🌍 Overview
As a digital nomad, I’ve had the pleasure of calling Fort Lauderdale home for a while, and I can confidently say it’s a city that has something for everyone. With its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and growing food scene, it’s no wonder why Fort Lauderdale has become a popular destination for remote workers. The city has a laid-back, tropical vibe that’s perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. As a Fort Lauderdale digital nomad, you’ll find that the city offers a great balance of work and play, with plenty of opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and connect with the local community.
One of the things I love about Fort Lauderdale is its proximity to Miami, which makes it an ideal location for those who want to experience the best of both worlds. The city has a population of around 178,590 people, and while it’s not as large as some of the other major cities in the US, it still has a thriving cultural scene, with a variety of museums, art galleries, and performance venues. As a remote worker, you’ll find that Fort Lauderdale has a growing expat community, with many coworking spaces and networking events catering specifically to digital nomads.
🏘️ Best Neighborhoods for Digital Nomads
When it comes to choosing a neighborhood to live in Fort Lauderdale, there are several options to consider. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Downtown Fort Lauderdale: This is the heart of the city, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions within walking distance. You’ll find a mix of high-rise apartments and historic buildings, with prices ranging from $1,500 to $3,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Victoria Park: This charming neighborhood is located just north of downtown and is known for its beautiful parks, tree-lined streets, and historic homes. It’s a bit more laid-back than downtown, but still within walking distance to many amenities. Rent prices range from $1,200 to $2,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Flagler Village: This up-and-coming neighborhood is located just north of downtown and is known for its artsy vibe, with plenty of galleries, studios, and street art. It’s a bit more affordable than downtown, with rent prices ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
- Hollywood Beach: If you’re looking for a more relaxed, beachy vibe, Hollywood Beach is a great option. It’s located just south of Fort Lauderdale and has a beautiful beach, a historic boardwalk, and plenty of restaurants and bars. Rent prices range from $1,500 to $3,500 per month for a one-bedroom apartment.
Cost of Living Breakdown
The cost of living in Fort Lauderdale is relatively high, especially when it comes to rent. However, the city has a lot to offer, and many digital nomads find that the benefits outweigh the costs. Here’s a breakdown of some typical expenses:
- Rent: The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Fort Lauderdale is around $1,974 per month. However, prices can range from $1,000 to $3,500 per month, depending on the neighborhood and amenities.
- Food: Eating out in Fort Lauderdale can range from $10 to $30 per meal, depending on the type of restaurant and location. Groceries are also relatively expensive, with a basket of basic items costing around $50 to $75 per week.
- Transportation: Fort Lauderdale has a decent public transportation system, with buses and trains connecting the city to surrounding areas. A monthly public transportation pass costs around $90. If you prefer to drive, gas prices are around $2.50 per gallon, and parking can range from $2 to $5 per hour.
- Coworking: Coworking spaces in Fort Lauderdale range from $200 to $500 per month, depending on the amenities and location.
Internet & Coworking
Fort Lauderdale has a relatively fast internet speed, with an average download speed of 42 Mbps. There are also plenty of coworking spaces and cafes with good internet, making it easy to stay productive. Some popular coworking spaces include:
- WeWork: Located in the heart of downtown, WeWork offers a range of membership options, from $200 to $500 per month.
- The Hive: This coworking space is located in the Flagler Village neighborhood and offers a range of membership options, from $150 to $300 per month.
- Cafe Collective: This cafe is located in the Victoria Park neighborhood and offers a cozy workspace with good internet and a range of coffee and food options.
Fort Lauderdale has a growing digital nomad community, with plenty of meetups and events catering to remote workers. Some popular groups include:
- Fort Lauderdale Digital Nomads: This Facebook group has over 1,000 members and hosts regular meetups and events.
- Remote Workers of South Florida: This group has over 500 members and hosts regular meetups and coworking sessions.
- Nomad List Fort Lauderdale: This group is part of the larger Nomad List community and has over 200 members, with regular meetups and events.
Culture & Lifestyle
Fort Lauderdale has a unique culture that’s a mix of beachy, laid-back vibes and urban sophistication. The city has a thriving food scene, with plenty of restaurants serving up fresh seafood, Cuban cuisine, and other international flavors. Some popular spots include:
- The Whale’s Rib: This seafood restaurant is located on the beach and serves up fresh fish and other seafood delicacies.
- Casa D’Angelo: This Italian restaurant is located in the heart of downtown and serves up delicious pasta dishes and other Italian favorites.
- Rocco’s Tacos: This taco spot is located in the Flagler Village neighborhood and serves up delicious tacos and other Mexican favorites.
The city also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars and clubs to choose from. Some popular spots include:
- The Historic Stranahan House: This historic house is located in the heart of downtown and offers tours and other events.
- The Parker Playhouse: This theater is located in the heart of downtown and hosts a range of performances, from musicals to comedy shows.
- The Culture Room: This music venue is located in the Flagler Village neighborhood and hosts a range of live music events.
As a digital nomad, you’ll need to ensure that you have the necessary visa to work in the US. The US has a range of visa options, including the tourist visa, which allows you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. However, if you plan to stay longer, you may need to apply for a different type of visa, such as the O-1 visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities or the H-1B visa for specialty occupations.
It’s worth noting that the US does not currently have a specific digital nomad visa, but there are some initiatives underway to create a visa program specifically for remote workers. In the meantime, many digital nomads opt for the tourist visa or other types of visas that allow them to work remotely.
💡 Practical Tips
Here are some practical tips for digital nomads living in Fort Lauderdale:
- SIM cards: You can purchase a SIM card from a range of providers, including AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile. Prices start from around $30 per month for a basic plan.
- Transportation: Fort Lauderdale has a decent public transportation system, but you may also want to consider renting a car or bike to get around.
- Safety: Fort Lauderdale is generally a safe city, but as with any city, it’s always a good idea to take precautions, especially at night.
- Weather: Fort Lauderdale has a subtropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. Be sure to pack accordingly and stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
