So you're considering a move to Fort Myers, Florida? After living here for over 16 years, I've discovered there are some things I really wish I had known before making the big move. Whether you're relocating from the cold Midwest winters or looking for a lifestyle change, these 10 little-known facts will help you determine if Fort Myers is the right place for you.
1. Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach Are Surprisingly Far Apart
Here I am in downtown Fort Myers, otherwise known as the River District, but most people think of Fort Myers and immediately picture the beach. The reality? These two locations are drastically far apart. We're talking about 16 miles and approximately 30 minutes with no traffic to get to Fort Myers Beach from downtown. This is something you'll want to keep in mind when choosing where to live and how often you plan to visit the coast.
2. The Weather Is More Intense Than You Think
Yes, the weather seems obvious, but I wish I had understood it better before moving. The summers here get a bit toasty, about six months out of the year. While our average high is only 91 degrees, it's the humidity that makes the real difference. That's what makes people feel so hot and steamy in Florida during the summer months.
The good news? We typically have very hard rains in the afternoons that cool things down. And the other six months of the year? Absolutely gorgeous. Beautiful, quite dry, with highs in the 70s or 80s. That's the Fort Myers weather people dream about.
3. Beach Access Can Be Challenging
Fort Myers Beach is world-renowned and amazing, but getting there can be a real challenge. If you go to the beach on a Saturday morning first thing, you could find yourself one mile from the beach and stuck in traffic for 30 to 45 minutes just to get over the bridge.
My advice? Plan accordingly and start discovering some of the lesser-known beaches in the area. There are some secrets to be able to explore the coastline without getting stuck in all that crazy beach traffic.
4. Gated Communities Dominate the Real Estate Landscape
One of the major things you'll want to consider when moving to Fort Myers is real estate. I did not understand before I moved here just how many gated communities there are in the area. It's significant, the majority of homes are in gated communities with homeowners associations and different levels of amenities.
Now, there are options that are not in gated communities if that's not your thing, and that's quite okay. But because of the high number of second homes in Fort Myers, gated communities with amenities are extremely common. If you're looking for lifestyle, it's actually a really great way to stay in the neighborhood and enjoy a lot of the amenities and sunshine we have here.
5. Outdoor Activities Are Abundant Year-Round
If you like to go boating, fishing, golfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, tennis, bocce ball, or participate in many other outdoor activities, you can do that here in Southwest Florida. The beautiful thing? You can do it year-round.
I remember growing up in St. Louis, I loved to go fishing, but you had a very short window of time when you could make that happen. Down here, the fish grow year-round and they bite year-round. If you like to do these types of outdoor activities, it's an amazing place where you can enjoy those things absolutely 365 days out of the year.
6. The School of Choice System Works Differently
If you have children, you're going to want to know about the school system here in Fort Myers. Lee County runs the school system, and it's a bit different than what you're probably used to in your hometown. Down here we have something called School of Choice.
School of Choice sounds amazing because you can choose your school, you don't have to buy a home right next to the school you want your child to attend. However, it is a lottery system. You fill out an application and put your top 10 choices that are in your zone, and then they choose based on availability where your child goes.
The great thing here is that if you have multiple children, say one in third grade and one going into first grade, they're going to do everything in their power to make sure your kids go to the same school. And if that's not for you, there are a lot of great private school options here in Fort Myers as well.
7. RSW Airport: Easy Access, Limited Direct Flights
RSW (Southwest Florida International Airport) is basically Fort Myers' international airport. What we love about the airport is that it's very easy to access. Usually, security lines are not bad, you don't have to get there three hours in advance like you would in a big city.
One of the challenges that comes with a smaller international airport, however, is that there are very few direct flights to the places where you want to go. You're typically going to have a layover in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, or sometimes you even have to go over to Miami just to get to another city in the United States.
If you travel very often, that may be something to consider. However, if your current home is in the Midwest or Northeast, there are a lot of direct flights because of the number of people who have transplanted from those areas to Fort Myers.
8. Season vs. Off-Season Makes a Huge Difference
You really want to make sure you understand the difference between season and off-season if you're moving to Fort Myers. Our season is what we refer to as really January through March (high season), but if you include November, December, and a little bit of April, that can also be considered season, when more snowbirds and seasonal residents are down here enjoying the winter weather that Florida has to offer.
Off-season (our summer months) is what most people don't come down here for, but you actually start to cherish the summer and off-season over time. Why? Because our population doubles when we're in season. Off-season means much easier access to restaurants, much easier traffic flow, and overall it's actually a really good time of year to visit and be in Florida.
9. Fort Myers Has a Strong Cultural and Arts Scene
One thing you may not expect is that Fort Myers actually has a very strong cultural and arts scene. The Sydney & Bern Davis Art Center is a beautiful historic building right in downtown Fort Myers in the River District, and it's really the center of the hub of what the arts are here in Fort Myers.
On the first Friday of every single month, there's something called Art Walk, where local vendors display their artwork out and about along First Street and in downtown Fort Myers. Then on the third Friday of every month is Music Walk, just like Art Walk, but local musicians come and play for tips. It's a nice vibe, a good scene, and something I really think you'd want to check out.
10. The Lifestyle Change Is Worth It
After 16 years of living in Fort Myers, I can tell you that while there are challenges and adjustments to make, the lifestyle here is truly special. From the year-round outdoor activities to the welcoming community, from the gorgeous winter weather to the vibrant cultural scene, Fort Myers offers a quality of life that's hard to beat.
Yes, you'll deal with summer humidity. Yes, you'll learn to avoid the beach on Saturday mornings. And yes, you'll probably get stuck in season traffic at least a few times. But you'll also find yourself enjoying sunset boat rides in February, playing golf on Christmas Day, and building a community in one of Florida's most beautiful areas.
Ready to Make the Move?
If you're seriously considering relocating to Fort Myers, understanding these 10 facts will help you make a more informed decision. Every area has its quirks and challenges, and Fort Myers is no exception. But for those who embrace the lifestyle, the weather, and the community, it becomes more than just a place to live, it becomes home.
Whether you're drawn here by the promise of no state income tax, the allure of beach living, the booming real estate market, or simply the desire for endless sunshine, Fort Myers has something special to offer. Just make sure you come prepared with realistic expectations, a solid understanding of the local market, and maybe a good air conditioning unit.
Contact Brad Dohack at Gulf Pointe | eXp Realty, call 239.494.5156 or visit liveswfl.com