#7 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - Top 10 Best Downtowns 2014 | Livability

Livibility.com is out with their top ten best downtowns and Ft. Lauderdale, surprisingly, is on the list. Income growth has been strong and they note that there is a balance between people living and working there. I find it hard to believe that 40,000 people, according to the article, are living on yachts in the 100 marinas that dot the area, but who knows? Makes me think its time to take the bike on Tri-Rail one weekend and check things out. Click title for link.

 The meandering New River and an intricate canal system give Fort Lauderdale a Venice-like feel. Downtown high-rises offer expansive views of the Atlantic Ocean, intracoastal waterway and saltwater lakes. Both tourists and locals head to Himmarshee Village for shopping, live entertainment and locally owned restaurants and pubs. Many patrons of the nearby Broward Center for the Performing Arts stop here to extend their evenings. More than 40,000 Fort Lauderdale residents live on yachts docked at the more than 100 marinas and boatyards, many of which are connected to downtown by sidewalks and bike paths covered by a canopy of trees. Families flock to the Riverwalk area in downtown, which includes a park and cultural amenities like the Bonnet House Museum and Gardens along with the Nova Southeastern University Museum of Art.