Lauderdale-By-The-Sea proudly traces its roots back to the 1920s. In 1924, Developer W.F. Morang (known also for his development of the Las Olas Isles) purchased and platted the property as a seaside subdivision north of downtown Fort Lauderdale. He bought the land with $10 down, $250 in revenue stamps, and a $50,000 mortgage from the sellers. Several years later, Melvin Anglin, a successful contractor and real estate investor from Indiana, bought the land platted by Morang with the intention of creating a new town. Anglin would later serve as the town’s first mayor.

The boom of the 1920’s soon went bust, and the town’s charter was revoked by the state in 1933 after a failure to make mortgage payments. It wasn’t until 1947 that an effort was spearheaded to once again incorporate this area now known as Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. Margaret Linardy was elected mayor of the new town, making her the first woman mayor in the state of Florida.

Today, what separates Lauderdale-by-the-Sea from its neighbors is its laid back, vintage charm. While most other coastal cities in Florida began allowing the development of high rise condominium and hotel complexes on the beach, Lauderdale-By-The-Sea constantly strives to maintain its small town appeal - and its ocean views - by limiting building heights and development, even today. With a total area of just 1.5 square miles (and just 6000 year-round residents) it truly retains its feel as a charming seaside oasis, far from the bustle of the city just to its south.

Situated between Fort Lauderdale to the south and Pompano Beach to its north, the town is essentially a long narrow island separated from the mainland by the Intracoastal Waterway and stretching an approximately half-dozen city blocks east to the Atlantic Ocean. The town is centered at the junction of State Road A1A and Commercial Boulevard, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants and bars, as well as the long wooden pier at the end of Commercial Blvd - one of only four such piers in Broward County - famous for its great fishing and diving. Weekends in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea often feature a variety of festivals, flea markets, art shows, or live music, taking place on or around this social hub. In addition to its popular beaches and a myriad of activities for all, the town features public tennis, shuffleboard, and bocce courts; a children’s park; and a Senior Center.

While some of the most popular real estate in Lauderdale-by-the-Sea can be found in its oceanfront condos, there are many sought-after single family homes still within walking distance to the beach. They can be found along the Intracoastal and on ocean-access canals, or on dry lots in the communities of Bel Air Isles, Bel Air, Lauderdale Surf & Yacht Estates, Palm Club Co-op, Silver Shores, and Terra Mar Island Estates.

Whether waterfront or dry lot, full-time or part-time residence, condo or single family, if you seek a small, tight-knit community full of vivacity and charm, look no further than Lauderdale-by-the-Sea. For questions about Lauderdale-By-the-Sea or other beautiful oceanfront communities in the area, call Fort Lauderdale Real Estate expert Gayle Borden at 954.525.3355.