Fort Lauderdale, FL Homes For Rent

Homes for Rent in Fort Lauderdale, FL: What You Need to Know

Fort Lauderdale, the seat of Broward County in southeastern Florida, is a major tourist destination. Only 28 miles away from Miami, about 13 million people visit the city annually.

Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is famous for its stunning beaches along 23 miles of coastline. Families love Deerfield Beach where you can take surf lessons and explore nature preserves by canoe or kayak. Hillsboro Beach is popular for its peace and quiet. At sunset, you can watch turtles nesting on the beach. Fort Lauderdale boasts of many canals, so take a gondola ride to enjoy the sights of waterfront homes and native wildlife like iguanas and manatees. 

Cost of Living

Gorgeous weather and beaches come with a price. Fort Lauderdale’s (population: 182,437) cost of living rate, food, and housing costs are 11.4%, 5%, and 23.4% higher than the national average, respectively. Fort Lauderdale’s median gross rent is $1,293. The good news is, the Sunshine State doesn’t levy any income tax. Florida imposes a sales tax rate of 6% to 8.50%.

Know Your Neighborhoods

Residents describe their hometown as a paradise for its natural beauty, warm weather, and excellent amenities. The downside: tourists everywhere. A significant number of residents (47%) rent. If top-notch schools are a priority and you don’t mind commuting, Cooper City and Weston might be a good fit. Both are known for their safe and family-oriented environment. Cooper City is growing quickly, and some residents bemoan increased congestion. 

Weather and Climate

Snowbirds from across North America love to visit Fort Lauderdale for its tropical climate. The city gets 63 inches of rain annually, a lot more than the national average of 38 inches. It enjoys abundant sunshine with about 246 sunny days per year versus the U.S. average of 205 sunny days. Southeastern Florida is prone to hurricanes. Hurricane Wilma was one of the recent storms to hit Fort Lauderdale with winds of up to 99 miles per hour. The hurricane struck the area on Oct. 24, 2005, causing extensive damage to homes and power lines in Broward County.

Getting Around Town

Broward County Transit (BCT) offers a reliable alternative to driving with its fixed-route buses, express and community shuttles, and paratransit services in Fort Lauderdale and throughout the county. The buses provide links to transit systems in Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, and to Tri-Rail, a commuter rail system for passengers traveling between Palm Beach County and Broward County. You can fly to and from the city at the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in neighboring Dania Beach.