A new, younger Fort Lauderdale is certainly here.
Credit: Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority
Ah yes, for years, Miami grabbed the spotlight when it came to urban living in South Florida. But a new report suggests Fort Lauderdale may be quietly becoming the region’s biggest magnet for young professionals and families looking for a walkable, waterfront lifestyle.
According to recent data from the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority (DDA), residents between the ages of 25 and 44 living in South Florida’s downtown districts have increased by 25 percent since 2020, compared to just 2 percent growth across the region overall. At the same time, the number of children under 14 living in those urban cores has climbed 21 percent, despite a 4 percent regional decline in that age group.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale appears to be leading the charge.
The DDA reports that Downtown Fort Lauderdale’s population has grown by 42 percent since 2020, outpacing Downtown Miami’s 17 percent increase and Downtown West Palm Beach’s 15 percent gain. The city is also seeing strong demand for housing, with apartment occupancy reaching 96 percent along Las Olas Boulevard and averaging 89 percent throughout downtown — higher than both Downtown West Palm Beach and Downtown Miami.
The family demographic is also growing at a faster clip. Since 2020, Downtown Fort Lauderdale has experienced a 48 percent increase in families with children, compared to 17 percent in Downtown West Palm Beach and 14 percent in Downtown Miami.
“We’re seeing more younger residents gravitate toward Downtown Fort Lauderdale because they’re looking for a lifestyle that blends walkability, waterfront living, culture, dining, and everyday connectivity in a way that feels both energetic and livable,” Jenni Morejon, President and CEO of the Fort Lauderdale Downtown Development Authority, tells Browardist.
As for what’s driving that growth? Morejon says it’s an only-in-Fort-Lauderdale mix.
“What’s driving that momentum is the continued evolution happening throughout downtown, from destinations like Huizenga Park and the Riverwalk to the growth of FAT Village, new restaurants, mixed-use development, and a more activated urban core overall,” she says. “We expect that growth to continue as Downtown Fort Lauderdale becomes even more connected, vibrant, and active, while continuing to offer the coastal lifestyle and waterfront experience that make Fort Lauderdale unique year-round.”
