Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Old Florida charm on the coast
By Scott Selleck — Licensed NJ/FL Real Estate Agent | 32+ Years in Bergen & Hudson Counties | The Selleck Group / KW City Views Realty
Last updated: June 2026
What Is It Like to Live in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL?
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is a small, walkable beach town that has preserved its 'Old Florida' character. With a population of approximately 7,500, low-rise architecture, and snorkeling reefs just 100 yards offshore, it offers a quiet coastal lifestyle that's increasingly rare in South Florida.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has deliberately maintained its small-town, low-rise character in contrast to the high-rise development that has transformed many South Florida beach communities. The town's building codes limit structure height, preserving the walkable, human-scale feel of the commercial district along El Mar Drive.
The town's natural assets are remarkable. Lauderdale-by-the-Sea is the only community in Broward County with natural coral reefs located just 100 yards offshore, making it a designated snorkeling and scuba diving destination. The beach is wide, clean, and consistently less crowded than Fort Lauderdale Beach.
The walkable downtown features shops, restaurants, and cafes along El Mar Drive. The Anglins' Fishing Pier (recently rebuilt) extends into the Atlantic and serves as the community's gathering point. The town's proximity to Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach provides broader amenities while maintaining its own distinct identity.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, FL?
Beachside / A1A
Condos and smaller residential buildings between the Intracoastal and the ocean, many with ocean views.
El Mar Drive area
The walkable commercial and residential heart of the town, with restaurants, shops, and beach access.
Galt Ocean Mile border
The southern portion near Fort Lauderdale with larger condo buildings and ocean access.
Schools
Broward County Public Schools. School choice system. Nearby Pompano Beach and Fort Lauderdale schools serve the area.
Home Prices
Median $635K–$681K. Premium pricing reflects walkability, character, and beach access. Condos and small residential buildings.
Transportation
Walkable by South Florida standards. I-95 nearby. Fort Lauderdale airport 15 min south. Bike-friendly streets. A1A corridor.
Dining in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
El Mar Drive restaurants
Casual beachside restaurants and cafes along the walkable main strip, offering seafood, Italian, and American fare.
A1A dining
Additional restaurants along State Road A1A serving the coastal community.
Parks and Recreation
Anglins' Fishing Pier
The recently rebuilt fishing pier extending into the Atlantic — a community icon and popular gathering spot.
Beach access points
Multiple public beach access points throughout the town provide easy ocean access.
El Mar Drive
The walkable main street with shops, restaurants, and a beach-town atmosphere.
Community Events
Holiday Boat Parade
An annual holiday tradition with decorated boats on the Intracoastal Waterway.
Anglins' Pier events
Community events and fishing tournaments centered around the iconic fishing pier.
Practical Tips for Living in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea
Walkability: One of the few genuinely walkable beach communities in Broward County. Factor this into your value calculation.
Snorkeling reefs: The offshore reefs are a unique natural asset. Beach conditions vary — the reefs make this a different beach experience.
Limited commercial district: Small town size means limited shopping. Fort Lauderdale and Pompano Beach provide broader options within minutes.
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea — Schools & Education
Schools serving the Lauderdale-by-the-Sea area span public, private, parochial, and early childhood options across multiple grade levels.
Public Schools
The Broward County Public Schools serves this community. Schools in the district include:
Elementary Schools
- Corral Springs Elementary — PK–5
Middle Schools
- Pompano Beach Middle School — 6–8
High Schools
- Pompano Beach High School — 9–12
For enrollment information and district details, visit Broward County Public Schools.
Day Care & Early Childhood
- Lauderdale-by-the-Sea Early Learning — Infant–Pre-K | Early childhood programs through Broward County Public Schools and local providers.
School ratings are sourced from GreatSchools.org as of 2026 and may change. Verify current data directly with the school district or GreatSchools.org. For Florida school grades, also reference the Florida Department of Education: https://www.fldoe.org/school-grades/.
Thinking About Lauderdale-by-the-Sea?
Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers something rare — genuine walkability, character, and beach charm. Let's talk about what this town could look like for you.