that south florida lifestyle

sandpiper Miami, in Miami-Dade County, and Fort Lauderdale, in Broward County, are the two largest metropolitan areas in South Florida. Both enjoy proximity to the Atlantic and the added attraction of the Intracoastal Waterway that connects them. Both have international airports and seaports, are renowned vacation destinations, and both have diverse populations, and a wide variety of neighborhoods to choose from.



the word miami

let's go outside and play…

In the winter, the world comes to Miami to play. Each year residents and visitors alike flock to see: the NASDAQ 100 Tennis Tournament on Key Biscayne, the South Beach Food and Wine Festival, the Grand Prix and the NASCAR Nextel Cup at Homestead, the Ford Championship Golf Tournament in Doral, the Miami Book Fair International and the Miami International Film Festival, both held downtown. Miami is growing in renown in the art world. The Design District is becoming the chic neighborhood to live in. The annual Coconut Grove Art Festival, held outdoors on the streets of historic Coconut Grove, is one of the nation's largest, attracting over 325 artists, and Art Basel, which attract serious art critics and art lovers from all over the world.

Widely known for its Cuban population, Miami-Dade County has also attracted growing numbers of residents from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Nicaragua, Peru, and Venezuela, as well as the islands of Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Add to that people from all over the world who vacation here as a second home, and you have a prototype for the international city of the future. With beautiful weather, year round, it's hard to want to leave.  The downtown area of high rises is right on the water (Biscayne Bay). Across the Bay is Miami Beach and the Atlantic Ocean. Cruise ships come and go along Government Cut at the south end of Miami Beach, and dock at the Port of Miami just offshore from the Miami Arena (home of the Miami Heat). With a series of islands between Miami and Miami Beach, some too small for homes, some with a mix of homes and apartments and condos, there are homes of every shape and size with waterfront views and access.

If the water is not your thing and you need space, head south to the old-Southern-style town of Homestead with its agricultural base and annual rodeo, home also to the Miami-Homestead Speedway, or, rub elbows with celebrities and snowbirds on Miami Beach, which has a large Jewish population (second only to New York in this country).   Enjoy Cuban or Mexican (or Nicaraguan or Columbian or . . . you get the picture) food along "Calle Ocho" (Eighth Street) in Little Havana. With over 60% of residents from outside the U.S., Miami-Dade County is bound to have a neighborhood to give anyone a sense of home—whether they are among countrymen, like in Little Haiti, or among the mini united nations that is South Beach—Nothing is more truly American than the melting pot that is Miami.

fort lauderdale scenes
the words fort lauderdale

come aboard!

Fort Lauderdale, once the most famous spring break destination, has grown up, and although people still come to the beach all year long, it is no longer the springtime destination of choice for the college-age masses. World-renowned as a yachting community, the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is the world's largest boat show, held annually in October. In December, don't miss the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, which features boats of all shapes and sizes lit up with colored holiday lights. And what's prettier than Christmas lights? Christmas lights reflected on the water!
seagull in flight
Fort Lauderdale's business district is thriving, and while Miami is more international, Fort Lauderdale is a bit more 'traditional':  Downtown has a small town feel with lots of neighborhood restaurants and bars, and great shopping along picturesque Las Olas Boulevard. Broward County is attracting a growing number of technology companies. Some of the most recognizable names among big Broward corporations are: American Express, AutoNation, Citrix Systems, DHL Express, Microsoft,  Motorola, and Spirit Airlines.

The western half of Broward County is known for its less expensive, larger, new-construction homes in sprawling residential communities. Some, like Weston, are highly desired for peaceful living that comes from the abundance of beautiful lakes and marshes,. The horsey set will be delighted to discover Davie, Plantation Acres, or Parkland. The annual KISS Country Chili Cook Off brings the biggest country music stars to Broward County in an outdoor venue, combining great food and great music. No matter where you live in Broward County, east or west, it's a beautiful way to live.