Lee County · City · county seat
Fort Myers
The seat of Lee County, on the Caloosahatchee River — a working city with a historic riverfront downtown.
Where it is and how it feels
Fort Myers sits on the south bank of the Caloosahatchee River in Lee County. Its historic downtown includes the Edison and Ford winter estates, and the city functions as the county's administrative and commercial center. It is a river city rather than a beach city — the Gulf beaches are a drive west.
Growth
Fort Myers combines history, waterfront, economic activity and a diverse residential offering. The River District, McGregor, Gateway and the newer residential corridors show different expressions of a city in transition.
The River District renovation, waterfront development and new residential, hospitality and commercial projects keep strengthening its urban core. Its position within Lee County also connects it with employment, healthcare, education, services and the regional airport.
Fort Myers blends a historic identity with an urban transformation that keeps bringing housing, services and waterfront closer together.
Typical home value trend, 2011–2026
| Year | Typical value |
|---|---|
| 2011 | $127,597 |
| 2016 | $208,279 |
| 2021 | $273,303 |
| 2026 | $307,697 |
Approximate cumulative growth: 141%
Daily life
As the county seat, it concentrates courts, government offices, hospitals and employers. Neighborhoods range from historic districts near the river to newer communities toward the south and east. Everyday life here is year-round and work-centered more than resort-centered.
Looking at Fort Myers as a base?
Describe how your week actually looks and we can tell you honestly whether this area fits.
From the field
Videos, drive-throughs, new-construction visits and on-the-ground notes from this area will live here.
Coming soon — filmed on location by Manuel