Real Estate 2010

This Florida city, long a major economic engine for south Florida, is facing many of the same problems as Miami, with high unemployment and a deep pullback in construction.

Fort Lauderdale is wealthier than Miami, with a median household income of $64,000 compared with $49,000, and home prices are already very affordable, with a median of $224,000. But the area has gotten hit hard by foreclosures and many buyers may be waiting out the price decline. Home prices, after falling by 11.1% in 2009, will nearly double that decline this year, and prices aren't expected to rise until 2011.