Looking to move to Ft. Myers area (Cape Coral, Fort Myers: bank owned, for sale)

[cdolnick]

I have a son with High functioning autism who is 9 years old. My husband is thinking of buying a business in the Ft. Myers area. We currently live in St. Louis, MO and my son is in a great private school for learning disabilities. Does Ft. Myers area have any good programs for children on the high functiong autism? We are really nervous to make a move that would not benefit him. I have visited the area numerous times as my parents spend their winter in Fort Myers, however I know nothing about what services are available for those with autism.

[LewLew]

Originally Posted by cdolnick

I have a son with High functioning autism who is 9 years old. My husband is thinking of buying a business in the Ft. Myers area. We currently live in St. Louis, MO and my son is in a great private school for learning disabilities. Does Ft. Myers area have any good programs for children on the high functiong autism? We are really nervous to make a move that would not benefit him. I have visited the area numerous times as my parents spend their winter in Fort Myers, however I know nothing about what services are available for those with autism.

There are many. There is actually a very well regarded autism center on US 41 in South Ft Myers. I'll try to find the link for you. There are some older threads here too focusing on this subject. There are some great programs in the area, but I'm not sure on the school programs.
Good luck.

[NurseTammy74]

As of right now, SW FL is NOT fairing well in this poor economy. It is not the place to be!!! You would be wise to wait until this crisis smoothes over and in the mean time stay in St. Louis. I myself lived in Cape Coral, FL for most of my life and I have NEVER seen it like this. I know MANY people who have lost their jobs and have not found a new one after a year or more of looking day in and day out for a new one. It's just that bad. For every one job opening there are 400 or more people applying for one job.

In 2004 I left FL for MO, and stayed there for 4 yrs. And in 2008 returned to Cape Coral because I missed my family, bad move on my part. After 7 months of returning home to Fl, we packed our bags and came back to KC MO. KC MO is not my dream place to be, but atleast we are working. Before this economic crisis, SW FL was beautiful and thriving. Now, every other house is either foreclosed on, vacant due to a builder or home owner abandoning the dwelling. Apartment complexes have gone under, landlords have lost homes placing renters on the streets. Builders have left half built homes standing in ruins. My father is the only home owner left on his block, the rest are bank owned and rented out.


Also there are about 400k people in Lee co, the work force can't handle that many people. There is no large city to attach a huge work force on too. Like for instance, you are in St. Louis, so Florissant folks drive to St. Louis to work. There is just no huge anchor to carry the load in SW FL. Not a good move to make. Your wages will dwindle too. Lower wages than MO and cost of living is almost double.

Think about it and take a trip there and drive around. Talk to people, talk to the police departments and get the real scoop. Good luck in your search.

[tjstrain]

Please before buying any business here, investigate it up and down! Times are tough and people will tell you what you want to here just to get out! Is the business affected by the economy? Why is it for sale? Do your homework, it's your future!