Relo to Ft. Myers for awesome Job opporunity (Miami, Fort Myers: best neighborhoods, for sale)

[mochipps]

Hi,

I have accepted a fabulous promotion in FL and will be relocating in short order.

I would appreciate the following information/insight:

Which is the best neighborhoods for schooling for elementary/middle/HS?
I've read about the "choice" options. Kids are bright honor students and the current track in rural NC is disappointing...

2- I plan to rent until I get my bearings bout ... what areas are really the best looking to purchase a home within the 140-199 range

3- Is traffic really as horrible as I hear...I have lived in NYC, Virginia Beach, NC (no traffic) and have family in Miami/Lauderdale area...


4- Which are the better/best apartment complexes....

5- Is commuting from Naples to FT. Myers more trouble than what it's worth?

Thanks!

[tagylyn]

I can only give my opinion to question #3. I moved here 8 months ago from the Baltimore/Washington vicinity; to me, traffic hour here compares to everyday non rush hour traffic in Maryland. I have yet to experience any bad traffic except one weekend when I tried to go to the beach (in season), that was insane.
I do not have to travel on 75 each day, but I do hear on the news about traffic back-ups and accidents. They are doing construction on 75 from Ft. Myers to Naples.

Congratulations on your promotion and Welcome to Ft. Myers!

[suzannef]

The absolute best area to live in is off of McGregor Boulevard toward downtown Fort Myers...zip code 33901. The elementary schools are TOP NOTCH - Edison Park Elem. and Allen Park Elem (also has an excellent gifted program which begins in 2nd grade.) Fort Myers High School is amazing, as well, with an International Bacaalaurate program.

You can find rentals easily as homes are not selling and owners are usually willing to rent. I would go so far as looking up homes on realtor.com and craigslist.com and calling the agents with homes for sale in this particular neighborhood to inquire about the possibility of renting until ready to buy.

The homes on the West side of McGregor are more expensive than those on the East side. Family friendly, parks, Old Fort Myers Country Club is public now with golf course, pool and tennis courts. Also has a great neighborhood bar/restaurant called The Edison which families walk/ride bikes/drive golf carts to. Ride bikes to downtown art shows, reading festivals, etc...brand new Publix and breakfast places to also go to.

Cannot say enough about this part of Fort Myers. It is also known as the River District.

Good luck!