Those that live in South Florida - How does life in Fort Lauderdale compare to Miami?

I am relocating to South Florida at the end of this year. I am between FTL (35 minute commute) vs Brickell/Downtown Miami (50 minute commute). I am 30 years old and single, I really enjoy good restaurants, bars, nightlife, cafes, shopping - the standard stuff.

I've always been fixated on Miami, but have heard Fort Lauderdale is just as cool of a city. Any insight?

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My uncle just purchased a condo in Brickell (he is moving from NJ and is full time RE investor/landlord now), and said FTL was a little too sleepy for him. Granted, he's 51 but looks 40, and plans on dating girls half his age in 2021. 

 
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Brickell/Downtown Miami no doubt. I lived there for 3+ years and had the time of my life. I went out in FLL a few times and it doesn't compare to Miami. The only place worth going to in FLL is Las Olas and it doesn't compare to Brickell, Wynwood, Design District, Miami Beach, etc. I wouldn't even think about it man.

 

Brickell/South Beach/Edgewater in Miami for sure. Fort Lauderdale is an older, more friendly focused city whereas Miami/Miami Beach is young professionals and hot women (seriously). It would be worth the extra time in commute. You’ll have immediate access to all the best clubs and bars via a cheap Uber or possibly walking distance. Plus the views and daily outdoor lifestyle is without question worth it.

 

Brickell/South Beach/Edgewater in Miami for sure. Fort Lauderdale is an older, more friendly focused city whereas Miami/Miami Beach is young professionals and hot women (seriously). It would be worth the extra time in commute. You’ll have immediate access to all the best clubs and bars via a cheap Uber or possibly walking distance. Plus the views and daily outdoor lifestyle is without question worth it.

 

Florida is a a lot of fun for young people and Ft Lauderdale is like a suburb of Miami.  With that said, Ft. Lauderdale is also pretty good for young people.  Personally, I would not want to be anywhere in Florida in the summer, as the heat and humidity is rough.  I went to Ft. Lauderdale a couple of years ago in early September and while it was enjoyable, the weather was a challenge for me.  It is cheap to vacation in Florida in the summer, though.  I also went to Miami to see the Marlins play.

 

Go with Fort Lauderdale, dating and bar scene is fun even if isn't Miami. If you need to do it big on some night then Miami is always available. The commute makes a huge difference down there; people suck at driving in Florida and with the inevitable accidents life gets worse if you are living further away. Cost of living difference is huge with much better housing situation in lauderdale. Miami has great restaurants but you can find some absolute gems throughout Broward County often times without stupid high prices you find in Miami. If you want to go to the beach Miami blows and you have more quiet spots around Fort Lauderdale. Finally, fuck Miami people idk why but there is this need to flex granted it is often the tourists. People have this weird need to drive expensive cars and flash cash at clubs just to catch the gaze of some 20 year old.

 

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