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Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live, especially when you have a family. It can be quite overwhelming attempting to make everyone happy. But don’t stress. We’ve researched the best neighborhoods for families in Fort Lauderdale for you, so you don’t have to. If you’ve seen our Fort Lauderdale City Guide, you’ve noticed the brief neighborhood section listing a few of our favorite Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods.
Oh, and by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Fort Lauderdale movers and movers throughout the country.
What’s it like Raising a Family in Fort Lauderdale?
We’re glad you asked. Fort Lauderdale is a wonderful area to raise kids. It’s close to a few beaches, and there are plenty of attractions around to take the kids to. Fort Lauderdale is part of the Broward County Public Schools system, which has 39 primary and secondary public schools in it. Other nearby school districts are Palm Beach, Dade, Martin and Monroe.
And now, let’s talk about the neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking to live in the city or one of Fort Lauderdale’s suburbs, rest assured you’ll find a neighborhood that’s right for you and your family. And don’t worry, we’re here to help. So here are some of Fort Lauderdale’s best neighborhoods for families.
Cooper City
Cooper City, located about 15 miles from Fort Lauderdale, is a small bedroom community has the fourth-highest average household income in Broward County.
The average age of the population is around 32 and there are an estimated 30,000 residents who live there. There are plenty of parks, recreational facilities, and programs for all ages. Cooper City is an excellent place to “grow families.”
What’s Happening in Cooper City
Kid-friendly activities include many parks like C.B Smith Park, Cooper City Memorial Park, Wolf Lake Park, and a dog park. There is also the Cooper City Sports Complex if you’re kids are into sports. Dolphin World is a great place to take children to swim with the dolphins, as the name suggests.
Don’t worry, there is plenty for parents to do, too. Let yourself unwind at the Cooper City Antique Mall or go wild (but not too wild) at nearby Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood Casino.
Schools in Cooper City
The school system is one of the best in the country with an elementary school known for being an “A” school in Broward County. Cooper City Elementary School is always striving to be the best in the state and has worked to keep its high ranking among its peers. Pioneer Middle School and Cooper High School are on the same level.
Cooper City also has a private Christian, as well as a private Muslim school that caters to the city’s diverse demographics.
Homes in Cooper City
Cooper City is a middle-class community with housing prices starting in the mid $200s. There are a couple of new home communities springing up around the area, so if you’d prefer new construction, Cooper City has you covered.
Edgewood
Edgewood is a small community located north of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. This small, tree-lined community is a great option for families, with mostly single-family homes and a few gated communities nearby.
There’s a massive park near the heart of the neighborhood, a little league baseball complex, lakes and recreational facilities that families can enjoy. There are two houses of worship, Wesley Chapel and Saint Jerome Catholic Church. And Edgewood’s neighborhood association has its own clubhouse (They are very proud of this. They say so on the website). The association takes an active part in guiding the many new redevelopment projects in the area.
What’s Happening in Edgewood
Laser Jump is a great place to take the kids so they can release some energy. This place has laser tag, bounce houses, and arcade games. Escapology Escape Rooms is a great place to go for teens.
And our favorite for the name alone, Funderdome Indoor Playground and Cafe, where toddlers and elementary-aged kids can run amok just like Tina Turner (Thunderdome anyone…?) There are also plenty of bars, restaurants, and coffee shops for the adults to enjoy, too.
Schools in Edgewood
Schools close to Edgewood include the Croissant Park Elementary, Saint Jerome Catholic High School, and Stranahan High School, among others.
Homes in Edgewood
Most people rent their homes in Edgewood, though there are some single-family homes there. The average sales price is $350,000 and the average rent is $2,200 per month.
Coconut Creek
Coconut Creek is known as the “Butterfly Capital of the World,” which is probably giving you a warm feeling as you’re reading this. Here’s something else to make you feel good about: it was one of the “Best Cities to Live in America” by Money Magazine and a Top Ten Place to Live in Florida by Movoto and NerdWallet.
Coconut Creek is home to more than 60,000 residents and is about 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale. To get a good sense of what it’s like living in Coconut Creek, read the city’s monthly magazine, Coconut Creek Life Magazine or watch Creek TV.
What’s Happening in Coconut Creek
Coconut Creek’s downtown area is a thriving area called Main Street, which has attractions such as The Promenade, an open-air lifestyle center featuring retail, restaurants and office space. Take the kids to a movie at SilverSpot Theaters or dine at one of 14 restaurants there. The Promenade also features stores such as Apricot Lane Boutique, White House Black Market and Jos. A Bank when you’re able to score some adults time.
And if you like gambling, check out the Seminole Casino to let a little steam out. Coconut Creek also has plenty of parks and recreational facilities, with more than 167 acres of athletic fields and almost 14 acres of greenways throughout the city to take the kids to run ragged.
Schools in Coconut Creek
Coconut Creek has three elementary, one middle and three high schools. The city also has three schools devoted to higher education. For more on schools in Coconut Creek, go to the city’s website.
Homes in Coconut Creek
There are 24 neighborhoods in Coconut Creek, with single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and apartments. See what’s for sale or rent in Coconut Creek.
Lauderdale Isles
This suburb is very family-friendly and is south of Bal Habour and southwest of Coral Ridge. Lauderdale Isles is a tight-knit community with a lot of families living in the area.
What’s Happening in Lauderdale Isles
Lauderdale Isles has its own yacht and tennis club and is near downtown, the Galleria Mall, and Fort Lauderdale beach. Also, the Museum of Discovery and Science is close by for an educational and fun treat for the kids.
Schools in Lauderdale Isles
Nearby schools include the top-rated Harbordale Elementary, Bennett Elementary School, Bayview Elementary, Charter School of Excellence, and Virginia Shuman Young Elementary School.
Homes in Lauderdale Isles
Real estate in Lauderdale Isles features many single-family homes that have walk-in closets, vaulted ceilings, wooden or carpet floors, waterfront views, wooden docks, swimming pools, jacuzzis, large backyards, and deepwater docks.
Bal Harbour
Bal Harbour, a small enclave located west of Coral Ridge is a waterfront community that’s great for families who love to be near the water.
What’s Happening in Bal Harbour
Bal Harbour Beach or Surfside Beach are two great family-friendly beaches and a great place to take the kids for the day. Other kid-friendly activities near Bal Harbour are The Poppet Project, Crespi Park, and The Laboratory Art Studio. Adults can unwind at the Bal Harbour Shops, which is home to all sorts of shops and restaurants.
Schools in Bal Harbour
The community has a few notable schools nearby such as Bayview Elementary, Bennett Elementary and Sunrise Middle.
Homes in Bal Harbour
Homes here can be quite expensive, priced easily in the millions. There are some for sale that are affordable. The same is true if you’re a renter, but renting can get expensive, too.
Neighborhoods are about location and lifestyle, to be sure. But more importantly, they are about the people who live in them. These neighborhoods offer a variety of lifestyles to meet most anyone’s needs.
If you decide to move in or to Fort Lauderdale, don’t hesitate to reach out. We coordinate local and long-distance moving services in Fort Lauderdale and we would love to help! Need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services!
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