Frequently Asked Questions about Downtown
What is it like to live in Downtown, Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Downtown is an urban waterfront district focused on the New River and Las Olas Boulevard, with high-rise condos, offices, restaurants, boating and nightlife. It offers walkability along the Riverwalk, close access to Fort Lauderdale Beach (about 1–2 miles), the Brightline station, Broward County transit, and a short drive to Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport and Port Everglades. Housing and rental costs are generally above Broward County medians due to demand for waterfront and luxury units. The climate is subtropical with hot, humid summers and hurricane season; parts of downtown are flood-prone and the city has ongoing resilience and flood-mitigation initiatives.
Is Downtown, Fort Lauderdale, FL expensive?
Yes — Downtown is generally more expensive than Broward County averages, driven by waterfront high-rises, renovated historic buildings, and demand for walkable urban living. Rents and condo prices in the area are above county medians, with luxury units and waterfront properties commanding significant premiums. Costs are higher than many suburban neighborhoods in the metro but typically lower than comparable neighborhoods in Miami.
What is the weather of Downtown, Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Downtown Fort Lauderdale has a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and warm, mild winters. Summer (May–October) brings frequent afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity, and average highs around 90–92°F (32–33°C); annual rainfall is roughly 60–64 inches (1,500–1,625 mm), concentrated in the wet season. Winters are drier and mild, with daytime highs typically in the mid‑70s°F (about 24°C) and lows in the 60s°F (15–18°C). The Atlantic hurricane season runs June 1–November 30, and the area faces risks from tropical storms, storm surge, and increasing nuisance tidal flooding due to sea‑level rise.
How safe is Downtown, Fort Lauderdale, FL?
Downtown has a mix of lower- and higher-crime blocks; Fort Lauderdale’s overall crime rates have been above the U.S. average in recent FBI and local reports. Reported incidents in the downtown core are largely property crimes and occasional assaults concentrated around nightlife, transit hubs and tourist corridors, while the city maintains regular police and tourism-safety patrols. For up-to-date, block-level data consult the Fort Lauderdale Police Department crime-mapping portal or the latest FBI Uniform Crime Report.
What to know about Downtown demographics:
