Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Beach is the comparison most South Florida waterfront buyers make, and this guide breaks it down.
Facts checked October 16, 2026 against the developer fact sheet, floor plans and offering summaries. Figures can change; the developer documents govern.
Buyers shopping South Florida waterfront usually weigh three markets. Each trades something different.
Miami Beach
The deepest luxury market and the highest prices per square foot, with the most congestion and the oldest building stock in many corridors.
Fort Lauderdale
Boating culture, a strong rental market and a growing downtown. Beachfront inventory is tighter than people expect.
Hollywood
Between the two, roughly 9 miles from Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and about 30 minutes from downtown Miami. Lower density, a protected beach and new construction like Icon Beach Residences on a site that touches both the ocean and the Intracoastal. Review current prices before you compare.
Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Beach on Price
Miami Beach usually carries the highest price per square foot, especially in established oceanfront corridors. Fort Lauderdale sits in the middle, with strong demand along the beach and Las Olas. Hollywood often offers new construction at a lower entry point for comparable water access. Check current figures with our team, since pricing changes quickly.
Lifestyle and Density
- Miami Beach: nightlife, dining and culture, with heavier traffic.
- Fort Lauderdale: boating, marinas and a growing downtown.
- Hollywood: lower-rise beach, the Broadwalk and a quieter pace.
Access and Commute
Hollywood sits close to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport and between both cities, which helps buyers who split time across the region. Miami Beach is nearer Miami International, while Fort Lauderdale sits near its own airport and Port Everglades.
Our Take on Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Beach
There is no single winner. The right market depends on budget, lifestyle and how you will use the home. Our team represents buyers across many projects in all three markets, so we can compare options side by side. See Icon Beach prices and floor plans, plus market coverage on Miami Real Estate Trends.
Icon Beach Facts to Use in Any Comparison
| Factor | Icon Beach Residences Hollywood | What to ask other projects |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 3724 S Ocean Drive, between the Atlantic and the Intracoastal | Ocean, bay or both? Direct beach access or across a road? |
| Reported entry price | About $825,000 (June 2026 press reports) | Starting price, and for which residence type |
| Sizes | 945 to 1,738 sq ft interior in the tower; townhomes to 2,580 sq ft | Interior area, not total area with terraces |
| Deposits | 20% contract, 20% groundbreaking, 10% top-off, 50% closing | Total cash before closing and escrow terms |
| Rentals | One lease every 6 months, up to two per year | Minimum lease term and any short-term rental rules |
| Estimated completion | 2029 | Construction status and the date in the contract |
Which Market Fits Which Buyer
- Choose Miami Beach if nightlife, dining and an established luxury address matter more than price per square foot.
- Choose Fort Lauderdale if boating and marina access are central, or you want an urban downtown near the water.
- Choose Hollywood if you want new construction, a quieter walkable beach and quick access to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport at a lower entry point.
Five Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Market
- Will this be a full-time home, a seasonal base or a rental investment?
- How long are you willing to wait for completion?
- What are the rental rules, and do they fit your plan?
- What will association fees, insurance and property taxes add each year?
- How far is the airport you will use most?
Who Each Market Suits
Buyers who want world-class dining, galleries and nightlife within walking distance usually gravitate to Miami Beach. Boat owners and those who want a balance of city and water often choose Fort Lauderdale. Buyers seeking new construction, a quieter beach and access to both cities tend to land in Hollywood. Many families also value Hollywood for its relaxed pace and the Broadwalk.
Rental and Investment Considerations
Rental rules vary by building more than by city. Some towers allow shorter leases, others restrict them. Investors should compare building rules, association costs and expected rents rather than relying on city averages.
New Construction Pipeline
All three markets have active pipelines of luxury towers. Comparing completion dates, deposit schedules and amenity programs across projects is often more useful than comparing cities in the abstract.
Making the Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Beach Decision
Visit all three if you can. Spend a morning on each beach, drive the commute you would make, and tour at least one building in each market. Our team represents buyers across multiple projects in Miami-Dade and Broward, so we can organize that tour and give you an independent view of each option. The Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Beach question has a different answer for every buyer, and we help you find yours.
Many of our clients who start with the Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Beach comparison end up with a clear shortlist after a single focused day.
Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale: Daily Life Compared
Day to day, the two cities feel different. Fort Lauderdale offers Las Olas Boulevard, a busier downtown and a large yachting community, with more traffic near the beach on weekends. Hollywood offers the Broadwalk, a calmer shoreline and a smaller-town feel, while still being minutes from the same airport. For buyers who want quick access to Fort Lauderdale amenities without living in the busiest districts, Hollywood often makes sense.
Price per square foot, building age and association costs also differ between the two. When clients ask us about Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale, we compare specific buildings rather than city averages, because two towers a mile apart can vary widely in value. Schools, healthcare access and commute times are further factors families weigh.
Our team features multiple projects across both cities, which lets us give an independent opinion instead of pushing a single development.
If you are still deciding on Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale, book a short call with our team. We will compare live listings and pre-construction options so the Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale choice becomes clear.
Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Beach FAQ
Which is cheapest: Hollywood vs Fort Lauderdale vs Miami Beach?
Hollywood often has the lowest entry price of the three for new waterfront construction, though it varies by building.
Which is best for boaters?
Fort Lauderdale is known for marinas, while Hollywood offers Intracoastal access at many sites.
Can you compare projects for me?
Yes. Call +1 305 571-6319 or use the WhatsApp bubble to speak with our team.