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Moving to Fort Myers in 2025?
Complete Moving Guide
This is a complete guide for Moving to Fort Myers.
Get all the information you need to know about moving to Fort Myers.
Planning to move to Fort Myers?
Moving to Fort Myers can be an exciting change in your life. We understand that moving to a new city is difficult and full of challenges, but if you know something about the new place, then it will be easy. So, in our moving guide, we have compiled essential details about the city. The cost of living in Fort Myers is relatively affordable and a healthy job market. The city is home to major employers including Lee Health, Hope Hospice, and Radiology Regional. The weather in Fort Myers is excellent as the city experiences 271 days of sunshine. It is a perfect destination to raise a family as Fort Myers has top educational institutions, recreational options, and plenty of green space. Fort Myers is located along the Florida Gulf Coast, which means you can enjoy stunning beaches with soft white sand and clear blue waters. This is a popular destination for retirees because of excellent healthcare facilities, warm climate, and affordable cost of living. The city has a lot to offer to its residents. So, let us explore the city through our moving guide.
- Quick Facts of Fort Myers
- Top reasons to move to Fort Myers
- Pros & Cons of Living in Fort Myers
- Best Neighborhoods in the Fort Myers
- Cost of living in Fort Myers
- Fort Myers job market
- Major industries in Fort Myers
- Top Career Options in Fort Myers
- Best things to do in Fort Myers
- Education System in Fort Myers
- Type of insurance required in Fort Myers
- Taxes in Fort Myers
Quick Facts about Fort Myers
Before getting into details about the city, let us explore some fun and interesting facts about it-- The city experiences 271 sunny days, more than any other city in Florida.
- Thomas Edison spent winters in Fort Myers and brought electricity to the city in 1898.
- Fort Myers is nicknamed the “City of Palms” because of the presence of majestic royal palm trees.
- Fort Myers has a colorful pirate history.
- Fort Myers is known as the “Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World”
- Sanibel Island won the top overall family travel award.
- The banyan tree at the Edison Winter Home is the largest in the United States.
- The Spanish-American War began with the telegraph dent from Fort Myers in 1898.
- Cape Coral near Fort Myers is known to have more canals than Venice.
- The beaches of Fort Myers have more shell varieties than anywhere else in North America.
Top reasons to move to Fort Myers
Moving is a huge step in anyone’s life and there must be some strong reasons to move to a new city. Here are some top reasons to move to Fort Myers-- Cost of living- The cost of living in Fort Myers is relatively low as compared to other cities in Florida. Housing, utilities, and groceries are more affordable and a perfect destination for retirees and families.
- Job Market- The city has a thriving job market and a growing economy. The major sectors for employment opportunities include healthcare, education, tourism, and retail.
- Education- Fort Myers has high-rated public and private schools. There are several educational institutions for higher studies.
- Climate- The climate in the city is warm during most of the days of the year, as there are 271 sunny days per year. Winters are mild and summers are warm and it allows year-round fun activities.
- Quality of life- The quality of life in Fort Myers is good as the city is home to several stunning beaches and has numerous options for outdoor fun.
- Culture- The city has a rich history and vibrant cultural scene. The local art scene of Fort Myers is thriving with galleries and other events. The residents of the city celebrate a variety of community festivals throughout the year.
- Sense of community- The city has a strong sense of community and has a family-friendly environment. This is an ideal location to raise a family. It is also a popular destination for retirees.
- Healthcare- Fort Myers is home to top-notch medical and healthcare facilities in Florida. The residents of the city have access to high-quality medical care and specialized services.
Pros & Cons of Living in Fort Myers
Each city has some good and some bad, but you should know everything whether it’s a positive point or a negative one. Let us check out some pros and cons of living in Fort Myers-Pros of living in Fort Myers | Cons of living in Fort Myers |
---|---|
The city offers relatively affordable cost of living, especially for housing | The city is prone to hurricanes and can be disruptive |
Residents enjoy warm weather year-round and perfect for outdoor enthusiasts | The city experiences high humidity especially during summer months |
The city has rich history and several cultural attractions | Public transportation is limited in the city |
The job market in Fort Myers is robust | During peak season the city can be crowded with tourists |
Florida has no income tax, so it is a tax-friendly state for residents | Homeowners insurance cost is higher than in the other parts of the country |
The city has beautiful beaches and several outdoor activities like sunbathing & water sports | Algal bloom in the city can impact the water quality |
Best Neighborhoods in Fort Myers
The neighborhood is the first place in the new city where you will make your home and new friends. Your neighborhood will support you in settling in a strange city. Before you move to Fort Myers, explore different neighborhoods in the city-- MeGregor- This is a neighborhood that is known for its historic homes and lush landscaping. This is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in the city.
- Whiskey Creek- This is a family-friendly neighborhood as it has good schools, parks, variety of amenities and hosts several community events.
- Downtown River District- If you are planning to find a house where you can enjoy urban living, then Downtown River District is the right place for you. It has a vibrant atmosphere, various shops, restaurants, and riverfront views.
- Colonial Country Club- This is an upscale neighborhood of Fort Myers and a prestigious golf course community. This location has elegant homes and a clubhouse.
- Valencia Terrace- It is a family-friendly neighborhood with good schools and parks. This location has a sense of community and a community center.
- Bella-Terra- This is a newer community with modern homes, a playground, and a community pool.
- Fort Myers Beach- If you want a neighborhood with a happening aura then pick this location. It is a popular beach town with a vibrant atmosphere. You can find plenty of dining options and entertainment options in this area.
- Cape Coral- This includes a variety of neighborhoods which has waterfront homes, communities, golf courses, and family-friendly subdivisions.
Cost of living in Fort Myers
The cost of living in Fort Myers is slightly higher than the national average. However, the cost of living in Fort Myers is relatively affordable compared to the other cities in Florida.However, the cost of living may vary depending on the location, and lifestyle you follow. Here is the breakdown of the cost of living in Fort Myers-
Expense Category | Cost |
---|---|
Housing (Rent) | $2,110 |
Utilities | $207.58 |
Food | $636 |
Transportation | $43.20 |
Healthcare | $1,394 |
Childcare | $1,394 |
Miscellaneous | $1,000 |
Housing Market in Fort Myers
Housing in Fort Myers is relatively affordable compared to other major cities in Florida. There are a variety of houses available in the city including apartments, condos, single-family homes, waterfront properties, and luxury homes. Though the cost of each type of house may vary. The median home price in Fort Myers is $361,000 and the market is not very competitive.
Average rental cost in Fort Myers
The average rental cost in Fort Myers varies depending on several factors including type, size, and location of the property. The median rent for all types of properties in Fort Myers is $2,200 per month. This value is 16% higher than the national average.
Job Market in Fort Myers
The job market in Fort Myers is generally strong with steady growth in several sectors. The job market is a mixed bag as there are plenty of job opportunities, however the pay and quality may vary.Various sectors in the city are contributing to the growth of the job market like healthcare, retail, tourism and hospitality, etc. In some sectors, the job market can be seasonal but the job opportunities will be more. Some industries are low-paying and there can be competition in some sectors.
In this section of our guide, we have provided different data and details about the job market in Fort Myers.
Top Career Options in Fort Myers
If you are moving to Fort Myers for better employment opportunities or a change in the industry, check out the data available for various career options.Career Option | Average Salary | Entry-Level Salary | Number of Employees |
---|---|---|---|
Operations Manager | $60,738 | $28,000 | 2,484 |
Project Manager | $76,070 | $40,000 | 2,484 |
Human Resources Manager | $64,256 | $30,000 | 2,484 |
Financial Controller | $82,103 | $45,000 | 2,484 |
Office Manager | $48,625 | $25,000 | 2,484 |
Executive Director | $68,578 | $35,000 | 2,484 |
Director of Operations | $74,931 | $40,000 | 2,484 |
Medical Social Worker | $40 - $47 | $18 - $20 | 2,484 |
Data Entry/Scanner | $19,000 | $10,000 | 2,484 |
Warehouse Associate | $25 - $32 | $12 - $15 | 2,484 |
Median Salary in Fort Myers
The median salary in Fort Myers is $88,000 per year. The median salary can vary depending on several factors including industry type, experience level, job role, and more.
Major Industries in Fort Myers
Fort Myers has several thriving industries that contribute to the economic growth. Here is the list of major industries in Fort Myers-- Tourism
- Hospitality
- Healthcare
- Medical Services
- Construction
- Real Estate
- Retail and Wholesale Trade
- Education
Education System in Fort Myers
Education is the key to everything in this competitive world. Finding the right school or college for your children is important while to move to a new city. Fort Myers has the best schools, colleges, and institutions offering higher education programs. Here we have compiled a list of top schools, colleges, and universities in the city-Elementary Schools in Fort Myers |
---|
Heights Elementary School |
Allen Park Elementary School |
Orangewood Elementary School |
Oasis Elementary North |
Cape Elementary School |
Middle Schools in Fort Myers |
---|
Oak Hammock Middle School |
Harns Marsh Middle School |
Diplomat Middle School |
Caloosa Middle School |
Lehigh Acres Middle School |
High Schools in Fort Myers |
---|
Fort Myers High School |
North Fort Myers High School |
Cape Coral High School |
Mariner High School |
Bishop Verot Catholic High School |
Universities and Colleges in Fort Myers |
---|
Florida Gulf Coast University |
Florida Southwestern State College |
Hodges University |
Keiser University |
Ave Maria University |
Transportation & Navigation in Fort Myers
Fort Myers does not have a robust transportation system but there are several options available for commuting. It includes taxis, ride-sharing services, public bus systems, and personal vehicles.
Public Transportation - Fort Myers has a public bus system throughout Lee County known as LeeTran. This is a budget-friendly option to get around the city.
Taxis and Ride Sharing Services - Fort Myers has several ride-sharing and taxi services like Uber and Lyft. These programs offer door-to-door service.
Navigation- It is easy to navigate the city using different navigation systems like GPS, local maps, and online maps (by Google and Apple). During peak tourist season the traffic can get congested. There are alternative routes that you can follow if you want to save time during peak hours.
Things to do in Fort Myers
Moving to a new city can be overwhelming but if you explore the neighborhood, cultural attractions, and more to settle easily.- Explore the pristine beaches, wildlife, and world-class shelling at Sanibel and Captiva Island.
- Spot a variety of birds at J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
- Relax on Fort Myers Beach and enjoy sunbathing water sports, and swimming.
- If you are a history lover immerse yourself in history at Edison and Ford Winter Estates, The Burroughs Home & Gardens, and the Mound House.
- You can charter a fishing boat and go for a fishing trip.
- There are many shopping centers and boutiques in the city where you can enjoy high-end shopping and local crafts.
Taxes in Fort Myers
There are several types of taxes that you will encounter in Fort Myers. Here are the details of different taxes and their rates.Sales Tax- The sales tax rate in Florida is 6% but there can be additional taxes imposed by the local government. So, the sales tax rate is higher in Fort Myers.
Income Tax- There is no state income tax in Florida, so no income tax in Fort Myers. However, there will be a federal income tax that you will have to pay.
Medicare Tax- This tax will fund Medicare which is a federal health insurance program.
Property Tax- The Property tax rates in Florida vary from county to county. Fort Myers has property tax rates.
Vehicle Registration Fees- These fees vary for different types of vehicles and their age.
Excise Taxes- There are excise taxes on certain goods and services in Fort Myers, such as gasoline and alcohol.
Insurance required in Fort Myers
Each city in the US requires some insurance to ensure security. Here are the details of the different types of insurance required by the residents of Fort Myers.Auto Insurance- If you own a vehicle then you need auto insurance. The residents require Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Property Damage Liability (PDL). PIP will cover medical expenses and lost wages for you and your passenger.
Homeowners Insurance- This insurance will protect your home and belongings from various risks like fire, theft, and natural disasters.
Renters Insurance- If you are renting, then buy this insurance as it will cover your personal belongings and liability.
Life Insurance- This insurance will provide financial assistance in the event of your death.
Business Insurance- This type of insurance includes general liability insurance, property insurance, and workers’ compensation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this guide is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, financial, or professional advice. It is recommended to conduct thorough research and consult relevant experts before making any decisions related to relocation.
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