Thomas Edison Slept Here!

Known as the "City of Palms", Fort Myers was made famous by Thomas Alva Edison.  Impressed by the tropical climate and natural beauty, Edison spent his winters here.  Thousands of visitors do the same each season, while the area's permanent population continues to explode.

Located on the Caloosahatchee River, 15 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers is a city of diversity. The oldest city in Lee County and the county seat, Fort Myers is the center of government and commerce.  Popular downtown destinations include the Harborside Convention Center, The Yacht Basin, Centennial Park and of course, the famous Edison and Ford winter homes.  Interestingly, the CITY limits are quite small, so most residents who say they live in Fort Myers, really live in  unincorporated Lee County, and are served by all the Lee County services.  Many gated communities exist here, including The Landings, Gulf Harbour, Reflection Lakes, Gateway, Parker Lakes, Lexington County Club, and MORE**  Some communities are golf oriented, some boating, and some are BOTH.  Others are just gated and built by 1 builder with community pool and tennis.  We have something for everyone!

Downtown Ft. Myers is in the midst of a renaissance.  Towering resort-style Condominiums are being built along the riverfront offering spectacular views and world class accomodations.  The historic district is a destination in itself offering restaurants for every taste, eclectic shops and trendy night spots.

Stately Royal Palms line the streets of the historic in-town neighborhoods, while newer residential and country club communities reach into Southern Lee County.  The newly expanded Southwest Florida International Airport serves both domestic and a growing foreign market.  Book your trip online using   RSW  as our airport code.

The City of Palms Park and Lee County Sports Complex are home to the Red Sox and Twins spring training.  Adding to the quality of life here are the campuses of Edison Community College, the Gulf Coast University  and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Center.  The historic Burroughs Home is listed on the National Register, and is availabe for guided tours.  Visit the calusa Nature Center & Planetarium:  105 acre center is home to live reptile displays, an aviary, and over 100 species of wildlife.   Fort Myers  also boasts FL Repertory Theatre, Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Manatee Park, and lee County Alliance for the Arts, The Imaginarium children's hands-on Museum, and the Seminole Gulf Railway Dinner Train Theater.

 

Demographics

	Fort Myers	National Average
Population of Fort Myers	20884	11571
Median Age	39.3 years	37.41 years
Median Household Income	$30,151	$39,728
Percentage of Single Households	67.1%	44.72%
Percentage of Married Households	32.9%	55.27%
Percentage Families (households with children)	52.8%	69.28%
Average Household Size	2.19 people	2.57 people
Percentage College or Better	27.1%	25.99%
Percentage White Collar	56.1%	47.07%

Cost of Living

	Fort Myers	National Average
Cost of Living Index	89.7	102.76
Average Yearly Utility Cost	2999	3250.42
Average Household Total Consumer Expenditures	$39,205 per year	$41,554 per year
Average Household Education Expenditures	$658 per year	$729 per year
Average Household Entertainment Expenditures	$2,008 per year	$2,183 per year
Average Household Transportation Expenditures	$8,050 per year	$8,682 per year
Average Household Retail Expenditures	$22,345 per year	$24,198 per year
Average Household Non-RetailExpenditures	$15,620 per year	$17,353 per year

Quality of Life

	Fort Myers	National Average
Average Winter High Temperature	72.6 degrees	41.17 degrees
Average Winter Low Temperature	54.0 degrees	22.80 degrees
Average Summer High Temperature	91.6 degrees	86.46 degrees
Average Summer Low Temperature	70.5 degrees	62.23 degrees
Average Annual Precipitation	54.6 inches	38.69 inches
Air Quality Index	24.0	44.69
Total Crime Index	8.4	3.47
Personal Crime Index	8.0	3.40
Culture Index	104.0	93.56