If you're thinking about moving to Fort Myers, Florida, you're not alone. Southwest Florida has been one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and for good reason. But like anywhere, it's not perfect. After living and working in Fort Myers since 2006, here's a clear look at the best and worst parts of calling this city home.
Pro #1: The Beaches Are Amazing
Fort Myers Beach offers seven miles of gorgeous sandy coastline. But that's just the start, you also have easy access to Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, Bonita Beach, Naples, and Marco Island. Whether you're looking for shelling, sunsets, or a quiet stretch of sand, there's a beach for you.
Con #1: Getting to the Beach Can Be a Challenge
Unless you live right on the water, beach access requires planning. There's essentially one bridge connecting Fort Myers to Fort Myers Beach, and during season (November through April), that single lane each way creates serious traffic. Weekend beach trips during peak season? Give yourself extra time.
Pro #2: The Weather Is Incredible (Most of the Year)
While your friends up north are buried in snow, you're sending them palm tree photos. Fort Myers winters are sunny, warm, and absolutely gorgeous, typically 70s and 80s with low humidity. It's the number one reason people relocate here.
Con #2: Summer Heat and Hurricane Season
Summer highs hit 93-95°F with heavy humidity, it's intense if you're not used to it. And then there's hurricane season (June through November). Hurricane Ian in September 2022 was a stark reminder of this reality. The good news: the community's recovery has been remarkable, and building codes continue to improve. But it's something every buyer needs to take seriously.
Pro #3: The Outdoor Lifestyle Is Unmatched
With year-round warm weather comes an incredible outdoor lifestyle. Boating on the Gulf of Mexico, fishing the backwaters, over 150 golf courses across Southwest Florida, tennis, pickleball, kayaking, the options are endless. The natural beauty here is stunning too. Banyan trees, palm-lined streets, wildlife everywhere. After 20 years, it still impresses me.
Con #3: The Critters
Florida wildlife isn't just the pretty stuff. You'll deal with mosquitoes, no-see-ums (tiny sand fleas that bite worse than any mosquito), palmetto bugs (Florida's polite name for large cockroaches), and yes, alligators. They're part of life here. The county does a solid job managing mosquitoes, and you learn to coexist with the rest.
Pro #4: RSW Airport Is a Hidden Gem
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is one of the most convenient airports in the country. It's well-located in south Fort Myers, easy to navigate, and your luggage is practically waiting for you by the time you walk downstairs. Direct flights to most major cities make travel a breeze, consistently rated among the best airports in the U.S.
Con #4: Traffic During Season
When our seasonal population essentially doubles from November through April, the roads feel it. Fort Myers has one main highway (I-75) running north-south and US-41 for the commercial corridor. Beyond that, you're dealing with surface streets and stoplights. Roads have been widened, but during peak season, plan for extra travel time, especially heading south toward Naples.
Pro #5: No State Income Tax
This is the one that impacts your wallet directly. Florida has no state income tax, and that's a massive draw for people relocating from high-tax states like New York, Illinois, Connecticut, and California. Combine that with Florida's homestead exemption (which reduces your property tax bill on your primary residence), and the financial benefits of living here are significant.
2025-2026 Update: What's Changed
- Population growth: The Fort Myers metro area (Lee County) continues to grow rapidly, with over 800,000 residents and climbing. New construction is booming across the region.
- Home prices: Median home prices in Fort Myers now range from $350K to $550K depending on the neighborhood, with waterfront and new construction commanding premiums.
- Post-Hurricane Ian: The recovery from Hurricane Ian (2022) has been impressive. Infrastructure improvements, updated building codes, and community resilience have strengthened the area. Most neighborhoods are fully rebuilt.
- Job market: Healthcare, construction, technology, and tourism continue to drive employment growth in the region.
The Bottom Line
Fort Myers isn't perfect, no place is. But the combination of beautiful weather, beaches, outdoor lifestyle, no state income tax, and a welcoming community makes it one of the best places to live in Florida. The key is going in with your eyes open and working with someone who knows the area inside and out.
Thinking about making the move to Fort Myers? Contact Brad Dohack at Gulf Pointe | eXp Realty, call 239.494.5156 or visit liveswfl.com