It is possible to reside in a developed Florida city with several fine neighborhoods when you move to Fort Myers, Florida, the gateway to Southwest Florida. This beloved city of France is eminent for its local amenities, shopping, natural scenery, fishing, and beaches making it the best place to live in Florida for families.
Incorporated in 1866 following the American Civil War, Fort Myers evolved from a modest trading post to the “City of Palms” and a haven for major attractions such as the winter estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, shell hunters, the warm waters of the gulfs, unique sea shells, and several major tourist attractions, making it a safe and family-friendly city in which to reside.
The city also secured 3rd spot as the fastest growing US city and safest place to live in the US for 2022-2023.
Read on the below block post to learn in detail regarding relocating to Fort Myers Florida.
Quick facts before moving to Fort Myers, FL
Where is Fort Myers, FL Located?
Fort Myers is on the southwest coast along the Caloosahatchee River in Lee County, Florida.
The city, with coordinates 26°37′N latitude and 81°50′W longitude, is about 15 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico.
It’s part of the Fort Myers metropolitan area, which includes Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, and Sanibel.
Population in Fort Myers, FL
According to the 2023 census, Fort Myers, Florida’s population is 105,260 residents.
Diversity in Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers, Florida’s racial composition comprises the following groups:
- White: 48%
- Hispanic: 23%
- African American: 23%
- Two or more races: 3%
- Asian: 2%
- Other race: 1%
Cost of Living in Fort Myers, FL
Whether or not moving to Fort Myers, FL, will be an excellent financial decision depends on how affordable the city is. Fort Myers, Florida, has a Cost of Living index of 104.2, 4.2% higher than the national average. The other cost of living stats of the city include:
- The median household income in Fort Myers, FL, is $57,403.
- To live a comfortable life in Fort Myers, it’s recommended to have a minimum annual income of $66,960 for a family and $44,000 for a single person.
- The living wage for an individual in Fort Myers is reported to be $17.42 per hour, equivalent to an annual income of $36,239 for full-time work.
- The average cost of living in Fort Myers is $2631 per month.
The table below indicates Bradenton’s cost of living index for different categories.
| Category | Cost/Index |
| Overall Cost of Living | 104.2 |
| Housing | 88 |
| Rent for a Two-Bedroom Unit | $1,390 per month |
| Utilities | 103 |
| Transportation | 108 |
| Grocery | 108 |
| Healthcare | 104 |
| Median Home Price | $349,500 |
| Median Rent | $1,616 per month |
| Average Monthly Salary After Tax | $4,948 |
How Is the Housing Market in Fort Myers, FL?
Fort Myers, Florida’s housing market is somewhat competitive, influenced by home prices, rental, and ownership rates. Here’s a simple analysis of Fort Myers’s real estate and rental market in case you are moving to Fort Myers.
- The average cost of buying a home in Fort Myers is around $405,000, with a slight 1.2% increase over the past month.
- However, the median sale price was reported as $398,000 last month, down 0.71% from last year.
- The median sale price per square foot in Fort Myers is $250, with another source reporting it as $243.
- Regarding population, 48.2% of occupied housing units in Fort Myers are owner-occupied, implying that the remaining 51.8% have renters.
Average rental price in Fort Myers, FL
- The average rent for a studio apartment in Fort Myers, FL is approximately $2,625
- The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fort Myers, FL is around $1,647
- The average rent for a 3-bedroom home in Fort Myers, FL is approximately $3,941
- The average rent for a 4-bedroom home in Fort Myers, FL is about $4,912
How is the job market in Fort Myers, FL?
Here’s a simple analysis of the type of job market, roles, and salaries you can expect after moving to Fort Myers, FL.
- Fort Myers, FL’s job market grew by 1.9% in the past year.
- The future predictions of Fort Myers show a 38.7% increase over the next decade, surpassing the US average.
- The average annual salary in Fort Myers, FL, is around $45,219 as of 2023.
- Fort Myers, FL, reported an unemployment rate of 3.60% in 2023, which is lower than the long-term average.
What are the top employers in Fort Myers, FL
- Chico’s FAS
- School District of Lee County
- White House Black Market
- Fox Electronics
- ABLE Healthcare
- G4S
- Master Protection Holdings, Inc.
- Millennium Physician Group
- Lee Health
- Shell Point Retirement Community
What are the most common job titles in Fort Myers, FL
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Customer Service Representative
- Server
- Administrative Assistant
- Internship
- Assistant Manager
Highest paying jobs in Fort Myers, FL
- Engineering
- Nurse Practitioner
- Nurse Anesthetists
- Chief Executives
- Pharmacists
- Podiatrists
- Purchasing Managers
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels
- Sales Managers
- Electrical Engineers
How safe is it to live in Fort Myers, FL?
Moving to Fort Myers, Florida, comes up with a challenge that the city has a higher overall crime rate than the national average, and the likelihood of being a victim varies between violent and property crimes, with property crimes having a higher chance.
- Fort Myers, Florida, has a crime rate higher than the national average, with a 1 in 40 chance of being a victim of either violent or property crime.
- The total crime rate in Fort Myers is 2,396.5 per 100,000 people, with a violent crime rate of 516.7 and a property crime rate of 1,879.8.
- The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime in Fort Myers is 1 in 193.5, while the possibility of property crime is 1 in 52.
- The most common violent crimes reported in Fort Myers are assault and robbery, and the most common property crimes are theft and burglary.
Top Safest Neighborhoods in Fort Myers, FL
- Punta Rassa / The Island at Shell Point
- Pelican Preserve
- Colonial Country Club
- Lexington Country Club
- Town River Estates / Riverside Yacht Club Estates
- Paseo
- Miromar Lakes
- Briarcliff / Briar Ridge
- Cape Coral
- Cypress Lake
How Fast Can You Commute in Fort Myers, FL?
The average commute time in Fort Myers, FL, is about 24.6 minutes, slightly less than the national average of 26.4 to 27.6 minutes.
Mass transit riders in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers metro area experience an average commute of nearly 60 minutes.
Fort Myers, Florida, has various public transportation options:
Bus Services
- LeeTran: The transit bus service operates from Monday to Saturday between 5:00 a.m. and 9:45 p.m. and on Sunday at different times, serving Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, and the unincorporated area of Lee County.
- Greyhound: Greyhound offers bus services to different locations.
Shuttle Services
- LeeTran Park and Ride: This service allows free parking for those riding the bus to the beach.
- LeeTran Beach Tram: The tram travels along Estero Boulevard, stopping at popular Fort Myers Beach locations.
Other Transportation Options
- Airport Transportation: LeeTran provides public transportation between 7:24 a.m. and 8:50 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. Sunday service is available from 8:26 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., connecting to other LeeTran routes at Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41.
How’s the weather in Fort Myers, FL?
Fort Myers maintains a warm climate throughout the year, featuring distinct wet and dry seasons, ample rainfall, and no snow. The city experiences numerous sunny days, with August being the warmest and January the most incredible month. Since you’re considering a move to Fort Myers, Florida, below is a simple breakdown of the weather in the city:
- The city experiences two main seasons: a hot, wet season from May to October and a cooler, dry season from November to April.
- Fort Myers has a tropical monsoon (Am) climate, known for being very humid and sunny throughout most of the year.
- The average annual precipitation in Fort Myers is 55.93 inches, with significant rainfall, especially during the summer months.
- Snowfall is infrequent in Fort Myers, and according to records dating back to 1902, it has never snowed in the city.
- Fort Myers enjoys many sunny days, with April being the brightest month of the year.
- August is the hottest month in Fort Myers, with an average high of 91°F and a low of 75°F, while January is the coldest, with an average low of 55°F and a high of 74°F.
How is the Education in Fort Myers, FL?
Read on if you’re worried about your children’s education after moving to Fort Myers.
- Fort Myers, Florida, offers diverse education options, including public and private schools and higher education institutions.
- Fort Myers High School ranks #97 in Florida and #1,461 nationally, showcasing excellence in state-required tests and college readiness. The Lee County School District, covering Fort Myers, is the 9th largest in Florida, educating over 90,000 students.
- Education costs in Fort Myers vary; for instance, Fort Myers Technical College lists tuition at $3,709 for dependent students, with additional expenses for books, supplies, and living. Florida SouthWestern State College provides detailed tuition costs for residents and non-residents.
- The Lee County School District, which serves Fort Myers, manages 122 schools. Fort Myers High School maintains a 20:1 student-teacher ratio, typical for the area. The district educates over 90,000 students from grades K-12.
What are the best schools in Fort Myers, FL?
Best Middle Schools in Fort Myers, FL
- Cypress Lake Middle School
- Three Oaks Middle School
- Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School
Best Elementary Schools in Fort Myers, FL
- Rayma C. Page Elementary School
- Heights Elementary School
- Three Oaks Elementary School
Best High Schools in Fort Myers, FL
- Fort Myers High School
- North Fort Myers High School
- Edison Collegiate High School
Best Universities and Colleges in Fort Myers, FL
- Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
- Florida SouthWestern State College
- Southern Technical College
What are the best things to do in Fort Myers, FL?
Read below the famous attractions and things to see in Fort Myers Florida
- Explore the Edison and Ford Winter Estates and museums showcasing the homes and inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
- Discover the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a natural oasis with boardwalks through wetlands and diverse wildlife.
- Observe Florida manatees in their natural habitat at the non-captive Manatee Park.
- Enjoy outdoor activities at Lakes Regional Park, featuring lakes, trails, and gardens.
- Take a scenic drive or stroll along historic McGregor Boulevard and explore Fort Myers River District for dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- Relax at Fort Myers Beach, known for its sun, sand, pier, and Times Square with shopping and dining.
- Experience wildlife at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a haven for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts.
- Engage in outdoor adventures like kayaking, sunset sails, and eco-tours to explore the area’s natural beauty.
- Immerse yourself in the local arts scene with visits to galleries, theaters, and cultural events.
- Take a bath at Sunsplash Waterpark, a family-friendly destination with slides and pools.
Best Neighborhoods in Fort Myers, FL
Certainly! Below listed are the best places to live in Fort Myers:
- Paseo
- Casa Del Lago
- Cypress Lake
- Crown Colony
- Esplanade Lake Club
- Watermark
- Buckingham
- WildBlue
- South Fort Myers
- The River District
What are the Pros and Cons of Living in Fort Myers, FL?
Here, we allow you to weigh your chances of relocating to Fort Myers, Florida, by considering the city’s pros and cons.
| Pros | Cons |
| 355 days of sunshine a year | High tourist population |
| Below-average cost of living | Traffic congestion |
| Reasonable housing costs | Risk of hurricanes |
| Good public schools | Polluted waters |
| Fun and exciting nightlife | High property taxes |
| Cultural diversity | Low paying jobs |
| Proximity to the Everglades | Population density |
| Growing job market | Limited public transportation |
| Access to beaches and outdoor activities | Environmental impacts due to population growth |
| Affordable housing | |
| No state income tax |
Conclusion
AFort Myers is an ideal city for settling down after retirement or raising a young family if you are moving to Florida. In addition to its picturesque scenery, delectable food scene, and exciting activities, the city also boasts the highest number of sunny days in the US, a lower cost of living and housing prices, excellent schools, and ample job opportunities, making it a top destination for young professionals looking to advance their careers. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your interstate relocation to Fort Myers, Florida today!