Either you're in the midst of deciding to invest in Ft. Lauderdale real estate, or have done so and want to narrow your scope. Certainly, within that relatively narrow strip of south Florida--about 25 miles of beachfront to 12 miles inland--you've got a lot of choices. Finding a local realtor you're comfortable working with is your next most important decision. The more systematic you are in studying the history, geography, demographics, and property listings, the less anguished this Ft. Lauderdale real estate purchase will be.

The Facts on Ft. Lauderdale Real Estate

According to the last U.S. census data of 2000, the population of Ft. Lauderdale is about 152,000. That's the city itself, however, not the full 25-mile stretch of Broward County coastline. The most recent numbers on the greater metropolitan/county population estimate about 1.6 million.

Any survey of Ft. Lauderdale real estate will probably include Deerfield and Pompano Beaches, both to the north, down through Hallandale and Hollywood to the south, and west to Coral Springs, Sunrise, Plantation, and Davie. All in all, the range of property values along this Gold Coast of south Florida runs from about $125,000 to $800,000. The vast majority of houses fall in the $150,000 to $300,000 bracket. New construction is on the rise.

No matter where you settle in the Ft. Lauderdale area, however, you'll find friendly communities, a good school system, a glorious year-round climate, and more white sandy beach than you can believe. Thanks to Interstates 95 (north-south) and 75 (east-west), you'll also find that the many nearby attractions--from the Everglades to Lake Okeechobee, not to mention Disney, Cape Canaveral, and Epcot just a couple hours north--within easy reach. This is assuming, of course, that you tear yourself away from the countless cultural, sporting, and recreational offerings that Ft. Lauderdale communities are justifiably famous for.