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.