Lauderdale-by-the-Sea was incorporated in 1927, originally a fishing village distinct from Fort Lauderdale. Its defining features — low-rise beachfront buildings, coral reefs, and Anglin’s Pier — have been preserved across decades. In the 1950s–70s, it grew into a vacation hot spot, with small inns and motels serving snowbirds. In recent decades, the town invested in streetscape upgrades, plaza redesigns, and boutique redevelopment, while preserving its Old Florida charm and intimate scale.

Wake up to sunrise swims, walk to coffee at the pier plaza, spend the day diving offshore reefs or boating on the Intracoastal, and enjoy happy hour at live music cafés. For buyers, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea offers a rare low-rise coastal lifestyle with strong community spirit, boutique charm, and a prime central location.

Lauderdale-by-the-Sea has limited land, but select boutique projects stand out: 3000 Waterside (nearby Intracoastal) — Luxury waterfront condos with marina access. Boutique townhome communities — Small-scale developments replacing older motels. Condo renovations — Existing buildings undergoing modern upgrades. The town enforces height restrictions, so expect low-rise boutique projects, not mega-towers.