Rio Vista is a beautiful tree-lined community adjacent to downtown Fort Lauderdale. Its name means "River View" in Spanish, and as you can expect, the sought-after neighborhood is nestled between the banks of both the New River and the Tarpon River, as they flow through the southeastern part of the city towards the Intracoastal. It is one of the oldest communities in Fort Lauderdale and, in addition to its shady tree-lined streets, features meandering sidewalks and plenty of unique architecture, both old and new.

At the close of World War I, Fort Lauderdale claimed approximately 2,000 residents. An era of prosperity in the early 1920’s, along with the proliferation of new modes of transportation, saw the city begin its transition from a mostly agricultural community to a full-fledged resort town. Residential areas began to develop along the New River, with the creation of neighborhoods like Rio Vista on the south bank and Colee Hammock on the north. The first plat of the area to the south of the river was recorded by Mary Brickell, the famous pioneer developer in Miami and now a major landholder in Fort Lauderdale, as well (she also owned much of the land in Colee Hammock and along Las Olas Boulevard). Upon her death, the land to the south was purchased by C.J. Hector, who began developing the area he dubbed “River View”. By February 1923, the Fort Lauderdale Herald newspaper (now the Sun Sentinel) reported that Rio Vista was booming, with over 5,000 feet of sidewalk laid and streetlights installed!

The land boom reached its peak by 1925, when Fort Lauderdale's population climbed to 16,000. The late 1920’s saw a series of unfortunate events plague the city, only to be followed by the start of the Great Depression, and then the onset of World War II later in the decade. It was after the war that Fort Lauderdale started seeing growth again when thousands of servicemen discovered the area with its pleasing climate and a chance to reasonably purchase land in a burgeoning community. Rio Vista development began anew, thus accounting for the eclectic architectural style that is incorporated in this picturesque community. You may find an original 1930’s Spanish Mediterranean design next to a 1940’s bungalow next to a modern estate; yet nothing seems out of place, lending to the distinct character of this charming neighborhood.

Today our beautiful city has a total population of close to 165,000 and Rio Vista is comprised of about 1000 homes. It is bordered by US 1 to the west, the Intracoastal to the east, SE 12th Street on the south (adjacent to the neighborhoods of Harbordale and Lauderdale Harbours) and, of course, the New River to the north. Though the interior of the neighborhood is very quiet and peaceful with no through traffic, the enviable location (close to downtown, commercial/retail areas, as well as offering quick and convenient access to major highways, airport, and Port Everglades) makes this waterfront neighborhood one of the most desirable places to live in the area.

Of course, that’s not even taking into consideration its prime waterfront location. Though Fort Lauderdale has nearly 170 miles of waterfront real estate (it isn’t called the “Venice of America” for nothing!), Rio Vista has long been considered one of the foremost communities for mariners to call home. Residences along the “Rio Vista Isles”, or the finger streets on the east side of the neighborhood, have only the 17th Street Causeway bridge over the Intracoastal between them and the open sea (this bridge measures 55’ when it’s closed, but will open for vessels upon request). Many homes here are on double lots with 100’ of waterfront. The canals are large – averaging about 130’ wide (with depth varying from 4-7’) - offering many options for boat size. There are also homes along a stretch of the Tarpon River, but with a width of 60-90’ and a fixed bridge at SE 9th Street with just an 8’ clearance, only smaller motorboats and kayaks can traverse this route. But it is the dozen or so homes located directly on the New River that are the most sought-after in Rio Vista. With 100’ of waterfront each along the river that is 140-165’ wide, there is ample space for homeowners to dock even the largest yacht right in their back yard!

The Gayle Borden Real Estate Group is the leading expert in luxury Fort Lauderdale Real Estate, working tirelessly to provide comprehensive service to all of our clients. For information on Homes for Sale in Rio Vista or other fine Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods, please contact us by phone at 954-525-3355 or by e-mail at gayle@gayleborden.com.