If you happen to’re occupied with shifting to Florida, you could be deciding between a home in Fort Myers or dwelling in Fort Lauderdale. Each cities provide lovely climate and entry to the coast, however their actual property markets and existence differ significantly. Fort Myers is thought for its relaxed, small-town really feel and reasonably priced housing, whereas Fort Lauderdale brings a extra city environment with the next price ticket.
From dwelling costs to neighborhood, every metropolis has distinctive points to contemplate. Let’s break down the important thing variations on this Redfin article that will help you discover which Florida metropolis is ideal on your subsequent transfer.
Housing in Fort Myers vs Fort Lauderdale
In relation to housing, Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale provide distinct existence and value factors.
Housing in Fort Myers
Fort Myers presents a extra relaxed actual property market with a variety of choices, from suburban single-family properties to waterfront properties. This metropolis is good for homebuyers looking for more room, with many Fort Myers neighborhoods and suburbs that includes bigger tons, yards, and driveways. Whether or not you’re searching for a pleasant neighborhood or a quiet spot for retirement, Fort Myers supplies reasonably priced actual property in comparison with bigger Florida cities.
Housing in Fort Lauderdale
Fort Lauderdale’s actual property market is thought for its variety and concrete dwelling. From luxurious high-rise condos overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway to charming mid-century properties in fashionable Fort Lauderdale neighborhoods like Victoria Park, Fort Lauderdale caters to patrons searching for upscale coastal dwelling. The town’s structure is extra city, with many properties close to downtown or the seaside that includes non-public docks and outside areas, ideally suited for these embracing the boating life-style.
Value of dwelling in Fort Myers vs Fort Lauderdale
Total, the price of dwelling in Fort Myers is about 12% decrease than in Fort Lauderdale, making it a extra reasonably priced possibility for these looking for coastal dwelling. Variations in housing, utilities, groceries, and healthcare can impression each day bills between these two cities.
1. Utilities
Utilities in Fort Myers are about 1% decrease than in Fort Lauderdale. The smaller dimension and fewer urbanized nature of Fort Myers assist preserve power consumption down, whereas Fort Lauderdale’s bigger inhabitants and extra developed infrastructure, notably the demand for air con throughout scorching summers, lead to barely larger utility prices.
2. Groceries
Groceries are round 5% costlier in Fort Lauderdale than in Fort Myers. Proximity to Miami’s bigger metro space drives up demand and transportation prices in Fort Lauderdale, whereas Fort Myers advantages from native agricultural areas, resulting in extra secure grocery costs.
3. Transportation
Transportation prices in Fort Myers are 6% larger. The town’s smaller dimension and fewer site visitors lead to shorter commutes and decrease gas utilization, whereas Fort Lauderdale’s extra city structure and larger reliance on vehicles enhance gasoline and car upkeep bills.
4. Healthcare
Healthcare prices in Fort Myers are 19% larger than in Fort Lauderdale. Though each cities have high quality medical amenities, Fort Myers’ healthcare is costlier resulting from a smaller community of specialised companies in comparison with Fort Lauderdale’s in depth choices.
5. Way of life
Way of life bills in Fort Myers are about 2% decrease than in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Myers’ relaxed, laid-back setting means fewer high-cost leisure actions, whereas Fort Lauderdale’s vigorous social scene, together with upscale eating and nightlife, contributes to larger life-style prices.
Fort Myers vs Fort Lauderdale in dimension and inhabitants
Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale each provide coastal dwelling, however the scale and density of those cities are fairly completely different. Fort Myers covers about 49 sq. miles, making a extra open, laid-back setting with loads of area to breathe. In distinction, Fort Lauderdale’s 36 sq. miles are extra densely developed, mixing city and suburban areas. Whereas Fort Lauderdale’s inhabitants exceeds 180,000, Fort Myers has a smaller inhabitants of round 86,000. This decrease inhabitants density in Fort Myers contributes to its relaxed environment, whereas Fort Lauderdale’s larger density fosters a extra energetic, fast-paced life-style alongside its bustling waterfronts.
Climate and local weather in Fort Myers vs Fort Lauderdale
Fort Myers’ local weather and Fort Lauderdale’s local weather share an identical subtropical climate, characterised by heat, humid summers and gentle, comfy winters. Each cities expertise considerable sunshine, making them ideally suited for outside actions year-round. The first climate distinction comes all the way down to barely hotter and drier circumstances in Fort Myers in comparison with Fort Lauderdale’s larger humidity. Each cities are weak to hurricanes through the Atlantic hurricane season, usually from June by means of November, making storm preparedness a precedence for residents.
The job market in Fort Myers vs Fort Lauderdale
Fort Myers: Tourism and healthcare hub
Fort Myers’ economic system is closely pushed by tourism, healthcare, and retail. The town’s rising inhabitants has spurred the enlargement of healthcare companies, with establishments like Lee Well being being main employers within the space. The tourism business thrives year-round, because of town’s proximity to in style trip spots like Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Seaside. With an employment charge of round 58%, Fort Myers presents regular job alternatives, notably in hospitality, healthcare, and retail sectors. The median family earnings is $63,000.
Fort Lauderdale: Booming tourism and company development
Fort Lauderdale boasts a various economic system led by tourism, finance, and marine industries. The town is a serious yachting hub, attracting world guests, whereas its rising company sector contains companies in finance, actual property, and tech. With an employment charge of 61.4% and a median family earnings of $81,000, Fort Lauderdale supplies a wider vary of higher-paying jobs. The town can be seeing development within the healthcare business, with establishments like Broward Well being serving as key employers.
Transportation in Fort Myers vs Fort Lauderdale
Fort Myers: Automobile-centric with restricted public transit
Transportation in Fort Myers is primarily car-dependent, with restricted public transit choices and comparatively low walkability. Most residents depend on private automobiles for commuting and errands, with main routes like I-75 and US-41 serving town. Visitors congestion is mostly gentle in comparison with bigger cities, however commuting by automotive stays the most typical technique of transportation. Public transit is on the market by means of LeeTran buses, however service is proscribed and fewer steadily utilized by residents.
Fort Lauderdale: Automobile-dependent with higher transit choices
Fort Lauderdale additionally leans closely on automotive use, although it presents extra public transportation choices than Fort Myers. The town has a rising public transit community, together with Broward County Transit (BCT) buses and the Solar Trolley, making it extra accessible with out a automotive. The Brightline high-speed rail service connects Fort Lauderdale to Miami and West Palm Seaside, offering a handy possibility for commuters. Whereas driving stays dominant, walkable neighborhoods close to the seaside and downtown areas, in addition to bike-sharing packages, are growing in recognition.
Journey out and in of Fort Myers vs Fort Lauderdale
Each Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale are served by main airports, however Fort Lauderdale supplies a wider vary of public transportation choices, together with high-speed rail and cruise entry, whereas Fort Myers is extra reliant on automotive and air journey.
Fort Myers: Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport, Amtrak close by, Greyhound bus service, and entry to cruises from Port Tampa.
Fort Lauderdale: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Worldwide Airport, Brightline and Amtrak trains, Greyhound and Megabus, plus Port Everglades for cruises.
Way of life and issues to do in Fort Myers and Fort Lauderdale
A day within the lifetime of a Fort Myers native
Residing in Fort Myers means embracing a laid-back life-style crammed with pure magnificence and a contact of historical past. The day typically begins with a dawn stroll on the seaside or a motorbike journey by means of the plush trails of Caloosahatchee Regional Park. Because the day progresses, locals may get pleasure from fishing off the Sanibel Causeway, kayaking by means of Lovers Key State Park, or exploring close by islands like Sanibel and Captiva. Evenings are excellent for taking in native artwork on the downtown River District or catching a present on the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Corridor.
High issues to do in Fort Myers
Google Road View of Downtown River District
Fort Myers parks and inexperienced gems
Kayak by means of the mangroves at Lovers Key State Park.
Fish on the Sanibel Causeway for scenic coastal views.
Bike the paths of Caloosahatchee Regional Park.
Dolphin-watch on a cruise in Estero Bay.
Birdwatch at Six Mile Cypress Slough Protect.
Google Road View of Lovers Key State Park
Fort Myers vacationer points of interest
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Lakes Park
Manatee Park
Fort Myers Seaside
Sanibel Lighthouse
A day within the lifetime of a Fort Lauderdale native
Fort Lauderdale locals get pleasure from a mixture of luxurious and leisure, taking advantage of town’s waterfront life-style and cultural scene. Mornings may begin with a paddleboarding session at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park or a stroll alongside the scenic Fort Lauderdale Seaside Promenade. Because the day goes on, residents typically chill out at upscale eating places on Las Olas Boulevard or take a yacht tour by means of town’s intricate canals. Evenings deliver vigorous nightlife with music, artwork galleries, and effective eating experiences, excellent for embracing town’s energetic vibe.
High issues to do in Fort Lauderdale
Google Road View of the Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale parks and inexperienced gems
Yacht excursions by means of town’s waterways
Snorkel or dive at close by coral reefs
Paddleboard at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
Stroll the Fort Lauderdale Seaside Promenade
Cycle alongside the scenic Riverwalk.
Google Road View of the Riverwalk
Fort Lauderdale vacationer points of interest
Meals and tradition in Fort Lauderdale vs Fort Myers
Fort Lauderdale: The Venice of America
Fort Lauderdale, typically known as the “Venice of America,” is a vibrant coastal metropolis the place the meals scene revolves round recent seafood, Latin-American influences, and a laid-back environment. Dockside eating is in style, with many eating places providing recent catches of the day. Whether or not indulging in stone crab at fifteenth Road Fisheries or having fun with tacos on the native hotspot El Camino, Fort Lauderdale blends coastal flavors with informal magnificence. The town comes alive throughout occasions just like the Fort Lauderdale Worldwide Boat Present and the Las Olas Wine and Meals Pageant, the place locals have a good time the humanities, yachting tradition, and worldwide delicacies.
Fort Myers: The Metropolis of Palms
In the meantime, Fort Myers, referred to as the “City of Palms,” embraces a extra relaxed, Southern appeal. The meals here’s a reflection of town’s historical past and proximity to the Gulf, with all the pieces from genuine Southern BBQ to fresh-caught seafood dominating the menus. Downtown Fort Myers hosts the River District’s artwork walks and outside markets, the place residents can get pleasure from farm-to-table fare and native treats like grouper sandwiches and key lime pie. Festivals such because the Edison Pageant of Gentle honor town’s heritage, whereas seafood festivals deliver the neighborhood collectively for native dishes and stay music in an environment harking back to outdated Florida.
The Sports activities scene in Fort Myers vs Fort Lauderdale
Fort Myers: The Spring coaching hub
Fort Myers is finest identified for its function in Main League Baseball’s Spring Coaching, internet hosting two iconic groups annually: the Boston Pink Sox and the Minnesota Twins. Whereas it lacks main league groups through the common season, Spring Coaching brings a robust sports activities tradition to the realm. The town can be dwelling to the Florida Everblades, a minor league hockey workforce within the ECHL.
Fort Lauderdale: Soccer and water sports activities paradise
In distinction, Fort Lauderdale’s sports activities scene facilities round its vibrant soccer tradition, with Inter Miami CF enjoying dwelling video games right here. Moreover, town’s coastal location makes water sports activities and yachting an integral a part of life. Although Fort Lauderdale doesn’t host an NFL or MLB workforce instantly, close by Miami is dwelling to the Miami Dolphins, and the realm has a historic connection to baseball by means of Spring Coaching.
