Thinking about moving to Southwest Florida? I’m a native, born and raised in Lee County, and I’ve helped many people relocate here from out of state. This is the same guide I walk my own clients through, with the honest details you’ll want to know before you make the move.

Take a Look Around Southwest Florida

Where Is Southwest Florida?

Southwest Florida sits on the Gulf Coast and is mostly Lee and Collier counties. It runs from Cape Coral and Fort Myers down through Estero and Bonita Springs to Naples and Marco Island. I-75 connects it all, heading north to Tampa and east across Alligator Alley toward Fort Lauderdale and Miami.

Find Your Fit

Every town here has its own feel. Here’s a quick look:

• Cape Coral: A boater’s dream. Cape Coral has more canals than Venice, Italy, and many of them give you direct access to the Gulf.
• Fort Myers: The historic River District, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, and McGregor Boulevard, lined with royal palms. Thomas Edison planted the first ones there.
• Estero: Close to Coconut Point, Florida Gulf Coast University, and the airport. “Estero” is Spanish for estuary, the place where fresh water meets the salt water of the Gulf.
• Bonita Springs: Right between Fort Myers and Naples, close to Bonita Beach, Barefoot Beach, and Lovers Key.
• Naples: Fifth Avenue South, Third Street, the Naples Pier, and a big arts scene with galleries all over town.
• Lehigh Acres, North Fort Myers, Alva, and LaBelle: More space, more land, and often more home for your money.
• Ave Maria and Babcock Ranch: Master-planned towns with a small-town feel and tons of amenities.

Getting Around

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is our main airport, with nonstop flights to cities all over the country. Punta Gorda Airport is another option to the north. Most people here drive, and I-75 and US-41 (Tamiami Trail) are the main north-south routes. Traffic picks up during season, from about January through April, when our winter residents are in town.

Jobs, Healthcare, and Education

Some of the biggest employers in the area are the Lee Health and NCH healthcare systems, the Lee and Collier county school districts, local governments, Publix, and Florida Gulf Coast University. Medical device maker Arthrex is headquartered in Naples, and Hertz has its headquarters in Estero.

For higher education, there’s Florida Gulf Coast University in Estero and Florida SouthWestern State College, with campuses in Lee, Collier, and Charlotte counties. For K–12, I always suggest checking school assignments directly with the Lee County or Collier County school district for any home you’re considering.

Taxes and Cost of Living

Florida has no state income tax, which is a big reason so many people move here. If the home will be your primary residence, you can apply for Florida’s homestead exemption with the county property appraiser (the deadline is March 1). It lowers the taxable value of your home and caps how much your assessed value can rise each year.

Insurance, Flood Zones, and Hurricane Season

I’m always upfront about this part, because it matters. Flood zones can change from one street to the next, so I’ll help you look up the flood zone and elevation for any home before you fall in love with it. I also recommend getting homeowners and flood insurance quotes early in the process. Features like impact windows and doors, a newer roof, and a wind mitigation inspection can make a real difference in your premium. Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30.

Life Here

There’s always something to do. Spend the day at the beach, explore Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary or the Ten Thousand Islands, or catch spring training. The Boston Red Sox play at JetBlue Park and the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium, both in Fort Myers. Stone crab season runs from October 15 to May 15, and if you love seafood, don’t miss the Everglades Seafood Festival in Everglades City each February.

Making Your Move Easier

Moving is stressful enough, so I try to take as much off your plate as I can. I offer video tours for buyers who can’t be here in person, and I can connect you with my trusted partners, from lenders to inspectors to movers. When you buy or sell with me, you can also use the Bonita Springs-Estero REALTORS^® box truck free of charge (subject to availability and BER’s guidelines).

Wherever you’re coming from, I’d love to help you find your place in Southwest Florida. Let’s talk!