Fort Myers, Florida
What It Is Like to Retire in Fort myers
As a retirement community Ft. Myers is old and new Florida at the same time. The population is 65,000 with many times that in the surrounding area. Located on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River on southwest Florida's coast, its roots go back to 1886. It has the charming Thomas Edison Museum and a beautifully restored downtown along the river. New developments go off in every direction; in the early 2000's day it seemed another ranch or forest was turned into an active adults 55+ development. Virtually every retail chain and franchise in America is represented here on Route 41 and other arteries. Ft. Myers Beach to the Southwest provides sensational beaches. Golf courses are everywhere, public and private. Ft. Myers is a dynamic city with a diverse population of all ages, including active adults 55+. Fort Myers is the capitol of Lee County. Nearby communities like Bonita Bay/Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres (the subject of a negative New York Times article in 2009), and Estero offer similar alternatives. Find out more about what it is like to retire in Florida or nearby Naples. Photo of McGregor Blvd. courtesy of Wikipedia in the public domain.
Where to Retire in Fort myers and Home Prices
According to Zillow, the median home value was $364,249, in mid-2023.
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What Is Special about Fort myers
• Ft. Myers Beach • Charming old downtown area • Thomas Edison and Henry Ford Winter Estates • World class shopping • Fabulous new airport • Golf and fishing; and something for everybody • Spring training for Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins (the Red Sox have a beautiful new stadium, JetBlue Park that opened in 2012 as a replica of Fenway Park).
What Is Not Special about Fort myers
• Oppressively hot, humid summers • Traffic • Way too much development, now in a bust cycle • Too many strip malls
Who Will Like Retirement in Fort myers
Ft. Myers is a rapidly growing, vital city. Although there are many people of retirement age in the community, there are also plenty of people of all ages. There is a significant school age population and a burgeoning professional and business class. Wikipedia page for Fort Myers.
Local Economy Is Driven by
Tourism, Banking, Retail, Healthcare, Construction
Climate and Physical Environment
Ft. Myers is a large metro located on a major river, the Caloosahatchee. The coast is on the west side, with countless bays and islands. It is just a few miles from some of the best beaches and fishing in the world. The terrain is flat and tropical. The average July high temperature is 92 and the average January high is 75 (the average low is 45). The wettest month is June (10"). Ft. Myers was hit by hurricane Ian in September of 2022 causing extensive damage and flooding. Fort Myers Beach received the heaviest damage.
Restaurants & Cultural Scene
Ft. Myers is blessed with several live performing arts theatres. The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall is on the campus of Edison Community College in South Ft. Myers and offers a regular schedule of plays and concerts. Various community and dinner theatres abound, such as the Broadway Palms Dinner Theatre. The Thomas Edison Museum is a must visit. The libraries are first rate and artists thrive as well.
Crime
Crime rate is much higher than the U.S. average, although it differs by neighborhood.
Medical facilities
Ft. Myers has an astonishing array of hospitals and medical professionals.
Transportation
The Ft. Myers airport is convenient, and first rate. A car is essential, and traffic can be nightmarish in season. There is a public bus system
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