possibly relocating to fort myers/jobs/housing (Cape Coral, McGregor: to rent, condo)

[abentley]

My husband is applying for a job in Fort Myers the pay range is 50 -57,000 a year. I have read other posts of people who are thinking about relocating to SW FL and the responders have indicated that you should by no means move without a job already lined up. So my concern is that while my husband would have a permanent job I would be looking for a job for added income if necessary. That brings me to my question is the pay range adequate for that area? Will I need to work to be able to afford housing, etc.?

Aside from the money questions - having never even visited the area I've seen really positive posts about life in the area as well as some pretty negative ones... We are a young family in our early 30s with a daughter who will be two in August - we do not own a boat or golf but love the beach and spending time outside. Any thoughts on adjusting to the area and making friends?

[CCRESI]

Good luck to your husband!!

Where are you guys moving from?

There are Mom's clubs here, and depending on your hobbies-a ton of meetup groups. If you need more info, let me know.

As far as housing, are you planning to live in ft myers? I would suggest renting a two bedroom condo until you get to know the area. That way you have the space you need, and hopefully a community pool.
Living on one income is doable, we did it when we first moved here with our three kids. Although, we are a military family, so we don't have to pay for medical or dental expenses. Just make a budget of how much you currently spend bs take home and what you project to do when you move down. Try to save money between now and the time you move.
Good luck! If you have other questions, ask away. The people here are pretty helpful and very nice

[dmacias1]

Obviously CCRESI and I have some interest in the area being Realtors, but I can truly say out of all the cities I have lived in within Florida Fort Myers is one of the best.

The median income is around $40,000 a year and personally my wife and I lived on 1 income during her pregnancy up to my daughter's first birthday when she went back to work. My wife had a very pleasurable as well with Moms groups and meetups. The groups had numerous events at Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium, The Imaginarium Hands-on Museum, Children's Science Center, Sunsplash, Farmers Market, Skating Rinks, and many other events.

When it comes to beaches you have Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel (focus on nature and wildlife), the Barrier Islands (North Captiva, Cayo Costa, & Gasparilla Island), Cape Coral (riverfront beaches), Lover's Key, and Bonita Beach.

There are some historic homes and sites here(although the new homes and developments outnumber them by a long shot) like Edison & Ford Estates, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, The Mound House, Koreshan State Historic Site, and others.

It might be a good suggestion to rent and get familiar with Fort Myers, but for families I like areas like Gateway, developments off Treeline, and subdivisions near Lakes Park (Reflection Lakes) to name a few. If you are looking for a historic home then look on McGregor near downtown. You will be able to spot those family orientated communities by visiting the amenities on the weekend to see activity and finding families out in front of their houses after 5. The ones with a lot of activity are going to be easier to make friends and thus speed the adjustment period.

Hope this helps and good luck with the transition.

[TamRE]

Ft. Myers has pretty decent pay, higher than Charlotte County, FL. Here are some job search sites if you are interested: www.indeed.com, www.simplyhired.com, www.employflorida.com.

Also, there is an employment agency you may want to try:
Lori Lane Personnel Services, Inc. 2049 McGregor Blvd, Ft. Myers.
www.lorilanepersonnel.com.

[abentley]

Thank you for the encouragement! I am hoping that I will get to go along for the interview and see the area. We would be moving from Mount Vernon, WA so it will be a huge change for us.

[floridagirl1981]

I think that sounds like a good salary for the area and homes are more affordable now. From my somewhat limited experience, the areas with the most young families are Cape Coral; Gateway; and Three Oaks.
There is a lot to do here like hockey games at Everblades, baseball games, and we have great parks. My favorite is Lakes Park. I think you will enjoy it here, my family does.

[abentley]

Thanks floridagirl1981, I am getting excited about the area - hope he gets the job!