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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. That’s why we’ve researched the up and coming neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale for you, so you don’t have to. You’ve most likely seen the neighborhood section in our Fort Lauderdale City Guide.
This list is a more in-depth guide examining what it’s like living in each of these areas. Oh, and by way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Ft. Lauderdale movers and movers throughout the country)
A Little About Fort Lauderdale’s Up and Coming Neighborhoods
These are the neighborhoods that have been neglected over the years and are making a return to popularity, or newer areas that are just now being discovered. If you’re moving to Fort Lauderdale and you’re looking for what the hot neighborhoods are right now, this guide is for you.
Sailboat Bend
Sailboat Bend…Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Makes you think you’ll live among rainbows and unicorns? You wouldn’t think that a few decades ago when this neighborhood was full of crime and drugs. Nobody was moving into this area. But how times have changed. Located west of downtown. Sailboat Bend is now the place people are flocking to, with historic home tours and meticulously-trimmed lawns. The area is home to a diverse group of young professionals, families, and legacy residents who’ve lived there since it became cool again.
What’s Happening
If you like live shows, you’re in luck. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts is located nearby. Las Olas Boulevard is also close, with plenty of shopping and food options. Also, the Intercoastal Waterway lies near Sailboat Bend and is the most convenient way to tour Fort Lauderdale. Also, the beach is right there, so that’s a nice amenity to have in your neighborhood.
Schools
If you’re moving partly based on area schools, there are a few around, such as McFatter Technical College and High School and Jack and Jill Elementary.
Homes
The average house price in Sailboat Bend is $339,000 and the average rent is $1,400, with prices continually going up.
Downtown
Fort Lauderdale’s small downtown has been overlooked for some time. But recently, things have begun to change. Residents who have craved the convenience of living near attractions, restaurants, and shopping have given developers plenty of reason to go full throttle into developing new places to live downtown.
Besides farmers markets and other resident-friendly places popping up to serve folks living in the area, there are also towering buildings filled with nightspots, restaurants, and shops, along with offices and tourist attractions. All of this provides a sense of variety and diversity, which is part of the downtown living experience. Read a great piece the Miami Herald published on the downtown renaissance.
What’s Happening
There is no shortage of things to do when you live downtown, and Fort Lauderdale is no exception. Restaurants like Old Fort Lauderdale Breakfast House and Public House attract plenty of residents who now call downtown home. One of the many beaches nearby is always an option if you’re a fan of the ocean. If you have kids (or even if you don’t) the Museum of Science and Discovery is in the area, as is the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Also, the famous Las Olas Boulevard provides plenty of nearby shopping for those who need their retail fix.
Schools
A number of schools are in the downtown area. But depending on which part, some are closer than others. Virginia Shuman Young Elementary, Bethany Christian School and Harbordale Elementary are among the closest.
Homes
The majority of homes in the downtown area consist of high-rise condos and townhomes averaging around $405,000. Apartments average around $1,700 to rent a month.
South Middle River
South Middle River is north of downtown and was originally known as Middle River Heights. A highly-diverse neighborhood with more than 2,700 residents, South Middle River is one of the largest neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale. Its neighborhood association is one of the most active in the city and strives to be a place where neighbors from different backgrounds come together to form a clean, safe and affordable place to live.
South Middle River had a lot of problems with crime in the past and still struggles with it at times, but according to the Sun Sentinel, the area is getting an influx of new residents intent on changing that. If you’re looking for an affordable neighborhood and not afraid of getting active in your community, then South Middle River is perfect for you. But hurry because home prices are rising at a fast rate.
What’s Happening
South Middle River is blocks away from Northeast 13th Street, which features boutiques and art galleries, along with the popular Warsaw Coffee Co. Restaurants nearby include Cuisine Lakay and Mama P’s Kitchen. If you have kids, Warfield Park is close by. It has a playground, an athletic field, a basketball court, bathrooms, and a recreation center. There are plenty of grocery stores, retail, and attractions since the neighborhood is so close to downtown.
Schools
A number of schools are within walking distance or a short drive away, including Thurgood Marshall Elementary, Fort Lauderdale Community School, and Northside Elementary.
Homes
The homes in South Middle River are mostly small houses built in the 1950s and ‘60s, though there are a few from the ‘20s. The average sales price for homes in this area is around $280,000 and the average rent is around $1,839.
Poinsettia Heights
Poinsettia Heights is located near US-1, Dixie Highway and Sunrise Boulevard, near downtown. It’s a mix of older homes and some new construction and because of this, is gaining popularity among buyers and investors. A historic neighborhood, Poinsettia Heights’ neighborhood association was formed in 1989 when residents were concerned about losing the historic character of the area. It accomplished its mission and the neighborhood is now a diverse and active place to live, with well-maintained homes and friendly, tight-knit neighbors. The association is still strong and as new development and interest comes in, residents continue to work for the best interests of the neighborhood.
What’s Happening
A Trader Joe’s is nearby, which makes this neighborhood even more awesome. Seriously. Have you been to a Trader Joe’s? They are incredible…Plenty of restaurants and coffee shops are also around, along with local attractions, museums, libraries, and access to public transit due to it’s convenience to downtown. It’s also close to the beach, which is always a bonus in our book.
Schools
There is one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school near Poinsettia Heights. They are Bennett Elementary, Sunrise Middle and Fort Lauderdale High School
Homes
Like we mentioned before, Poinsettia Heights is a mixture of older homes and newer ones. There are also a few waterfront properties with views of Lake Melva. The average selling price for a home is around $365,000 and the average rent is between $1,500 and $2,000 a month.
Flagler Village
Flagler Village is north of Las Olas Boulevard in the downtown area of the city. The warehouse district has been quietly getting attention from developers since the early 2000s, as restaurants began popping up in the area. Artists have been painting murals on the sides of structures, giving Flagler Village its own personality and transforming it into a hub for artists and other creatives. The growing interest in this area has made Flagler VIllage one of Fort Lauderdale’s trendiest neighborhoods.
What’s Happening
Flagler Village’s neighborhood association is active, strong and always looking for more members. Each month, the neighborhood holds its own art walk at the Flagler Arts and Technology Village, or FAT Village, as residents call it, which is a smaller area within the neighborhood. The Music & Arts South of Sunrise (MASS District) is where artists, web developers, and ad agencies are found, among other creative organizations. Flagler Village also has pocket parks and urban gardens throughout the neighborhood. The Brightline Train Station is also located in the area, which travels to and from Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando.
Schools
The Little Schoolhouse is a preschool nearby the neighborhood. The South Florida Montessori Academy, Gospel Arena Christian School, and North Side Elementary are also close by.
Homes
Flagler Village is home to numerous new luxury rental buildings and several residential condominiums, and townhomes.
There you have it: Fort Lauderdale’s best up and coming neighborhoods
Neighborhoods are about location and lifestyle, to be sure. But they are also about the people who live in them. These neighborhoods offer a variety of lifestyles to meet most anyone’s needs.
We hope this guide helps you make the right choice to fit your lifestyle. By the way, if you decide to move in or to Fort Lauderdale, don’t hesitate to reach out. Need to move quickly? We also provide last minute moving services in Fort Lauderdale! Good luck with your move!
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