Understanding the Demographics
While many people think the average age in Florida is elevated because of the number of seniors who migrate there, the Ft. Lauderdale area boasts and average age of 40. More than one-quarter of the residents are below the age of 25 while only 15 percent are over the age of 65.
Educational Opportunities
The school system in Florida is managed by Broward County, there are 23 public schools in the county and nearly half of them received "A" or "B" grades when the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) was completed. There are also numerous opportunities for higher education with nine institutions of higher learning in the area.
Working in the Area
As would be expected, tourism is a thriving industry in the area. This means those who are involved in the hospitality industry will find a competitive work environment. The current average salary in Ft. Lauderdale exceeds $50,000 annually and has been growing steadily. During 2016, average income in the area was nearly $42,000.
Fort Lauderdale Transportation
Anyone worrying about getting around the area can put those fears to rest. There is a wealth of public transportation options including municipal buses. However, the options do not stop there. Passenger service is available through Amtrak and there is also the Tri-Rail which offers commuter service from two stops in Ft. Lauderdale. The newest addition to the transportation system will be The Wave, a streetcar which is expected to be completed in 2021.
Seeing the Sights
There are many options available for those who wish to get out and about in the area including museums, amusement parks, and more. The Riverwalk Arts & Entertainment District includes Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and many other venues. In addition, you will find 4,100 restaurants and over 120 nightclubs in Ft. Lauderdale.
Some of the family friendly venues include International Swimming Hall of Fame, the 180-acre Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and the Museum of Discovery and Science to name a few. There are also a significant number of shopping areas.
Understanding the Housing Market
One of the biggest questions about relocating is understanding how much house you can afford. Currently, the property tax rate on a home with a tax assessment of $350,000 is $7,185 per annum. This translates to about $600 per month which must be taken into consideration when purchasing a home. Fortunately, Fort Lauderdale real estate is plentiful, and home are considered affordable by most standards. Real estate will continue to be a sound investment when you consider median home value increased from slightly more than $132,000 in 2000 to more than $300,000 in 2016.
This is a great time to consider your future and the future of your family. With everything Fort Lauderdale has to offer, this may be the place to call home.
