Everyone Thinks Fort Lauderdale Homes Are Over $1 Million — Here Are 4 Neighborhoods Proving Otherwise
Three-bedroom single-family homes are still available under $1 million in at least four Fort Lauderdale-area neighborhoods, with median prices ranging from roughly $699,000 to $742,500, and several come with two-car garages and pools.
I'm Joe Vairo — a 2x eXp ICON Agent, ranked the #3 real estate agent in Fort Lauderdale by Fort Lauderdale Magazine, and founder of the Vairo Group, ranked the #3 real estate team in Fort Lauderdale. Buyers constantly assume they've been priced out of Fort Lauderdale, when really they're just searching the wrong neighborhoods. Here is the full breakdown.
Is It True That Fort Lauderdale Homes Are All Over $1 Million?
Not if you're flexible on being directly on the water. If you want waterfront, yes, you're likely paying over $1 million. But for buyers who want a solid three-bedroom single-family home — in some cases with a two-car garage — still close to the beach, the water, and the action, there are real options under that threshold.
Where Can You Find a Three-Bedroom Home Near $699,000
Middle River Terrace and Poinsettia Heights, working from the south end of the list, offer a medium price point right around $699,000. You can technically be on the water here, though it comes with a fixed bridge, so larger boats with a fixed T-top won't fit. The area is still close to downtown, Flagler Village, and all the shopping and dining along Federal Highway, plus it's not far from the beach or the Galleria Mall. Garage options range from a two-car garage to a one-car garage or a converted carport, and some homes here include a pool.
Why Oakland Park Is a Sleeper Pick
Oakland Park, and more specifically Coral Heights, North Corals, and South Corals, is a neighborhood most buyers completely overlook. It sits right near downtown Oakland Park, giving residents access to Funky Buddha, Satellite Pinball Lounge, and Rebel Wine Bar, along with proximity to the beach, Galt Mile, and a nearby Target and Publix. The Mai-Kai, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and Pompano are all close by too. The medium price point here is $737,000, and buyers can expect a two-car garage and, in some cases, a pool.
What Makes Imperial Point and Knoll Ridge Stand Out
Imperial Point and Knoll Ridge carry a similar medium price point to Oakland Park at $737,500, with easy access to shopping along Federal Highway, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea just down the street, and nearby schools including Cardinal Gibbons, Westminster Academy, and Pine Crest. Buyers here will most likely get a two-car garage and a pool, along with proximity to Pompano, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, and downtown Fort Lauderdale.
What About Garden Isles in Pompano?
Garden Isles, in Pompano Beach, carries the highest medium price point of the four at $742,500. Most homes here won't be directly on the water, but the location puts residents near the brand-new Crunch gym, Pompano Beach Pier, and the Fishing Village, with easy access to Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, downtown Fort Lauderdale, and even Boca Raton. Waterfront homes in Garden Isles do exist, but they push closer to the $1 million mark; non-waterfront homes here can still include a two-car garage and a pool.
What This Means for Buyers Priced Out of Waterfront Fort Lauderdale
If waterfront access isn't a strict requirement, these four neighborhoods show that a three-bedroom home with a garage — and often a pool — is still achievable well under $1 million in the greater Fort Lauderdale area. The tradeoff is proximity to the water rather than direct access to it, which for many buyers is a worthwhile exchange given the savings.
Which of These Neighborhoods Would I Pick?
Of the four, Imperial Point and Knoll Ridge stand out to me personally, largely because of the combination of shopping access, nearby private schools, and proximity to both Lauderdale-by-the-Sea and downtown Fort Lauderdale at a comparable price point to Oakland Park.
FAQ
Can you still buy a house under $1 million in Fort Lauderdale? Yes, several neighborhoods — including Middle River Terrace/Poinsettia Heights, Oakland Park, Imperial Point/Knoll Ridge, and Garden Isles in Pompano — offer three-bedroom homes with medium prices between roughly $699,000 and $742,500.
Which neighborhood has the lowest median price for a 3-bedroom home? Middle River Terrace and Poinsettia Heights, at a medium price point right around $699,000.
Do these homes come with garages and pools? Many do. Options range from converted carports and one-car garages up to two-car garages, and pools are available in several of these neighborhoods.
Can you still be on the water in these neighborhoods? In some cases, yes — Middle River Terrace/Poinsettia Heights and Garden Isles both have waterfront options, though those tend to push closer to or above the $1 million mark.
Want to Talk Through Fort Lauderdale Homes Under $1 Million?
I'm Joe Vairo with the Vairo Group. If you want an honest, current conversation about finding a home under $1 million in Fort Lauderdale, reach out directly.
📲 Text or call me at 954-830-1126
📩 Email me at [email protected] anytime — I respond personally
Joe Vairo is a 2x eXp ICON Agent, South Florida real estate agent, and Fort Lauderdale Magazine's #3 ranked agent in Fort Lauderdale. The Vairo Group, ranked the #3 real estate team in Fort Lauderdale, specializes in waterfront properties and luxury relocation in the $1M+ market.
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