Pros & Cons of Living in Fort Myers, FL | What it's really like to live there

This video highlights the BEST and WORST parts of living in Fort Myers, Florida. As with anything in life, there are Pros and Cons and my goal with this video is to give you a true sense of what it's like living in Fort Myers, Florida.
If you are considering a move to Fort Myers and would like to look at available homes in the area, visit my website at www.homesearchinswflorida.com...
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If you're considering a move to Fort Myers, Florida, we need to talk. In this video, we're going to talk about the pros and the cons of living in Fort Myers. I've lived in Fort Myers since 2006, so I have 15 years of my life invested in this city I call home, which I absolutely love. This has given me the unique opportunity to have perspective on what's great and what's not so great about living here. Let's talk about pro number one, the beaches in Fort Myers are amazing. Fort Myers Beach is the highlight. There are seven miles of beach that makes up Fort Myers beach. You also have very close access to the Island of Sanibel, the Island of Captiva, as well as, if you wanted to go further South, you could go to Bonita beach, Naples, or even Marco Island. There are plenty of beaches to be enjoyed here in Southwest Florida.
That brings me to con number one, access to the beaches in Fort Myers is not that easy unless you live on the beach. If you live in other parts of Fort Myers, and you want to go to Fort Myers beach, there is one bridge that goes over the North end of Fort Myers beach from Fort Myers. If you want to get at it from the South, you would have to go up through Bonita beach. That access, especially during season can be very restricted and it takes a long time to get over that bridge. So you can imagine when a lot of people plan on going to the beach on a weekend, and there's one bridge with one lane each way, what that traffic can be like.
For pro number two, this is the reason why people move to Fort Myers. It's because of the weather; it is absolutely incredible. Especially during the winter months, the winter months, when it is cold up North and your friends are just buried in snow, you get to laugh at them and send them pictures of Palm trees. It's just such a glorious thing, but it gives them an excuse to come down and visit as well. So the weather is absolutely a reason to be in Fort Myers. Con number two, I said weather is a reason to be in Fort Myers, but the weather is also a reason to not be in Fort Myers. That is because in the summer months especially, have some hectic weather that comes mainly through hurricanes. We all know hurricanes come through Florida, which can be scary and you want to get out of Fort Myers when that is the case. We also have high humidity in the summer months, which after time, I don't know the science behind it. They say your blood thins out, but over time it becomes not so unbearable. Generally, the high is only about 93, 94 degrees in the summer months, but the humidity can certainly sneak up on you. That's really where the discomfort comes from in the summer with the weather. We are now onto pro number three for living in Fort Myers and it has everything to do with lifestyle, with our beautiful weather.
We want to be out there enjoying it and if you like to enjoy the outdoors, Southwest Florida is an amazing place to do that. Whether you like to go boating out in the Gulf of Mexico or intercoastal waterways, fishing. If you like to play golf, we have over 150 golf courses in all of Southwest Florida, tennis, pickleball, you name it, there are so many activities that can be enjoyed outdoors in Southwest Florida. I want to add to the lifestyle side of things; the nature here in Fort Myers is incredible. The other day I had a friend who came into town that was just enjoying the Banyan trees and the Palm trees and all of the wildlife that we have here in Southwest Florida. I have to admit, after living here all of these years, I sort of took that for granted and it helped me really understand how special of a place that we're in, seeing it from my friend's perspective.
Now here's where I want to hear from you. I want to know what you're looking forward to the most about moving to Fort Myers. What you're looking forward to the least, what are your pros and cons about moving to the area? Or if you already live here, what are the pros and cons that you have experienced? Please comment below, look forward to speaking with you soon, make it a blessed day.

[@ldav2006]

Been wintering in ft myers for 17 years and my parents before me. They moved down in 1970 and mom said she missed Jersey for 5 minutes ! She's gone now and dad is still going at 97. Retired and loving it.

[@CLaFong]

I like it when people from Florida say the weather is incredible. WOW! They are correct. I've seen how incredible it is all over the news!

[@jdgoodwin3136]

I grew up in South Florida. The weather is awesome for about 4 months out of the year. For the rest of the calendar it is horrible. Yes, it's the heat and humidity. But the worst part is the nighttime temperature. I'm not kidding, some of the nighttime lows, just before sunrise, were above 80F, with humidity to match. People have to constantly run their air-conditioners. I'm very thankful that for the last 25 years I've been living in a place where the air conditioning comes on maybe 10 days in the summer, with average summer lows of 55-65. On most summer days our evenings are cool. If that wasn't good enough, it doesn't snow here, either. Florida weather? They can keep it.

[@stevewalther2293]

Absolutely 💯...It's so funny how they push the great weather narrative...lol...and nobody wants to go to the beach...

[@2011Ecstatic]

I agreed wholeheartedly with you about the con of beach access. That’s what I hated about it. Try the drive to the beach multiple times before you buy anywhere in Florida.

[@thisismagacountry1318]

Stop killing people. Jamie Lee Curtis will defeat you.

[@kristinmschmidt]

Very comprehensive Brad! I love living here because it is almost ALWAYS sunny and sunny = happy 😎

[@gladysgriffin7347]

Excellent video!

[@BradDohackGPP]

Thank you!

[@Unclebuns72]

Good video Thx

[@2075vj]

Looking forward to the nice weather after many years of living in New York and now in Pennsylvania. Come January I should be in Fort Myers but I’m not looking forward to the pimento bugs. Thanks for sharing

[@lorenenoe4472]

Lived here 18 years and have never seen one! Welcome.

[@dalecatania3258]

So far Fort Myers is looking incredible. We live in Ontario Canada and are interested in buying property in Florida on the Gulf of Mexico side. We would prefer to keep it at 300000 Canadian dollars ….. American ?………if furnished even better. We’re learning what we need to know about this transformation to our life.

[@BradDohackGPP]

Great choice! If you’d like to start seeing some options you can email me at [e-mail]

[@luperamos7307]

Where would you say is a good place for a family in South West Florida to move to that will have population growth? Because I am wondering why everyone is on the south east coast. I looked at Cape Coral and it seems so remote and far out. And I heard Fort Myers has one of the highest amount of discount stores in the country because people generally earn so little there and have little prospects.

[@Chas1160]

Frankly, I would hate the humidity. However, would only visit it in the cooler months. This area will rebuild itself. The structures really need to be anchored down and the structures built in such away that any storm surge can be dealt with. I would not invest a dime in this area without safeguards from hurricanes and storm surges. I think this area will rebound very quickly and people will be better prepared for the next hurricane which will undoubtedly come again.

[@JoeySavage]

To those in fort myers right now get out your life is on the line cat 4 closing in

[@mikeanderson9266]

Hurricane just blew that place up! It's hot, muggy, humid, and flat. I will pass not to mention homeless folks.

[@peterkrauss6962]

So the beach is hard to access. Good to know

[@carlmanning6707]

Looking to get out of the winters here in Michigan we just retired and looking for a condo in Florida to come and play golf …..I like the area because of the many golf courses you have down there but my wife is afraid of the hurricanes…..

[@BradDohackGPP]

Congrats on your retirement! I've been here for over 15 years and one time we decided to leave b/c of a coming hurricane. If there is a big storm coming, you have plenty of notice and our homes are built to withstand them. I guess when we think about it, every part of the world has natural disasters that can occur. Earthquakes, fires, drought, flooding, etc. I like that ours at least gives us plenty of lead time :)

[@carlmanning6707]

@@BradDohackGPP your right I’m trying to convince her of that….lol are there nice condos in land I think she would be ok if we are not close to the beach. All we are looking for is a 2 bed 2 bath about 1000 sq feet

[@lorenenoe4472]

Carl, moved here from Kzoo 18 years ago, most hurricanes go further up in the Gulf, only 2 went thru this way in 18 years, not to be feared, they often never even require you to leave the area, hurricane proof window etc really make the difference. I wouldn’t invest in any condo over10 years old, beware of sticker shock this year. Good luck.

[@carlmanning6707]

@@lorenenoe4472 thanks for the insight. How is the area? I guess you like it been there for a while. I know prices are high on everything but we are not in a hurry and just trying to figure out where we want to go. Orlando is nice be it’s just to busy roads are always packed hard to get anywhere. We like to play golf and there are many golf courses in Orlando but we can’t get away from the traffic. We have a timeshare and stayed there many times. I did check down where you live there are some golf courses there too. Thanks again Carl

[@ldav2006]

She'll get over that. No place is perfect!

[@mrkorbel]

Before you start pumping no State income tax, realize FL has creative ways of getting into your pockets. There is the high sales tax/ housing tax/entertainment tax/alcohol tax/toll roads and you will pay triple insurance on property/vehicles. Sunshine has a price.

[@charlesmaeger6162]

Brad, how would you compare the Sarasota area and the Ft Myers area, Florida?

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

Choose Sarasota! 🌴

[@redstar4333]

still wanna live there ?

[@Kennythecardealer]

Yup

[@carmelaonofrietti7297]

Quindi in estate umidità,piccoli vampiri e foto di uragani da spedire?Awesome inverno Fort Mayer

[@susynne2124]

can you bike over that road to the beach?

[@ldav2006]

Yes!

[@pamreed4956]

Are you a realtor? Looking to invest in a second home

[@kathcasey2090]

Probably can get one for cheap now! All kidding aside hope you are safe and happy.

[@stevewalther2293]

It's all the same...lol...the whole State of Florida is a huge flat peace of sand sorrounded by water...also it's a nursing home the size of France...I don't know anyone who wants or is willing to go to the beach....also very very very hot...most people sit inside looking out the window all year...lol...

[@thisismagacountry1318]

When you said it had beautiful beaches a lot of Mexicans got really excited.

[@midastouch7773]

Solution: Helicopter... Duh... Just add a Landing Pad and make sure we are zoned properly. What else... Why isnt everyone doing this already??

[@carlberardinelli6575]

Looking for ;Sun! Salt and fresh water fishing, low taxes.

[@BradDohackGPP]

Well, my friend. You've found it all!

[@larscain3282]

If you are m looking for culture turn and run away

[@joemachunda]

What ? No or little LGBTQ community. Far left orgs. And crazy bars like in NY? Go to NY for crazy

[@terry6560]

Here's my take on living in Florida - the hot humid weather is the good part: Health care is terrible. It is almost impossible to find decent health care providers. Health insurance is a joke. I would strongly suggest that you see health care providers in the north including dental care. Florida is a very superficial culture, especially in Orlando. It's a great place for mainstream but don't count on intellectual stimulation. Florida is halfway between the United States and a third world country. Services are not good, schools are poor, and customer service is almost non- existent. Floridians are friendly but not helpful, you are on your own. The vast influx of northerners moving into Florida probably has something to do with the total lack of community. Florida is very expensive (except maybe for New Yorkers). Don't move to Florida to avoid state income tax. The cost of living is very high, especially for housing. If you are planning on renting, landlords will push you out after your first tenancy because they can to someone else at a much higher rate. (Rent prices are increasing at 28% in Florida) Wish I had known these things before I moved here, I would have chosen another state.

[@LeeStotts]

Rats?? oh boy ....

[@joehalliday6081]

you can edit the part about laughing at cold weather friends out? ARe you trying to sell people on yourself? Rethink the negatives and re-record this. Sheesh Should those same friends call up and laugh at you during this hurricane, the 120 mph winds, the 10 foot storm surge, the flooding, the power outage, the crowded evacuation? Don't be such a jerk. Rerecord it please.

[@nateglass8767]

Fort Myers: Mostly ghetto where if you can afford the nice parts you can afford to move anywhere you want!

[@michaelmuzzy8401]

thank you,It's everywhere. I might have to go with an rv ?

[@pamreed4956]

I agree that’s How I felt when I drove through Fort Myers it seem to be kind of ghetto and Cape Coral was so crowded so I’m thinking more of Sarasota or Bradington area because it took me so long just a drive from Fort Myers to Naples Naples is another area that’s beautiful but it’s expensive but Cape Coral seem nice but I stopped to get gas in it was so crowded and it takes so long to get to the water and I’m a beach person so I ruled Cape Coral out Plus there’s so many recovery homes there in Cape Coral and Fort Myers it kind of worries me but I guess to each his own right

[@user-vw5de8jt4u]

If you’re not a drinker, don’t go here

[@gabrielleangelica1977]

Yes, one of the best airports! 🛬