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Lee County · FL

Pros and cons of moving to Fort Myers

By Mariela Lovo Ol, REALTOR® · Updated

The pros and cons of moving to Fort Myers come from its role as Lee County's older, more urban river city. Fast-growing suburbs surround it. Here is a balanced list to weigh before you choose an area.

Pro: a walkable historic downtown

The River District holds the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Florida Repertory Theatre and the Fort Myers Regional Library within a few blocks. It is the easiest place in Lee County to walk to dinner or a show.

Downtown also hosts the Fort Myers Regional Library. The riverfront makes it one of the few places in the county built for a walk.

Pro: history, arts and spring baseball

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates on McGregor Boulevard include 20 acres of historic gardens. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall hosts touring Broadway shows. The county's Lee Health Sports Complex and JetBlue Park host baseball.

Pro: parks and preserves nearby

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve has a 1.2-mile boardwalk. Lakes Park covers 279 acres with a 158-acre lake. Manatee Park draws manatees in the cooler months.

Wild Turkey Strand Preserve protects about 3,105 acres east of the city, with a boardwalk and trails.

Pro: the airport, colleges and hospitals

Southwest Florida International Airport offers nonstop service to more than 75 places. Florida Gulf Coast University, Florida SouthWestern State College and three Lee Health hospitals are on this side of the river.

Pro: no state income tax

Florida does not impose a personal income tax. The homestead exemption and 3% Save Our Homes cap help homeowners who live here full time.

Con: river and storm surge risk

During Hurricane Ian in 2022, the surge reversed the river's flow and flooded downtown streets. Water rose 5 to 8 feet above ground up the Caloosahatchee. Hurricane season runs June 1 to November 30.

Your evacuation zone and flood zone are different, so look up both for every address you consider.

Con: insurance costs

Wind and flood coverage can be the largest surprise in the budget. Flood is a separate policy. Get written quotes for each address before you offer.

Older homes built before March 1, 2002 may cost more to insure than newer ones, so compare quotes by construction year and roof age.

Con: car-dependent beyond downtown

Outside the River District, most errands need a car. The average commute for city workers is 25.2 minutes. Trips to the beaches take longer than the distance suggests, especially in winter.

Con: city or county is not always obvious

Many Fort Myers addresses are in unincorporated Lee County. That changes utilities, trash and permits, so check the jurisdiction early. See the Fort Myers cost of living for the full budget. Browse Fort Myers homes for sale when you are ready.

Common questions

What is the biggest advantage of living in Fort Myers?

For many buyers, it is access: a walkable downtown, the airport, hospitals, colleges and cultural venues are all on this side of the river. The right fit still depends on your commute and budget.

What is the biggest drawback of living in Fort Myers?

Storm and flood exposure, and the insurance costs that follow. Hurricane Ian flooded downtown streets in 2022. Get flood and wind quotes early for any home.

Is Fort Myers the same as Fort Myers Beach?

No. Fort Myers is the city on the Caloosahatchee River, and Fort Myers Beach is a separate town on Estero Island. Each has its own government and permitting office.

Sources

  1. QuickFacts: Cape Coral city; Fort Myers city; Lehigh Acres CDP; North Fort Myers CDP; Lee County, Florida, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  2. QuickFacts: Fort Myers Shores CDP; San Carlos Park CDP; Three Oaks CDP; Gateway CDP, Florida, U.S. Census Bureau (read 2026-09-24)
  3. Utilities, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
  4. Solid Waste, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
  5. Parks (Royal Palm Preservation Program), City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
  6. Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Edison and Ford Winter Estates (read 2026-09-24)
  7. Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center (read 2026-09-24)
  8. Florida Repertory Theatre, Florida Repertory Theatre (read 2026-09-24)
  9. Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW, Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (read 2026-09-24)
  10. Florida Gulf Coast University, FGCU (read 2026-09-24)
  11. Florida SouthWestern State College, FSW (read 2026-09-24)
  12. Sports Development (Lee Health Sports Complex, JetBlue Park), Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  13. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  14. Lakes Park, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  15. Manatee Park, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  16. Student Enrollment Plan 2026-2027 (Board approved December 1, 2025), The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  17. School Zones, The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  18. Hurricane Season, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)
  19. Tropical Cyclone Report: Hurricane Ian (AL092022), NOAA National Hurricane Center (read 2026-09-24)
  20. Flood Insurance, FEMA (read 2026-09-24)
  21. Wind Mitigation Resources, Florida Office of Insurance Regulation (read 2026-09-24)
  22. Florida Statutes 689.302 (flood disclosure in sale of real property), The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
  23. Florida Case Study, International Code Council (read 2026-09-24)
  24. Substantial Improvement/Substantial Damage, Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  25. Southwest Florida International Airport, Lee County Port Authority (read 2026-09-24)
  26. Lee County Tolls - LeeWay, Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  27. Lee Health Fast Facts, Lee Health (read 2026-09-24)
  28. Walk Score, Walk Score (read 2026-09-24)
  29. Solid Waste (Find My Waste Pickup Days), Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  30. Wild Turkey Strand Preserve, Lee County Parks & Recreation (read 2026-09-24)
  31. Sales and Use Tax, Florida Department of Revenue (read 2026-09-24)
  32. Discretionary Sales Surtax Information for Calendar Year 2026 (DR-15DSS), Florida Department of Revenue (read 2026-09-24)
  33. Do I have to file a personal income tax return in Florida?, Florida Department of Revenue (read 2026-09-24)
  34. Real Estate Property Taxes, Lee County Tax Collector (read 2026-09-24)
  35. General Exemption Information, Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
  36. Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference (Portability), Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
  37. 10% Assessment Limitation Frequently Asked Questions, Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
  38. TRIM Information (six factors that increase taxes; ownership change resets caps), Lee County Property Appraiser (read 2026-09-24)
  39. Senate Passes Historic $250,000 Property Tax Cut for Florida Homeowners (HJR 1-F), June 2, 2026, The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
  40. Florida Statutes 190.048 (sale of real estate within a community development district; required disclosure), The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
  41. Florida Statutes 515.27 (residential swimming pool safety feature options), The Florida Senate (read 2026-09-24)
  42. Inspections (milestone inspections and structural integrity reserve studies), Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation, Division of Condominiums (read 2026-09-24)
  43. 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program Types, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (read 2026-09-24)
  44. Selling Guide B5-3.2-01, HomeStyle Renovation Mortgages, Fannie Mae (read 2026-09-24)
  45. 2025-2026 School Grades Report (district grade issued by FLDOE July 1, 2026), The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  46. Charter School Frequently Asked Questions, The School District of Lee County (read 2026-09-24)
  47. School Grades, Florida Department of Education (read 2026-09-24)
  48. Community Development Department (permitting and inspections for unincorporated Lee County), Lee County Government (read 2026-09-24)
  49. External Affairs Service Area Map (counties served, including Lee), Florida Power & Light (read 2026-09-24)
  50. About LCEC, LCEC (read 2026-09-24)
  51. Building, Permitting & Inspections (BPI), Community Development Department, City of Fort Myers (read 2026-09-24)

Last reviewed: 2026-09-24. Descriptions cover places and amenities, not the people who live there. We are committed to the Fair Housing Act.