Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale

Thinking about living in Fort Lauderdale? This South Florida city attracts everyone from young professionals to retirees, thanks to its affordable living, beach access, amazing climate, and plenty of things to do. If you’re moving to Fort Lauderdale, here are five safe, affordable neighborhoods you should consider!

• Coral Ridge
• Imperial Point
• Rio Vista
• Tarpon River
• Victoria Park

Coral Ridge

Photo via @brian_scharick

• House Price: $571,357 median purchase price; $999 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 39% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Families, retirees

Looking for a house, townhouse, or condo with amazing views of the waterfront? Coral Ridge is the Fort Lauderdale neighborhood for you! This area is home to Bayview Elementary School and great outdoor spots like Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, and it’s only about ten minutes from downtown. Whether you’re moving to Florida to raise a family or enjoy your golden years, Coral Ridge is worth considering!

Things to Do in Coral Ridge

Shop at stores like Free People, American Eagle, and Michael Kors at The Galleria. Join the Coral Ridge Yacht Club and take your boat out on the marina, enjoy delicious food, or go swimming. Take a tour of the Seven Isles of Fort Lauderdale, sign the kids up for Kids Kayaking Camp, or rent a paddle board with Blue Moon Outdoor Center. Gather for some family quality time with a picnic and watch boats out on the water at George English Park. Bike one of the many trails or go fishing at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. Enjoy Home Made Truffle Fries, Chicken Pot Pie, or a Grilled Cheese at The Mason Jar Cafe. Stop by Cafe Seville for authentic Spanish dishes like Gazpacho Andaluz or Shrimp & Scallops Costa Brava. Or grab Fish & Chips and sip on a Guinness while listening to live music at Kelly Brothers Irish Pub.

Imperial Point

Photo via @rfredericks_realtor

• House Price: $290,750 median purchase price; $1,138 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 90% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Located on the northeastern edge of Fort Lauderdale, Imperial Point is a quiet residential area with affordable single-family homes and apartments, as well as top-rated private schools like Westminster Academy and Pine Crest School. This neighborhood is also a great place for healthcare professionals to live, as its home to major medical center Broward Health Imperial Point.

Things to Do in Imperial Point

Let the kids loose on the playground, play a game of basketball, or stay active by going for a jog at Dottie Mancini Park. Learn how to fight and defend yourself by taking classes in Kendo, JuJitsu, or other martial arts at International Martial Arts & Fitness Academy. Treat yourself to a massage at Imperial Massage Spa. Check out a new book at the Imperial Point Branch of the Broward County Library. Order a Cuban Sandwich or some New England Clam Chowda at Brew Fish Bar & Grill. Have lunch the German way with meals like German Goulasch or a Foot Long Frankfurter washed down with a Tucher Weiss Bier at Cypress Nook. Or experience Colombian food at Las Orquideas with dishes like Mojarra Fish, Grilled Chicken Churrasco, or Colombian Empanadas.

Rio Vista

Photo via @donnahomeexpert

• House Price: $467,533 median purchase price; $1,061 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 88% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Rio Vista is one of the safest neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale! Located along both the Stranahan River and New River, this area offers housing options from Mediterranean-style homes to contemporary apartments. Not to mention, Rio Vista is surrounded by parks, restaurants, and highly-rated schools like Harbordale Elementary and Bethany Christian School—and it’s only a few minutes away from Fort Lauderdale Beach Park!

Things to Do in Rio Vista

Become a member of Lauderdale Yacht Club, where you can play tennis, visit the fitness center, or enroll the kids in the Lauderdale Yacht Club Youth Sailing Program. Walk with your furry friend while boats sail the New River at Frances L. Abreau Place. Take a tour of the canals and waterways of Fort Lauderdale or embark on a dinner cruise with Riverfront Gondola Tours. Watch everything from foreign films to indie films or attend the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival at Savor Cinema. Start your morning with cold-pressed juice, an acai bowl, or a smoothie at Goji Juicery and Kitchen. Enjoy shared plates like Shrimp & Grits, Short Rib Tostada, or Crispy Pork Tacos paired with a glass of Merlot at Canyon Restaurant. Or feast on traditional Italian dishes like Chicken Marsala, Lasagna Classica, or Tortellini Di Bologna at Osteria Acqua & Farina.

Tarpon River

Photo via @justaskheidirealtor

• House Price: $251,000 median purchase price; $1,377 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 62% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Looking for an affordable Fort Lauderdale neighborhood with waterway access? Tarpon River is the spot for you! This neighborhood has both waterfront and inland homes, including apartments, luxury condos, townhomes, and ranch-style houses. Plus, it’s a favorite among families thanks to nearby schools like International Montessori School of Fort Lauderdale and Croissant Park Elementary.

Things to Do in Tarpon River

Catch a new play or a touring musical at Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Sign the kids up for a cooking or dance class at South Side Cultural Arts Center. Play a game of lawn bowling or tennis at Florence C. Hardy Park. Join the Fort Lauderdale Boat Club and take your boat out on the water for the day. Dock your boat at Pirate Republic Seafood—which has been featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives—for Caribbean-inspired cocktails, Fish Ceviche, and Calamari while enjoying views of the canals. Head over to The Historic Downtowner for a Shrimp Roll, Reuben Burger, or Fish Tacos. Or team up with friends for Trivia Night or Movie Night while exploring local craft beers at Tarpon River Brewing.

Victoria Park

Photo via @stevemcaleerrealtor

• Home Price: $521,022 median purchase price; $1,209 median monthly rent
• Crime Rate: Safer than 38% of Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods
• Perfect For: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

If you’re looking for a neighborhood with plenty to do near Downtown Fort Lauderdale, then Victoria Park is an ideal place to live! Whether you’re looking to buy or rent a home, you’ll find a variety of housing options ranging from apartments to Spanish Colonial-style houses. In addition, the area has great schools like Virginia Shuman Young Elementary and Saint Anthony Catholic School and offers close proximity to Fort Lauderdale Beach!

Things to Do in Victoria Park

Treat your furry friends to the dog park, play a game of pickleball with friends, or take a ballroom or Tai-Chi class at Holiday Park. Get tickets to see musicals and plays at Parker Playhouse. Stop by local artist studios, gallery exhibits, and attend ArtWalk Last Saturdays at Flagler.Arts.Technology Village. Visit the most energetic street in Fort Lauderdale, Las Olas Boulevard, for boutique shopping, excellent dining, and annual events like Christmas on Las Olas and the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. Feast on authentic Greek food, enjoy live music, and watch Greek folk dancing at Fort Lauderdale Greek Festival. Or visit Colada Cuban Cafe for a delicious breakfast of Cafe con Leche and Cuban French Toast.

***

Moving to Fort Lauderdale? Extra Space Storage has self storage facilities throughout the Venice of America, so we can help make your move as convenient as possible. Find cheap storage units in Fort Lauderdale!

Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes