By Pamela Smith
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
6 min read
Reviewed by Martin Pаnауоtоv
Martin is founder of MoveAdvisor, formerly MyMovingReviews.com.
706 movers in Fort Myers
What to know when moving to Fort Myers, FL
TL;DR: Fort Myers at a Glance
- The Vibe:
- A community where 55.7% of residents are renters and 29.3% hold a bachelor's degree.
- The Major Draw:
- The median household income is $51,579, which can be attractive for renters.
- The Reality Check:
- A poverty rate of 21.3% indicates some economic challenges.
- Commute:
- Only 3% of residents use public transit, suggesting a car-dependent area.
- Top Tip:
- Budget for a median rent of $1,291 per month.
The 'Vibe' Check: Who Thrives Here?
In Fort Myers, about 24,401 residents enjoy a blend of suburban living and access to outdoor activities. With a median household income of $51,579, there is a significant portion of the community that rents, as indicated by the 55.7% renter rate. The educational landscape shows that 29.3% of the population holds a bachelor's degree, providing a somewhat educated community. The area is relatively car-dependent, with only 3% of residents using public transit. The tropical climate also means residents should be prepared for a fair amount of rain.
Probably not your spot if: you are looking for a high percentage of public transit users or a lower poverty rate.
Your Money: Housing & Cost Snapshot
- Median rent is $1,291, which means budgeting about $1,300 a month is wise.
- The median owner-occupied home value is $280,400, reflecting a relatively affordable housing market.
- About 21.3% of residents live below the poverty line, indicating economic challenges within the community.
- 55.7% of residents are renters, suggesting a vibrant rental market.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Data Profiles.
Schools & Higher Ed
Fort Myers has access to a total of 14 postsecondary institutions within Lee County, appealing to a range of educational needs.
- Aveda Institute-Fort Myers
- Florida Academy
- Florida Gulf Coast University
- Florida SouthWestern State College
- Fort Myers Technical College
- Hodges University
- Lee Professional Institute
- Paul Mitchell the School-Fort Myers
- Premiere International College
- Rasmussen University-Fort Myers
- Southern Technical College
- The Salon Professional Academy-Ft Myers
Source: ArcGIS Postsecondary School Locations, NCES, College Scorecard.
Weather & Getting Outside
While specific climate data is unavailable, Fort Myers offers several parks and outdoor spaces perfect for enjoying the sunny weather.
- Lakes Park - 4.7 stars (6,566 reviews)
- Manatee Park - 4.5 stars (6,037 reviews)
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve - 4.8 stars (4,455 reviews)
- JetBlue Park - 4.7 stars (2,979 reviews)
- Centennial Park - 4.5 stars (2,925 reviews)
- Causeway Islands Park - 4.7 stars (2,490 reviews)
- Bowditch Point Park - 4.7 stars (2,274 reviews)
- Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve - 4.7 stars (1,584 reviews)
Source: Google Places API.
Jobs & the Local Economy
In Lee County, where Fort Myers is located, the unemployment rate is 4.9% as of December 2025, with a labor force of 376,820 and 358,183 employed residents.
- Unemployment rate: 4.9% (December 2025)
- Employment: 358,183
- Labor force: 376,820
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics.
