Considering the Fort Myers area?
Water is a way of life in Florida. Residents can spend the day on or in the water and, in the evening, enjoy a succulent seafood dinner. That proximity to water makes Fort Myers one of the most desirable places to live in the Sunshine State.
Why it matters: From the collection of shops and a robust food scene to diverse entertainment venues and outdoor recreation, finding the right suburb will provide a long-lasting investment in your Florida lifestyle.
| FUN FACTS ABOUT FORT MYERS |
|---|
| Fort Myers is called the "City of Palms" with famous inventor, Thomas Edison and wife, having planted many palm trees. |
| Fort Myers was the first city to receive electric light in 1898. |
| Fort Myers is a mecca for beach shelling, kayaking, and bird watching. |
What's ahead: If you prefer something away from the heart of the city, take a look at our list of the top 10 surrounding suburbs.
1. Naples
Upscale, coastal, and consistently ranked among Florida’s best
Population: 20,168 | Median Home: $1.25M | School Rating: A | Commute: 22 min
Housing: Luxury estates, beach condos, golf course communities
Education: Highly rated Collier County Public Schools
Safety: Very low crime, especially property offenses (306/year)
Perks: Clam Pass Park, Naples Pier, world-class beaches, galleries + golf
Why it’s appealing: Prestigious, peaceful living with unmatched coastal beauty
2. Sanibel
Island charm meets world-renowned natural preservation
Population: 6,358 | Median Home: $912K | School Rating: A- | Commute: 21 min
Housing: Beachfront cottages, waterfront estates, quiet condos
Education: Sanibel School (top-ranked K–8), Lee County School District
Safety: Exceptionally low crime, especially violent offenses (21/year)
Perks: Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium, small-town pride, 24 miles of shoreline
Why it’s appealing: A conservation-first island with luxury and serenity
3. Bonita Springs
Laid-back Gulf living with nature and culture in balance
Population: 57,112 | Median Home: $461K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 24 min
Housing: Waterfront homes, resort condos, golf communities
Education: Lee County School District, strong magnet options
Safety: Safe for families, low violent crime
Perks: Wonder Gardens, art fairs, boating access
Why it’s appealing: Big on nature, community, and quality of life
4. Estero
A well-planned suburb blending modern living and rich history
Population: 38,443 | Median Home: $431K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 26 min
Housing: Gated communities, riverfront homes, townhomes
Education: Lee County School District, nearby Florida Gulf Coast University
Safety: Quiet neighborhoods, low crime rates
Perks: Estero River access, great shopping, Mound Key Archaeological State Park
Why it’s appealing: Upscale amenities meet outdoor adventure
5. Cape Coral
Boater’s dream with canals, parks, and suburban ease
Population: 233,025 | Median Home: $339K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 29 min
Housing: Affordable homes, canal-front properties, new builds
Education: Lee County School District, growing charter presence
Safety: Moderate crime for its size, good public safety services
Perks: 400+ miles of canals, family parks, waterfront dining
Why it’s appealing: Waterfront living with small-town affordability
6. Iona
Peaceful and private, nestled near the river and beaches
Population: 16,908 | Median Home: $296K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 23 min
Housing: Riverview condos, canal homes, quiet subdivisions
Education: Lee County School District, strong elementary options
Safety: Low crime, strong for retirees
Perks: Boating access, near Sanibel, laid-back living
Why it’s appealing: Calm waterside suburb with top convenience
7. Fort Myers Beach
A true beach town with vibrant tourism and quiet corners
Population: 5,308 | Median Home: $612K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 20 min
Housing: Beachfront homes, cottages, elevated new builds
Education: Lee County School District, magnet and charter nearby
Safety: Tourist-area crime spikes seasonally, otherwise low
Perks: White sand beaches, walkable shops, Major League Baseball training nearby
Why it’s appealing: The ultimate live-where-you-vacation lifestyle
8. McGregor
Historic riverside enclave with quick city access
Population: 7,976 | Median Home: $413K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 23 min
Housing: Historic homes, newer infill, waterfront gems
Education: Lee County School District, good elementary/middle schools
Safety: Low property crime, family-friendly streets
Perks: Artsy shops, nearby parks + dining, golf courses
Why it’s appealing: Charming, established, and minutes to downtown
9. Cypress Lake
College-town vibes with a local, laid-back pace
Population: 13,727 | Median Home: $238K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 24 min
Housing: Mid-century homes, affordable condos, mature trees
Education: Lee County School District, home to Florida SW State College–Lee Campus
Safety: Safe, strong neighborhood watch culture
Perks: Lakes Park, central location, Bell Tower Shops
Why it’s appealing: Affordable, easy living near everything
10. San Carlos Park
Affordable and growing with great access to nature and jobs
Population: 18,563 | Median Home: $285K | School Rating: B+ | Commute: 27 min
Housing: Starter homes, larger lots, family neighborhoods
Education: Lee County School District, near FGCU
Safety: Quiet and consistent safety stats
Perks: Airport access, Estero Bay Preserve State Park, Lovers Key State Park
Why it’s appealing: Value and location wrapped in suburban comfort
The Bottom Line
Fort Myers isn't just a vacation hotspot — it’s surrounded by some of Florida’s most livable, lovable suburbs. Whether you’re after waterfront bliss, top-rated schools, or laid-back luxury, these 10 spots deliver sun-soaked living with real staying power.
Additional Suburbs
| Suburb | Pop. | Median Home Value | Mean Travel to Work | School Rank |
| Villas | 12,681 | $233K | 24 minutes | B- |
| North Fort Myers | 42,719 | $138K | 26 minutes | B- |
| Lehigh Acres | 114,287 | $263K | 37 minutes | B- |
| Gateway | 10,376 | $395K | 26 minutes | C+ |
| Fort Myers Shores | 5,774 | $257K | 30 minutes | C+ |
NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.
Other Florida Resources
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Julie Gordey
A lifelong educator, Julie Gordey, is a retired school administrator. After years of focusing on education, this University of Texas graduate now travels and enjoys freelance writing for BDX and NewHomeSource.com.