Wilton Manors' housing is defined by water. The city's island geography means a large share of homes sit on canals or along the Middle River, many with private docks and boat access. The original development from the 1940s–1960s left a stock of classic mid-century single-family homes, which over time have been restored, expanded, or replaced with newer construction on the same lots. Condominiums and townhomes, particularly along Wilton Drive and the riverfront, add attached options. The result is a dense, established housing market where location on the water and proximity to the city's commercial core carry the greatest weight.

Wilton Manors' neighborhoods are organized around its waterways and its main corridor. The riverfront areas along the Middle River and its North Fork hold many of the city's waterfront and canal-front homes. Highland Estates, a neighborhood that has undergone significant revitalization, sits in the northeast portion of the city. The areas around Wilton Drive and the Arts and Entertainment District blend residential blocks with restaurants and shops, making them among the most walkable. Other established subdivisions offer classic mid-century homes on quiet, tree-lined streets just steps from the water.

Wilton Manors is known as one of the most welcoming and LGBTQ-friendly communities in the country, and that identity shapes its civic and social life. Wilton Drive's restaurants, bars, shops, and arts venues form a lively, walkable commercial heart that is central to the city's character. Community events, arts programming, and waterfront gathering spots give residents a strong sense of place. At the same time, the city remains a quiet residential community at the water's edge, where boating, jogging along the river, and neighborhood life coexist with the energy of its main street.

Wilton Manors is served by Broward County Public Schools, the nation's sixth-largest school district. Wilton Manors Elementary, an International Baccalaureate World School magnet campus, is located in the city, and students advance to district middle and high schools in the surrounding area. The city's central Broward location also places private schools, charter options, and higher-education institutions within easy reach, including those in nearby Fort Lauderdale.

Wilton Manors sits just north of downtown Fort Lauderdale, with convenient access to major Broward corridors including Federal Highway (U.S. 1), Dixie Highway, and Interstate 95. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is a short drive to the south, and the city's walkable, bike-friendly street grid makes local trips feasible without a car — an exception in South Florida. Commutes to Fort Lauderdale's business district are measured in minutes, while the broader Miami metro is reachable via I-95.

Wilton Manors' recreation revolves around the water and its walkable streets. The Middle River and its canals support boating, kayaking, and paddleboarding directly from many backyards, and the city maintains waterfront parks and green spaces along its shoreline. The Arts and Entertainment District along Wilton Drive provides dining, galleries, and events. Nearby, Fort Lauderdale's beaches and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park extend recreation well beyond the city limits.