📍 About RSW & Fort Myers
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers, a rapidly growing area on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Known for its sunny weather, beautiful beaches, and relaxed lifestyle, Fort Myers is popular among professionals, retirees, and families alike.
🏡 Where to Live
Best for Singles & Young Couples
- Downtown Fort Myers – Historic river district, walkable, trendy dining & nightlife.
- Cape Coral – Affordable housing, canals, lots of young professionals.
- Estero – Newer developments, halfway to Naples, shopping & dining.
Best for Families
- Fort Myers Suburbs – Family-friendly, good schools in neighborhoods like Gateway.
- Bonita Springs – Quiet, safe neighborhoods, great schools, near beaches.
- Lehigh Acres – Affordable, developing area, short commute to RSW.
🚗 Commute Times to RSW Tower
- 10–20 min: Gateway, Lehigh Acres, Estero
- 20–35 min: Cape Coral, Bonita Springs, Downtown Fort Myers
🎓 Top School Districts
- Lee County School District – Covers most of the area, improving options in Gateway & Bonita Springs
- Collier County (Bonita/North Naples) – Highly rated schools
🧳 Things to Do – Within 2 Hours, Year-Round
🌴 Outdoor Activities
- Beaches: Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Lovers Key State Park
- Boating & Fishing: Cape Coral canals, Caloosahatchee River, Gulf charters
- Hiking: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, Estero Bay Preserve
🏛️ Indoor & Cultural
- Downtown Fort Myers: Museums, shops, restaurants, events
- Edison & Ford Winter Estates: Historic attractions
- Shopping: Miromar Outlets, Coconut Point Mall, Bell Tower Shops
✈️ Nearby Airports
- RSW: Main airport – full-service with national and international flights
- Page Field (FMY): Nearby general aviation airport
- Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ): ~1.5 hours north – another commercial option
🧭 Helpful Resources for Newcomers
🛡️ Crime & Safety + Town Websites
- Estero, Bonita Springs: Among safest nearby options
- Fort Myers: Crime varies by neighborhood – Gateway and South Fort Myers are safer
- Cape Coral: Generally safe, check specific neighborhoods
💰 Cost of Living
- Florida: No state income tax
- Median Home Price (Fort Myers): ~$425,000
- Average Rent: 1-bedroom ~$1,600/month
- Gasoline: ~$3.50/gallon
- Utilities: ~$150–$220/month
🌆 Neighborhood Highlights
- Downtown Fort Myers: Historic charm, riverfront, restaurants
- Gateway: Suburban, family-friendly, close to RSW
- Estero: Newer development, great shopping and access
☀️ Seasonal Weather
- Winter: Mild and dry – high 70s, low 60s
- Spring: Warm, increasing humidity
- Summer: Hot, humid, afternoon storms – hurricane season
- Fall: Still warm, gradual cooling
🚇 Public Transportation & Traffic
- Car Required: Very limited public transit in most areas
- Traffic: Seasonal congestion in winter and tourist months
- LeeTran: Local buses (limited routes and hours)
🏥 Healthcare & Urgent Care
- Lee Health: Multiple hospitals and urgent care clinics
- Gulf Coast Medical Center (Fort Myers)
- ConvenientMD, MD Now: Walk-in urgent care clinics
🫂 Social Life & Community
- Young Professionals: Bars, waterfront restaurants, gyms
- Families: Parks, splash pads, community centers
- Community Groups: Meetups, clubs, churches
🍽️ Dining & Food Scene
- Fort Myers: Ford’s Garage, The Veranda, Izzy’s Fish & Oyster
- Cape Coral: Nice waterfront seafood and tiki bars
- Estero/Bonita Springs: Upscale dining options near Coconut Point
🛫 ATC-Specific Tips
- Training: Living close helps with early/mid shifts
- Shift Work: Prepare for rotating days/nights – get blackout curtains
- Controller Community: Many live in Gateway and Cape Coral
📦 Moving Tips
- Hurricane Prep: Keep go-bag and know shelter options
- High Season: Winter is peak season – book rentals early
- Best Deals: Move in summer if you can handle heat
❓ FAQs
- Is Fort Myers safe?
Yes, but research neighborhoods – Gateway and Estero are among the safest. - Do I need flood insurance?
Yes if you're in a flood zone. Many areas near water are at risk. - What about hurricanes?
Plan ahead with supplies and know your evacuation zone.