Fort Myers, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview

Fort Myers is situated in Southwest Florida along the coast of the Caloosahatchee River. Fort Myers offers residents several serene nature sites to explore the area’s ecosystem and wildlife. The winter destination for inventors like Thomas Jefferson and Henry Ford, the city prides itself on preserving its historic past, while offering a wide selection of modern shopping and entertainment options.

Climate & Geography

In Fort Myers, the number of sunny days is well above average, and the area maintains a warm climate throughout the year. Fort Myers receives above average amounts of rainfall, with no snowfall expected.

The area is built on low land in Southwest Florida. It is located along the Caloosahatchee River, opposite the city of Cape Coral.

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment

Fort Myers has many activities suitable for nature lovers. Manatee Park offers kayaking in an area inhabited by manatees, with manatee sightings typically during the winter months. A peaceful stroll along the Boardwalk Trail at The Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve allows locals to immerse themselves in the wetland ecosystem by viewing wildlife in their natural habitat. 

Edison and Ford Winter Estates is a popular cultural spot for both history buffs and gardeners alike. Visitors can admire the lush botanic gardens and learn the history of these famous inventors on a museum tour.

For those looking to pass time indoors, Edison Mall offers a variety of shops and restaurants, and the IMAG History and Science Center provides educational fun to visitors.

Cost of Living & Taxes

Overall, Florida is considered a tax friendly state, and is a popular choice among retirees due to the absence of both income tax and Social Security tax. The cost of living in Fort Myers is lower than the Florida state average, and just slightly higher than the national average. The housing cost in Fort Myers has the largest effect on raising the overall cost of living. Sales tax in Fort Myers is on the lower end of the national average, at 6.50 percent. 

Health Care

The Cape Coral and Fort Myers area ranks extremely high on Gallup’s Well-Being Index, coming in as the No. 6 metropolitan area in the country. The state of Florida as a whole ranks on the high end of average on Gallup’s Well-Being Index.

Fort Myers has multiple hospitals within the city limits, providing easy access to health care for residents. Lee Memorial Hospital is ranked No. 14 in the state, and Gulf Coast Medical Center is ranked No. 21 in the state.