Nicknamed the “Venice of America” for its 165 miles of winding waterways, Fort Lauderdale has quietly grown from a spring-break stopover into one of South Florida’s most desirable places to live and work. It offers the beaches, sunshine, and boating culture you’d expect — plus a growing job market, a tax advantage that’s hard to ignore, and a noticeably more relaxed pace than its big neighbor to the south.
If you’re weighing a move, here’s an honest look at the real benefits of living and working in Fort Lauderdale.
A Job Market That Keeps Growing
Fort Lauderdale isn’t just a vacation town — it’s a working city with a diverse, resilient economy. Recent figures put the local unemployment rate around 3%, and the job base spans several industries rather than leaning on just one:
- Tourism and hospitality — with roughly 10 million annual visitors fueling transportation, retail, dining, and accommodation
- Healthcare — a major employer, accounting for a sizable share of the local workforce
- The marine industry — boatbuilding, yachting, and marine services are a Fort Lauderdale specialty
- Technology, finance, and corporate headquarters — major companies like AutoNation, Spirit Airlines, Citrix, and Hotwire Communications are based in or around the city
- Startups and small business — a business-friendly environment, strong internet infrastructure, and plenty of co-working space make it friendly to entrepreneurs and remote workers alike
With a median household income recently around $83,000, the combination of opportunity and lifestyle is a big part of why people keep relocating here.
No State Income Tax: What It Means for Your Paycheck
One of the most concrete benefits of working in Fort Lauderdale is purely financial: Florida has no state income tax. For anyone moving from a high-tax state like New York, New Jersey, or California, that can translate into thousands of dollars staying in your pocket each year.
It doesn’t erase Florida’s higher coastal cost of living entirely, but for many professionals and business owners, the tax savings meaningfully offset it — and it’s one reason a move from a pricier metro can be a genuinely money-saving decision.
Cost of Living: Higher Than Average, but Lower Than Miami
Let’s be straight about this one. Fort Lauderdale’s cost of living runs roughly 16–17% above the national average, driven mostly by housing. Recent data has put the median home price around $540,000.
But here’s the context that matters: it’s cheaper than Miami, where median home prices have been closer to $640,000, while offering a similar climate and coastline. You get the South Florida lifestyle at a relative discount, and with around 60 distinct neighborhoods, there’s a real range of price points — from luxury waterfront to more budget-friendly inland communities. Pair that with no state income tax, and the math works out for a lot of newcomers.
The Lifestyle: Beaches, Boating, and 165 Miles of Waterways
This is where Fort Lauderdale truly earns its reputation. The “Venice of America” nickname isn’t marketing — it’s a way of life. The city’s network of canals and waterways creates a boating culture you won’t find in many places, complete with water taxis that double as a scenic way to get around town.
Add miles of Atlantic beaches, a walkable beachfront promenade, world-class marinas, and year-round outdoor weather, and you get a city built around being outside. Residents are known for an active lifestyle — paddleboarding, sailing, cycling, and beach days are part of the everyday routine, not a special occasion.
A Neighborhood for Everyone
With around 60 officially recognized neighborhoods, Fort Lauderdale has a pocket for nearly every taste and budget:
- Las Olas — the iconic heart of the city, with shopping, dining, and walkability
- Victoria Park — leafy, residential, and close to downtown
- Flagler Village — the artsy, up-and-coming district (more on that below)
- Rio Vista and the waterfront communities — for boat owners and luxury seekers
- Inland neighborhoods — more affordable options for families and first-time buyers
Whatever you’re looking for, there’s likely a corner of Fort Lauderdale that fits. Once you’ve found yours, our Fort Lauderdale movers can get you settled in.
Culture, Food, and the Arts
Fort Lauderdale’s cultural scene punches above its weight. The city’s diverse, international population means you can find incredible food from around the globe on a regular night out — not just at special occasions.
For art lovers, Flagler Village and its gallery and MASS District are the creative heart of the city, packed with murals, studios, and events. Add museums, live music, festivals, and a lively nightlife, and there’s always something happening. It’s a city that rewards being curious.
Weather You Actually Look Forward To
Fort Lauderdale consistently ranks among the most favorable climates in the country for comfort and clear-sky days. You’ll trade snow and gray winters for sunshine, warm ocean breezes, and a dry season (roughly November through April) that’s close to perfect.
Like the rest of South Florida, summers are hot and humid with afternoon storms, and hurricane season runs June through November — worth planning around, but a small trade for the other ten months of beach-friendly weather.
A Great Base for the Rest of South Florida
One underrated benefit: location. Fort Lauderdale sits in the middle of everything. You’re a short drive from Miami to the south and the Palm Beaches to the north, with easy access to the rest of Broward County. That makes it a smart home base whether you’re commuting, running a business, or just exploring.
If you’re comparing nearby communities, we also serve Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Plantation, and Weston — see all the areas we serve across South Florida.
Thinking About Making the Move?
Fort Lauderdale offers a rare combination: a real job market, a meaningful tax advantage, a beach-and-boating lifestyle, and a cost of living that undercuts Miami. For a lot of people, that adds up to a life worth relocating for.
When you’re ready to make it happen, Pro Movers Miami is here to help. We’re a fully licensed and insured direct carrier with trained crews and transparent, guaranteed pricing.
- Moving from out of state? Our long distance and interstate moving teams bring you in on one truck, with no third-party handoffs.
- Already in South Florida? Our local and residential moving crews make the hop simple.
- Our dedicated Fort Lauderdale movers know the neighborhoods, the buildings, and the local logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Lauderdale a good place to live and work? Yes — it offers a diverse, growing job market (tourism, healthcare, marine, tech, and finance), no state income tax, a coastal lifestyle with beaches and boating, and a cost of living lower than nearby Miami. The main trade-off is a cost of living above the national average, driven by housing.
Does Fort Lauderdale have state income tax? No. Florida has no state income tax, which is one of the biggest financial benefits of moving to Fort Lauderdale, especially for people relocating from high-tax states.
How expensive is it to live in Fort Lauderdale? Cost of living runs roughly 16–17% above the U.S. average, with housing as the main driver — recent median home prices have hovered around $540,000. It’s notably cheaper than Miami, and neighborhoods range widely in price.
What is the job market like in Fort Lauderdale? Strong and diverse. Unemployment has been around 3%, with major employers in tourism, healthcare, the marine industry, technology, and finance, plus a business-friendly climate for startups and remote workers.
What are the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale? It depends on your priorities — Las Olas for walkable city living, Victoria Park for leafy residential charm, Flagler Village for arts and nightlife, the waterfront communities for boaters, and inland neighborhoods for more affordable family living. The city has around 60 to choose from.
Ready to Call Fort Lauderdale Home?
The hardest part of moving to paradise shouldn’t be the move itself. Let us handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on settling into your new South Florida life.
Get your free, no-obligation estimate or contact our team to start planning. Call us anytime at (305) 707-7007.