Moving to Ft Myers - Need Input Please!

Hi,
I moved from Miami to Ft Myers 3 years ago with my then 6 month old. I do like it better than in Miami for many reasons.
I enjoy more peace and quiet here, although it can be a bit boring at times as there are not as many things to do as in Miami, but that is expected being a smaller town.
I do like the gulf beaches better too, and the proximity of Naples and Venice, Sarasota, it makes for fun day trips.
I am personally partial to the neighborhoods near the river, but it is the older part of town and some people prefer new construction.
One good piece of advise is that when you look for a house or an apartment, be aware that there are many cases of chinesse dry wall, make SURE you don't get into those!
My kids are going to daycare so I still don't know much about the school district, so can't help with that.

Aside from the ungodly hot summers, Fort Myers is a lovely place, and the people are FANTASTIC. Nothing like Miami. We are the anti-Miami. There are some amazing deals on real estate right now because of foreclosures. As for schools, mine is too little to worry about that yet, but it really is a lovely place to live and a great place to raise children...not so big you have to worry all the time but enough stuff to keep kids busy.

I live in ft myers and I can assure you it is nothing Luke Miami. There is enough city to find everything you're looking for but not so much that you feel crowded and rushed ( like Miami)
my daughter is not yet in school so I really can't help you in that area, sorry. When I first moved here I lived by colonel and fowler... It was my LEAST favorite place. Since then I've lived in south ft myers ( south of cypress lake) and I like it here. I'd stay far away from pine manor if you can, it has a bad rep for crime.

Hi, N. - we also moved here from Texas - McKinney to be exact. I would say that I like Fort Myers. I am in a Moms Club chapter which helps with things to do with the kids and meeting other moms. We live near Daniels Pkwy and I-75 which is the newer part of town and everything but the library is convenient. Although I have to say that I don't know one neighbor in my development after 2.5 years and we had a great neighborhood in Stonebridge Ranch. I really miss that part.
I don't like the way schools are 'chosen'. My kids aren't in school yet, but the way I understand it is this: there aren't regional schools unless you live within 1 mile of your chosen school. After that you have to rank the schools in your zone and then the district lets you know which school your child matched up with in March before they start. Younger siblings get priority for the older one's school to make things slightly easier. I think the whole thing is ridiculous.
I'm originally from the Northeast so I would say that Ft.Myers is more NE than Midwest like Texas, if that means anything to you. There aren't as many stay-at-home moms here as the North Dallas area. I know another woman from McKinney who thinks there isn't as much stuff for the kids here than TX, but I don't really see that. There are parks and libraries and malls and beaches and public pools and a Chuck E. Cheese (before we had Chuck E. Cheese she lamented not having one <rolling eyes>)
I don't remember how the crime rate is compared to where you are but that can be found online.
You probably already know about the weather since you lived in Miami, but I find the humid, slightly lower heat more tolerable than the over-100 days of summer in TX. And winters are about 50/60 during the day, colder at night.
Send me a message if you have any other questions!

Hello N.!

I have lived in Naples for 15 years so I am very familiar with Southwest Florida! It is VERY different than the east coast as you have been told. Much more small community feel, slower pace, laid back life. Not so many lanes and highways to get everywhere either! I think you will like it MUCH better. Miami is fun to visit - but it would not be for me to live there either!

When might you be moving here? As in very soon before school starts? Actually I see that your kiddos are almost exactly the ages of mine - so they aren't quite at that stage yet.

I am a Realtor and I have clients that recently bought a home in Laguna Lakes. They love it there and they are very impressed with the schools. There are some other great neighborhoods similar that you might like too.

I will be happy to provide you more information and if you like help you find a home! It's always great to help new families moving to the area. My email is ____@____.com -- if you want to get in touch!

Good luck! Cheryl

I can't tell you too many particulars about the communities or schools, but I CAN tell you that yes, the west coast is a great place! I am in Naples, just south of Ft. Myers, and it's a nice family place to be. The beaches are even much nicer!! So, don't fret and enjoy it.