Waterfront Living in Hollywood, Florida: Canal Homes and Intracoastal Access

Hollywood has legitimate waterfront - navigable canals through Hollywood Lakes connecting to the Intracoastal and ultimately to the ocean. It is less talked about than Fort Lauderdale waterfront but it is real, it is accessible, and it is less expensive. For boaters who cannot or do not want to pay Fort Lauderdale canal prices, Hollywood is the primary alternative in Broward.

Hollywood Lakes

Hollywood Lakes is the waterfront neighborhood. The canals here are navigable and connect to the Intracoastal. The critical factor (same as Fort Lauderdale) is deep-water access and bridge clearance. Get the specific canal depth and the route to open water before buying. Properties with verified deep-water access and no fixed bridge obstruction command the highest prices.

Price Comparison to Fort Lauderdale

A canal home with good water access in Hollywood Lakes runs approximately $750,000-$1.5M. A comparable property in Fort Lauderdale Las Olas Isles costs $1.3M-$2.5M. The savings are real. The trade-off is that Hollywood Lakes is slightly further south and the cache is lower, but the water access is functionally similar.

Intracoastal Frontage

Direct Intracoastal frontage in Hollywood is limited but exists. Prices for true Intracoastal-front properties start at $1.5M and go to $3M+. Far fewer properties than in Fort Lauderdale which means less turnover and longer wait times to find the right property.

Insurance and Flood Zone

All the same cautions apply as anywhere waterfront in South Florida. Get flood insurance quotes before making an offer. Know the FEMA flood zone designation. Elevation certificate matters. Run the full carrying cost including insurance before you fall in love with a canal property.