Best Parts of Ft Myers for Young Couple

[Starion]

Looks like we are looking in the same areas....Central/SW FM. I'm avoiding Cape, and recommend avoiding Lehigh Acres also. I don't see values going up in those areas for a good while. See my other posts for why.

You're on the right track it seems. I too would like to be near an area where there is actually stuff going on for young couples to enjoy. That's kinda why I'm also avoiding San Carlos Park (besides the slightly longer commute). Lots of lower prices there, but not much happening...somewhat more crime than SW FM too.

It's a tradeoff between an older community where the place will need to be fixed up (new kitchen/bathrooms/etc), or pay more for one that's already done up in what might not be in your tastes. I'm not able to go into the 200ks, so it's kinda hard. Might end up going condo, but thats another topic.

Deed restricted communities are a plus IMO, so long as they are not full of mostly retired snowbirds who are overly tight on things. The restrictions keep the area from turning into Lehigh or the lower areas of Cape...Christmas lights up year round, busted cars in yards, etc. You want your investment to appreciate in value and these things play into it.

Also, some of those community fees aren't too bad if they include lots of utilities...water, trash, sewer are pretty standard. Some include cable, internet, and yard maintenance too. That'd be worth $250-300/month to me to get all of that, since you'll be paying that in utilities anyhow.

Keep us updated with what you see. If you have any questions or findings, feel free to send me a message.

Best of luck.

-Matt