Why People Are Moving to Fort Lauderdale in 2026

Over the past several years, Fort Lauderdale has transformed into one of the most exciting real estate markets in South Florida. What was once known primarily as a beach destination is now becoming a dynamic urban waterfront city attracting new residents, businesses, and large scale development.

People relocating from cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are increasingly choosing Fort Lauderdale for its coastal lifestyle, favorable tax environment, and growing economy.

Several major projects are driving this momentum. From the expansion of the convention center to the redevelopment of creative districts and the rise of luxury waterfront condos, the city is entering a new phase of growth.

If you are considering moving to Fort Lauderdale, here are some of the biggest developments shaping the city’s future.

Major Developments Transforming Fort Lauderdale

Omni Hotel and Broward Convention Center Expansion

One of the most significant investments reshaping Fort Lauderdale is the expansion of the Broward County Convention Center and the opening of the Omni Fort Lauderdale Hotel.

The convention center is undergoing a massive expansion that will increase event space to approximately 1.2 million square feet, positioning the city to host larger conferences and international events.

The new Omni hotel features 801 rooms and more than 120,000 square feet of meeting space, making it a major destination for conventions, business travel, and tourism.

This project is expected to generate significant economic impact for the region and drive additional demand for restaurants, entertainment, and housing throughout the city.

Learn more:

Omni Hotel
https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/fort-lauderdale

Convention Center Expansion
https://www.broward.org/ccexpansion

News coverage
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/business/fl-bz-broward-convention-center-expansion

FAT Village Redevelopment

Another major project attracting attention from investors and new residents is the redevelopment of the FAT Village Arts District in Flagler Village.

FAT Village, which stands for Food Art Technology Village, has historically been known for art studios and creative spaces. Today it is being transformed into a large scale mixed use district with residential towers, office space, retail, and restaurants.

The project includes hundreds of residential units and modern office space anchored by an innovative mass timber office building. Its location near the Brightline station makes it an attractive hub for companies and professionals traveling between Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.

For professionals relocating to South Florida, this type of walkable urban district is becoming increasingly desirable.

Learn more:

FAT Village website
https://www.fatvillage.com

Developer information
https://www.hines.com/properties/fat-village-ft-lauderdale

News coverage
https://therealdeal.com/miami/2023/08/08/hines-launches-fat-village-development

New Luxury Condo Development Around Las Olas

Another key factor driving the Fort Lauderdale real estate market is the surge in luxury condominium development around Las Olas Boulevard and the downtown waterfront.

Las Olas has long been one of the most desirable areas in the city thanks to its restaurants, shopping, marinas, and proximity to the beach. Today developers are building a new generation of high end residential towers designed to attract buyers relocating from across the United States.

Notable projects include:

Andare Residences
https://andareresidences.com

Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale
https://viceroyresidencesfortlauderdale.com

Sixth & Rio
https://sixthandrio.com

News coverage
https://therealdeal.com/miami/2024/01/11/fort-lauderdale-condo-development-boom

These developments are redefining the skyline while offering amenities such as resort style pools, concierge services, and waterfront living along the New River.

Additional Developments Investors Are Watching

Pier Sixty Six Redevelopment

The transformation of Pier Sixty-Six is one of the most ambitious waterfront redevelopment projects in the city.

The historic property is being reimagined as a luxury waterfront destination with a redesigned resort, new residential towers, high end restaurants, and a superyacht marina.

Because of its location along the Intracoastal Waterway near Port Everglades, the development is expected to become one of the most desirable waterfront destinations in Fort Lauderdale.

Learn more
https://piersixtysix.com

News coverage
https://therealdeal.com/miami/2024/02/20/pier-sixty-six-redevelopment

Bahia Mar Redevelopment (St. Regis Resort & Residences)

Another transformative project underway is the redevelopment of Bahia Mar Yachting Center near Fort Lauderdale Beach.

The site is being reimagined as St. Regis Resort & Residences Bahia Mar, a roughly $2 billion waterfront redevelopment that will bring one of the world’s most prestigious hospitality brands to Fort Lauderdale.

The project will include luxury residential towers, a St. Regis hotel, a private beach club, waterfront restaurants, and an expanded megayacht marina capable of accommodating vessels up to 350 feet.

Bahia Mar is also the longtime home of the annual Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, the largest in water boat show in the world. The redevelopment is expected to further strengthen Fort Lauderdale’s reputation as the yachting capital of the world.

Learn more
https://bahiamar.com
https://stregisbahiamarfortlauderdale.com

News coverage
https://www.bizjournals.com/southflorida/news/2023/06/15/bahia-mar-redevelopment

Best Neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale for New Residents

People relocating to Fort Lauderdale often explore several popular neighborhoods depending on lifestyle preferences and budget.

Las Olas Isles

Las Olas Isles is a prestigious waterfront neighborhood in Fort Lauderdale located just off Las Olas Boulevard. The area is known for its luxury waterfront homes, private docks, and easy boating access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Real estate prices are among the highest in the city, with many homes ranging from about $3 million to over $20 million depending on the size, location, and water frontage.

Rio Vista

Rio Vista is one of the oldest and most desirable neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale, known for its tree lined streets, historic homes, and beautiful waterfront estates near downtown and the Intracoastal Waterway. Real estate prices are on the higher end, with many homes ranging from about $1 million to over $10 million and average prices around $2 to $3 million depending on location and waterfront access. The neighborhood is especially popular for its boating lifestyle and its close proximity to Las Olas Boulevard, the beaches, and downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is one of Fort Lauderdale’s oldest and most desirable neighborhoods, known for its tree lined streets, historic homes, and close proximity to downtown and Las Olas Boulevard. The area offers a mix of older Florida style houses, modern townhomes, and condos, making it popular for both young professionals and families. Real estate prices vary widely, with single family homes typically ranging from about $1 million to $6 million depending on size and location.

Flagler Village

A rapidly growing urban neighborhood with new apartments, restaurants, creative offices, and proximity to the Brightline station. This area is filled with young professionals looking for walkability and a live-work-play environment.

Fort Lauderdale Growth and Relocation Statistics

Several data points help explain why Fort Lauderdale continues to attract new residents.

Population growth across Broward County remains strong, with more than 1.9 million residents in the region.

Florida also continues to attract residents from high tax states like New York, California, Illinois, and New Jersey.

Fort Lauderdale offers several key advantages:

• No state income tax
• Year round warm weather
• More than 300 miles of navigable waterways
• Easy travel via Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
• Regional rail access through Brightline

These factors continue to support long term demand for real estate in the area.

Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Lauderdale

Pros

• Warm weather year round
• No Florida state income tax
• Beaches and boating lifestyle
• Growing downtown and development pipeline
• International airport and rail connectivity

Cons

• Hot and humid summers
• Seasonal tourism traffic
• Rising real estate prices in prime neighborhoods

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Fort Lauderdale

Is Fort Lauderdale a good place to live?

Fort Lauderdale offers a high quality of life with beaches, boating, restaurants, and a growing downtown. Many people relocating from major cities find it offers a balance between lifestyle and economic opportunity.

Is Fort Lauderdale more affordable than Miami?

In many cases Fort Lauderdale offers better value compared with Miami, particularly for waterfront homes and newer condo developments.

What are the best neighborhoods in Fort Lauderdale?

Popular neighborhoods include Las Olas Isles, Rio Vista, Victoria Park, Harbor Beach, and Flagler Village.

Thinking About Moving to Fort Lauderdale?

Fort Lauderdale is entering a new phase of growth. With major development projects, strong population migration, and a desirable coastal lifestyle, the city is becoming one of the most attractive relocation destinations in South Florida.

For buyers considering relocating, the local real estate market offers a wide range of opportunities from luxury waterfront estates to modern downtown condos.