Moving to Fort Myers, Florida has a number of great benefits. Whether you want to escape the bitter, cold winters common in the rest of America, you love beaches and water sports, or you’re just interested in employment opportunities available throughout the state, you’re sure to find something to love if you move to Fort Myers!
But what should you know before you make your move to Fort Myers? In this guide, we’ll give you an overview of the city – from its climate to its cost of living, job & employment outlook, and much more. Read on, and learn everything you need to know before you hire a Florida moving company to help you start your new life in the Sunshine State!
Cost Of Living In Fort Myers, FL
According to Bestplaces.net, the cost of living index in Fort Myers, FL is 96.2, which is lower than the Florida average of 102.8, and the US average of 100.
The cost of housing (90.3) is lower than the US and Florida averages, and the cost of utilities (97.5) and transportation (88.5) are also lower than the US and Florida averages.
However, the cost of healthcare (117.3) and groceries (103.2) are both significantly higher than the US and Florida averages.
Buying & Renting Property In Fort Myers, FL
The median home cost in Fort Myers is $208,700, compared to the Florida average of $237,100 and the US average of $231,200 – making it a reasonably affordable area if you are interested in purchasing a home. This is especially true when comparing Fort Myers to other major cities in Florida like Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale, where housing prices are much higher.
Renting is also relatively affordable, though buying a home will typically result in lower overall costs of living. According to Rentdata, you will pay an average of $773/month for a one bedroom rental, or $1,240 for a 3-bedroom rental.
Climate & Weather In Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers has a “Tropical Savanna” climate classification, with a monthly average temperature that rarely sinks below 64°F even in January. Even in the hottest months, the temperature rarely rises above 100°F – in July, the average high is 92°F.
Rainfall is about 55 inches per year, and the majority of rain falls during “rainy season” (June-September). During this time, intense thunderstorms are very common. The rest of the year is relatively dry. Fort Myers experiences an average of 110 rainy days per year.
Schooling & Education In Fort Myers, FL
Whether you have kids and are looking for high-quality schools, or you are interested in continuing your education after you move, Fort Myers has plenty of opportunities for you.
For public schooling, Fort Myers is served by the School District of Lee County, which operates numerous elementary, middle and high schools, as well as multiple special education centers serving more than 87,000 students in the area.
Private schooling is also available from schools like Crestwell School, Southwest Florida Christian Academy, and Montessori School of Fort Myers, to name a few.
Jobs & Employment Outlook In Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers is a major tourist hub in Southwest Florida, and has grown from an estimated population of around 62,000 people in 2010 to more than 82,000 people in 2018. According to Bestplaces.net, it has an unemployment rate of 3.7%, with a median income of $37,360 per capita.
Current estimates place future job growth at 43.99%, compared to the US average of 33.51%. Some of the major industries in Fort Myers include tourism, agriculture, forestry and fishing, retail, transportation and warehousing, finance and insurance, and health care, to name just a few.
Some of the major employers in the Lee County and Fort Myers area include the Lee Memorial Health System, Lee County School District, Publix, Home Depot, Walmart, and the clothing chain Chico’s FAS.
Transportation In Fort Myers, FL
Transportation in Fort Myers, FL is primarily provided by its system of roads and highways. A few of the major highways in the area include I-75 and US Highway 41, as well as Florida State Roads 80, 93, 78 and 739. Major nearby cities include Cape Coral, Sarasota, Naples and Sanibel Island.
The city also has a bus system, provided by LeeTran, which serves Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach and most of the unincorporated areas of Lee County, FL and also provides paratransit services for disabled individuals.
For air transit, the area is served by Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) which is located to the southeast of the city, and serves more than 9.3 million passengers every year. Page Field is another general aviation airport nearby, offering shorter flights on small aircraft.
Car Registration In Fort Myers, FL
Whether you drive your car to your new home yourself or have it shipped across the country, we recommend that you bring a vehicle to Fort Myers if you’re moving here – driving is definitely the best way to get around.
It’s very easy to register an out of state vehicle in Florida, too. To register, all you need to do is provide the DMV with the following documentation:
- A current vehicle title, or an out of state registration (if you do not own your car and the title is held by the lien holder, such as a bank)
- A copy of a valid Florida insurance card
- Identification, such as a state ID, passport or driver’s license
- A completed application for title and registration
You must pay a fee for the conversion of your title to a Florida title, as well as an application fee, a new plate fee, and an initial registration fee.
No taxes will be collected on your vehicle. The only exception is new vehicles that have been purchased within 6 months. If you bring a vehicle newer than 6 months to Florida, you will be responsible for paying a 6% tax. However, if you have already paid sales taxes equal to (or greater than) 6% in your home state when buying the car, this surcharge does not apply.
Is Fort Myers Right For You? Take Another Look At This Guide & Decide For Yourself!
Hopefully, this guide to moving to Fort Myers, Florida has been helpful as you consider your decision to move. This city is growing rapidly – and there are plenty of opportunities for those who wish to move to South Florida.
Not sure if Fort Myers is the right place for you? We recommend taking another look at the information in this article, and doing some of your own research to find out more about its culture, recreation opportunities, and lifestyle. Once you consider the benefits and drawbacks of moving to Fort Myers, you’ll be able to make the decision that’s right for you and your family.
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