When people think about living in South Florida, they picture sunshine, beaches, boating, waterfront homes, incredible restaurants and year-round outdoor living.
But there’s another part of the South Florida lifestyle that is easy to overlook:
The Bahamas are practically in our backyard.
From South Florida, some of the most beautiful water, fishing and island communities in the world are just across the Gulf Stream. For me, a recent trip to Treasure Cay in the Abacos was another reminder that where we live isn’t just about the property you own—it’s about the lifestyle and everything you can experience from here.
From South Florida to the Abacos
One of the things that makes South Florida unique is our proximity to the Bahamas.
From the Fort Lauderdale and Miami area, destinations throughout the Bahamas can be reached relatively quickly by air, while boaters regularly make the crossing from Florida’s east coast.
And once you arrive in the Abacos, it feels like another world.
Clear turquoise water, incredible fishing, quiet beaches, boating and island communities make the Abacos a special destination for South Floridians looking for an escape that’s much closer than many people realize.
The Abacos: A South Florida Boater’s Paradise Just Across the Gulf Stream
The Abacos and has long been a favorite destination for boaters, fishermen and travelers exploring the Bahamas.
The water is spectacular, but what makes the area so memorable is everything surrounding it.
Fishing. Diving. Boating. Island hopping. Beaches. Dockside afternoons. And the opportunity to disconnect for a while without traveling halfway around the world.
On this trip, we were fortunate enough to get out on the water and catch some beautiful fish while enjoying scenery that photographs almost don’t do justice.
Sometimes paradise isn’t a long vacation away; It’s in your backyard.
Why This Matters When You Live in South Florida
Real estate isn’t only about bedrooms, bathrooms and square footage.
It’s about where your home allows you to live your life.
That’s especially true in South Florida.
For someone who loves the water, owning a home in Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Hollywood, Pompano Beach or elsewhere along the South Florida coast can provide access to a lifestyle that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else in the country.
Depending on where and how you live, your weekend might mean taking the boat through the Intracoastal, heading offshore to fish, spending the afternoon at a sandbar, diving a reef or planning a Bahamas trip.
And you don’t necessarily need to own a waterfront estate to enjoy it.
Our marinas, boat ramps, waterfront restaurants, beaches and waterways make the water part of everyday life throughout much of South Florida.
Waterfront Real Estate Is About More Than the View
When buyers begin looking at waterfront real estate in South Florida, the conversation often starts with the view.
But experienced waterfront buyers know there is much more to consider.
Ocean access, fixed bridges, canal width and depth, dockage, seawalls, boat size, proximity to the Intracoastal and inlet, insurance considerations and even the direction a property faces can dramatically change how a waterfront home fits someone’s lifestyle.
A beautiful house isn’t necessarily the right waterfront house.
If your goal is to fish offshore, keep a larger boat behind your home or make trips to the Bahamas, the location and characteristics of the waterfront can be just as important as the house itself.
That’s where local knowledge matters.
Fort Lauderdale and South Florida: Built Around the Water
There’s a reason Fort Lauderdale is known for its waterways.
The canals, Intracoastal Waterway, New River, marinas and access to the Atlantic make boating part of the identity of the area.
And that lifestyle extends beyond Fort Lauderdale.
From Dania Beach and Hollywood to Pompano Beach and communities throughout Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties, South Florida offers an enormous variety of neighborhoods and waterfront opportunities.
Some buyers want direct ocean access and a dock behind the house.
Others want to walk to the beach.
Some prioritize a neighborhood close to restaurants and entertainment, while others want room for a boat or RV.
There isn’t one version of the South Florida lifestyle—and that’s one of the reasons I love helping people find the right place here.
Local Knowledge Matters in South Florida Real Estate
As a South Florida native and real estate broker, I believe understanding this market requires more than knowing recent sales.
You need to understand the neighborhoods, waterways, redevelopment, local businesses, transportation, schools, beaches, marinas and the lifestyle people are actually moving here to experience.
That’s what I want this blog to be about.
Yes, I’ll talk about South Florida real estate and waterfront homes.
But I’ll also share the places worth visiting, things to do, local businesses, boating and fishing experiences, neighborhood changes and some of the hidden gems that make South Florida such an incredible place to call home.
Because finding the right property starts with understanding the place around it.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in South Florida?
Whether you’re searching for a waterfront home with ocean access, moving to South Florida, selling a property or simply trying to figure out which community best fits your lifestyle, I’m happy to be a resource.
I’m Jarrod Gaylis, Managing Broker and Founder of Perfect Properties of Florida Real Estate, serving buyers, sellers and investors throughout Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties.
Find more than four walls. Find the South Florida lifestyle that fits you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is South Florida popular with boaters?
South Florida combines extensive waterways, marinas, year-round boating weather, Atlantic Ocean access and proximity to the Bahamas, making boating an important part of the lifestyle in many coastal communities.
What should I consider when buying a waterfront home in South Florida?
Important considerations can include ocean access, fixed bridges, canal dimensions and water depth, dockage, seawall condition, boat size, distance to an inlet, insurance and the property’s specific waterfront location.
Which South Florida communities offer waterfront real estate?
Waterfront properties can be found throughout Fort Lauderdale, Dania Beach, Hollywood, Pompano Beach, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach County, with significant differences in pricing, water access and neighborhood lifestyle.
Is Fort Lauderdale a good place to live if you own a boat?
Fort Lauderdale’s extensive canal system, marinas, Intracoastal access and proximity to the Atlantic make boating a defining part of the area’s lifestyle. The right neighborhood depends heavily on the type and size of boat and how the owner plans to use it.
Can you travel from South Florida to the Bahamas for a short trip?
Yes. South Florida’s geographic proximity to the Bahamas makes many Bahamian destinations accessible by air, and experienced boaters also make crossings from Florida to the islands when conditions, vessel capabilities and other requirements allow.
What is there to do in South Florida besides beaches?
South Florida offers boating, fishing, diving, waterfront dining, arts and entertainment, professional sports, parks, neighborhood events, shopping and easy access to destinations throughout Florida and the Caribbean.
Local Market Insight
LOCAL INSIGHT — THE SOUTH FLORIDA ADVANTAGE One of the most underrated benefits of living in South Florida is just how much is within reach. From Fort Lauderdale, a weekend can mean boating the Intracoastal, fishing offshore, enjoying our beaches and waterfront restaurants—or hopping over to the Bahamas and experiencing the incredible waters of the Abacos. As a South Florida native, these are the experiences that remind me why real estate here is about much more than owning a home. You’re buying access to a lifestyle that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else.
Expert Commentary
"LOCAL INSIGHT — THE SOUTH FLORIDA ADVANTAGE One of the most underrated benefits of living in South Florida is just how much is within reach. From Fort Lauderdale, a weekend can mean boating the Intracoastal, fishing offshore, enjoying our beaches and waterfront restaurants—or hopping over to the Bahamas and experiencing the incredible waters of the Abacos. As a South Florida native, these are the experiences that remind me why real estate here is about much more than owning a home. You’re buying access to a lifestyle that’s difficult to replicate anywhere else."
— Jarrod Gaylis
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