Florida cities, often known as the hub for retirees, are now home to young families.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale became a hot spot for people to retire and enjoy a slow life in the 1990s, but now parents and children have taken over.
According to the annual report of the Urban Development Bureau, families with children have increased by 83% since 2018.
Over the past five years, families of children under the age of five have increased by 47%, migrating to sunny areas.
Jayme Callahan, a 40-year-old mother who moved to the area three years ago, worked as a paralegal and one of several families who enjoyed time at the Sunshine Park.
“It’s a good idea,” Callahan, who has a five-week-old twin daughter, told Miami pioneer.
“We are actually moving to the suburbs, but we really like it. Everything is convenient. We could go out for a walk at noon. And we are safe here too. ” she added.
Not only did Callahan jump on the growth trend, but she saw others do the same.
Downtown Fort Lauderdale became a hot spot for people to retire and enjoy slow beach life in the 1990s, but now young families are calling the area home
Over the past five years, families of children under the age of five have increased by 47%, migrating to sunny areas. (Photo: Mother and child’s file photos)
“Especially in our buildings, you don’t really think that because we have young people, everything is focused on health, wellness, running clubs, etc. But we have a lot of families,” she explained.
According to Matthew Schnur, research and innovation manager for the Downtown Development Bureau (DDA), data showing a growing trend to move to the region recently showed that the growing trend of moving families to the region is often known for its “polar opposite story.”
Matthew Schnur, research and innovation manager for the Urban Development Bureau (picture), said it has been the city’s plan
“If you compare it to almost every other major urban center in the country, it’s the story of the polar opposite,” Schnur told The Outlet.
“How much is the word investing in Fort Lauderdale in overall quality of life. We are finally a true destination for the whole year. ”
The new data also suggest that family choice flocks to the downtown area due to its $10 million infrastructure expansion, including a renovation of Huizenga Park and its enhanced dining scenarios.
Young families also found the area cheaper than nearby West Palm Beach or Miami, with average rents at $3,000 a month, compared to $2,621 in downtown Fort Lauderdale, Zillow said.
According to Schnur, this has been the city’s plan.
“This kind of strong population growth has been decades. The purpose of downtown Fort Lauderdale is to always be this incredible location, livability and quality of life, comparable to any other major city.
The new data also suggests that family choices flock to downtown areas due to its $10 million infrastructure expansion, including families’ choices for Huizenga Park and its enhanced dining scenarios
“This vision is beginning to be realized, especially over the past five years,” he continued.
Bryson Ridgeway, another local, never thought he would stay in the area like he did – let alone raise his children there.
The 42-year-old moved to the area in 2006 after graduating from college and now nearly two decades later, he calls Rio Vista a neighborhood in the city – living with his wife, their nine-year-old, 11-year-old and 13-year-old.
After moving there, Ridgeway quickly noticed the city’s walking level and the appeal it brought to many residents.
“It made me realize that there were more children pouring in behind us,” the father of three explained.
“That part is surprising, but it’s not surprising when you think about it intuitively. From 2010 to now, many people have started moving here and they will not leave.
Callahan responded to Ridgeway’s consciousness and told the exit: “We don’t have to go far to do anything. We rarely get in the car.
Not only did the families notice a sharp change in population, but there were also local businesses.
Discovery and Science Museum president and CEO Joe Cox has changed the way his business works with more families around him.
“Even in downtown communities like Flagler Village five years ago, you can hardly see a stroller. Now they seem to be everywhere,” Cox said.
Daycare centers are also seeing a huge boom in which more and more families move there. (As shown in the picture: stock image of mother and son on the beach)
Cox said the museum has worked with the DDA to watch population changes, eventually adapting them to more children.
In 2023 alone, attendance “sky” and increased by 20% after the museum opened a new 5,000-square-foot exhibition titled “Discover Points.”
Cox explained that the exhibition is tailored specifically for six and less children to understand the state’s ecosystem.
“It’s all done in a very fun, very child-friendly, well-developed way, so it’s a lot of experience,” he added.
Daycare centers are also seeing a huge boom in which more and more families move there.
Jack and Jill chief program officer Angela Schroller told the Miami Herald that demand for daycare centers has reached new heights.
“The demand for our needs, especially for baby and toddler care, is indeed high until we can’t serve it. I think a lot of other providers are on the same boat,” Schroller said.
She added that the downtown area has become “really friendly” and her company is happy to be a part of it.
