Moving to Fort Lauderdale? The Venice of America has a pleasant climate, amazing beaches, and numerous kid-friendly activities—making it an ideal place for families to settle down. Take a look at the five best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale for families!
Coral Ridge Country Club
- Home Price: $478,525 median purchase price; $1,048 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 43% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
Though upscale Coral Ridge Country Club is one of the largest neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, it remains quiet with friendly neighbors and an active neighborhood association. Coral Ridge Country Club provides a slew of waterfront homes with large yards in styles ranging from Mediterranean and Spanish Revivals, to Ranches. Homes are all within walking distance to parks, shopping, and the country club itself, which provides great food, entertainment, and exercise options for members! Fort Lauderdale Beach is another hallmark of this scenic neighborhood, offering a host of things for families to enjoy—including water sports, fishing, boating, and more!
Things to Do in Coral Ridge Country Club
Join neighbors for a round of golf, swim in the pool, or fantastic dinner shows and special events at the Coral Ridge Country Club. Find clues together and solve mysteries in rooms like The Dollhouse and Mayan Ruins at Think Escape Games. Shop at popular stores like Bath & Body Works, Carter’s Children’s Wear, and Target at Coral Ridge Mall. Play basketball, set up a family picnic, and let the kids run around the playground at Bayview Park. Fill up on new American dishes such as Bell & Evans Roasted Chicken or Hatfield Farm Pork Chops with Key Lime Pie for dessert at Kaluz Restaurant. Sample Bolognese Della Casa or Gnocchi Quatro Formaggi with an appetizer of Chef Nuccio’s Bruschetta at Dal Contadino Trattoria—a homestyle Italian restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine with meals such as Gazpacho Andaluz, Salmon Mallorca, or Baby Lamb Chops at Cafe Seville. Or try small tapas plates like Tortilla Espanola, Chorizos al Cava, or Pollo al Limon at EATapas.
Rio Vista
Photo via @theelmesgroup
- Home Price: $467,533 median purchase price; $1,061 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
Just south of Downtown Fort Lauderdale, Rio Vista is a boater’s paradise! The eastern side of the neighborhood is filled with homes just off the water, allowing families to get their boats and yachts onto the river in just a few minutes. But you don’t have to own a boat to live in Rio Vista! Land dwellers will love the eclectic mix of contemporary and Mediterranean-inspired homes along its tree-lined streets. To top it off, Rio Vista is also one of the safest neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, perfect for raising a family.
Things to Do in Rio Vista
Set sail on a variety of boats or enroll in sailing lessons at Lauderdale Yacht Club. Just across New River, tour Broward County’s oldest surviving home or get your kids involved in a hands-on educational program at the historic Stranahan House. Catch foreign films and indie documentaries or attend special events at Savor Cinema Fort Lauderdale. Have a picnic and send your kids off to explore the playground at Virginia Young Park. Indulge in a First Mate Mahi Fish Sandwich, Rustic Pepperoni Flatbread, or Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta on the water at Boathouse at the Riverside. Try one of Fort Lauderdale’s favorite restaurants with Southwest-inspired dishes like the Roasted Beet + Goat Cheese Salad or the Short Rib Tostada at Canyon. Sample a modern twist on Japanese comfort food with Chicken Karaage or Shumai with Cheesecake Tempura for dessert at Phat Boy Sushi. Or opt for a healthy option with a Scottie Bowl, Hulk Smoothie, or Tropical Paradise Refresher at Goji Juicery & Kitchen.
Sailboat Bend
Photo via @thepolskygroup
- Home Price: $359,700 median purchase price; $1,431 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 71% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
Located just west of the downtown area, the designated historic district of Sailboat Bend is home to a variety of fun things to do in Fort Lauderdale thanks to its many museums, concert venues, and parks. The New River also runs along this neighborhood’s southern border, giving boaters easy access to the water. Whether you’re looking for a refurbished historic home or a swanky new loft, Sailboat Bend can accommodate your needs. This is the ideal neighborhood for families who love to get out and enjoy their community!
Things to Do in Sailboat Bend
Jump back in time exploring Prehistoric Florida or soar into the To Fly exhibit for a 7D aviation theater experience at the Museum of Discovery & Science. Attend South Florida Symphony Orchestra concerts or Broadway musicals like Annie and Disney’s Mary Poppins at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Sing along at concerts featuring famous artists like Buckcherry, Sum 41, or John Legend at Revolution Live. Explore the significant places, events, and people of Fort Lauderdale’s past with exhibitions such as the Florida East Coast Railway Exhibit at History Fort Lauderdale. Try a wild twist on breakfast with plates like Blueberry & Corn Oven-Baked Pancakes, The Farmer & The Fisherman Omelet, or the OB Breakfast at OB House. Take your taste buds on a trip with Latin fusion eats like Argentinian Style Empanadas, Lomo Saltado, or Ropa Vieja inside restored, historic Sailboat Bend home—The Chimney House. Fill up on award-winning wood-fired pizzas like the Fennel Sausage Pizza, The Impossible Pie, or the Dolce Vita from Pizza Craft. Or dance and sip creative cocktails like the Casa Caliente, A Kiss From A Rose, or a Rock N Roll Mango Marg for date night at Backyard.
Tarpon River
Photo via @lisamascolo37
- Home Price: $251,000 median purchase price; $1,377 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 65% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
As one of the safest, most affordable neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, it’s no wonder that Tarpon River is a desirable location for families—offering a choice of waterfront single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and more. This safe neighborhood has an urban feel, with coffee shops, restaurants, and people and boats regularly coming and going on various waterways. Despite the bustling atmosphere, Tarpon River also maintains several relaxing green spaces for parents, kids, and dogs to enjoy. Best of all—this neighborhood provides easy access to both Downtown Fort Lauderdale and the beach.
Things to Do in Tarpon River
Play tennis, do some lawn bowling, or host your little one’s birthday party in the pavilion at Florence C. Hardy Park. Join boaters and sailors on the water at members-only South Florida Boat Club. Get in shape with martial arts classes for kids and adults at American Top Team Fort Lauderdale. Challenge yourself at Trivia Night or attend one of the live music events while sipping on a round of beers for date night at Tarpon River Brewing. Amp up your coffee ritual with a Cortado or Horchata and a Bacon Gruyere Frittata for breakfast at Wells Coffee. Sit down to both classic and unexpected seafood dishes like the Anegada Lobster Trio or Tambaqui Fish Ribs with Brigadeiro for dessert at Pirate Republic Seafood Restaurant. Watch live entertainment on the waterfront while dining on Old Bay Shrimp, a Center Cut Sirloin, or a Bacon Jam Burger at The Historic Downtowner. Or surprise your family by bringing home Meatball Parm Pie-Zanwiches or a Southern Comfort Specialty Pie with Garlic Knots from Pie-Zan’s Home of Frankie Meatballs.
Victoria Park
- Home Price: $521,022 median purchase price; $1,209 median monthly rent
- Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
Victoria Park boasts Old Florida charm with diverse architecture and historic Cracker houses—along with a mixture of both traditional and modern single-family homes and townhouses. This large yet quaint neighborhood is also gay-friendly, with the Stonewall National Museum & Archives housed on the northern edge of the neighborhood. Students are close to a great education at schools like Virginia Shuman Young Montessori and St. Anthony Catholic School, making this a great area for families with children!
Things to Do in Victoria Park
Gather the family to see plays, concerts, musicals, and more at The Parker. Play fetch with your pooch at the dog park or play volleyball or racquetball at Holiday Park. Engage with art for social good with rotating exhibits like Seasons of Life & Nature and Inspiring Women at ArtServe. See big blockbusters like Rocky Horror Picture Show or lesser-known indie films at Gateway Fort Lauderdale. Relax with comfort foods like Bangers & Mash, Maple Bacon Wings, or a Cocka-Doodle-Doo Sandwich at Foxy Brown Fort Lauderdale. Celebrate Taco Tuesday with fun Mexican dishes like the Hasselhoff Tacos or Tree Hugger Burrito with Churros for dessert at The Whole Enchilada. Enjoy a southern meal like Chicken ‘N’ Waffles or the Carolina Smoked Brisket Sandwich with one of the dozens of beer options at Batch New Southern Kitchen and Tap. Or try Asian food with a twist such as the Bulgogi Cheesesteak Sandwich, Kimchi Quesadilla, or Edamame Falafel Bowl at Temple Street Eatery.
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Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes
