July 2, 2024
Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s evolution continues to be shaped by a growing number of families choosing to establish roots in our community.
We’ve seen an 85% increase in families with kids living downtown over the last five years. This success was made possible by Fort Lauderdale’s maturation from a rowdy spring break destination to an upscale coastal lifestyle community where families want to be.
Whether it be newlyweds moving from New York City in search of more living space, families from western Broward seeking to experience life in a downtown setting, or Miami residents looking for a more compact and walkable urban experience, families are flocking to Fort Lauderdale.
By The Numbers
Because of Fort Lauderdale’s growing appeal, kids are a greater share of the DowntownFTL population than other fast-growing destinations. Compared to Downtown West Palm Beach, DowntownFTL has double the share of kids living downtown.
Fort Lauderdale apartments offer more living space for families than in other popular destinations. So whether looking for extra space for a home office or spare bedroom, residents can expect extra living space compared to other hot cities in Florida and across the country.
Why This Matters:
Compared to many of the fastest growing cities in the country, DowntownFTL is demonstrating an ability to attract growing families despite a recent national trend where families are leaving downtowns in search of more living space and better educational options.
Major investments are underway in public spaces like Huizenga Park, demonstrating our city’s commitment to investing in more family-friendly amenities. But with continued migration from western to eastern Broward, DowntownFTL’s ability to retain families in the urban core will be tied to availability of quality schools nearby.