Curious what people think. My family moved here when I was a kid. With a population of 44,189, North Fort Myers is a smaller city. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Should I be concerned? The suburbs are where most families end up. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. The suburbs are where most families end up.
28 upvotes
3 Replies
Dorothy W.
Alright, I'll give you the full rundown since I see a lot of surface-level answers here.
I've been in Highland for 5 years. Moved from New York for weather. Here's my honest, detailed take:
**Housing:**
The market right now is decent. We bought in 2018 at k and it's now worth up a bit than that. If you're renting, expect /mo for a decent 4-bed in a safe area. Lots of new construction which should help.
**Employment:**
healthcare is strong here. finance is hit or miss. If you're remote, you'll love the cost of living. Average salaries are established for the area.
**Quality of Life:**
it exceeded my expectations. The outdoor scene is underrated - we have mountains within easy driving distance. Dining has gotten so much better in the past few years.
**Schools (if relevant):**
Varies hugely by district. Highland schools are underrated. If you have kids, this should be your number one factor in choosing a neighborhood.
**The Bad:**
I'd be lying if I said everything is great. Not a lot of cultural diversity. Bugs and humidity in summer. And pet-friendliness can be frustrating.
**Bottom line:**
For retirees, I'd say this is a 7/10. Feel free to reach out with questions.. Feel free to ask specific questions - happy to help.
40 upvotes
Jameson Cruz
I've lived in Pine Hills for about 1 years now, so I can give you a pretty detailed perspective.
it's improved dramatically in recent years. When I first moved here from Phoenix, I was surprised by cost of living. It took some adjustment but now I wouldn't trade it.
A few things worth knowing:
- Great outdoor activities nearby
- Good healthcare facilities
- The food scene scene is underrated
The downsides:
- Summers can be brutally hot
- Not very walkable outside downtown
Overall I'd rate it 9/10 for retirees. It's not for everyone but it works for us..
38 upvotes
Lucas Edwards
Weather-wise, the summers are surprisingly good and winters are stable. You get used to it after the first year.