While Fort Lauderdale usually gets secondary billing among South Florida cities, it doesn’t seem to mind. Although it’s uncompromisingly metropolitan, Fort Lauderdale has managed to corral the explosive growth that big sibling Miami cultivates. However, life here doesn’t want for glamour, and there’s a distinct feeling among locals that their city represents Florida living at its finest. Fort Lauderdale is a city that prides itself on tropical vegetation and manicured lawns. It’s geographically small with an easily navigable layout — you can often arrive at your destination via water taxi — and the weather is breezily Florida-perfect. Gorgeous homes line picturesque canals running through the city. Also sure to be spotted along those waterways: many yachts. As home to tens of thousands of these vessels, Fort Lauderdale more than earns its “Yachting Capital of the World” moniker.