Whether you’re a beach bum, a shopaholic, or just looking for a place to relax, Fort Lauderdale is a great city to call home. If you do live in Fort Lauderdale, you might as well call it the Venice of America. This city earned its nickname from the 165 miles of navigable canals that make it possible to get around by boat.
However, renting an apartment or buying a home in Fort Lauderdale isn’t going to be for everyone. Luckily, there are many neighboring cities that may be the perfect place to call home.
The following eight cities near Fort Lauderdale are organized by proximity to the city, each with its own quaint charm that may just fit your wish list a little better.
#1: Plantation, FL
Miles from Fort Lauderdale: 6
Population: 94,500
Median home sale price: $500,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,384
Walk Score: 29
Bike Score: 34
Transit Score: 42
Plantation is located in Broward County, just 6 miles from Fort Lauderdale. The city’s name comes from the prior owner of the land, the Everglades Plantation Company. Plantation is home to several large national employers, including Motorola Solutions, National Beverage, Magic Leap, and Kaplan University.
There is plenty to do for those living in Plantation. For starters, residents can enjoy the sunny weather and beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular attractions include the Plantation Heritage Park and Museum, the Plantation Preserve, and the Plantation Golf Club, which boasts an 18-hole championship golf course with panoramic views and multi-use trails. There is something for everyone in Plantation.
Homes for sale in Plantation, FL
Apartments for rent in Plantation, FL
#2: Hollywood, FL
Miles from Fort Lauderdale: 11
Population: 154,000
Median home sale price: $467,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,525
Walk Score: 52
Bike Score: 35
Transit Score: 53
Hollywood is a beachfront city located in southeastern Broward County, between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It was founded by Joseph Young in 1925 and has an area of about 30 square miles.
There are many things for residents to do while living in Hollywood. You can visit the Hollywood Boardwalk, take a walk or bike ride down Hollywood Beach, or visit one of the many restaurants, bars, or shops along Hollywood Boulevard. It’s no wonder over 150,000 people call this charming beach city home.
Homes for sale in Hollywood, FL
Apartments for rent in Hollywood, FL
#3: Pompano Beach, FL
Miles from Fort Lauderdale: 11
Population: 111,200
Median home sale price: $373,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,800
Walk Score: 43
Bike Score: 33
Transit Score: 51
Just 11 miles from Fort Lauderdale, the city of Pompano Beach is often called “the Heart of the Gold Coast” because of its central proximity to several popular Florida cities. Pompano Beach is especially known for its boating and fishing, which are made even better by the offshore living coral reef that can be accessed by scuba divers and snorkelers.
Pompano Beach maintains more than 50 local parks for sports enthusiasts or those who love outdoor relaxation. The city’s popular museums include the Pompano Beach Historical Society and the Pompano Fire Museum, which are frequented by tourists and locals alike. Pompano Beach also has a unique arts and culture scene, with performing arts venues like the Pompano Beach Amphitheater and Ali Cultural Arts. Annual special events include a holiday boat parade in December, a seafood festival in April, and a fishing rodeo in May.
Homes for sale in Pompano Beach, FL
Apartments for rent in Pompano Beach, FL
#4: Sunrise, FL
Miles from Fort Lauderdale: 11
Population: 95,000
Median home sale price: $340,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,525
Walk Score: 37
Bike Score: 34
Transit Score: 44
Sunrise is a city located in central-western Broward County, Florida. The city is only a few minutes away from Fort Lauderdale and less than an hour away from Miami and Palm Beach. Originally known as Sunrise Golf Village, the city was renamed in 1971. Today, Sunrise is home to approximately 95,000 residents and hosts millions of visitors throughout the year.
There are many things to do for those living in Sunrise, including visiting Sawgrass Mills (the largest outlet and value retail shopping destination in the United States), going to the Everglades, which is a unique ecosystem that is home to many different plants and animals, and taking a walk or bike ride on the Sawgrass Recreation Park Trail.
Homes for sale in Sunrise, FL
Apartments for rent in Sunrise, FL
#5: Davie, FL
Miles from Fort Lauderdale: 12
Population: 106,000
Median home sale price: $420,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,148
Walk Score: 27
Bike Score: 17
Transit Score: 43
Located in Broward Country, the city of Davie covers 35 square miles and has a rural atmosphere. Davie’s employers range from small businesses to the headquarters of Fortune 500 firms, such as Andrx Pharmaceuticals. The town is located among major highways and is also just a few miles from the Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and Florida’s deepest port, Port Everglades.
There is plenty to do in Davie, Florida. The town is home to the Broward County Fairgrounds, which hosts various events throughout the year, including the Davie Pro Rodeo. The town is also home to the Florida Panthers ice hockey team. There are several parks and recreation areas in Davie, including the Davie Ranch and the Davie Golf Club.
Homes for sale in Davie, FL
Apartments for rent in Davie, FL
#6: Coconut Creek, FL
Miles from Fort Lauderdale: 15
Population: 61,000
Median home sale price: $300,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,082
Walk Score: 25
Bike Score: 30
Transit Score: 41
Coconut Creek is known for its lush landscaping, butterfly gardens, and parks. The city’s Seminole Casino Coconut Creek is one of the largest casinos in the state of Florida. Coconut Creek is also home to the headquarters of the Broward Sheriff’s Office.
There are plenty of activities to do while living in Coconut Creek. Some of the most popular include shopping at the Coconut Creek Promenade, visiting the Butterfly World, playing golf at the Coconut Creek Golf Course, and swimming at the Coconut Creek Aquatic Center. There are also a variety of parks and trails perfect for a leisurely stroll or a more vigorous hike.
Homes for sale in Coconut Creek, FL
Apartments for rent in Coconut Creek, FL
#7: Margate, FL
Miles from Fort Lauderdale: 15
Population: 58,500
Median home sale price: $311,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,876
Walk Score: 37
Bike Score: 33
Transit Score: 47
Margate is located in Broward County. The city is home to the Gateway shopping center and the Margate Shopping Center. It is also known for its many canals and as the gateway to the Everglades.
There are many things to do in Margate, Florida. Some of the most popular attractions include the Margate Pier, the Margate Botanical Gardens, and the Margate Museum. Other popular activities include fishing, swimming, and sunbathing.
Homes for sale in Margate, FL
Apartments for rent in Margate, FL
Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Fort Lauderdale. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
