Moving to Ft. Myers, Cape, or Estero? (Miami, Cape Coral: renting, houses)

[Florida Paradise]

There is a new development going up in Iona (I passed it the other day heading to Sanibel) I can't remember (as we flew by pretty fast) what the name of it is, and exactly where it is, but the homes start at $550.00 and they are absolutely beautiful. It was located literally just a a mile or so before making the turn to head to the causeway (to Sanibel) I will have to look it up.

As for private vs. public. Even in the state of PA, where the public schools are considered excellent, the private schools are still better. You can't go wrong with private (in most cases) In most instances, it isn't a matter of should I send my children to a private school...it is CAN I afford to send my children to a private school. You are very lucky to be able to afford that gift for your children.

[hiknapster]

Originally Posted by Florida Paradise

There is a new development going up in Iona (I passed it the other day heading to Sanibel) I can't remember (as we flew by pretty fast) what the name of it is, and exactly where it is, but the homes start at $550.00 and they are absolutely beautiful. It was located literally just a a mile or so before making the turn to head to the causeway (to Sanibel) I will have to look it up.

As for private vs. public. Even in the state of PA, where the public schools are considered excellent, the private schools are still better. You can't go wrong with private (in most cases) In most instances, it isn't a matter of should I send my children to a private school...it is CAN I afford to send my children to a private school. You are very lucky to be able to afford that gift for your children.

Florida isn't Pennsylvania. Or the Northeast. Or Ohio. And Southwest Florida isn't Orlando or Miami. I know a thing or two about schools and I would love for my child to go to Barron Collier or Fort Myers High - if they could get in! - but I wouldn't send my child to a private school in Southwest Florida for free. His biggest concern is going to School Assignment.

[Florida Paradise]

What about the Catholic "private schools"? I will admit that I don't know much about the private schools in Florida... but was told that some of them were pretty good and if you can send your children to private, then you are better off. Perhaps I misread.

[Don Juan de Smith]

Both my spouse and I attended private schools and had very good experiences so we're biased. Then again, we're open to public schools that grade out well.

Another question I had is, are there places in Ft. Myers were one can shop, buy food, dine out where you don't find riff-raff? I was told by one individual that Ft. Myers had some nice neighborhoods, but as soon as you go grocery shopping or clothes shopping etc. that you began to encounter less than ideal people areas.

[Florida Paradise]

and let me tell you... Ft Myers is NOT Bike friendly... and when you do ride (in my experiences) your fellow bikers are usually transient. Kinda scary.

[Don Juan de Smith]

Thanks for all the insight thus far, it's been helpful. I had another question. Coming from the East Coast, getting to a beach is not terribly difficult. However, I've read where getting to the beach either FMB or Sanibel can be quite the drive. Is this the case? I've also heard about the traffic in and out of FMB. Any input on this is much appreciated.

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by Don Juan de Smith

Both my spouse and I attended private schools and had very good experiences so we're biased. Then again, we're open to public schools that grade out well.

Another question I had is, are there places in Ft. Myers were one can shop, buy food, dine out where you don't find riff-raff? I was told by one individual that Ft. Myers had some nice neighborhoods, but as soon as you go grocery shopping or clothes shopping etc. that you began to encounter less than ideal people areas.

But you haven't attended privates schools here in Fort Myers. Not all private schools are alike, you'll soon learn on your own.

the only you can shop and dine out with finding rif-raf, is to do it in your own home.

We don't have walls, roadblocks or special areas that are rif- raf free...you're going to have to deal with the commoners every so often.

[hiknapster]

And $500,000 to $600,000 on Sanibel would get you a small condo. You'd be the riff-raff. In the best areas of Fort Myers it will get you a much better condo or small home. Was that your housing budget in Miami because if so, it sounds like you are already the riff-raff!

[Billythepokerkid]

Originally Posted by Don Juan de Smith

My family is considering a move to the Ft. Myers area within the next 6 months. We are a young family in our 30s with 3 kids all under the age of 6. We currently live in Miami. We have been offered a very good position in Ft. Myers that is tempting our move. The position would pay in the almost mid-6 figure salary range. My intention is not to sound arrogant but so that fellow posters understand our position and best possibilities to live. We have asked several people we know who have lived or live in the area and have gotten very different opinions. Some say to live in Estero, others the Cape, while others say to stay west of Macgregor.

We would like to be as close to the water as possible and would like somewhat easy beach access as possible. We've heard that FMB can be a nightmare to get in and out of. We're aware of Sanibel since we vacationed there last year.

Therefore a few questions: How much of a culture shock are we in for coming from a large city that has basically everything under the sun i.e. restaurants, pro sports, int'l airport, casino up the road from us etc...

Also, what place do you recommend to live. The job will mostly be based out of Ft. Myers. We don't want a brutal daily commute.

Looking forward to the help and replies!!

First, if I was making that kind of money I would look to Naples and Marco and make the trip North, you would essentially always be traveling opposite of everyone else and it really isn't that bad of a ride. The beaches down there are nicer and the water is cleaner. If you stay West of 41 you will have great beach access, you could essentially have a beach within walking distance. Sanibel is nice, but is overwhelmingly touristy 9 months a year. The school out there, The Sanibel School is a Blue Ribbon school and is one of the best in the state and you don't have to worry about school of choice until the kids go to high school. But the commute could be insane during season. The culture shock will be something to think about. No pro sports, restaurants are not that great, but are much better in the Naples area, there is an International Airport, and there is actually a casino not far away, again you would be closer to it in Naples. It very slow paced, people of all ages are in retirement mode even though they aren't retired and outside of fishing, boating and beaches there really isn't much to do.

[ghoefer]

OP, one of your first ideas was the best one: get here, rent, and take the time to wander around and answer your questions for yourself. See what works for you. One of the insanities of a forum like this is the answer to most questions is "it depends on you, what you like, and where you came from". Best wishes.