I felt like I got

bit more when I lived out in Jersey than

I do out here so I guess that's going to

vary by person to person I don't

experience an issue with mosquitoes but

something in addition to the bugs is our

Wildlife you won't see deer you won't

see rabbits but you will see lizard

you will see iguanas you will see those

big dragon looking iguanas and you're

going to see peacocks roaming the

streets and it's kind of a sight to see

when you see peacocks in somebody's

front yard and these Critters are

harmless at least to my knowledge they

are I think they're just more invasive

than anything and I often get asked

about alligators to be honest I've only

seen one alligator since I've lived out

here maybe it was a crocodile cuz it was

swimming in water but you will from time

to time hear of people

seeing crocodiles swimming out in canals

but I don't think that's something that

should stop you from moving here I mean

unless you're deathly afraid of them and

you just don't even want to take the

chance like I said I've seen one in the

5 years that I've been here and it's

just not really something that's a major

concern but it is cool that our Wildlife

is a little bit different out here than

what you may be used to okay our busy

season gets really busy and specifically

the month of March not the most fun time

living here we're in the midst of spring

break right now and this is the time of

year when the locals go into hiding and

they just don't even go near the beach

and before I dog on everyone visiting

here for spring break let me just say I

get it I was there once I'm not mad at

you have your fun but most importantly

just be safe but spring break is pure

Mayhem down here it lasts the entire

month of March and it's not only

noticeable at the beach but it's

noticeable with the traffic sometimes it

costs more to park in certain areas the

airport is congested and it's just

overall congested out on the roads

people walking you you just notice a big

difference and it's not just like

regular tourists it's that spring break

crowd the entire month of March now for

the people visiting it probably doesn't

seem like that big of a deal because for

them it only lasts a few days maybe a

week at most but for us that live here

it's the entire month because different

schools have off different weeks and

then to make make matters worse not only

is it spring break but St Patrick's Day

is right in the middle of the month as

well and when you combine the two I'm

sure you can just imagine and Fort

Lauderdale has a big same Patty Day

Parade where they pretty much shut down

L Solas for the entire day traffic is a

nightmare and then you have like the

Shamrock run which is a Four Mile Run

where roads are closed off and then the

bar crawls but it's things like this

that help fuel our economy and I and I

can't be mad at it it's just March is

not a fun month here that's all but the

good thing is is after this it's pretty

much the unofficial end to our busy

season where things start going back to

normal so let me preface this next one

by saying that when most of you reach

out to me you want to move right in the

city of for Lauderdale you want to be

close to the beaches close to downtown

just close to everything but a lot of

you when you actually do move here you

don't wind up buying in the city of for

Lauderdale and this is just because

buying a home down here costs more than

you might think and this is just

something that's reality but like I said

said at the beginning of this video

narrowing down your areas of Interest

first is more important than looking at

homes first because you don't want to

find a home that checks all the boxes

except the one thing that you can change

which is location because you didn't

reach out to us or just because you

didn't take the time to figure that out

and let me just save you the trouble and

and give you just a basic guideline to

go by if you're looking at moving into

East for Lauderdale don't expect to buy

a single family home for probably about

$700,000 minimum depending on the

neighborhood of course but I would say

700,000 is a good starting point for a

single family home in the city of for

Lauderdale now if you're willing to do a

renovation you could probably find

something for a bit less but 700k will

probably get you an older three bed two

bath probably built in the' 60s with no

garage now if you're looking for

something on a canal or some body of

water no less than 1 to two million and

then it just keeps going up from there

and condos are a different story you

will find condos that are much more

affordable than single family homes but

you will be putting more money down

minimum 20 to

25% and you will be paying higher HOA

fees or maintenance fees which typically

increase every year or at least they

have been the last few years and are

projected to at least through 2025 like

I said before a lot of you that reach

out to me that originally want to live

in Ford Lauderdale you don't wind up

moving there because you realize that

you can be a little bit further out

where your dollar will go a little bit

further in the suburbs and you still

pretty much have close access to

everything and suburbs will vary in

price depending on which area you choose

but sometimes you can find a home for

500,000 where that same home in Ford

Lauderdale would be 700,000 but I think

a good guideline for the suburbs for a

three bed two bath let's throw in a

two-car garage I would say don't expect

to pay less than 500 probably about 5 to

550 but again location will have an

impact on that and the house will

probably be built in the '90s maybe

the'80s maybe the '90s compared to the

house in for Lauderdale that was maybe

built in the 60s which will have an

impact on your homeowners insurance

which is the next thing that you need to

know homeowners insurance is a bit

pricey out here and this is one of those

unexpected costs that a lot of locals

they just don't know about it how close

you are to the water the threat of

natural disasters and lawsuits have

caused a lot of carriers to pull out of

Florida not just Fort Lauderdale Florida

as a whole and when I say lawsuits I

mean homeowners making fraudulent claims

on their roof for example so that their

insurance will cover them for a new roof

one of my clients just moved down here

from the Washington DC area specifically

Maryland and they bought a home in East

for Lauderdale in a flood zone built in

the 70s it was a three bed three bath

about 1,400 square fet and they're

paying about $7,000 a year in homeowners

insurance and that's not including their

flood which is just about 3,000 extra so

they're all in for about

$110,000 just on their homeowners

insurance so we were able to find them a

nice home for about a third of what

their home in Maryland costs but their

insurance doubled and that's just

something a lot of people can't wrap

their heads around but there are ways to

mitigate the cost you can buy out in the

suburbs where you're farther away from

the water and your chances of being in a

flood zone are just less than they are

of being out east and you can also get a

discount if your home has hurricane

impact windows and hurricane Clips on

the roof which are basically just these

steel connectors that attach the roof to

the wo

that are able to withstand strong winds

now if you do Buy in the suburbs in a

newer home or really anywhere for that

matter in a newer home I say the suburbs

because it's a little bit more likely to

find a newer home specifically after

2001 these hurricane Clips were actually

required to be installed on all roofs

and speaking of the suburbs the suburbs

are growing and not growing necessarily

in the sense of building these massive

brand new construction communities like

you would see in Texas or other parts of

Florida like Tampa but growing more in

the sense of people are choosing to live

out there because they're just being

priced out of the city and the suburbs

still have everything you need at least

within a close proximity it's not like

you're living out in the middle of

nowhere and right now a lot of our

clients are realizing that you can still

find something more affordable out there

maybe with more of a sense of community

because it's in an HOA community that

has amenities where you can meet other

people and the schools are better for

the most part the one thing to aware of

is that if the suburbs do keep growing

at the rate that they are they could

eventually reach what they are in for

Lauderdale and the last thing that you

want is to pay luxury prices but not

necessarily get luxury living out in the

suburbs okay you're going to want a car

living out here and this is something

that I get asked about frequently the

driving situation and the public

transportation and there are a few

select areas where you can get by

without a car like the downtown area or

Lauderdale By The Sea or the G Ocean

Mile mainly these small little areas

where everything is pretty much within a

square mile and its walking distance but

for the most part it would 100% benefit

you to own a car out here our public

transportation system is pretty good the

busing system is good within the cities

the train only runs north and south we

actually have two trains so if you're

commuting to West Palm Beach or to Miami

it's pretty easy but as far as getting

around the entire metro area it could be

more difficult without a car just

because everything is so spread out even

though it is a compact metro area it's

still spread out the further away you

get out from the city and it's just not

that type of area it's not New York it's

not Chicago where you can just survive

with public transportation alone now

people do it people get by but if you're

asking for my opinion it would 100%

recommend you to own a car living out

here unless you want to pay for Ubers

all day okay you're going to want to

plan for rain every single day it rains

just about every single day especially

over the summer but not like your

typical rain like you would see in

Seattle or in the Northeast where it's

just like a steady rain all day but

pounding tropical storm type rain heavy

winds but the catch is is it only lasts

maybe an hour and it always seems to

come right in the afternoon Rush Hour

like clockwork almost every day and

something that I've learned is you just

can't rely on your weather app because I

guarantee you it'll show that it's going

to be sunny all day over the summer it's

going to rain I promise you but it's a

small small price to pay to never have

to deal with snow again I mean I can

handle the rain so this is probably one

of my favorite things about living in

South Florida and something that you

should know is that South Florida is an

international market and a Melting Pot

now unless you're coming from New York

City take everything that you know throw

it out the window and just come here

with an open mind this is really what

makes South Florida so special is the

fact that you have people from all over

the country and all over the world down

here you'll experience all different

cultures different type of food art

people from all walks of life and it's

really unlike any other place that I've

ever seen except New York City but even

then it's a little bit different than

that in fact let me address something

real quick a lot of you like to make fun

of my accent on here yes I'm calling you

out and if you can't handle accents or

people from different walks of life then

you should probably just click off this

video because South Florida is probably

not the place for you okay I'm just

kidding all jokes aside we'd love to

have you here but we love the culture

down here and getting to meet people

every day from all over the world and

people just like yourself who came here

not knowing anyone not knowing anything

it's it's just something really cool to

see so no matter where you are we want

to hear from you and I hope you got

value from this video and if you did

like I said we want to hear from you we

want to help you give us a call text or

email or go to the link in my

description fill out a form we'll

contact you however you want to do it

we're happy to help if you're watching

this and you're down here for spring

break have fun be safe for the rest of

you enjoy the rest of your weekend and

we'll catch you on the next

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