Miami and Fort Lauderdale
The most urban stretch of the Florida coast, from the Art Deco blocks of South Beach north through Hollywood to the canals of Fort Lauderdale. Two major airports, late nights and beaches with a city right behind them.
On average, strongest on boating, dining and arts and meeting people. Weakest on affordability.
Average of the 12 town scorecards. How we score
Miami (Brickell and the Grove)
The mainland city on Biscayne Bay, from the towers of Brickell and Edgewater to the shady streets of Coconut Grove and the murals of Wynwood.
Miami (South Beach)
Art deco, ocean views and a city that never slows down.
Bal Harbour
A tiny oceanfront village at the north tip of Miami Beach, known for a luxury shopping center and a quiet beach path.
North Miami Beach
A mainland city in north Miami-Dade with restaurants from all over the world and Oleta River State Park next door.
Sunny Isles Beach
A two mile line of luxury condo towers on the ocean between Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
Hallandale Beach
A city of oceanfront condo towers between Fort Lauderdale and Miami, home to Gulfstream Park.
Hollywood
A beach city with a 2.5 mile oceanfront Broadwalk for walking and biking, plus a downtown full of murals.
Dania Beach
A small, unflashy beach city right next to the Fort Lauderdale airport, with a fishing pier and a quiet beach.
Fort Lauderdale
A boating city of canals, marinas and a lively beach.
Wilton Manors
A small island city ringed by the Middle River, built around the restaurants, bars and shops of Wilton Drive.
Lauderdale by the Sea
A low rise beach village where a coral reef sits close enough to shore that you can snorkel it from the sand.
Lighthouse Point
A boating town of deep water canals near Hillsboro Inlet, where most streets end at the water.