Fort Lauderdale's Picturesque Neighborhood Is A Coastal Enclave With Luxe Homes And A Buzzing Foodie Scene

Sunny South Florida is known for its sparkling beaches, vibrant city life, and luxurious living. Fort Lauderdale's most coveted neighborhood, Las Olas Isles, encompasses upscale elegance with palm-tree lined isles and waterfront views. Homes here are tens of millions of dollars — some listings reach $40 to $50 million. These prices far exceed 10 times the average sale of a Fort Lauderdale home, as Zillow states that number is $499,806. The neighborhood comprises seven isles surrounded by seven canals, facing New River. It's the kind of area where you can dock your boat outside your home and splash in your infinity pool overlooking the intracoastal, all while watching boats sail along glittering water.

The neighborhood sees a lot of demand not only because of its ocean-view location, but also due to its proximity to downtown. You can stroll past art galleries along the most walkable street in Florida, Las Olas Boulevard, or head downtown, just minutes away, where mouthwatering bites transform the area into a foodie scene. Places like Moxie's, Timpano, and Voodoo Bayou give Las Olas Isles residents a wide range of options when they want to have a night on the town. The coastal suburb blends quiet Florida opulence with the energy of a buzzing city.

From floor-to-ceiling windows that give unobstructed picturesque views to open-concept rooftop lounges, these homes scream ritzy charm. They're the palaces you admire from a distance, and wonder what a glimpse inside is like. Many have a modern, chic build, while others have Venetian-style architecture – Fort Lauderdale is known as the "Venice of America" after all. 

Inside these homes, you can find multiple garages, premier chef kitchens, climate-controlled wine rooms, and private yacht docking areas. The exterior has perfectly designed landscaping, custom pools, and sky lounges that will make you feel like you're always on vacation. The best part is the water views that truly make you feel like you're on an island.

According to the Las Olas Isles HOA, the kind of people who live on Las Olas Isles make an average income of $179,000, and many of them are around 59 years old. With homes that are priced around $40 million, residents are buying into more than just the property. The neighborhood provides around-the-clock security, with regular street patrols. Also, the neighborhood is always looking to build community happenings as they recently added an "events" tab to their HOA website. The Las Olas Isles community might live in large houses, but connection to the city's culture is always within reach.

Minutes away, in downtown Las Olas, residents explore a buzzing social district that adds to the neighborhood's glamorous reputation. Homeowners can enjoy refined date nights at fine dining places, like Eddie V's or Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. 

The cuisines also have range. You can find traditional Mexican dishes, like burritos smothered in a chocolate-y Mole sauce, at places like El Camino, or taste a Southern cajun cuisine, like hearty Jambalaya, at Voodoo Bayou. The culinary scene is impeccable, not just for its juicy international plates, but also for its large emphasis on its buzzing social community. Much like the Las Olas Isles homes' top floors, some restaurants have rooftop views, like Rooftop 1WLO, that transform into swanky nightclubs. With its diverse menus and destination-worthy eateries, Las Olas attracts both locals and tourists seeking a taste of Fort Lauderdale's coastal vibes.

These restaurants' attention to customer experience, as well as the focus on food, is what makes the Las Olas gastronomy scene a buzzing foodie paradise. Their loyal following from those who live nearby is part of what makes Las Olas Isles one of the most sought-after places to own a home. The thriving culinary scene is a reflection of the neighborhood's lifestyle and social culture. There's access to diverse, high-quality dining and vibrant rooftop bars. Las Olas Isles is not only a place to reside, but it's a place where culinary experiences and community come together, adding to its exclusivity.

If upscale neighborhoods like Las Olas Isles aren't your vibe — or your budget — discover our local's guide to the best cheap and free things to do in the city.