As someone who grew up in New York City, I always wanted to find a place to live that had the vibrancy and culture of New York without the hassles of a long commute and a four-hour drive during the summer to the Hamptons. I have found all of that and more in Fort Lauderdale. My commute to work down Las Olas Boulevard is just five minutes (10, if I stop by Gran Forno bakery for an espresso). We also have world-class shopping and restaurants like Cafe Mortorano and Casa D’Angelo. Fort Lauderdale also has great cultural opportunities such as the Museum of Discovery and Science which offer exhibits that would rival other major cities.

Fort Lauderdale has a business-friendly environment which has a attracted and retains some thriving businesses such as AutoNation, City Furniture and Cundy Insurance. We have an incoming Mayor, Jack Seiler, who I believe will make Fort Lauderdale an even better place to do business than it is today.

And while Fort Lauderdale is a thriving urban area, it is also boasts some of the best parks and open spaces that allow my children to enjoy sports year round. We even have great educational institutions, such as Pine Crest preparatory school, which has been in existence since the 1930s.

Another positive about living in Fort Lauderdale is our airport, which is just 10 minutes from home and allows us to fly anywhere around the world. And when I do leave on a trip, whether for business or vacation, I always look forward to coming home.