- Fort Myers Population: 48,208
- Average. Single Family $188,703
- Average. Condo Price $120,685
The area seems able to combine almost effortlessly the best of the
old and the new. Between Ponce de Leon's first visit to the area in
1513 and Thomas Edison's 1886 arrival with his bride, the area developed
slowly. Since then, the pace has quickened; other areas of Lee County
have grown rapidly, especially Cape Coral, only a few decades old
and already the county's biggest city. The neighboring islands of
Sanibel and Captiva, known worldwide for their shelling and natural
beauty, have attracted many to the area. Fort Myers Beach and Bonita
Springs, both in the south section of the county, add to the charm
and choices of the Fort Myers Metropolitan Statistical Area. Although
its population is only about half that of Cape Coral, Fort Myers dominates
the center and gives its venerable name to the area. Located on the
wide and wandering Caloosahatchee River, the city features a sizable
downtown marina in an area blessed by rivers, bays, harbors, canals,
lakes and beaches. It's truly a water wonderland. The residents know
it, love it, and use it. After all, that's why most of them or their
ancestors came here in the first place.
Living close to the massive ecosystem called the Everglades, the
River of Grass, with its 600 species of birds and animals and its
1,000 plant varieties, the residents of the Fort Myers region value
their natural environment. Bonita Springs is only minutes away from
the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the northern border of the Big Cypress
Swamp. It's also home to Everglades Wonder Gardens, a refuge for exotic
birds and animals.
Children enjoy the out of doors as much as their elders. But for
a special treat, area youngsters delight in the Children's Science
Center, with its mazes, holographs, optical illusions and other hands-on
fun and the huge waterslide and play pools at the Sun Splash Family
Waterpark, both in Cape Coral. For all ages, you can't beat the Edison/Ford
Winter Estates at 2350 McGregor Blvd. in old Fort Myers. From 1886
to 1931, the prolific inventor Thomas Edison spent his winters here.
The home, laboratory, lovely grounds and a museum holding many of
the results of his genius are open to the public, as are the adjoining
home, grounds and classic cars of his friend and admirer Henry Ford,
another American giant.