It feels like I’ve been researching my butt off lately about all things Fort Lauderdale and the area we’ll be living in. I know some of you are probably thinking that it would make more sense for me to wait until I move down there to start looking up grocery stores, gyms, malls, etc. If that’s what you’re thinking, you don’t know me! I am a planner through and through. I also have this need to know attitude. Oh and some control issues but whatever.
Based on my research, here’s what I’ve learned about my soon to be new city…
1. Publix, Costco, and Whole Foods are all located in one central area. This will make Sunday afternoon grocery trips a lot easier. Oh adulthood, how you have changed me!
And for weekends where we want to go really crazy, there are a number of fun farmer’s markets relatively close by.
2. I was a little surprised to learn this, but Fort Lauderdale is home to a good amount of healthy restaurants – vegetarian, vegan, raw. Even from my limited personal experience eating out in the area, most every restaurant has delicious vegetarian options available. It’s going to be awesome!
3. Now that I’ve listed a couple of pros, I feel that it’s ok to talk about a con. So, there are no affordable gyms, yoga studios, cycling studios, etc. near our new apartment complex. ZERO. And the word affordable is key here. I can’t afford to pay $25 a class or upwards of $200 for a monthly membership. No way Jose.
However, if I remember correctly, the apartment gym isn’t all that bad – with a decent amount of cardio equipment and free weights. And I really don’t mind workout DVDs, so I should be ok. Jillian and I are going to be BFFs again!
4. This goes without saying, but Fort Lauderdale is located very very close to the ocean!!! I can’t begin to explain how excited I am about this. I’ve always wanted to live near water. Yay!
5. As far as adventure is concerned, we have a few plans up our sleeves! We’d like to make it out to the Everglades sometime soon. Vishnu wants to do a guided tour so we can hang out with the alligators. Me? Not so much, but we’ll see (Vishnu hates it when I say that). We’ve also been talking a lot about water activities. Oh and cruises! Neither of us have ever been on one, and well, as fate would have it, cruise ships can pretty much be found in our backyard!
Now, don’t get me wrong, there are a handful of things I don’t really like about the city already, but I don’t want to cast too much judgment just yet. I’ll wait until I move down there to do that. 
Seriously though, I can’t wait to share more about our new life – the ups, the downs, and everything in between. Get ready!
What are some pros and cons of the city you live in?
If I were you, I would probably be jumping off my seat out of excitement- love that you’re focusing on the positives! That’s crazy about gym/workout class prices! As much as I love to stay fit, I don’t think I could justify such high prices! If you’re looking for a killer, at-home workout, check out the Insanity videos online! My sister did the program and was a big fan! She tried to get me to do one of the workouts when I was in China but I was scuuurrrred!
I love the convenience and luxury of life in India but at the same time, I miss the independence and the freedom to walk, wherever & whenever!
You know the ATL con – TRAFFIC! But I love all the pros… like the Food & Wine Festival being held here this weekend. 🙂
Have you been to Holloywood, FL? It’s right by FLL… for a while I was the mayor of a tiki bar there on Foursquare. 🙂
That’s so exciting. FLL is like MIAMI dude! That’s gonna be so fun! The ocean is gorgeous. I live super close to nyc , like 10 mins, pros are of course, NYC, amazing food and desserts. Cons – too crowded, rude people, but I think living in this area does that to you, although most people aren’t mean.
You should start looking at Groupons and Groupon Now deals for different offers on fitness classes once you move down there! They usually have some pretty good deals 🙂
Ohhhh the ocean….that is THE most awesome part. boo for expensive gyms – here in Melb it’s pretty expensive too.
Best thing about Melbourne? The coffee/cafe culture and amazing restaurants. Worst thing – traffic in peak hour – does my head in!
I hear amazing things about Ft. Lauderdale! I’m sure you would love it.
I like the LA weather, the good restaurants, and the general vibe of the city. But I don’t like the constant need for a car, the traffic, the lack of people walking around, and the fact that there are no seasons.
Can you tell I am dying to move out of here? 🙂
Hope you are having a great weekend Parita!
There are no affordable gyms where I live either, and they all keep regular business hours (9-6) How am I supposed to work out when I have to work?
Good news on the restaurants though. It’s nice to hear the atmosphere of eating out and eating healthy have started to combine!