Purchasing waterfront property in Fort Lauderdale is an investment that promises to remain strong in the future.

With the Intracoastal Waterway offering protected year-round cruising, and more than 150 miles of waterway canals leading to hundreds of restaurants, shops and boutiques, a performing arts center, and a multitude of homes and offices, it's easy to see why Fort Lauderdale is called the "Venice of America."

The waterways are an integral part of life in Fort Lauderdale. There are even water taxis and buses that zip around to take you to your destination. If you have to take a taxi, why not make it a water taxi and make the trip a nice break in the day?

Fort Lauderdale boasts an average yearround temperature of 75 degrees (averaging 81 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter) and more than 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. This is one of the reasons Fort Lauderdale (and all of Broward County) is one of the fastest growing areas in the United States.

 The city sits on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and has one of the best beaches in the world. Thanks to the constant warm ocean breezes, there are always blue skies inviting you to come out and play. When you do, you can choose from rollerblading on the beach, boating, jet skiing, parasailing, tennis (almost every condo and community has its own courts - more than 500 in all), golf (there are more than 60 courses in the area), and more.

If you love sunshine and an active lifestyle, there is nowhere else in the world that offers the multitude of activities found in Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale is also known as the "Yachting Capital of the World." There are rumors that the majority of all yacht sales in the world are in some way connected to Fort Lauderdale. The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show is one of - if not the - largest yacht shows in the world. This year's show, held October 28-November 1, featured more than $1.6 billion dollars worth of boats, yachts, superyachts, and accessories. This connection to the yachting community has contributed greatly to the demand for waterfront property and the steady increase in property values in the area. From an investment standpoint, waterfront property in the Fort Lauderdale area increased 20% in 2002 and another 16.5% in 2003. Sales were constant during that time and remain strong in 2004. If you own a home here, you can enjoy the "perfect" climate while taking advantage of an investment that has remained strong and looks to stay so in the future.

Fort Lauderdale has moved far beyond a place to go for spring break or retirement. The thriving economy has attracted a multitude of new corporations and businesses as well as a young affluent population. The area is vibrant and alive and growing.

An average single-family waterfront property in the area will cost around $2 million. The more waterfront you have - the more expensive the property. New homes with 100' on the water can easily go for $5 or $6 million. There are also several new deluxe high-rise developments just opening up. Prices range from half a million dollars in one of the smaller buildings to $2 million or more for the larger units in the more deluxe buildings.

For those wanting the "ultimate" South Florida dream home - there is one special little area known as Hillsboro Mile that offers a combination of direct oceanfront property - with your very own private beach - plus frontage on the Intracoastal Waterway for docking your boat. A magnificent new 10,000-15,000 sq. ft estate in this area goes for $15-$20 million.

Whatever your budget, just remember, there is no more waterfront! This is it; we can't make more, so values remain high. If you are thinking of a move to South Florida, consider a waterfront investment and enjoy living - and investing - at its best.