Riverside Park - Fort Lauderdale, FL

Riverside Park dates back to the early 1900s, when it served as a trading point for produce along the New River. Residential construction began in the 1950s to accommodate the influx of people moving to Fort Lauderdale following World War II.

The neighborhood fell victim to mild decay in the 1970s and 1980s when the popularity of suburban living was at its apotheosis and many Broward County residents headed to its western reaches. Riverside Park has subsequently experienced a powerful revitalization as the combination of high gas prices and the desire to live close to the action has drawn a new generation of young, upwardly-mobile professionals back into the city's core.

Nearby Las Olas houses museums and a strong arts scene that includes the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art. Riverside Park frequently hosts events for residents, such as its Art Across the Bridge art show and sale.

Riverside Park residents don't have to travel far to find highly rated local restaurants serving a diverse mix of cuisines such as Italian, seafood and Southern soul food. Many of these haunts sit within the boundaries of the neighborhood. In addition, Las Olas Boulevard – which features Fort Lauderdale's largest selection of dining and entertainment options – is located only a mile away.

The Riverside Market Cafe sits on the New South Fork River and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with a huge selection of craft beers. Known for being cozy and comfortable, the restaurant's seating includes couches, booths and tables. Locals who arrive during breakfast hours rave about the sausage and cheese omelets, while the barbecue chicken pizza and fish tacos rank as favorite lunch or dinner picks.

Also a favorite among locals and visitors alike, Carcione's Pizzeria has established itself as the place to go in Riverside Park for New York style pizza, pasta and subs at the lowest prices in the area. For those who aren't big pizza lovers, regular diners at Carcione's recommend starting with a garden salad and loading it up with authentic house Italian dressing, and then moving on to one of the numerous pasta choices with marinara sauce and plenty of meatballs. Freshly baked garlic rolls, served on the side, also rank as a must-try.

The seafood lovers in the neighborhood make regular appearances at Snappers Fish and Chicken, a longtime South Florida seafood dive serving up tilapia, fried conch, catfish and snapper. Every entrée comes with fries, coleslaw and bread, and many of them cost under $10. In case you bring along a friend who isn't crazy about seafood, Snappers also features a full menu of burgers, subs, chicken nuggets and wings.

Riverside Park doesn't feature bars or clubs, so residents head over to Las Olas for nightlife. The drive takes less than five minutes, and the taxi fare for such a short ride is next to nothing. This district offers dance clubs, wine bars and live music venues such as Mangos.

Pedestrians can frequently be seen on Riverside Park streets, which are flat and straight but do not contain bike lanes. Driving cars remains the most common method of transportation in and around Riverside Park, and most of the restaurants and businesses within the neighborhood provide free parking. Parking for nearby Las Olas Boulevard, however, usually costs several dollars at a minimum. Riverside Park provides easy access to two interstate highways: I-95 and I-595.

You cannot hail a cab in Riverside Park, but numerous taxi companies serve the area and can be called for a pickup. Uber also maintains a presence in Riverside Park and all of Broward County.

Riverside Park residents have access to public transportation options that include bus, rail, water taxi and a trolley.

For outdoor fun and recreation, Coontie Hatchee Park serves Riverside Park residents. Free to park your car and enter, this park provides bicycle racks, picnic tables, pavilions and a walking/jogging trail with fitness stations. Both kid-friendly and dog-friendly, Coontie Hatchee attracts many residents both on weekends and weekdays who come to exercise, spend time with family and enjoy the outdoors.

Coontie Hatchee Park hosts the neighborhood's annual Art Across the Bridge festival as well as numerous other annual events, including an egg hunt every Easter.

The cost of living in Riverside Park sits lower than average for the Fort Lauderdale metro area. Residents pay an average of $823 in monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment, $3.25 for a beer in a local pub and $1.75 for a bus ticket into downtown Fort Lauderdale. Area gas prices hover at 3 percent higher than the national average.

Residents of Riverside Park have access to numerous shopping destinations including the Galleria at Fort Lauderdale mall, located a short drive to the east and featuring several big-box retailers and high-end stores. Roughly 13 miles to the west is Sawgrass Mills, a sprawling outlet mall that ranks as one of the nation's largest. Of course, staying in the neighborhood also affords numerous places to shop, including several boutiques and speciality stores.

Ron's Violin & Guitar Shop serves Riverside Park residents and those who travel from outside the neighborhood with sales and service of guitars, violins and other string instruments. Ron has a reputation in the area for doing great work and charging very fair prices.

Just across the South Fork New River sits Artistic Interiors by Andy Quinones, a local design shop that must be visited by anyone with a need for interior decorating. Well known for making any living space show like a model home, Andy also provides friendly service, great rates and has a reputation for being a joy to work with.

For large grocery trips, a Publix sits close to Riverside Park, and a Winn-Dixie is located a mile west on Davie Boulevard. Residents also visit Dixie Court Food Mart and Paradise Food Store for niche items and smaller trips. Residents head over to the Las Olas Sunday Market for fresh produce and other local goods.