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Fort Myers, FL

Frequently asked questions

Fort Myers, FL

Fort Myers (or Ft. Myers) is a city in and the county seat of Lee County, Florida, United States. The Census Bureau's Population Estimates Program calculated that the city's population was 95,949 in 2022, ranking the city as the 370th-most-populous in the country. Together with the larger and more residential city of Cape Coral, the smaller cities of Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, and Bonita Springs, the village of Estero, and the unincorporated districts of Lehigh Acres and North Fort Myers, it anchors the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, FL metropolitan statistical area (MSA) which comprises Lee County and has a population of 834,573 as of 2023.

Fort Myers is a gateway to the Southwest Florida region and a major tourist destination within Florida. The winter estates of Thomas Edison ("Seminole Lodge") and Henry Ford ("The Mangoes") are major attractions. The city takes its name from a local former fort that was built during the Seminole Wars. The fort in turn took its name from Colonel Abraham Myers in 1850; Myers served in the United States Army, mostly the Quartermaster Department, in various posts from 1833 to 1861 and was the quartermaster general of the Confederate States Army from 1861 to 1864.

Fort Myers has substantial African American and Latin-American populations. Centennial Park downtown along the Caloosahatchee River, the IMAG History & Science Center, Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, and other historical sites are among the attractions.

The Fort Myers community was founded after the American Civil War by Captain Manuel A. Gonzalez on February 21, 1866. On August 12, 1885, the small town of Fort Myers—all 349 residents—was incorporated. At that time, it was the second-largest town on Florida's Gulf Coast south of Cedar Key.

The approximate coordinates for the City of Fort Myers is located at 26°37′N 81°50′W. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 40.4 square miles (105 km²), of which 31.8 square miles (82 km²) is land and 8.6 square miles (22 km²) (21.25%) is water.

Health and wellness are integral aspects of life in Fort Myers. The city boasts a range of healthcare facilities, with Lee Health being a prominent healthcare provider in the region. The Gulf Coast Medical Center, operated by Lee Health, offers comprehensive medical services, ensuring residents have access to high-quality healthcare. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Orlando, Grande Lakes offers a luxurious retreat with a range of treatments including massages, facials, and body therapies. The Breakers Palm Beach is situated in Palm Beach, this historic resort features a lavish spa offering ocean-inspired treatments, wellness programs, and beauty services. Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach boasts a stunning design and a wide array of services such as massages, body scrubs, and hydrotherapy. Waldorf Astoria Spa, Boca Raton offers a tranquil setting with personalized treatments, relaxation lounges, and a full-service salon.

Top sites in Fort Myers, FL are Edison & Ford Winter Estates, IMAG History & Science Center, Florida Repertory Theatre, and JetBlue Park.

Population: 97,372 (2023). ZIP code: 33900. Area code: 239. Elevation: 10 ft (3 m). Area: 49.04 sq mi (127.00 km²).

FAQs

What is Fort Myers, Florida famous for?

Fort Myers is a gateway to the Southwest Florida region and a major tourist destination within Florida. The winter estates of Thomas Edison ("Seminole Lodge") and Henry Ford ("The Mangoes") are major attractions. The city takes its name from a local former fort that was built during the Seminole Wars. The fort in turn took its name from Colonel Abraham Myers in 1850; Myers served in the United States Army, mostly the Quartermaster Department, in various posts from 1833 to 1861 and was the quartermaster general of the Confederate States Army from 1861 to 1864.

What is Fort Myers, FL crime rate?

The crime rate in Fort Myers is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 19 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Fort Myers is 1 in 52. Based on FBI crime data, Fort Myers is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Florida, Fort Myers has a crime rate that is higher than 69% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes.

How much do you need to make to live in Fort Myers, Florida?

To live comfortably in Fort Myers, Florida, a minimum annual income of $66,960 for a family, and $44,000 for a single person is recommended. A typical home costs $349,500, which is 3.4% more expensive than the national average of $338,100 and 3.6% less expensive than the average Florida home, at $362,400. Renting a two-bedroom unit in Fort Myers costs $1,390 per month, which is 2.8% cheaper than the national average of $1,430 and 12.2% cheaper than the state average of $1,560.

Sources

City of Fort Myers

Wikipedia

Neighborhood Scout

Best Places

Lee Health

Gulf Coast Medical Center

Ritz-Carlton Spa

Breakers Palm Beach

Lapis Spa at Fontainebleau Miami Beach

Waldorf Astoria Spa, Boca Raton

Edison & Ford Winter Estates 

IMAG History & Science Center 

Florida Repertory Theatre 

JetBlue Park

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.