If you’re looking at South Florida and wondering, “Is Hallandale Beach actually a good place to live in 2025, or am I romanticizing palm trees and ocean views?” — you’re not alone.
We help people move in and out of Hallandale Beach all the time at United Prime Van Lines, and we hear the same questions on every call:
- Is it safe?
- Is it expensive?
- Is the traffic insane?
- What’s it really like to live there year‑round, not just visit?
Let’s walk through the real pros and cons, the way we talk about it with our own friends and customers before they book a move.
First, Where Exactly Is Hallandale Beach?
Hallandale Beach sits in southern Broward County, between Hollywood and Aventura, just north of the Miami‑Dade line. It’s one of those spots that used to be overlooked, but in the last decade it’s quietly turned into a popular place for:
- Snowbirds
- Retirees
- Young professionals who want to be near Miami without paying Miami Beach rent
- Families who like being close to both Broward and Miami‑Dade
You’re a short drive from:
- Miami: ~20–35 minutes (traffic decides which)
- Fort Lauderdale: ~25–30 minutes
- Hollywood Beach: 10–15 minutes
Geographically, it’s in a sweet spot. But “nice location” doesn’t automatically mean “great to live in,” so let’s get more specific.
The Upside of Living in Hallandale Beach (Pros in 2025)
1. You Actually Get the Beach Lifestyle People Dream About
We see two types of people moving here: those chasing the beach life, and those escaping the cold. Hallandale gives both groups what they’re after.
- Public beach access with a more low‑key vibe than South Beach
- Long beachfront with condos lining Ocean Drive
- Easy walks to the sand from many residential buildings
- Sunrise views that really do look like the postcards
If you’re moving from somewhere like New York, Chicago, or Toronto, Hallandale feels like stepping into another universe in January. Shorts, flip‑flops, and ocean breezes instead of snow boots and scraping ice off your windshield.
2. Location: Close to Everything, Without Being in the Middle of Chaos
One of the biggest pros we hear from clients after they move in: “We had no idea how convenient this place is.”
From Hallandale Beach you can:
- Jump on I‑95 in minutes
- Use US‑1 (Federal Highway) for errands, dining, and stores
- Be in Aventura Mall or Gulfstream Park in 5–10 minutes
- Reach both Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport and Miami International Airport in under an hour (often around 20–35 min, depending on traffic and which airport)
You’re near:
- Aventura (shopping, dining, more upscale vibe)
- Hollywood (beach, broadwalk, nightlife)
- Miami (culture, nightlife, job market)
- Sunny Isles (more beachfront and Russian/Brazilian communities)
So you’re close to big‑city action, but when you go back home to Hallandale Beach, it feels calmer and a bit more residential.
3. Cost of Living: Not Cheap, But Often Lower Than Miami Beach
We’ll be straight: Hallandale Beach is not a “budget” market anymore. South Florida in general has seen a big run‑up in prices, especially since 2020. But if you compare Hallandale Beach to:
- Miami Beach
- Brickell
- Downtown Miami
- Some coastal parts of Fort Lauderdale
…Hallandale often comes out a bit more affordable, especially when you factor in:
- Condo prices on or near the Intracoastal or ocean
- Rent for 1–2 bedroom apartments
- HOA fees in older but well‑kept buildings
In 2025, you’re not stealing deals here, but you can still find:
- Older condos that are more reasonably priced than brand‑new towers
- Rental buildings that are cheaper than Miami hot spots but still close to the ocean
- More flexibility if you don’t insist on brand‑new construction right on the sand
When we help folks move from Miami proper, they often tell us: “We realized we could get more square footage and still stay near the water if we went a little north to Hallandale.”
4. A More Relaxed Pace Than Miami, But Not Boring
Hallandale Beach has an interesting mix:
- Retirees and snowbirds
- Latin American, Eastern European, Caribbean communities
- Young professionals working remotely or commuting to Miami / Fort Lauderdale
- Seasonal residents from Canada and the Northeast
That combination gives the city a more laid‑back, international, slightly older feel in some areas — but with pockets of energy around:
- N Federal Highway (US‑1): restaurants, shops, bakeries, cafes
- Gulfstream Park: shops, casino, racetrack, bars, restaurants
- Beach area: walkable streets, waterfront condos, small local places
If you want 3 a.m. clubbing, you’ll probably drive to Miami or Fort Lauderdale. But if you like:
- Dinner on the water
- Casual nightlife
- Walks along the beach
- Brunch spots and coffee shops
…Hallandale hits a nice balance. Enough to do, but you’re not living in tourist central.
5. Weather: Exactly What You Imagine… With a Catch
On the pro side:
- Mild winters: It’s the reason half the country wants to move here.
- Beach weather most of the year
- Outdoor lifestyle: walks, biking, paddleboarding, outdoor dining
If you hate being cold, South Florida winter will feel like cheating at life.
The “catch” we’ll talk about under cons: heat, humidity, storms, and hurricanes. But overall, if sunshine and warm weather are at the top of your list, Hallandale is a strong contender.
6. Great for Remote Work and “Half‑Year” Living
We’ve moved a lot of people who:
- Live in Hallandale Beach 6 months a year and keep a place up north
- Work remotely and only fly to head office a few times a year
- Run online businesses and just need good internet and a quiet place
Hallandale works really well if you:
- Want to avoid the chaos and cost of Miami
- Still want to be within a half hour of meetings, events, or the airport
- Prefer a quieter home base with quick access to the beach
Most modern condo buildings and apartments have solid internet infrastructure, and many units are already set up with decent work‑from‑home layouts (balcony + laptop is practically the South Florida starter pack).
7. No State Income Tax (Florida Advantage)
This one isn’t specific to Hallandale, but it’s a big deal for anyone moving from:
- New York
- New Jersey
- California
- Illinois
- Other high‑tax states
Florida has:
- No state income tax
- No city wage tax like you see in some northern cities
If you’re a high earner, a business owner, or someone living off investments, that difference alone can make living in Hallandale Beach financially attractive.
The Downsides of Living in Hallandale Beach (Cons in 2025)
Now the part people really want to know before calling movers like us: the cons.
We see the full cycle — from people excited to move in, to some who decide to move out later and tell us honestly what they didn’t like. Here’s what comes up most often.
1. Traffic and Congestion: This Is Still South Florida
If you’re coming from a smaller city, the traffic can be a rude awakening.
You’ll deal with:
- Crowded I‑95, especially rush hours
- Slow movement on Hallandale Beach Blvd (west–east corridor to the beach)
- Busy US‑1 (Federal Highway) with constant local traffic, shopping centers, and lights
On paper, something might be “six miles away.” In reality, that might mean:
- 12–15 minutes at 10 a.m.
- 30–45 minutes at 5:30 p.m.
We always tell our customers who are planning commutes: test‑drive the route at rush hour when you come to visit. Traffic is not just an annoyance; it changes how your everyday life feels.
2. Heat, Humidity, and Hurricane Season
Yes, the winters are fantastic. But year‑round reality includes:
- Long, hot, humid summers
- Sticky evenings where you absolutely live in air conditioning
- Afternoon thunderstorms that can feel intense but brief
And then there’s:
- Hurricane season: June–November
- Occasional evacuations or storm prep during major systems
- Insurance challenges (we’ll get to that)
If you’ve never lived in coastal South Florida, storms and hurricanes are not just news headlines — they’re a part of life that you plan around. Most long‑time residents are used to it, but it’s something we always talk through with people before they decide to relocate here.
3. Housing & Insurance Costs Have Climbed
While Hallandale Beach might be cheaper than Miami Beach, “cheaper” doesn’t mean “cheap.” In 2025 you need to be realistic about:
- Rent prices: especially close to the water or in newly renovated properties
- Property values: South Florida coastal real estate has risen steadily
- Homeowners insurance: Florida has seen serious jumps in insurance costs, especially for older buildings and those near the coast
- Condo association fees: some buildings have elevated HOAs due to new safety inspections and improvements after the Surfside tragedy
If you’re buying, your monthly payment isn’t just mortgage + taxes — those HOA and insurance numbers can be eye‑opening.
When we talk to clients planning a move to Hallandale, we always suggest: speak to an insurance agent and, if buying, a local real estate pro before committing. The sticker shock usually isn’t the down payment; it’s the ongoing monthly costs.
4. It Can Feel Seasonal and Transient
Depending on what part of Hallandale Beach you live in, you might notice:
- Many residents are “snowbirds” who only stay during winter
- Certain condo buildings are much fuller from November to April
- The vibe can shift when the seasonal residents leave in the hotter months
If you’re craving a super tight‑knit, full‑time community where all your neighbors are there year‑round, Hallandale might feel a little transient in some pockets.
On the flip side, some people love that — it gives the area a constant flow of energy and variety. But it’s something to be aware of if you’re moving with kids or looking for long‑term neighborhood relationships.
Here is the edited text with bolding (** headers and key points) and italics (* explanations and emphasis):
5. Walkability Depends Heavily on Your Exact Area
When folks say, “Hallandale Beach is so walkable,” what they often mean is:
- Certain areas near the beach
- Certain blocks near US‑1 with restaurants and stores
But:
- Hallandale Beach Blvd is busy, wide, and not always pleasant for pedestrians
- Some inland neighborhoods are more suburban and car‑dependent
- Crossing big roads during peak hours can feel stressful, especially with kids
If walkability is a deal‑breaker for you, spend time on the ground:
- Walk from a few buildings you’re considering
- See what’s actually within comfortable walking distance
- Check how comfortable you feel crossing major roads
From our experience, people happiest here know exactly what neighborhood fits their lifestyle: beachside, Intracoastal area, inland single‑family homes, or more urban near US‑1.
Here is the edited text with bolding (** headers and key points) and italics (* explanations and emphasis):
6. Schools Are Mixed, and Many Families Look at Options
If you have kids, schools are going to be a major part of your decision.
The reality:
- Some public schools in the broader area are decent, some are average, some are not where parents want their kids
- Many families in South Florida look into:
- Charter schools
- Magnet programs
- Private schools in neighboring cities
If you’re moving with children, we always see the same pattern:
- Parents research the school zones before they pick a specific building or neighborhood.
- They check commute times to private or charter schools.
- They decide what trade‑offs they’re willing to make (distance vs. school quality vs. budget).
We’re movers, not school counselors, but we see the school factor shape almost every family move into or out of Hallandale Beach.
7. Not a “Quiet Suburb” and Not a “Major City” — It’s In‑Between
For some people, this is a pro. For others, it’s a con.
Hallandale Beach is:
- More bustling and built‑up than a quiet suburb
- Less intense than Miami or downtown Fort Lauderdale
- Densely condo‑heavy in many areas, with constant traffic and construction nearby
If you’re dreaming of wide tree‑lined streets with single‑family homes and big yards, this may not match what’s in your head unless you’re looking in very specific pockets west of US‑1.
If you’re looking for skyscraper‑city energy with museums and performances on every block, you’ll probably want to be closer to downtown Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Hallandale Beach is that “middle” — and you need to be someone who enjoys that level of density and energy.
Who Hallandale Beach Works Well For (And Who It Doesn’t)
After moving plenty of people in and out, we’ve seen some patterns. Here’s who usually ends up happy here.
Hallandale Beach Is Usually a Good Fit If You…
- Love warm weather and don’t mind humidity
- Want to be near the beach without paying peak Miami Beach pricing
- Appreciate a multicultural, slightly older, international crowd
- Want quick access to both Miami and Fort Lauderdale
- Are okay driving and dealing with South Florida traffic
- Either work remotely, are retired, or have a commute that doesn’t require crossing half the metro area at rush hour
- Are comfortable in mid‑ to high‑rise condo living or modern apartments
We also see a lot of:
- Empty nesters relocating full‑time from northern states
- Couples in their 30s–50s who want to downsize and live near the water
- Remote workers who can choose any city and want a softer cost of living than Miami’s hottest neighborhoods
Hallandale Beach Might Not Be Your Best Match If You…
- Hate driving and dream of a super walkable neighborhood with everything at your doorstep (think more like downtown Miami or parts of Fort Lauderdale)
- Are extremely sensitive to heat and humidity
- Want a classic suburban setting with big yards and tree‑lined streets
- Need extremely strong public school options right in your immediate neighborhood without supplementing with private or special programs
- Are terrified of the idea of hurricanes and can’t see yourself ever feeling okay during storm season
We always tell people: if you’re really on the fence, try renting for a year. Use that time to get to know the area before you commit to buying in Hallandale Beach or anywhere along the coast.
Daily Life in Hallandale Beach: What It Feels Like Year‑Round
Let’s pull it together into what your typical week might look like if you lived here.
Mornings
- Grab coffee from a local spot on US‑1 or near the beach
- Walk or jog by the water if you’re close enough
- Remote workers: morning on the balcony or at a cafe with laptop open
- Parents: school drop‑offs, then commute on I‑95 or local roads
In winter, mornings are near perfect — 60s/70s, fresh air, sunrise over the ocean. In summer, it’s warm early, but still nice before midday heat sets in.
Afternoons
- Errands along US‑1: grocery stores, pharmacies, big retail, small local shops
- Lunch at a casual spot, Latin American restaurant, or a cafe
- Beach time if you’re off work, retired, or working flexible hours
- Occasional heavy afternoon storms rolling in and out in summer
Traffic builds later in the afternoon, especially on main corridors. Living close to where you spend most of your time makes a big difference here.
Evenings
- Dinner at Gulfstream Park, local restaurants, or a quick ride to Hollywood or Aventura
- Walks along the beach or Intracoastal if you’re nearby
- Evenings at home on the balcony — one of the big perks of condo living here
If you want heavier nightlife, you hop in the car and head to Miami or Fort Lauderdale — then come back to a quieter home base in Hallandale.
How We See Hallandale Beach as a Moving Company in 2025
Because we’re in and out of buildings every day, we get a different angle than what you find in glossy travel guides.
Here’s what we notice at United Prime Van Lines:
- Demand is steady: people are still moving into Hallandale Beach, especially from the Northeast, Midwest, California, and Canada.
- Turnover in some buildings: some folks try South Florida for a few years, then decide the climate or pace isn’t for them and head back or try another region.
- A lot of “right‑sizing”: empty nesters selling big homes up north and opting for condos here with less maintenance and more amenities.
- Seasonal patterns: busy inbound moves in fall/winter, more outbound or secondary moves in late spring/summer.
We also get the honest “after the honeymoon” feedback when people move out:
- Some say, “We loved it, but we want to be closer to grandkids.”
- Others say, “We didn’t realize how much the humidity would get to us.”
- And quite a few say, “We’re staying in South Florida; we’re just shifting neighborhoods,” which tells you they still like the region.
Our job is to make the logistics easy either way — but we’re always honest about what living here feels like long‑term.
Planning a Move to Hallandale Beach? A Few Practical Tips
Whether Hallandale ends up being your forever home or a trial run, here are a few things we’ve seen make moves smoother.
Visit in Different Seasons Before You Decide
If you can, experience:
- Winter (peak “wow, this is paradise” season)
- Late summer (peak heat and humidity, plus storms)
Plenty of people fall in love with Hallandale in January but decide later the year‑round climate isn’t for them. Better to know that before you buy a place and move your entire life.
Test Your Daily Routes
If you’re:
- Commuting to Miami, Aventura, or Fort Lauderdale
- Dropping kids at schools in other cities
- Planning to visit family regularly in certain areas
Drive those routes during:
- Morning rush
- Late afternoon / early evening
We’ve seen people reconsider apartments they loved just because the real‑world commute didn’t fit their lifestyle.
Be Realistic About Building Age, HOA, and Insurance
If you’re buying a condo:
- Ask detailed questions about recent inspections and upcoming assessments
- Look closely at HOA fees and what they include
- Get insurance quotes before you fall in love with a specific unit
Florida’s coastal market is unique, and you don’t want surprises after you’re already under contract.
Lean on Pros for the Move Itself
Hallandale Beach has:
- High‑rise condo moves with elevator reservations
- Tight parking situations near the beach
- Buildings with strict insurance and scheduling requirements
We deal with this every week. At United Prime Van Lines, we:
- Coordinate with building management in advance
- Provide the insurance documentation most condos require
- Plan around elevator windows so you’re not stuck mid‑move
- Handle packing and unpacking if you want to land and feel settled fast
Whether you’re coming from across town, across the state, or across the country, we can take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on choosing the right neighborhood and home.
So… Is Hallandale Beach a Good Place to Live in 2025?
If we had to summarize what we’ve seen from hundreds of moves:
Hallandale Beach is a great fit if you:
- Want to live a real coastal lifestyle without paying the top‑tier Miami Beach premium
- Don’t mind driving and can handle South Florida traffic
- Love warm weather more than you hate humidity
- Appreciate a multicultural, somewhat laid‑back, slightly older but still active community
- Want to be close to Miami and Fort Lauderdale, but not inside the busiest tourist zones
It might not be ideal if you:
- Crave four distinct seasons
- Don’t want to think about hurricanes at all
- Need walk‑everywhere urban living or quiet tree‑lined suburbia
- Put top‑tier public schools above all other factors
If you’re seriously considering Hallandale Beach, we’re here to help you think it through, not just move your boxes. We know the buildings, the streets, and the timing. When you’re ready, we can handle:
- Local moves within South Florida
- Long‑distance moves from other states
- Packing, loading, transport, and unpacking
- Storage options if your place isn’t ready yet
When you’re set on making Hallandale Beach home — whether for a few years or forever — we’ll make sure getting here is the easiest part of the process.
