If you’re considering moving to the area and Fort Myers, Florida is on your shortlist, you’re in the right place. Sun-splashed days, Gulf breezes, riverfront sunsets, and a surprisingly diverse mix of neighborhoods make Fort Myers a compelling choice for homebuyers, sellers, investors, and snowbirds turned year-round residents. As a trusted local Realtor with Coast to Coast Living, Lorri Abate guides buyers and sellers through every nuance of the Southwest Florida market—waterfront and golf properties, new construction, 55-plus communities, and everything in between—so you land exactly where your lifestyle fits best.
This comprehensive relocation guide breaks down where to live, what daily life looks like, how the housing market works, and smart steps for a smooth move. Whether you’re relocating across town or across the country, lean on Lorri’s local knowledge and Coast to Coast Living’s concierge-level service to make moving to the area seamless and enjoyable.
Why moving to the area—Fort Myers, Florida—just makes sense
- Year-round sunshine and outdoor living: With warm winters and long summers, Fort Myers is built for beach days, boating, biking, golfing, and pickleball. Seasonal festivals and waterfront dining thrive here.
- Financial advantages: Florida has no state income tax, and homeowners can benefit from the Homestead Exemption and Save Our Homes assessment cap, which can help manage long-term property tax increases on a primary residence.
- Variety of housing: From riverfront estates off McGregor Boulevard to modern gated communities along the Daniels/Treeline corridor, from sleek Downtown condos to amenity-rich 55-plus neighborhoods, there’s a home style and price point for nearly everyone.
- Convenient access: Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) sits minutes from many Fort Myers communities. I-75, US-41, and Daniels Parkway keep the region connected.
- Easygoing lifestyle: Fort Myers blends laid-back coastal living with culture, dining, minor league sports, spring training, and great parks and preserves.
Neighborhoods to consider when moving to the area
Every neighborhood has a distinct personality. Lorri Abate’s local insight can help you match the right community to your lifestyle and budget.
- McGregor Boulevard and the River District (historic charm): Iconic royal palms, vintage Florida ranches, classic estates, and river views. You’re close to the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, downtown events, and waterfront sunsets. Expect character homes, mature landscaping, and a neighborly vibe.
- Downtown Fort Myers River District (urban waterfront): Mid- and high-rise condos, lofts, and brownstone-style townhomes near galleries, the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, weekly farmers markets, and frequent street festivals like Music Walk and Art Walk. Walkable, social, and lively.
- Iona and Town & River (boating and coastal access): Tucked between McGregor and Summerlin Road, many homes offer Gulf-access canals. You’ll be within easy reach of Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach. Popular for boaters and anyone prioritizing water.
- Daniels/Treeline Corridor (newer master-planned living): Amenity-rich gated neighborhoods such as The Plantation, Arborwood Preserve, Paseo, and Somerset offer resort-style pools, fitness, tennis, and social clubs. Proximity to RSW, Whole Foods, and Gulf Coast Town Center adds daily convenience.
- Gateway (family-friendly and active): A self-contained feel with trails, parks, dog runs, and townhomes to single-family options. Great for commuters who want quick access to I-75 and Daniels Parkway.
- Verandah (east of downtown, golf and nature): A peaceful, green setting along the Caloosahatchee with golf, kayaking, and walking trails. A good fit for buyers wanting space and an active lifestyle.
- Pelican Preserve (55-plus excellence): A standout active-adult community with a village center, outdoor amphitheater, pickleball, golf, and social clubs. Designed for low-maintenance living and community connection.
- Whiskey Creek and Cypress Lake (established and central): Mature tree-lined streets, canals in certain pockets, and short drives to shopping and beaches. Excellent for buyers who want established neighborhoods without HOA intensity.
- Buckingham and Alva (space and elbow room): For a more rural feel—acreage, hobby farms, and room for RVs, boats, and workshops—east Lee County offers a slower pace while staying close to town amenities.
- Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel/Captiva (coastal lifestyle): The islands are rebuilding and revitalizing with a resilient spirit. Buyers here prioritize beach proximity, shelling, and an island-town feel.
Not sure how to narrow it down? Lorri’s neighborhood tours—virtual or in-person—highlight commute realities, HOA styles, amenity quality, and lifestyle fit so you can compare confidently.
Cost of living and housing market snapshot
- Home prices: You’ll find condos and villas starting in more affordable ranges in central corridors and older communities, while new-construction and waterfront homes rise in price. Canal and riverfront properties, as well as luxury golf communities, command premiums.
- HOA and condo fees: Amenities like gated security, pools, gyms, golf, and lawn care are common; fees vary widely. In condos, pay attention to reserves and building milestones, especially for mid- and high-rises.
- Insurance: Florida’s coastal insurance environment requires planning. Wind and flood coverage may be separate; premiums depend on location, elevation, age of home, roof type, and wind mitigation features. Ask Lorri for carrier introductions and wind mitigation inspection strategies that can help reduce costs.
- Utilities: Areas of Fort Myers are served by Florida Power & Light or Lee County Electric Cooperative depending on address; water and sewer service may be via the City of Fort Myers or Lee County Utilities in unincorporated zones. Factor these into your monthly budget.
- Renting: Seasonal and annual rentals are available, especially near the beach and downtown. Seasonal rates can spike in peak months. Ask about pet policies, parking, and HOA approvals.
Coast to Coast Living provides cost-of-ownership breakdowns for each property so you can compare apples to apples across neighborhoods and home types.
Getting around: commutes, roads, and airports
Fort Myers is car-centric, but planning your routes makes daily life easy.
- Main corridors: I-75 for north–south travel; US-41 (Cleveland Ave) for local commerce; Daniels Parkway, Colonial Boulevard, and Summerlin Road for cross-town access; McGregor Boulevard for scenic river drives.
- Airport access: RSW is close to the Daniels/Treeline corridor and Gateway; Page Field handles general aviation and local business travel.
- Public transit: LeeTran operates bus routes and seasonal trolleys in key areas, including the River District.
- Traffic patterns: Peak travel times coincide with season (winter months) and evening events. Lorri’s local insight can help you avoid bottlenecks and choose neighborhoods aligned with your daily rhythm.
Schools and education
Lee County uses a controlled choice system for public schools, and Fort Myers includes a mix of public, magnet, charter, and private options.
- Notable public options include Fort Myers High School (International Baccalaureate), Cypress Lake Middle and High (arts-focused programs), Lexington Middle, and Rayma C. Page Elementary in south Fort Myers.
- Charter and magnet programs vary by year; families often explore specialized tracks in STEM, the arts, and advanced academics.
- Private schools include Canterbury School, Bishop Verot Catholic High School, and Evangelical Christian School.
- Higher education: Florida Gulf Coast University sits just southeast in Estero, and Florida SouthWestern State College anchors the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall campus.
Families moving to the area benefit from Lorri’s step-by-step planning for school tours, program research, and understanding application timelines.
Work and the local economy
Fort Myers blends tourism and hospitality with healthcare, construction, education, professional services, and distribution/logistics.
- Major employers: Lee Health (Gulf Coast Medical Center, HealthPark), education institutions, municipal and county services, aviation-related roles near RSW, and a robust small-business community.
- Remote work: Many newcomers bring remote roles and prioritize quiet neighborhoods with strong internet, space for home offices, and community amenities.
- Seasonal vs. year-round: Service and hospitality staffing ebbs and flows with tourism, while healthcare and education provide steady year-round opportunities.
What to do: beaches, parks, culture, and sports
- Beaches and islands: Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Captiva offer shelling, gulf swimming, fishing, and iconic sunsets; beach communities are rebuilding with new energy and improved infrastructure.
- Parks and preserves: Lakes Park (trails, playgrounds, paddleboats), Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve (boardwalks and wildlife), Manatee Park (winter months), and Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium.
- Culture: Downtown River District galleries and events, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall bring concerts, Broadway tours, and community theater.
- Baseball: Cheer on the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels or catch MLB spring training with the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park and the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium.
- Dining and nightlife: The Veranda’s Southern fine dining, Ford’s Garage’s downtown original, Doc Ford’s on the water, McGregor Cafe for brunch, and The Standard for lively evenings anchor a strong local scene.
- Shopping convenience: Gulf Coast Town Center, Bell Tower, Miromar Outlets in nearby Estero, Whole Foods on Daniels, and local markets throughout the season.
Weather, hurricane readiness, and insurance confidence
Living on the Gulf means planning smartly for storm season.
- Building features: Newer homes often include hurricane impact windows/doors and modern roof systems. Older homes can be retrofitted; wind mitigation credits may lower insurance costs.
- Flood zones: Lorri will help you evaluate a property’s flood designation, elevation, and historical claims data to understand exposure and premiums.
- Preparedness: Know your evacuation zone, keep a storm kit, and confirm association or community plans. Many neighborhoods have strong communication protocols during weather events.
- Resiliency: The region continues to invest in infrastructure and rebuilding standards; local pros can advise on materials and methods that outperform in coastal climates.
Renting vs. buying—and how new construction fits in
- Renting first: If you’re moving to the area and want to test-drive neighborhoods, a short-term or annual rental can be a smart start. Ask about HOA approval windows, seasonal premiums, and parking or pet policies.
- Buying: Work with Lorri to align budget, HOA preferences, commute needs, and lifestyle must-haves—water access, golf, pickleball, or low maintenance—to create a targeted home list and avoid over-shopping.
- New construction: The Daniels/Treeline corridor and east Fort Myers (including Verandah-area communities) offer spec and to-be-built homes. A Realtor representing you—not the builder—protects your interests, negotiates incentives, and coordinates inspections and warranty walkthroughs.
- Condos and high-rises: Post-Surfside legislation requires milestone building inspections and structural reserve planning for certain condos. Lorri will help you review budgets, reserves, and upcoming assessments before you write an offer.
Step-by-step: your smooth move with Lorri Abate and Coast to Coast Living
- Discovery call: Clarify goals, timing, and budget. Share must-haves and deal-breakers. If you’re out of state, we set a virtual game plan right away.
- Neighborhood match: Lorri curates a shortlist aligned with commute, lifestyle, HOA type, and amenities. Virtual drive-arounds and FaceTime tours help you compare from afar.
- Lender and budget: Get pre-approved with a local lender for accurate payment estimates including taxes, HOA/condo fees, and insurance. Cash buyers receive proof-of-funds guidance.
- Home tours: In-person or virtual showings with thorough neighborhood context—traffic, noise, flood designations, insurance considerations, and upcoming area developments.
- Offer strategy: Leveraging neighborhood comps, absorption trends, and seller motivations to craft a compelling, protective offer with smart contingencies and timelines.
- Inspections and insurance: 4-point, wind mitigation, roof, and specialty inspections as needed; introductions to insurance agents who understand coastal risk.
- Appraisal and title: Coordination with top-tier title companies and appraisers; review of condo docs, HOA rules, and forthcoming assessments when applicable.
- Closing logistics: Remote signings for out-of-state buyers, utility setup checklists, and post-closing service provider introductions for movers, contractors, cleaners, and landscapers.
- After you move: Lorri remains your local resource for tradespeople, restaurant tips, boating clubs, and the best markets, hikes, and beaches—long after closing day.
How Coast to Coast Living elevates your move
- Local expertise, personalized service: Lorri Abate knows the micro-markets—flood zones near McGregor, the “feel” of Treeline communities, and where construction quality stands out.
- Buyer advocacy: Builder contracts and HOA documents can be dense. Lorri translates fine print, anticipates pitfalls, and positions you to win terms that matter.
- Trusted network: Inspectors, insurance, lenders, title, movers, contractors—vetted pros who understand the fast-moving Southwest Florida market.
- Data and nuance: Beyond list price, Lorri provides absorption rates, days-on-market patterns, insurance and HOA comparisons, and cost-of-ownership analyses so your decision is informed and confident.
- Seamless for remote clients: From virtual tours to remote closings, everything is designed for out-of-state buyers moving to the area without stress.
Quick tips for moving to the area in Fort Myers, Florida
- Time your home search: Inventory and buyer traffic increase in winter and early spring; summer can offer opportunities for patient buyers.
- Lock in insurance early: Get quotes during inspection periods; ask about wind mitigation credits and roof condition thresholds.
- Ask about rentals and pets: HOAs vary widely on leases, vehicles, and pets—clarify up front.
- Consider lifestyle must-haves: Gulf access? Pickleball? 55-plus amenities? Walkable nightlife? Filter your home search by how you live, not just bedrooms and baths.
- File for Homestead: If this is your primary residence, remember the Homestead Exemption application deadline after you close.
Ready to start moving to the area?
Fort Myers, Florida offers the best of Gulf Coast living—sun, water, culture, and a friendly, active community. When you partner with Lorri Abate at Coast to Coast Living, your search becomes focused, your offer becomes competitive, and your move becomes a pleasure instead of a project. If you’re moving to the area and want a local expert who treats your goals like her own, connect with Lorri today. From the first discovery call to your first sunset from your new lanai, she’s your guide to living well in Fort Myers.
