Considering moving to Fort Myers? This city on Florida’s Gulf Coast is an excellent place to settle down, thanks to its budget-friendly housing, strong job market, excellent year-round weather, beach access, and incredible food scene. That said, the year-round tourists, traffic, and limited public transportation might deter some people.

Referred to as the gateway to southwest Florida, Fort Myers is a major tourist hub situated on the Caloosahatchee River. It’s the perfect intersection of history, commerce, and nature. Founded after the American Civil War in 1866, Fort Myers transitioned from a small trading post to a developing community with plenty of great places to live. U.S. News and World Report ranked it the“35th Best Place to Live” and the “#1 Fastest-Growing City in the United States,” and it’s only getting better.

Fort Myers

is on your radar but you haven’t fully committed, we have all the details you want to know before packing up and hitting the road. We’ll look at the pros and cons of moving to Fort Myers, how to find the best place to live, and tips for before and after you move.

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What you need to know about Fort Myers before you move

Just a 45-minute drive to

Naples

and a three-hour drive from

Miami

Orlando

, Fort Myers is more than just a retiree's favorite beach destination. With a rich history, jaw-dropping natural scenery, and shell-covered beaches, it’s a safe and family-friendly area for anyone looking for a permanent beachside retreat. And as one of the country’s fastest-growing cities, there’s a good chance you’ll want to be part of it.

1. Housing might be higher than the national average, but the cost of living is low

Living in Miami or Orlando might not come cheap, but luckily, Fort Meyers is still reasonable—it’s considered one of the most affordable places to live in Florida. The cost of living in Fort Myers currently sits at a rating of 96, 4% lower than the national average. Compared to cities like

Washington

, D.C., which is around 56% higher, New York City at roughly 80% higher, and

San Francisco

at 86% higher, you’ll quickly notice the savings in Fort Meyers.

But while housing may be cheaper, food isn’t always—prices in grocery stores are about 5% higher than the national average, and it will also cost you more to get to them, with transportation fares and gas prices sitting around 7% higher than the national average.

A loaf of bread will cost you about $3.51, and a gallon of milk about $2.04. If you’re looking for the best prices in the city, head to Walmart and Target, or try local stores like Save A Lot, Bravo Supermarkets, and Family Discount Food Store.

While it may have its drawbacks, there’s one big bonus for Fort Meyers: Florida does not have a state income tax—that could save you as much as 13.30% on taxable income!

2. The job market is overflowing with options

The job market in Fort Myers is on fire, and whether you’re looking for a career change or are fresh out of college, there’s likely something coming your way. It’s recognized as a business-friendly, innovative city full of global corporations. The healthcare, retail, education, and tourism industries are booming, but sales, office, and admin support jobs account for roughly a third of Fort Myer’s job market.

Lee Health is one of the city's biggest employers and the largest healthcare system in southwest Florida. Other major employers include Publix, Alico, Lee County School District, and Florida Gulf Coast University.

With a boatload of job opportunities and one of the best employment outlooks in the area, finding a job in Fort Myers shouldn’t be challenging.

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3. Weather is great, but it’s also a major fault

The weather is one of the major draws of Fort Myers. Situated along the Gulf Coast, the city sees an average of 271 sunny days per year and annual temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. But because Fort Myers has a tropical savanna climate, don’t forget about the rain—you’ll see an average of about 54 inches per year.

But despite its amazing beaches and year-round warm temperatures, the weather is also a significant drawback for residents. You’ll sometimes find yourself in thick humidity and scorching temperatures, especially in the summer months, and rain showers during the summer afternoons. Oh, and don’t forget about hurricane season, which runs from June to November every year.

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4. Retirees make up the bulk of the residents

Depending on your age, this could be a good or bad thing. People aged 65 to 85 are the largest demographic in Fort Meyers, and the city is recognized as one of the best places to retire. Why? The weather is great, and lifestyle opportunities are abundant. Plus, as a state with no income tax, pensions, Social Security benefits, and incomes from IRAs and 401(k)s aren’t subject to tax. And with access to one of the leading healthcare providers, you’re covered through old age.

Untaxed income, stunning views, and easy access to some of the best healthcare—we can see why it’s a retiree haven!

5. You’ll have trouble getting around if you don’t own a car

Owning a car can be a bit of a burden—first, you have the selling price, then

car insurance

, gas, maintenance, and so on. While a car in Fort Myers isn’t a must, getting around without one can be tricky. The city is designed with automobiles in mind, so public transportation options are limited, and getting around by foot generable isn’t feasible.

However,

LeeTran

does provide connections between Fort Myers, North Fort Myers,

, Pine Island,

, and Fort Myers Beach. There’s also the

Fort Myers Beach Trolley

, which runs from Beach Park to Lovers Key State Park, or you can opt for the free beach tram that runs from

Bowditch Point

Matanzas Pass Preserve

daily.

If you don’t own a car and need to escape the city, rideshare services like Uber and Lyft operate in Fort Meyers, but the cost depends on the type of vehicle, length of trip, and other factors.

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6. It’s a golfer’s paradise

Are you looking for a sunny destination to pick up your putter for a round? With almost 50 golf courses in the city, Fort Myers is a paradise for golfers of any level. Head to the historic

Fort Myers Country Club

, or register for Tuesday Night Golf at

Whiskey Creek Country Club

. If you have kids, sign them up for junior golf lessons at

The Club at Gateway

. Or get your clubs shined and your camera out for an 18-hole course sprawling over 800 acres at

Heritage Palms Golf & Country Club

Does Fort Myers live up to its stereotypes?

If you’re not phased (but maybe rather intrigued) by anything we’ve listed above, moving to Fort Myers might be the right choice. The city has earned a reputation for being a retiree haven bustling with beaches, but it has much more to offer. Fort Meyers isn’t just a community of older people, and golf isn’t the only sport—it’s bursting with plenty of outdoor activities for people of all ages, and the food scene has evolved with some of the best young chefs bringing farm-to-table cuisine and other innovative concepts. Additonally, Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, and other areas along this stunning coast are home to a thriving millennial population looking for an affordable cost of living with a good job scene.

If you’re on board with a low cost of living, fantastic weather with plenty of recreational fun, and a great job market to search for the perfect gig, moving to Fort Myers could be the best choice you ever make. And if you’re ready to take a leap of faith and settle down in the City of Palms, keep reading to make the transition seamless.

Key Takeaway Higher housing costs and hurricane seasons are balanced out by overly sunny weather, a low cost of living, and plenty of job opportunities in Fort Myers.

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Finding a place to live in Fort Myers

If you’re packing up and heading to Fort Myers, finding a place to settle down is likely the first thing on the agenda. But before you decide where you want to live, it’s important to know if you want to rent or buy. Fort Myers is bursting with affordable housing with easy beach access, giving homeowners (and renters) a personal tropical oasis in their backyard.

If you plan to buy in Fort Myers, there’s good news coming your way: housing is relatively inexpensive. The median list price for a home in Fort Myers is around $390,000, up 20.0% since last year, while the average sale price was slightly lower at $369,900. That said, the price of a home depends on what you’re looking for and where you’re looking, as some houses in the Fort Myers area can go for millions.

Renting in Fort Myers is another option, but rent may not be as cheap as you’d expect. According to Zillow, the average cost for a 1-bedroom apartment in Fort Myers is $1,804—a 24% increase compared to the previous year. Looking for a studio? You can expect to pay more, with the average studio price hovering around $1,993. And if you need more space, you’re looking at around $2,339 for a 2-bedroom apartment.

While plenty of properties are available in Fort Myers, finding the perfect location can be another dilemma—different neighborhoods have pros and cons. Here are the five best communities in Fort Myers and a few things to consider about each:

Fort Myers Beach

Average home price: $367,800 median purchase price; $1,076 median monthly rent

Crime rate: Safer than 87% of Florida cities

Best for: Retirees

Iona

Average home price: $200,000 median purchase price; $1,129 median monthly rent

Crime rate: Safer than 65% of Florida cities

Best for: Families and retirees

McGregor

Average home price: $276,400 median purchase price; $1,097 median monthly rent

Crime rate: Safer than 81% of Florida cities

Best for: Families and retirees

Sanibel

Average home price: $693,000 median purchase price; $1,455 median monthly rent

Crime rate: Safer than 97% of Florida cities

Best for: Families and retirees

Villas

Average home price: $121,100 median purchase price; $1,023 median monthly rent

Crime rate: Safer than 39% of Florida cities

Best for: Singles, young professionals, families, and retirees

Whether you’re planning to buy or rent, spending a few nights in your top neighborhoods might be valuable to help you get a feel for the vibe and a taste of local offerings. That way, you can feel confident that you’ve found the right fit.

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Moving to Fort Myers checklist

Now that you’ve narrowed down the choices for where you want to live in Fort Myers, it’s time to start packing and hit the road (eventually). But before you bid farewell, we’ve created a checklist to keep things smooth throughout the process, from the first box you pack to your first night in your new home.

Before you go

Before you hit the road, be sure to:

Find a reputable moving company

to make your move easy (especially if you’re doing it solo)—or book a U-Haul if you’re trying to keep costs low.

Pack up your moving boxes (and consider

asking your friends

or family for help!).

Notify your landlord, employer, utility company, and insurance provider that you’re moving.

If you’re moving across the country and plan to keep your car (but you’re flying), consider

shipping your car

to the City of Palms.

Book your airline tickets—or pack your car and hit the road for the ultimate road trip!

After you get there

Once you arrive in your new home, there’s still work to be done! Don’t forget to take care of these basics while settling into your new beach life:

If you brought your car from another state, ensure you

with the Florida DMV and update your car insurance policy.

Whether renting or buying, you’ll want to look into

renters’

homeowners insurance

to protect yourself and your belongings.

Update your mailing address, voter registration, and healthcare information.

Get out and explore! Fort Myers may not have the nightlife of Miami, but don’t shy away from checking out local bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and dog parks.

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FAQs

Is it worth moving to Fort Myers?

Moving to Fort Myers is a personal preference, so there’s no correct answer to this question. But if you want to move to a city with loads of outdoor recreation, great weather, and a low cost of living, Fort Myers is a great option. But it might not be for you if you’re looking to live the thriving big-city life.

How much money do I need to move to Fort Myers?

The cost to move to Fort Myers depends on how you do it—hiring a moving company and jetting off in a plane is going to be more expensive than a DIY road trip with your friends, so the total cost could be anywhere from $100 to a few thousand.

But because Fort Myers has a relatively affordable cost of living, the average monthly salary in Fort Myers is about $3,634, which is more than enough for a comfortable life in the City of Palms. But if you’re supporting a family or planning to buy real estate, you should budget for more.

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