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Downtown Fort Myers

Downtown Fort Myers

Suburban Neighborhood in Fort Myers, Florida

Lee County 33901

$365,608 Average Value
$288 Average Price per Sq Ft
71 Homes For Sale

Old meets new in Downtown Fort Myers

Old Florida charm meets modern coastal living in Downtown Fort Myers, a vibrant community that dates back to the early 1900s and was once Thomas Edison's and Henry Ford's winter hideaway. Today, high-rise condos tower over the Caloosahatchee River and the shops and restaurants of First Street keep the party going well into the night. Year-round events celebrate the blossoming arts scene, while venues like the Caloosa Sound Ampitheater provide a scenic backdrop for local and national touring acts. “It's just a different kind of vibe,” says Susan Christiano, Broker owner of Engel & Volkers Fort Myers, “You have the charm of vintage old-world Florida with live music everywhere. We have a thriving arts community, and I love the fact that it's very diverse. We have people from all over the country and even international buyers.”

First Street is the vibrant hub for shopping and dining

Downtown Fort Myers is both walkable and buzzing with activity day and night. Eclectic shops and upscale restaurants line First Street, the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. From fresh seafood at Izzy’s Fish and Oyster to classic Italian cuisine at Capone’s Coal Fired Pizza, there are many dining choices and some offer scenic views. “You can walk downtown five or six days a week, and you’ll still have somewhere new to eat every night,” Christiano says. “There’s live music and street performers every night of the week. Downtown is right on the river, so many of these restaurants have beautiful views.” Another popular spot is Ford’s Garage, a lively burger and brew joint with vintage 1920s décor and Ford memorabilia, playing upon the area’s history as the winter home of Henry Ford. There are numerous bars and breweries, including the World Famous Cigar Bar. “It’s developed a following from everywhere, including Naples down south,” Christiano says. “It may be tiny, but it's always packed.” Visitors to The Franklin Shops will find a little of everything as the retail emporium offers everything from jewelry and art to fashion and furnishings. Publix is a mile away and more extensive shopping and name-brand retailers can be found at the Edison Mall, under 4 miles away.

Boutique shopping is a common afternoon activity in Downtown Fort Myers.
Boutique shopping is a common afternoon activity in Downtown Fort Myers.
Izzy's Fish & Oyster is a seafood joint with a New England flare in Downtown Fort Myers.
Izzy's Fish & Oyster is a seafood joint with a New England flare in Downtown Fort Myers.
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ArtFest and music walks are some of the year-round events

Something is always happening in downtown Fort Myers, and the party kicks off on the first Friday of each month with an art walk. Local and regional artists line the streets, displaying striking visual and performing arts exhibits. On the third Friday of the month, musicians follow in similar footsteps with a monthly music walk full of live blues, jazz and rock and roll. ArtFest is the year's largest gathering, attracting more than 90,000 visitors across two days. The annual event takes place in February and displays the works of 200 international artists. Other popular celebrations include the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest and the Fall Festival. The Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center hosts numerous concerts and special exhibitions.

A local artist chats with patrons as she paints a new work of art.
A local artist chats with patrons as she paints a new work of art.
Live music can be found all over Downtown Fort Myers, making the town lively and fun.
Live music can be found all over Downtown Fort Myers, making the town lively and fun.
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High-rise condos overlooking the river

Downtown Fort Myers has multiple housing options at every level, from high-rise condos that overlook the river to quaint bungalows on tree-lined streets. High Point Place is one of the numerous waterfront condo complexes and offers amenities like heated pools and cable packages. Unit prices vary greatly depending on the complex and floor level. Two-bedroom units generally range between $200,000 and $600,000, though newer waterfront builds can reach as high as $1.5 million. Single-family houses are available on the neighborhood's southern end, and many of the builds date back to the early 20th century. While some may require some upkeep, many homeowners enjoy the historic nature of their residences. Ranch-style homes and cozy cottages sell between $200,000 and $450,000. Empty plots are also available and range from $60,000 to $175,000.

Live shows at the Caloosa Sound Amphitheater

The Caloosa Sound Amphitheater was completed in 2022 and has played a large part in the area's redevelopment. The open-air venue sits along the banks of The Caloosahatchee River and welcomes visitors with nights full of live music and entertainment. Across the street, Centennial Park is a smaller-city-maintained green space that offers picnic tables and waterfront views. Families flock to IMAG History & Science Center’s animal exhibits and aquariums, which highlight the native wildlife of Southwest Florida. Shady Oaks Park is 2 miles away and features multiple softball fields that host youth and rec leagues. And Fort Myers Beach is 17 miles away.

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Centennial Park in Downtown Fort Myers has many activities on offer.
Centennial Park in Downtown Fort Myers has many activities on offer.
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Walkability and public transportation

Unlike many downtown areas with heavy traffic, downtown Fort Myers is very pedestrian-friendly, with residents strolling sidewalks. “Literally, you can walk just about everywhere,” says Irene Moser, a one-stop shop Realtor with Century 21 Selling Paradise. “You go out at 1 a.m. and see people out and about walking their dogs because pedestrians just feel safe.” Those looking for public transportation have two options available: The LeeTran bus system, which runs throughout Fort Myers and Cape Coral, and the Trolley line, which operates mainly in the downtown area. Interstate 75 is nearby and connects to downtown Naples, 44 miles south. Downtown Miami is 158 miles away. Southwest Florida International Airport is 17 miles away and offers multiple domestic and international flights. Lee Memorial Hospital is under a mile away. According to the CAP index, the neighborhood has a crime score of 6, slightly higher than the national average.

Downtown Music Walk in Fort Myers is the perfect place to make memories.
Downtown Music Walk in Fort Myers is the perfect place to make memories.
The Lee Tran system services Downtown Fort Myers.
The Lee Tran system services Downtown Fort Myers.
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Explore the arts at Edison Park Creative & Expressive Arts School

The School District of Lee County serves the neighborhood and offers an open enrollment system. Students can begin their education at Franklin Park Elementary and Fort Myers Middle Academy, both of which receive a C rating on Niche. Creative students looking to immerse themselves in drama, music education and dance may consider the B-plus-rated Edison Park Creative & Expressive Arts School. Fort Myers High School receives an A-plus rating and offers career academies in various fields, including finance, law and teaching. St. Francis Xavier Catholic School is a highly rated private education option for parents to consider. Graduates pursuing higher education while staying close to home can head to Florida Southwestern State College, 7 miles away.

Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts Elementary School has drama, music education and dance programs.
Edison Park Creative and Expressive Arts Elementary School has drama, music education and dance programs.
Edison Park Creative School in Fort Myers is in an old historical building
Edison Park Creative School in Fort Myers is in an old historical building
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Hurricane Risks

Southwest Florida is prone to hurricanes, and downtown Fort Myers is particularly susceptible due to its proximity to the coast. The neighborhood lies in a FEMA-designated flood zone and received a direct hit in 2022 from Hurricane Ian, a Category 5 storm. “We were hit pretty hard,” Christiano says, “But the good thing about this community is that we rally very quickly, we bounce back.” Property owners are encouraged to review available flood insurance policies and other resources from Lee County’s website.

Beck Connelley
Written By
Beck Connelley
Bre Kreutzer
Photography Contributed By
Bre Kreutzer

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Steven Torres, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Southwest Florida International

23 min drive

Bus

Clifford St & Mcgregor Blvd

Bus

Cleveland Ave & Edison Ave-Nb

Bus

Rosa Parks Transportation Ctr

Bus

Lee St & Mlk Blvd

Bus

Mlk Blvd & Evans Ave-Wb

Bus

First St & Evans Ave

Bus

Victoria Ave & Heitman St

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Downtown Fort Myers US
Homicide 6 4
Sexual Assault 5 4
Assault with Weapon 6 4
Robbery 6 4
Burglary 7 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 6 4
Larceny 6 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$325,000
Median Single Family Price
$394,900
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$484,500
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$144,900
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$288
Number of Homes for Sale
71
Last 12 months Home Sales
51
Months of Supply
16.70
Median List Price
$499,500
Median Discount From 1st List Price
10%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
-17%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
776
Median Year Built
1951
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,299
Significantly below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,835
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,354
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
651
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,840

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    1900 Virginia Ave Unit 902, Fort Myers, FL 33901

    $349,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,715 Sq Ft
    • 1900 Virginia Ave
    • Unit 902
    • New 16 days ago

    Welcome to your 9th-floor slice of paradise with expansive, unobstructed views of the Caloosahatchee River in the highly sought-after Pointe Royale community of Downtown Fort Myers. This spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo offers over 1,715 square feet of comfortable living space. Wake up to breathtaking sunrises and wind down with gorgeous sunsets from your huge, screened-in lanai—perfect for

    Patrick Anson Royal Shell Real Estate, Inc.

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    2090 W First St Unit I2309, Fort Myers, FL 33901

    $599,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,803 Sq Ft
    • 2090 W First St
    • Unit I2309
    • New 30 days ago

    Twenty-third floor residence at prestigious High Point Place! Step off the elevator into the impressive private elevator lobby...wow! Spacious great room with separate dining area. Spectacular river and city views. Tile floor throughout, 10-foot ceilings, crown moldings. Easy-to-work-in kitchen has reverse osmosis water treatment system, granite counters and stainless appliances. Master bedroom

    Laurel S. Volberding REALTOR Barclays Real Estate Group 1

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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    2104 W First St Unit 2804, Fort Myers, FL 33901

    $695,000

    • 2 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,258 Sq Ft
    • 2104 W First St
    • Unit 2804

    Twenty-eighth floor residence at prestigious High Point Place. Awesome river/city, day/night views from two balconies! Spacious great room. Separate dining area for formal entertaining and breakfast bar for quick meals. Chef-friendly kitchen with stainless appliances, granite counters and walk-in pantry. Master bedroom retreat has private entry to screened balcony, spacious closet and ensuite

    Laurel S. Volberding REALTOR Barclays Real Estate Group 1

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Condo Buildings

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Steven Torres, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
5,430
Median Age
59
Population Density
8 ppl/acre
Population under 18
12.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
41.7%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$33,327
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$66,767

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.9%
College Graduates
29.5%
On par with the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
13%
% Population in Labor Force
39.4%
Significantly below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
55°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

60 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

79 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Reviews

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Downtown Fort Myers