Moving to Fort Myers for a new job (Lehigh Acres, Estero: real estate, vacation)

[varose]

I'm looking for a place to live near the Fort Myers area. I don't mind a short drive, 20-30 minutes is normal for me. I've been on the boards for a couple of months now reading all of the info about the area. I know to stay away from certain areas (Lehigh Acres).

I'm looking for advice. I have a home to sell still and am not in the position to buy yet. Would a fixer upper be wise? I really want a quiet area with a place to take my Lab out. Many places I've looked at on-line don't allow dogs or don't allow dogs over a certain weight.

I'll stay in corporate housing or a vacation rental until I can find a permanent home.

Thank you in advance for replies. I'll need to move in the next month

[essessemm]

Why don't you rent for a year or so? That will give you plenty of time to get to know what area you ultimately want to buy in. Rents are relatively low rights now and there's no real rush to buy at this point as the market has a way to go before it's fully corrected. I would start by searching Craigslist for units that allow dogs.

[varose]

Thank you for your comments.

Anyone else who can recommend an 20-30 minutes outside of Fort Myers that would be safe and quiet?

[hiknapster]

I would recommend the Estero area. Get with a real estate agent. There are lots of rentals.

[whippersnapper]

there's parts of fort myers that you could live in that are pretty quiet (the mcgregor area is ideal) or even north fort myers (moody river/orange grove blvd on the river side). estero's nice too and you'll have more shopping/dining choices because it's only recently built up. maybe parts of cape coral would be suited for you. where exactly will your work be located? what else do you look for besides a quiet, dog friendly neighborhood?