Best Suburbs of Fort Myers, Florida

Water is a way of life in Florida. Residents can spend the day on or in the water and, in the evening, enjoy a succulent seafood dinner. That proximity to water makes Fort Myers one of the most desirable places to live in the Sunshine State. Plus, the collection of shops, a robust food scene and diverse entertainment venues serve as a big draw not only for retirees but residents of all ages. If you prefer something away from the heart of the city, take a look at our list of the top 10 surrounding suburbs. 

10. San Carlos Park

• Population: 16,824
• Median Home Value: $171,800
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,863
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 483

San Carlos Park, located about 30 minutes south of Fort Myers, is filled with all the urban amenities you’ll need — from shopping malls to family-owned restaurants. Plus, take a look at these new homes in San Carlos Park.

9. Cypress Lake

• Population: 11,846
• Median Home Value: $150,200
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 22 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,230
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 376

Located about 20 miles south of Fort Myers is the serene suburb of Cypress Lake, which is home to Florida SouthWestern State College–Lee Campus. Take your pick from restaurants — a grab and go, or a glass of wine at a cozy waterfront restaurant. Cypress Lake is one of Florida’s best-kept secrets.  

8. McGregor

• Population: 7,406
• Median Home Value: $321,400
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 889
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 150

McGregor is tucked away beside the Caloosahatchee River and is a short commute to Fort Myers. This tight-knit community offers all the small-town amenities one could ask for, including eclectic locally owned boutiques and eateries and nearby parks and golfing. McGregor is family friendly and oh-so inviting.

7. Fort Myers Beach

• Population: 7,102
• Median Home Value: $397,200
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 26 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 742
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 125

Fort Myers Beach sits on Estero Island, a seven-mile stretch of coastline where you can enjoy a bike ride, put a kayak in the water or watch manatees year-round. Major League Baseball fans may be familiar with the area as spring training facilities are nearby. Fort Myers Beach has no shortage of activities or restaurants. Feast on seafood at The Whale or grab something quick at the Smokin’ Oyster Brewery. If you seek a tropical climate and abundant water activities, Fort Myers Beach delivers the goods. Why not discover your new home in Fort Myers Beach?

6. Iona

• Population: 15,369
• Median Home Value: $225,200
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,302
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 220

Located less than 30 minutes southwest of Fort Myers is the riverside community of Iona. With a low crime rate, residents enjoy peace of mind as they amble through their quiet neighborhoods. Come see what you’ve been missing.

5. Cape Coral

• Population: 189,343
• Median Home Value: $214,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 28 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 2,701
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 267

Just west of Fort Myers, across the Caloosahatchee River, is the mid-size suburb of Cape Coral. It’s unique in that it has 400 miles of navigable waterways, or canals. It has a Venetian flavor, as some residents travel by boat through the canals. Abundant outdoor activities await you, from nature preserves to golf courses. If you want to experience life on what’s called the “Waterfront Wonderland,” check out these new home communities.   

4. Estero

• Population: 33,474
• Median Home Value: $332,600
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 25 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 986
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 166

Located south of Fort Myers is the suburb of Estero, which offers great ways to connect with nature while immersing yourself in history of early settlers. Two must-see historical sites here are the Mound Key Archaeological State Park and the Koreshan State Park. The Estero River is the perfect destination for canoeing or kayaking. You’ll find an abundance of wildlife as you paddle along. Discover a new way of life in a new home in Estero.  

3. Bonita Springs

• Population: 57,350
• Median Home Value: $228,500
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 23 minutes
• School Ranking: B+
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 1,240
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 209

Sandwiched between Fort Myers and Naples lies the beach community of Bonita Springs. Residents find it an ideal place for fishing, birding or simply exploring the natural vegetation. Tour the Everglades Wonder Gardens where you can see flamingos up close. Popular Riverside Park hosts events year-round. Bonita Springs is a can’t-miss spot. Browse the new home communities of Bonita Springs.

2. Sanibel

• Population: 7,402
• Median Home Value: $720,500
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 20 minutes
• School Ranking: A-
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 69
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 2

Sanibel, a barrier island with 24 miles of shoreline, is a posh suburb where commuters seek refuge from the city. Nearly one-third of the island belongs to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a bird watcher’s paradise, as pelicans, egrets and herons have made this island their home. Sanibel is often referred to as the seashell capital of the world, which gave rise to the island’s Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum and Aquarium. This is one town that delivers the goods. Sanibel could be the next place you call home!    

1. Naples

• Population: 22,088
• Median Home Value: $941,700
• Mean Travel Time to Work: 19 minutes
• School Ranking: A
• Most Recent Annual Number of Property Crimes: 320
• Most Recent Annual Number of Violent Crimes: 9

Located about 45 miles south of Fort Myers lies the prominent suburb of Naples. It’s not just a coastline-hugging suburb; it’s a destination. It is layered with history, culture and the arts. This upscale beach town has all the grandeur of Boca Raton, over on the Atlantic side, but with much less congestion. Brimming with country clubs, natural habitats and aquatic adventures, Naples is a peaceful coastal paradise. Explore these stately new homes in Naples!  

Additional Suburbs

Suburb	Pop.	Median Home Value	Mean Travel to Work	School Rank	Property Crimes	Violent Crimes
Villas	11,569	$154,500	23 minutes	B+	2,420	408
North Fort Myers	39,407	$89,200	27 minutes	B	3,225	544
Lehigh Acres	86,784	$140,800	35 minutes	B-	3,677	620
Gateway	8,401	$283,000	27 minutes	B-	992	167
Fort Myers Shores	5,487	$142,600	27 minutes	B-	2,153	363

NewHomeSource pulled data from the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting Services and the U.S. Census Bureau. In the event exact crime data was unavailable, estimates were used. These factors were entered into an algorithm to calculate a score for each suburb.