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Sophisticated nightlife, luxurious apartments, fabulous restaurants and, of course, miles and miles of beaches—what's not to love? Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach make up the most populated area of Florida and are at the heart of the state's economy and culture.

Quality of Life
Whether you're a sun worshipper or just want to get a share of the booming economic growth, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach are cities on the rise with a lot to appeal to newcomers looking for apartments for rent. Whether people come to retire at the end of their careers or are just starting out, these cities have plenty to offer, both in terms of apartments and lifestyle opportunities.

Miami's main attractions (aside from the beach and all the tanned, toned bodies on it) include the Miami Seaquarium, the Parrot Jungle and several pro sports teams. In Fort Lauderdale, the main can't-miss is the picturesque Riverwalk, which houses the city's cultural highlights, including the Museum of Art and Old Fort Lauderdale Village. In West Palm Beach, residents love the Downtown Retail and Entertainment District, a hip and happening urban enclave of trendy clubs, cool boutiques and gourmet restaurants. What enhances all those exciting destinations is the fantastic subtropical climate, with its year-round warmth and sunshine. In winter, southern Florida is one of the warmest places on the U.S. mainland, with average January temperatures ranging from 64° to 70°F. The downside to all this is that the cities' location along the Atlantic Ocean makes them vulnerable to tropical storms and hurricanes. If you're going to live in Miami, Fort Lauderdale or West Palm Beach, some bad weather is an inevitability.

Where the Jobs Are
With more than 10 million visitors to the area each year, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach all depend on tourism for a major source of income and employment. There are other industries, though; in fact, Miami is an international banking and finance center, and is home to numerous multinational and Fortune 500 companies. High-tech industries are also a growing source of jobs. In Fort Lauderdale, employment opportunities abound in marine industries, manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, high-tech, avionics/aerospace, and film and TV production.

Cost of Living & Apartment Prices
Want to live the good life near the beach? Believe it or not, you can find small apartments for rent starting in the $500-600 range in these desirable cities. But to live it up in style, expect to pay $1,500 or more for appropriately fabulous apartment rentals. The median price for apartments in Miami is $700, and in Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach the median for apartments for rent is $600. The overall cost of living in Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach is slightly below the national average, so your money will generally go further here than in most of the rest of the country.

Neighborhoods to Explore
In Miami, there is a wide range of apartments, condos and homes to choose from. You'll find luxury high-rise apartments on the south side of town and quieter suburbs on the north side. Got money to burn? Check out the ritzy apartments rentals in affluent Coconut Grove.