Dania Beach/Fort Lauderdale - Dania Beach, FL

Dania Beach began as a settlement called Modello. In 1904, it became the first official incorporated city in Broward County. Originally inhabited by predominantly Dutch residents, a vote led Dania to join its wealthy neighbor, Hollywood. Shortly after in 1926, a hurricane demolished Hollywood, which led Dania to reincorporate. Some neighborhoods hung on to Hollywood causing muddled city boundaries that remain today. Dania replaced its name in 1999 and since then has been called Dania Beach.

A few impressive museums lie in the area. Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts truly celebrates the art scene in Dania Beach. View some amazing collections of handmade art. The museum also hosts the annual, "An Evening of Art at the WMODA," featuring Dale Chihuly glass and ardmore ceramics. Swing by at the end of every month for the International Ceramics and Glass Fair. Locals also enjoy visiting the Gallery of Amazing Things museum.

Several dining options await dwellers in Dania Beach. Tuscany Caffe serves fine, authentic Italian cuisine to its customers. Order the scrumptious lobster ravioli or the tender osso bucco. Seafood lovers must try the baked cod special with fresh vegetables. Save room for dessert and sink into a tasty piece of tiramisu.

When in need of a quick but quality breakfast or lunch, head to The Fresh Squeeze. All items are made to order with fresh ingredients. This juice bar also serves sandwiches, smoothies, coffee and tea that you can enjoy inside the restaurant or outdoors on the patio. Another awesome location, Tarks of Dania Beach is known for its seafood and chicken wings. Locals feel at home at this neighborhood dive because of its friendly service and inviting atmosphere. The clams, grouper sandwich and oysters make appetizing options. Place your order at the counter and delight in your meal while sitting outside.

The nightlife scene ranges from sports bars to locally loved dive bars. If you want more of a nightclub scene, head just outside Dania Beach to Ft. Lauderdale. Residents in Dania Beach can be found hanging out at Josie's Too. Slug down a cheap, cold beer while catching up with friends. Shoot some pool and rock out to some tunes on the juke box. The bar also provides free food on occasion to its valued customers. Locals also frequent Bad Boys of England pub for a pint of beer with friends. Watch some sports, munch on wings and wash it all down with an ice cold brew. The laid back atmosphere keeps regulars coming back for more.

Public transportation options include the Tri-Rail and the Broward County Transit bus system. Call ahead if you need a cab as they are not readily available around town. Uber provides service to the area as well. Many prefer to drive their own vehicles because parking is not a problem and the minimal fees won't put a dent in your wallet. Commuters find easy access to Fort Lauderdale via U.S. 1 and Miami via I-95. The majority of Dania Beach is walkable and safe streets make it easy for bikers to move about. Over 60 bike trails run through the city as well.

Large parks and recreation centers along with neighborhood parks are located throughout the city. Dania Beach Ocean Park, Frost Park Recreational Complex, Frost Park Gym and the Patrick J. Meli Park and Community and Aquatic Center all serve residents who want to participate in recreational activities such as baseball, softball, basketball, swimming and community opportunities. Health clubs also exist at many of these centers. C.W. Thomas Park offers free basic computer skills classes for adults throughout the year. The I.T. Parker Community Center hosts the MLK Peace Banquet and Dance every January.

Those looking for a neighborhood park discover several options in the area. Chester Byrd, Griffin Marine, Mullikin, and Northside/Melaleuca all offer awesome free amenities to locals. Chester Byrd Park houses a playground for children to enjoy. Griffin Marine Park includes a free boat ramp and floating dock. Tennis lovers head to Mullikin Park for its superb tennis courts. Northside/Melaleuca Park provides a fantastic place to have a picnic with the family and pooch.

The overall cost of living in Dania Beach rates 10 percent less than the city of Ft. Lauderdale. A one-way ticket on the Tri-Rail costs $2.50 and a one-way ride on the bus costs $1.75. You can also buy an all day bus pass for $4. Plan on spending $1,250 per month to rent a one-bedroom residence. A beer costs around $9, but the local dive bars serve cold ones for half the price. Gas prices rank 4 percent higher than the national average.

For shopping malls, high-end shops, chain stores and boutiques, locals head to nearby Ft. Lauderdale. A few specialty stores locate themselves in the Dania Beach neighborhood.

Those looking for modern, unique gifts shop at Alex's Flamingo Groves and Gift Shop. Find useful, hard-to-find houseware items, jewelry, furniture and affordable small gifts.

Customers in need of sporting goods shop at Nautical Ventures Marine. Also known for selling and renting boats and paddle boards, this place is perfect for those who want to participate in water sports. Paddle board lessons are available on site for $35.

Residents spend time grocery shopping at Dania Beach Patch Market Garden to support local vendors and purchase fresh and organic produce. Marando Farms hosts a daily local farmers market. Those who prefer a larger chain supermarket shop at Publix and Winn Dixie.