From Snowbirds to Year-Round Residents: What Living in Fort Myers Is Like

Located along the stunning shores of Southwest Florida, Fort Myers is rich in history, brimming with nature, and buzzing with entertainment. Renowned for its idyllic beaches, lush parks, and lively culture, this city attracts both vacationers and those looking to make a home in the Sunshine State. Every year, more people are choosing to make the move down south, from retirees to younger folks, all looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.

With its easygoing atmosphere and slower pace, Fort Myers offers a refreshing contrast to many other Florida cities. While it’s a popular spot for retirees, the city is also seeing a surge in young professionals, drawn by economic opportunities and an appealing lifestyle. In this blog, we’ve rounded up nine reasons why living in Fort Myers is a great choice, offering a taste of what life is like in this Southwest Florida haven.

About Us

At Sun Palace Vacations, we offer stunning vacation homes in Fort Myers Beach. Whether you’re looking for a beachfront escape or a cozy retreat, we have the perfect place for you. We consider ourselves Fort Myers Beach experts, and from the best shopping spots and top-notch restaurants to a comprehensive guide on fishing and hunting in the area, we’ve got you covered in our blog.

TLDR 

Here’s a quick rundown of what Fort Myers offers:

• Beautiful Beaches and Parks: Perfect for relaxing, outdoor activities, and enjoying nature.
• Great Weather: Warm and sunny most of the year, making outdoor fun easy.
• Lively Downtown: Filled with shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
• Close to Key Destinations: Easy drives to Tampa, Miami, Orlando, and the Florida Keys.
• Community Spirit: Regular events and festivals bring people together.
• Delicious Dining: A thriving food scene with fresh seafood and local favorites.
• Job Opportunities: A growing job market, especially in tourism, healthcare, and public services.
• Affordable Living: Lower cost of living with no state income tax.
• Educational Choices: Plenty of schools and higher education options for families.

Enjoy Beautiful Beaches, Lush Parks, and Preserves

Among the many reasons Fort Myers is a fantastic place to call home, the natural surroundings and incredible outdoor activities are some of the most appealing to new residents. The area boasts beautiful beaches like Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island, where residents can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports. In addition to the stunning beaches, Fort Myers is home to numerous parks and nature reserves, such as Lakes Park and the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, offering ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking.

These natural attractions provide a serene environment and a laid-back lifestyle that appeals to many seeking a coastal community with ample outdoor recreational options. They also encourage residents to stay active, as you’re always just a step away from natural havens where you can exercise at your own pace. A stroll along the beach after a day of work? That’s all you need to unwind.

Speaking of staying active, the city of Fort Myers supports an active lifestyle with numerous gyms, fitness centers, sports leagues, and events like marathons and triathlons.

Experience the Pleasant Climate

Fort Myers’ pleasant climate plays a significant role in attracting not only snowbirds but also those considering a permanent move to Florida. Here, you can enjoy warm, sunny weather year-round — no need to wait until June to take advantage of the beautiful beaches just around the corner.

The city enjoys warm temperatures throughout the year, with average highs around 87.6°F (30.9°C) in September. This warmth, coupled with mild nights, makes outdoor activities enjoyable nearly all day long. With an average of 9.2 hours of sunshine per day in September, the city is bathed in plenty of light, creating a vibrant atmosphere ideal for beach outings, water sports, or simply taking a walk.

Even on the hottest days, Fort Myers benefits from its coastal location, which brings gentle sea breezes that help moderate the heat and keep the air feeling fresh. These sea breezes also help balance humidity, making the atmosphere feel more comfortable compared to other humid regions.

Discover the Vibrant Downtown

Not into a slower pace of life all the time? No worries—Fort Myers has a vibrant downtown filled with superb venues, lively nightlife, and plenty of entertainment to shake things up. This part of town exudes a strong sense of community, where residents and visitors come together and local businesses thrive.

Beyond the incredible bars, restaurants, and cafes, Downtown Fort Myers is home to numerous museums, including the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, art galleries, and amusement parks. There’s always something for everyone to see or do.

Downtown’s independent shops, boutiques, and small businesses are not just for shop lovers — they contribute to the strong sense of community. Local entrepreneurs have infused the area with unique offerings, from artisanal goods to specialty coffee, and are always open to chatting and exchanging ideas. If you’re an entrepreneur moving to the city, you’ll certainly find inspiration and excellent examples to follow.

Proximity to Other Interesting Destinations

Fort Myers’ central location makes it very convenient for residents who like to travel on weekends or short holidays. The city is roughly halfway between Tampa and Miami and just a two-and-a-half-hour drive to Orlando. Additionally, it’s only three hours to the Florida Keys. Nearly all the fun activities in the Sunshine State are just a short car ride away, including cruises that set sail from Fort Myers. For those who love to explore, it truly is a paradise.

Community Events and Festivals

We’ve already mentioned the strong sense of community that emanates from Downtown Fort Myers, but it extends beyond that area. Fort Myers hosts a variety of community events and festivals throughout the year, enhancing the sense of togetherness and providing entertainment for all ages. Moving to the city opens up opportunities to attend Southwest Florida’s premier annual events, featuring everything from art festivals and music concerts to festive beach parties.

Some of the most anticipated events and festivals include:

• Fort Myers Seafood & Music Festival
• River District Holidays
• Shrimp Festival Parade
• Fort Myers Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade
• Fort Myers Beach Film Festival
• Fort Myers Art Walk
• Southern Fresh Farms Fall Festival
• American Sand Sculpting Championship
  
  
  

Fort Myers Food Scene is Thriving

Living in Fort Myers means you can enjoy meals at some of the best dining spots in Florida nearly around the clock. Given its seaside location, freshness is key to the local food scene. Some of the most popular restaurants among locals include Fresh Catch Bistro, The Dixie Fish Co., The Veranda, and Salty Papa’s Shrimp House.

Beyond the fresh cuisine available at Fort Myers’ renowned restaurants, you can explore the area’s popular farmers markets for locally sourced ingredients to create delicious meals at home. Notable markets include the Downtown Farmers Market, Southern Fresh Farms, and Health Park Farmers Market.

A Strong Job Market

Fort Myers boasts a strong job market, which has significantly contributed to the area’s recent expansion. Lee County tends to have lower unemployment rates than the national average and is anticipated to experience more rapid job growth compared to the rest of the country.

The job market in Fort Myers is significantly influenced by tourism and hospitality, with other major employers including local government, public schools, and healthcare institutions such as hospitals and medical centers. This demand is partially due to the substantial healthcare needs of the area’s senior residents.

The Cost of Living is Generally Lower

The cost of living in Fort Myers is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many newcomers. Housing is relatively affordable, although prices have been rising due to increased demand. A significant advantage of living in Fort Myers is that residents do not have to pay state income taxes.

Groceries, healthcare, and utilities are reasonably priced compared to other parts of the country. Overall, Fort Myers offers a cost-effective lifestyle with a good balance of affordability and quality of life.

A Large Variety of Schools

The education system in Fort Myers is diverse and includes a range of options for students. The public school system, managed by Lee County Public Schools, features a variety of elementary, middle, and high schools, some of which offer specialized programs and magnet options. In addition to public schools, Fort Myers has several charter schools that provide alternative curriculums and educational approaches, such as a focus on STEM or the arts. The city also boasts a number of private schools with various educational philosophies, including religious-affiliated, progressive, and Montessori methods.

For higher education, Fort Myers is home to Florida Gulf Coast University, along with other colleges and vocational training centers that offer undergraduate and graduate programs.

From Snowbirds to Full-Timers: Living in Fort Myers Year-Round

We won’t sugarcoat it. Living in Fort Myers isn’t perfect (as is the case with any city). Some downsides include the high influx of tourists during peak season, increased traffic, and the fact that Florida is one of the states most likely to be affected by hurricanes. If you move here, be prepared for this to be a factor in your insurance costs.

However, the pros certainly outweigh the cons, as evidenced by the growing number of people who dream of Fort Myers’ laid-back yet vibrant lifestyle.

Wondering Where to Stay in Fort Myers Beach?

A move needs to be carefully planned. Before making any decision, a great way to experience Fort Myers and get a feel for what it’s like to live in the city is to spend some time there as a local. To experience the highest quality in amenities, decor, and cleanliness, book your stay with Sun Palace Vacations. We guarantee you’ll have the most authentic, enjoyable, and relaxing time ever!