considering moving to the area (Miami, Cape Coral: job market, private school, income)

[danissa2408]

My wife and I are considering moving to fort myers/cape coral. we are wanting to know what there is to do for kids we have 2 girls ages 7 and 1. we are also wondering about the job market and economy in the area as well as the schools and crime. we also are thinking bout 2 other states if you guys mention that. we are just trying to find the best place for us.

[kroeran]

on the face of it, you sound like the worst possible candidate for this area at this time, unless you have a few years of living expenses saved up and a budget for private schooling, or maybe a healthcare background.

I think others will tell you that public schools are a challenge and jobs are a nightmare.

If you want kinder weather than the north and a chance at finding work, look at Texas, especially northwest Texas. Look up the latest employment figures for areas that you are considering and monthly average temperatures.

If you are set on this area, maybe look just north of Cape Coral for better public schools (so I have heard here), and come down for a few weeks and do some job hunting on your own, without the family....get the job lined up first.

anyway, thats my assessment of reading comments here and my prediction of the feedback you are going to get.

[Obxnc7]

We moved here about a year and a half ago. We had a GOOD job lined up with no chance of lay off in the future. I can't imagine coming to this area without a good job first, because they are very hard to come by right now. I'm sure you can read many other threads about Fort Myers that will tell you the economy is terrible right now, and the school system in Fort Myers (Lee County) is even worse! We moved with children, and while I don't regret the move, (there really is a lot of neat things to do in the area and nearby) I can't imagine doing without a good income or some serious savings. We send our children to private school and can afford to do the "fun" things around here. Just put some serious thought into it before you move and come check the area out for a while beforehand if you can.

[upb4u]

Lee County has always been the worst , for jobs. This is a bedroom community . will never be a big city eg: Miami, Ft Lauderdale , orlando etc. Service oriented work here.

[JudiPatooti]

Yeah, like everyone above me said---and then double it! Think long and hard before you make a move to this area considering the stage of life you're in!