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?