Living in Fort Myers, FL

Thinking about moving to Fort Myers, FL? Here's what it's like living in the Fort Myers area of Florida!

Referred to as the gateway to southwest Florida, Fort Myers is a major tourist destination and city that residents love to call home. Founded after the American Civil War in 1866, Fort Myers quickly turned from a small trading post to a developing community loaded with great neighborhoods for people to live in. Located in Lee County with an estimated population of 95,949 people, the beloved city of Fort Myers is popular for its beaches, fishing, and local amenities. 

Only about a 20-minute drive to Cape Coral, a 45-minute drive to Naples, and within a three-hour drive to Miami or Orlando, Fort Myers is a good place to live. Fort Myers is a safe and family-friendly area alongside the Gulf Coast, known for its rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and shell-covered beaches. If you have been considering moving to this growing Florida city, Fort Myers has many pros and cons. After much research and consulting with the locals, this guide was created to give you the inside scoop on all there is to know about the beautiful city of Fort Myers. 

Here are eleven things to know about living in Fort Myers! 

Retirement 

If you are retiring and want to move somewhere warm and exciting, consider moving to Fort Myers, Florida. Named the best place to retire in the Sunshine State, Fort Myers is the place to be. Not only is it the largest demographic of residents aged 65 through 84, but with the notorious active and outdoor lifestyle that residents live, Fort Myers is geared towards retirees. If you are moving to the area, residents can participate in the state's no-income-tax, which benefits anyone living in Florida. Experience untaxed income, beautiful views, and easy access to leaders in healthcare.

Real Estate 

Fort Myers is home to beautiful real estate and thriving communities, perfect for retirement or the whole family. Full of many sought-after neighborhoods, the housing market in Fort Myers is somewhat competitive, with a median list price of $552,156. The average price per square foot in Fort Myers is $742, and most homes spend an average of 86 days on the market. 

Cost of Living 

One of the many benefits of living in Fort Myers, Florida, is its affordable cost of living. With a cost of living that is 9% higher than the national average, living in Fort Myers is desirable for young professionals, families, and retirees alike. Named one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, the city has seen rapid growth and rising housing prices over the past few years. But even after this growth, housing prices are still considered lower than the national average.

Like nearby popular cities such as Naples and Sarasota, residents can experience the same benefits of southwest Florida at a cheaper price living in Fort Myers. With a small-town feel, a growing downtown district, and the addition of new restaurants and shops, more and more people are being attracted to the area. If you want to move to Fort Myers, now is the time.

*Data Sourced from Payscale. 

Education 

Fort Myers takes education very seriously. If you have school-aged children, you will be happy to know that the public schools in the area are very highly regarded. The Lee County Public School System, including Fort Myers High School and Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School, are some of the best in the area. For those who are seeking higher education opportunities, then you are in luck. Not only are there many well-established institutions to choose from, but having the opportunity to study in paradise has its perks.

Florida Gulf Coast University offers over 63 undergraduate programs and provides students with its own private beach on campus. If you want to further your education by learning about the Florida water systems, check out The Water School, which is also offered at Florida Gulf Coast University. On the other hand, Florida Southwestern State College offers two-year and four-year degrees at their Lee County campus. Hodges University offers that for those looking to study in an online program. Fort Myers Technical College is another option that provides career and technical education programs to its students.

Job Market 

The job market is on the rise. Industries such as manufacturing, information technology, and financial services are expected to grow over the next ten years. Fort Myers may be the perfect place if you want a healthcare, education, or tourism job. As one of the biggest employers in the area, Lee Health is the largest healthcare system in southwest Florida. Major employers are Publix, Alico, Lee County School District, and Florida Gulf Coast University.

If you are interested in the fashion industry, Chicos FAS and The House of Wu are headquartered here. With one of the best employment outlooks, the chance of being able to find a job in Fort Myers is high. 

Explore Sanibel Island and Captiva Island

While Fort Myers Beach may be popular and near all the action, it tends to get very crowded, and there is often limited parking. If you prefer to spend your day at a beach with a relaxed and low-key feel, head over to Sanibel Island and Captiva Island instead. Only about a 30-minute drive from Fort Myers Beach to Sanibel Island, all locals know Sanibel and Captiva are the beaches to explore.

Located alongside the Gulf of Mexico, Sanibel is known for having some of the most beautiful and best beaches in Florida. Named one of the top ten Florida beach towns, Sanibel welcomes over 160,000 visitors annually. Famous for its shelling, wildlife, blue waters, and white sand, the Sanibel beaches stretch for 15 miles and are the perfect destination for a family vacation or romantic getaway. 

Spend the day fishing, shelling, dolphin watching, or swimming at Sanibel Lighthouse Beach or Bowmans Beach. Treat yourself to some ice cream at Pinocchio's Original Italian Ice Cream, where the Sanibel Krunch and Dirty Sanddollar are some of their most popular flavors. If you want to enjoy a sandwich or locally caught seafood, head to Gramma Dot's Seaside Saloon. Neighboring Sanibel, Captiva Island is tranquil and a little bit more off of the beaten path. Captiva Island is a hidden gem home to beautiful real estate and pristine surf and sand. Enjoy homemade key lime pie at the Key Lime Bistro or dine on American favorites and award-winning desserts at the world-famous Bubble Room Restaurant.

Outdoor Adventures 

While the beaches are certainly one of the most popular destinations in the area, Fort Myers offers more than just sun and sand. Part of what makes Fort Myers, Florida, so great is the recreation opportunities and abundance of outdoor activities. Prized for having some of the best fishing in the country, the calm and clear water makes for prime fishing opportunities year-round. Rent a fishing charter at Port Sanibel Marina or try your luck at the Fort Myers Fishing Pier—fish for Spanish Mackeral, Mangrove Snapper, or Redfish.

If fishing is not your style, rent a boat, learn to paddleboard, or kayak through the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico or the Caloosahatchee River. Hike the Black Island Trail, mountain bike, or explore the Estero Bay Preserve State Park. Admire wildlife at the Lovers Key State Park or visit the water refuge of the Florida Manatees at the Manatee Park. From watersports to active outdoor activities, Fort Myers always has an adventure.

Golf 

With more than 42 public and private golf courses in the area, it is safe to say that Fort Myers is a golfer's paradise. Perfect for any level of player, it is no wonder why golf is a beloved activity in retirement. Plus, the popular Topgolf is coming to Fort Myers in late 2021. Tee off at Fort Myers Country Club, which has been around since 1917, or check out the Plantation Golf and Country Club, known for its 18 holes and beautiful views.

For those wanting a pristine golfing experience, Gulf Harbour Yacht and Country Club has over 6,700 yards of tropical landscaping. This private championship golf course was just recently fully renovated and is one of the best-maintained and distinctive golf courses in Fort Myers. The Eagle Ridge Golf Club offers leagues for both men and women or get your kids involved at The Club at Gateway. Not only is golf a great way to meet new people, but it is truly a pastime for all Fort Myers residents.

Visit the Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Named a must-see attraction in Fort Myers, Florida, this historical museum and botanical garden is located off McGregor Boulevard, close to downtown. Home of infamous inventor Thomas Edison and industrialist Henry Ford, Edison visited Fort Myers and loved it so much he decided to build a winter home. In 1866, Henry Ford, a good friend of Edison, visited his estate and decided to purchase the adjoining property. Thanks to Edison, Fort Myers soon became a popular destination and attraction.

Today, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates have become a top attraction in the area and a perfect thing to do after a day at the beach. Today, visitors can take tours of the estate to learn about the inventions and lives of these great minds. Recognized as a National Register Historic Site and Florida Historic Landmark, the Edison and Ford Winter Estate has become one of the most visited historic homes in the country. 

Local Festivals 

Fort Myers has got you covered if you are looking for a cool festival or fun event. Hosting many events annually throughout the year, this is a great place to plan your next family day or date night. Visit the River District Farmers Market every Thursday and stock up on your local produce and seafood. For art lovers, the River District Art Walk and ArtFest by the riverfront showcase more than 200 artists in galleries and exhibits.

Happening every spring, the Southwest Florida and Lee County Fair is one of the most exciting and highly anticipated events in Fort Myers. Enjoy carnival rides and entertainment, and indulge in fair foods. For movie lovers, the Fort Myers Film Festival celebrates all local filmmakers and highlights local short films. Or venture to Fort Myers Beach and appreciate the masterpieces created during the American Sand Sculpting Championship. Check out the city of Fort Myers for more events and festival information.

Restaurants 

Since Fort Myers is a coastal city, there is no shortage of seafood restaurants to appreciate. Serving up classic Florida cuisine alongside internationally influenced dishes, Fort Myers features plenty of flavors and must-try plates. Some of the most popular Fort Myers dishes to devour include fresh-caught southwestern Florida pink gold shrimp best served lightly battered or fired, grilled Cuban sandwiches, sweet and tangy Florida key lime pie, pan-seared scallops and oysters, and state-famous gator tail bites.

For a romantic experience and classic southern cuisine, The Veranda Restaurant in downtown Fort Myers is one of the most unique and first-class dining experiences. If you are craving southern chicken and waffles or sweet potato souffles, check out Fancy's Southern Cafe. Inspired by Henry Ford, Ford's Garage in downtown Fort Myers is famous for its burgers and over 180 craft beers on tap. 

Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Myers 

Pros: 

• Beautiful beaches 
• Prime real estate 
• Delicious restaurants 
• Great place to retire 
• Excellent education 
• Fun things to do

Cons: 

• Tourists 
• High humidity 
• Hurricane risk 
• Traffic 

FAQs 

Is Fort Myers worth moving to? 

Fort Myers is a great place to live and is worth the move for its warm weather, beautiful beaches, delicious restaurants, safe neighborhoods, and sought-after real estate market. 

Is it better to live in Naples or Fort Myers? 

While Naples is known for its luxurious way of life and expensive housing, Fort Myers offers a charming and laid-back beach feel with palm-tree lined streets. 

Moving to Fort Myers - The Bottom Line

Full of adventure, beautiful beaches, and delicious restaurants, Fort Myers, Florida is one of the top places to live in the state. Safe and affordable, if you are thinking about moving to Fort Myers then hopefully this guide has helped convince you. With a low cost of living, Fort Myers has single-family homes, apartments, and condominiums to choose from.

Before buying a home, our team can help. Contact our Fort Myers real estate specialists today to find your dream home in this tropical paradise.

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