Living in Wilton Manors, Florida: Is It a Good Place to Live?
When you think everything is known and said about Florida, it always surprises you with a new pearl. Everyone knows that Florida is popular, not only in the USA but also around the world. It is one of the synonyms for enjoying good weather, sandy beaches, and turquoise sea.
Florida is not only a place for hedonism but also an opportunity for good business, a successful sports career, or studies at prestigious universities. Few people would turn down Florida as a place to live.
Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Fort Lauderdale are some of the most famous and largest cities in Florida. This time, we present to you the suburb of Fort Lauderdale: Wilton Manors.
But is Wilton Manors a good place to live? Well, let’s start with the basics.
Wilton Manors has close to 12,000 residents and belongs to Broward County. Its nickname is “Island City,” and its satisfied residents believe “Life’s just better here.” It can boast a complete urban offer and peace and discretion, which life in a smaller place provides.
Population
Although the number of residents is relatively low, Wilton Manners is notable due to a large LBGT community in Florida. Along with Greater Fort Lauderdale, it is considered the most significant center of residence and gathering of the LGBT population.
This also applies to gay tourism, which is one of the most important reasons for the flourishing of the place. Although this is a significantly large gayborhood, it does not mean that it is not family-friendly. On the contrary, anyone without prejudices and respects other people’s determinations and way of life is welcome.
The atmosphere is friendly, liberal, and relaxed.
The population of Wilton Manners, conceived in this way, contributed to the significant development of LBGT tourism and a noticeable economic increase.
Taxes
Florida is one of the few US States without an individual income tax. Residents are subject to a 6% state sales tax and a 7% local sales tax. Corporation taxes help Florida fund road maintenance, education, and other public expenditures.
Housing
This place has many trees, parks, and green areas in well-kept yards. A unique asset of Wilton Manners is the houses in a part of the city crisscrossed by canals, where you can park your speedboat on a private dock. It is possible to use it in parallel with the car and thus enjoy a different and more beautiful mode of transport.
The houses are of various styles, but mostly the traditional Florida style is present, as well as modern, functional architecture. Modern houses in the shape of geometric bodies maximize space. In combination with large glass windows and metal balcony railings, they bring the spirit of modernism and innovation.
Some neighborhoods are gated and guarded 24 hours a day.
House prices average around $460,000, and monthly rent is around $1,700. The monthly rent for a studio is about $1,200, and as the number of bedrooms increases, prices also increase, up to $2,800 for four bedrooms.
Real estate prices in this area are about 49% higher than the Florida average and about 60% higher than the US average.
We must mention that some of the most luxurious homes sold for nearly $1,900,000. This speaks of the residents’ high standards and the possibilities for starting a business and earning serious income.
Cost of Living
For comfortable living in Wilton Manors, a family needs a minimum of $103,700, and a single needs $52,000. This figure is recommended when the costs of living are known, and it is best to be realistic about your own possibilities.
The prices of everyday life here are higher compared to Florida and the USA average. You have to keep in mind that a large number of residents have their own private businesses, and the influx of tourists is huge. Therefore, the prices are higher. A big Pride is held here when tourists flock in incredible numbers. Places where such gigantic events take place are not cheap anywhere in the world.
About 31% more should be set aside for groceries, utilities, transportation, housing, and health care compared to the national average. Other needs would be in accordance with your wishes and possibilities. This concerns meals in restaurants and evening outings, then beauty services, clothing, hobbies, recreation…
Health Care
An important item in the life of every person is health care. When you plan to live somewhere, information about medical services in your city is undoubtedly important to you. Due to mass tourism and numerous retirees, Health Care is well organized in Wilton Manors. Many clinics, rehabilitation centers, and private doctors are available. Some are Holy Cross Medical Group, WM Health and Rehabilitation Center, Jason Ceavers MD, Manor Medical Center…
Fort Lauderdale and Miami, with their large Health Centers, are nearby, so the health sector is developed, professional, and efficient.
Schools
Broward County has a large number of public, private, and Catholic schools, colleges, high schools, and technical schools. It is fascinating to know that they are all highly ranked and have an A+ grade.
So, you don’t have to worry about your children’s education. Whatever their preferences, talents, and choices are, top schools and eminent professors are at their disposal.
Some of them are:
- The College Academy at Broward College
- McFatter Technical School
- Pompano Beach High School
- American Heritage Schools, Broward Campus
- Pine Crest School
- NSU University School
Job Market
The City of Wilton Manners has a modern approach to the Job market. It has recently been entirely online, saving you time and shortening the process of applying for and looking for a job.
This city provides employees with all the benefits you can imagine. Some of the many are:
- Health insurance
- Dental and vision insurance
- Life insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid holidays
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Use of City fitness center and tennis courts
Of course, there are also differences between employers, but generally, the working conditions are good and at a high level.
All tourism-related professions are in demand, from receptionists to hotel managers. Then, sports trainers, physiotherapists, nutritionists, doctors, and IT engineers are in demand. Executive secretaries, recreation assistants, data operators, and teachers can find work here. All kinds of workers for the maintenance of hygiene, green areas, and swimming pools are always needed.
The choice of jobs is diverse and extensive, considering that the community is small. However, we should remember the proximity of Fort Lauderdale and Miami and their offers in the Job market, so you will not be without work.
Is Wilton Manors Safe?
Any city with a large flow of people carries a particular security risk, regardless of whether they are residents, tourists, or just passengers in transit.
Although all this is known, it must be emphasized that Wilton Manners is a very safe city. Despite all the potential dangers, crime here is limited to theft, burglary, and motor vehicle theft. Other types of criminal acts, which are dangerous to life and involve serious violence, are negligible.
As everywhere in the world, there are safer and less safe parts of the city, so you should be informed and act accordingly.
The surveyed population declared themselves 100% safe and secure. They praised law enforcement’s constant activity, presence, and efficiency.
Things to Do
To begin with, this is a very walkable city, and you can visit many places on foot, which adds to the enjoyment. Then, there are parks and nature reserves at your disposal. Be sure to get to know the famous Colithachee and Dog Park. Elevated wooden bridges and paths through the mangrove forest will guide this authentic jewel of nature. The river will follow you in some parts of this path, and the paths are asphalted in some parts. Animals live freely in their natural habitat. There is also a nice dog park here, a fitness zone, and a picnic area with tables.
If you are a fan of outdoor activities, there is also Island City Park Preserve, which is impressive in its offerings. Part of the Middle River passes through it, along which you will walk on elevated wooden paths. Kayaking, fishing, canoeing, a walking trail, a basketball court, and a playground are available here. Three large pavilions have complete equipment for adequate food preparation and hygiene.
If you are in the mood for urban fun, you will come across a large number of excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars at every turn. The nightlife here is lively and rich, so there are plenty of clubs and dynamic street parties.
Galleries, Theatres, and the World Museum of Aids will inform you and give you an insight into the modern art of Wilton Manors.
There is a wide range of resorts, spas, and massage centers. With a boisterous night out and daytime outdoor activities, relaxing and unwinding in places like this is a logical continuation.
Of course, you can wander, visit, and enjoy this picturesque town in your own way.
Conclusion
Wilton Manners is more than just another small town or suburb. Its story is about the courage to be authentic and yourself. It is a story about the need to lead your own life in a way that suits you.
At the end of the day, it’s a story about the desire for freedom and respect for everyone’s needs.
If you feel that this city is for you, do not hesitate to reach out to our movers in Wilton Manors, Florida so you can find out more about the whole moving process there.
Every tolerant, well-intentioned, open-minded person who is aware of universal diversity is invited and welcome to Wilton Manners.
You will be welcomed there by good neighbors who are ready to help, new friends with fresh ideas, and a prospective community that builds its future on love and understanding.