F ort Lauderdale, Florida is a magical place known for its turquoise water, platinum sand, emerald palms, sapphire skies, and golden sun. This magnificent community is situated on the southeast coast of Florida, centrally located between Miami and Palm Beach. With a population of nearly 163,000 and encompassing more than 33 square miles, Fort Lauderdale is the largest of Broward County's 30 municipalities and the seventh largest city in Florida. Interwoven by the Atlantic Ocean, New River and a plethora of scenic inland waterways, Fort Lauderdale truly lives up to its reputation as the "Venice of America."

Once known strictly as a tourism-based economy, Fort Lauderdale now supports a diverse range of industries, including finance, marine, manufacturing, insurance, real estate, high technology, avionics/aerospace, film and television production. With such a strong economic environment, Fort Lauderdale is successfully transforming itself into a world-class international business center and one of the most sought after locations for new, expanding or relocating businesses. Residents enjoy a median household income of $39,209 a year.

Fort Lauderdale also offers an outstanding quality of life, marked by a semi-tropical climate with over 3,000 hours of sunshine each year and pleasant year-round ocean breezes. World-renowned Fort Lauderdale Beach offers premier opportunities for recreation, relaxation and enjoyment. The picturesque Riverwalk serves as the centerpiece of the city's arts, science, cultural and historic district where the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Museum of Discovery and Science, Museum of Art and Old Fort Lauderdale Village and Museum are featured. Las Olas Boulevard has gained international acclaim as Fort Lauderdale's jewel for fashion, fine dining and entertainment. In addition, the City's downtown area is home to Broward Community College, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, the award-winning Broward County Main Library, federal, county and school district offices.

Fort Lauderdale has an array of waterfront homes and condos that offer docks and wonderful water views, all with ocean access for the diver, fishing enthusiasts, and those who just love being on the sea. There is also a wide choice of both new and resale moderate and luxury townhomes, condos and villas. With the revitalized downtown, there are numerous options for entertainment, dining and shopping close at hand. The beach area also offers luxury high-rise condominiums, both new and resale. The east areas offer 'Old Florida' charm and many diverse architectural styles. The values on the resale of existing condos and homes has held steady, with upward movement in pricing. The median price of a house is currently around $335,828 and $164,702 for a condo, townhome or villa. Some good values can still be had west of I-95 and the Florida Turnpike. The homes are more affordable in these areas.

Shopping is an adventure of its own in Fort Lauderdale. BeachPlace is a blend of outdoor shopping, dining and nightlife including Cafe Iguana, Fat Tuesday, Hooters, Howl at the Moon, LuLu's Bait Shack, Sally O'Brien's and Sloppy Joes. All are along the beachfront, two blocks north of Las Olas Blvd. Dania Downtown Historic Antique District is home to dozens of antique dealers and shops. Festival Marketplace is a sensational indoor flea market with over 600 stores of new, brand name merchandise at below outlet prices. Sawgrass Mills is Florida's largest retail and entertainment center featuring 400 name-brand stores and outlets. Ron Jon Surf Shop is the world's most famous surf shop with an exterior facade that includes a 50-foot cresting wave and surfers riding above the store's entrance. Once inside, view the 1935 Rolls-Royce Phantom II Woodie on display, meet a board sports legend at an autograph session, and browse through the latest resort wear, sports equipment and beach gear.

There is so much to see and do in Ft. Lauderdale from combing the incredible beaches to world-class shopping and dining. Other fun and exciting things that residents and visitors alike enjoy include glass bottom boat adventures, Buehler Planetarium, Butterfly World, day cruises to Grand Bahama Island, Everglades safaris, riverboat cruises, Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, casino gambling, fishing, boating, and enjoying amazing fresh seafood.

The Broward County School District serves the Ft. Lauderdale community and is one of the fastest growing districts in the nation, with 5,000 - 8,000 new K-12 students enrolling each year. Today, Broward County is the nation's largest, fully-accredited school district. For the 2003/04 School Year BCPS educated more than 271,000 students. There are 136 elementary schools, 40 middle schools and 27 high schools all working successfully to deliver an outstanding educational environment to local students.

With fine weather, incredible beaches, world-class shopping, fantastic economy, affordable real estate market and fun and exciting activities, Fort Lauderdale is a rare place to live, work and raise a family.