A Personal Note from Diana
Welcome to Your New Beginning
I'm Diana Austin — a licensed Realtor with Fig Team EXP Realty LLC, a bilingual Southwest Florida specialist originally from Puerto Rico, and the wife of a retired Green Beret. I've helped dozens of families relocate to Southwest Florida from all over the country, and I know exactly what it takes to start over in a new place.
"I moved to Southwest Florida and built a life here. Now I help others do the same. This guide is everything I wish someone had told me before I made the move."
Whether you're relocating from across the country or across the state, this guide walks you through every aspect of moving to Southwest Florida — from choosing the right neighborhood to setting up utilities, finding a doctor, and making friends. Bookmark it, share it, and when you're ready to take the next step, I'm here.
What's Inside This Guide
Why Southwest Florida?
Southwest Florida isn't just a destination — it's a lifestyle. Here's why people from across the country are choosing to call this region home.
Year-round sunshine and warmth
Average 270+ sunny days per year
Stunning beaches
Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Naples, Bonita Beach, Cayo Costa, Captiva
No state income tax
Your paycheck goes further
Growing job market
Healthcare, tourism, real estate, construction, and remote work
Diverse communities
From luxury waterfront to affordable suburban neighborhoods
Outdoor paradise
Boating, fishing, kayaking, golf, hiking, biking, wildlife watching
Cultural scene
Art galleries, live theater, museums, music festivals, farmers markets
Military-friendly
Multiple nearby bases, veteran community, VA services
Bilingual community
Large and growing Spanish-speaking population
Pet-friendly
Dog parks, dog beaches, pet-friendly restaurants and shops
Strong real estate market
Consistent appreciation and investment potential
Top-rated healthcare
Lee Health, NCH Healthcare System, and numerous specialty clinics
The Region — Cities and Communities
Southwest Florida is more than one city — it's a collection of distinct communities, each with its own personality. Here's what you need to know about each one.
Cape Coral
Best for families, waterfront enthusiasts, and anyone wanting more space. With more canals than Venice, Italy, Cape Coral is a boater's paradise. Read Diana's full Cape Coral zone guide for the detailed breakdown of SW, SE, NE, and NW Cape Coral.
Fort Myers
Best for young professionals, culture lovers, and those wanting a downtown feel. Great dining, nightlife, and arts scene.
Naples
Best for luxury buyers, retirees, and anyone wanting premium coastal living. One of the wealthiest cities in Florida.
Bonita Springs
Best for families, beach lovers, and those wanting Naples quality at a lower price. Growing dining and shopping scene.
Estero
Best for young professionals, families, students, and remote workers. One of the fastest-growing areas in the region.
Lehigh Acres
Best for budget-conscious buyers, families wanting space, and investors. Great value compared to coastal communities.
Alva
Best for equestrians, remote workers, and anyone wanting true rural Florida living. Diana has a full investor guide for Alva on her site.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Best for nature lovers, retirees, and luxury island living. Island lifestyle at its finest.
Climate and Weather
What to expect when you live in a subtropical paradise.
Summer (June-September)
Temperatures: 85-95°F with high humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms almost daily — they roll in fast and clear within an hour. Hot, humid, and intense — but you adjust. A/C is everywhere. Hurricane season peaks August-October. Best time for early morning or evening outdoor activities.
Fall (October-November)
Temperatures: 75-85°F, humidity drops. Beautiful transition — the most comfortable time of year. Snowbirds start arriving. Hurricane season winds down.
Winter (December-March)
Temperatures: 65-80°F — this is why people move here. Dry season — almost no rain. Peak tourist season — restaurants and beaches are busier. Perfect outdoor weather — this is the reward for surviving summer.
Spring (April-May)
Temperatures: 75-90°F, warm and pleasant. Snowbirds start leaving — things quiet down. Great time for outdoor activities. Pre-summer transition.
Hurricane Preparedness
Key Facts:
- Hurricane season: June 1 – November 30
- Peak: August-October
- Modern construction is built to current hurricane codes
- Cape Coral was hit hard by Hurricane Ian in 2022 but has rebuilt strongly
What to Do:
- Keep an emergency kit: water, food, flashlights, batteries, important documents
- Have a plan — evacuation routes, supplies, communication
- The key is preparation, not panic
- Florida natives have been doing this for decades
Cost of Living
Understanding what it costs to live in Southwest Florida.
Housing
- Ranges from affordable (Lehigh Acres, North Cape Coral) to luxury (Naples, Port Royal)
- Median home price across the region: $350,000-$500,000
- Rent: $1,500-$3,000/month for a typical 2-3 bedroom
- Property taxes vary by county — Lee County is generally more affordable than Collier County
Utilities
- Electric (FPL): $150-$350/month — A/C is the biggest expense
- Water/sewer: $50-$150/month
- Internet: $50-$100/month
- No heating costs — huge savings from northern states
Insurance
- Homeowner's insurance: $2,500-$8,000+/year depending on location
- Flood insurance: required in flood zones, $500-$5,000+/year
- Car insurance: Florida requires PIP and PDL — shop around
Food and Dining
- Groceries: comparable to national average
- Dining out: $15-$50/person depending on restaurant
- Farmers markets offer fresh local produce at good prices
Transportation
- Car is essential — limited public transportation
- Gas prices: generally reasonable
- No toll roads in most areas (some exceptions)
Taxes
- NO state income tax — the biggest financial advantage
- 6% sales tax on most purchases
- Homestead exemption reduces taxes for primary residents
Monthly Budget Estimate (Single Person)
Housing
$1,500-$2,500
Utilities
$200-$400
Food
$400-$600
Transportation
$400-$700
Insurance
$200-$500
Entertainment
$200-$400
Miscellaneous
$200-$300
Total
$2,900-$5,400
Jobs and Economy
Southwest Florida's economy is diverse and growing. Here's what you need to know about the job market.
Major Industries
- Healthcare: Lee Health, NCH Healthcare System, and numerous clinics
- Tourism and hospitality: restaurants, hotels, resorts, attractions
- Real estate and construction: constant growth drives demand
- Remote work: excellent internet infrastructure for remote professionals
- Education: FGCU, Edison State College, public and private schools
- Agriculture: citrus, farming, and related industries
Top Employers
- Lee Health (largest employer)
- NCH Healthcare System
- Collier County Public Schools
- Lee County School District
- Publix Super Markets
- Chico's FAS (headquartered in Fort Myers)
- PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Florida Gulf Coast University
Average Salaries
- Healthcare: $50,000-$100,000+
- Education: $40,000-$70,000
- Hospitality: $30,000-$50,000
- Real estate: commission-based, $50,000-$150,000+
- Tech/Remote: $60,000-$120,000+
- Construction: $40,000-$80,000
Starting a Business
- No state income tax is a huge advantage
- Growing population means growing demand for services
- Low business licensing fees
- Strong support for small businesses through local chambers
Schools and Education
Quality education options for every stage of learning.
Lee County School District
- One of the largest districts in Florida
- Mix of traditional public, charter, and magnet schools
- Notable: Cypress Lake High School, Fort Myers High School, Cape Coral High School
- IB and Cambridge programs available
- Bilingual programs in several schools
Collier County Public Schools
- Well-funded and highly rated (Naples area)
- Notable: Naples High School, Barron Collier High School, Gulf Coast High School
- Strong academic programs and extracurriculars
Charter & Private Schools
- Numerous options throughout the region
- Montessori, faith-based, and specialty schools
- Growing demand for alternatives to traditional public schools
Higher Education
- Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Myers) — public university, growing reputation
- Florida SouthWestern State College — community college with transfer programs
- Hodges University — private university
- Edison State College — associate and bachelor's programs
Healthcare
Top-quality medical care is available throughout Southwest Florida.
Lee Health
Largest healthcare system in the region, serving Lee County with:
- Lee Memorial Hospital (Fort Myers)
- HealthPark Medical Center (Fort Myers)
- Cape Coral Hospital
- Gulf Coast Medical Center (Fort Myers)
- Lee Physician Group — primary care and specialists throughout the region
NCH Healthcare System
Serving the Naples area with:
- NCH Baker Hospital (Naples)
- NCH North Collier Hospital (Naples)
- Comprehensive specialty services
VA Healthcare
- Cape Coral VA Outpatient Clinic
- Fort Myers VA Clinic
- James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital (Tampa) — closest full VA medical center
- VA services for eligible veterans throughout the region
Finding a Doctor
- Start looking early — good doctors are in demand
- Ask for recommendations from neighbors, coworkers, or your real estate agent
- Most insurance networks have good coverage in the area
- Specialists available for virtually every field
Getting Around
Navigating Southwest Florida by air, road, and bike.
Airports
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
Main airport, Fort Myers. Major carriers: Southwest, Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Spirit, Frontier. Direct flights to most major US cities.
Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)
Budget carrier airport, growing fast. Allegiant Air. Often cheaper fares.
Roads and Highways
- I-75: runs north-south through the region
- US-41 (Tamiami Trail): main commercial corridor
- Cape Coral Parkway: main east-west road in Cape Coral
- Colonial Boulevard: major east-west road in Fort Myers
- Well-maintained roads — minimal potholes compared to northern states
Public Transportation
- LeeTran: public bus system in Lee County — limited routes
- Collier Area Transit (CAT): public bus system in Collier County
- Uber and Lyft widely available
- Car is essential for daily life
Biking
- Growing bike lane infrastructure, especially in Cape Coral and Fort Myers
- Bike paths and trails throughout the region
- Year-round biking weather
Outdoor Lifestyle
Southwest Florida is an outdoor paradise. Here's how to make the most of it.
Beaches
- Fort Myers Beach: lively, family-friendly, great restaurants
- Sanibel Island: world-class shelling, nature preserves
- Naples Beach: pristine, sophisticated, Naples Pier
- Bonita Beach: relaxed, dog-friendly section
- Barefoot Beach Preserve: natural, unspoiled, wildlife-rich
- Cayo Costa State Park: accessible only by boat, pristine island paradise
Boating and Fishing
- 400+ miles of canals in Cape Coral alone
- Freshwater fishing: bass, catfish, and more
- Saltwater fishing: charter trips for snapper, grouper, tarpon
- Marina access throughout the region
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals everywhere
Golf
- Over 100 golf courses in the region
- Championship courses: Tiburón, Lely Resort, Bonita Bay, Gray Oaks
- Public and private options for every skill level
- Year-round golfing — the envy of northern golfers
Parks and Nature
- Manatee Park: watch manatees in their natural habitat
- Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve: boardwalk through cypress wetlands
- J.N. "Ding" Darling Wildlife Refuge (Sanibel): world-class birding
- Everglades National Park: 45 minutes from Naples
- Big Cypress National Preserve: hiking, airboat tours, wildlife
Wildlife You'll See
Manatees
Abundant in winter months
Dolphins
Spotted regularly in the Gulf
Birds
Herons, egrets, ospreys, pelicans, roseate spoonbills
Alligators
Present but not a daily concern — respect their space
Sea Turtles
Nesting season May-October on beaches
Roseate Spoonbills
Iconic pink wading birds
Social Life and Community
Building a vibrant social life in your new home.
Dining
- Fort Myers River District: diverse restaurants, breweries, and nightlife
- Cape Harbour: waterfront dining, casual to upscale
- Fifth Avenue South (Naples): fine dining, art galleries, boutiques
- Coconut Point (Estero): shopping and dining complex
- Food truck parks and growing craft brewery scene
Entertainment
- Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre (Fort Myers)
- Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall (Fort Myers)
- Artis—Naples (Naples Philharmonic and Baker Museum)
- Imaginarium Science Center (Fort Myers)
- Sunsplash Family Waterpark (Cape Coral)
Events and Festivals
- Cape Coral Festival of the Arts
- Red, White & Boom (4th of July — Cape Coral)
- Cape Coral Christmas Boat Parade
- Naples Art, Antique & Jewelry Show
- Fort Myers Farmers Market
- Sanibel Farmers Market
Making Friends
- Join Facebook groups for your new community
- Attend farmers markets and local events
- Join a gym, yoga studio, or fitness class
- Volunteer — great way to meet people and give back
- Dog parks are the friendliest places in SWFL
- Bumble BFF works great for finding friends in a new city
The Move Itself
Practical advice for your actual move.
Best Time to Move
- October through April: pleasant weather, easy moving conditions
- May through September: hot and humid, but moving companies are less busy and rates may be lower
- Avoid moving during peak hurricane season (August-October) if possible
Moving Companies
- Get multiple quotes — prices vary significantly
- Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and BBB
- Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance during peak season
- Ask about insurance coverage for your belongings
What to Bring
- Summer clothes year-round (light, breathable fabrics)
- Swimwear — you'll use it constantly
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
- A good pair of sandals and water shoes
- Your car (you'll need it)
- Electronics and sentimental items
- Your dog's favorite things for comfort
What to Leave
- Heavy winter coats and snow boots
- Ice scrapers, snow shovels, winter gear
- Heavy blankets and flannel sheets
- Anything you haven't used in a year
Practical Essentials
The nitty-gritty details you need to settle in smoothly.
Driver's License
- Get a Florida license within 30 days of establishing residency
- Bring current license, Social Security card, proof of address, two forms of ID
- Visit a Florida DHSMV office — appointments recommended
Vehicle Registration
- Register your vehicle within 10 days of establishing residency
- Bring title, registration, proof of insurance, and ID
- Florida requires emissions testing in some counties
Voter Registration
- Register when you get your Florida license
- Or register online at registertovoteflorida.gov
Utilities Setup
- FPL (Florida Power & Light): electricity
- City of Cape Coral or Lee County: water and sewer
- Internet: Xfinity, CenturyLink, or fiber options
- Set up accounts before move-in — some require deposits
Banking
- National banks have locations throughout the region
- Credit unions are popular and often have better rates
- Switch to a Florida-addressed account
Pet Requirements
- Dogs must be vaccinated for rabies
- Lee County requires dog licenses
- Leash laws in public areas
- Pet-friendly apartments and communities are abundant
What People Love and Miss
Honest talk about what's wonderful and what takes adjustment.
What People Love
- The sunshine — it genuinely improves quality of life
- The beaches — accessible, beautiful, and varied
- The pace of life — slower, more intentional, less stressful
- No state income tax — real financial impact
- Year-round outdoor activities
- The friendliness of the community
- Watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico — every single evening
- The wildlife — manatees, dolphins, birds
- The food scene — growing and diverse
- Being close to the beach without the chaos of South Florida
What People Miss
- Seasons — especially fall foliage and the first snow
- Mountains and hiking (the Everglades are different but beautiful)
- Cultural diversity of big cities
- Public transportation
- Walkable urban neighborhoods
- Close family and friends back home
- Certain restaurants and food from their hometown
- The convenience of big-city amenities
- A real "winter" — some people genuinely miss the cold
The Adjustment
6-12 months
It takes this long to feel at home
Say yes
To everything in the first year — it builds community
You adapt
Summer is an adjustment — but you learn to thrive
Stay connected
Video calls and visits keep you close to loved ones
A Final Note from Diana
When I moved to Southwest Florida from Puerto Rico, I didn't know a soul. I was starting over — new state, new career, new life. And you know what? It was the best decision I ever made.
Southwest Florida welcomed me with sunshine, warm breezes, and the most beautiful sunsets I've ever seen. I found a community that felt like family. I built a career I'm proud of. And I found my place.
Now, as a Realtor and relocation specialist, I get to help other people do the same thing. Whether you're moving from New York, California, the Midwest, or anywhere else — I understand what it takes to start over. I've lived it.
This guide is my gift to you. Everything I wish I had known before I moved. Use it, share it, and when you're ready to take the next step — I'm here.
Welcome to Southwest Florida. You're going to love it here.
Talk to you soon, Diana
Ready to Make the Move?
Diana Austin | Fig Team EXP Realty LLC
Bilingual Relocation Specialist — We speak English and Spanish
FL License #3571079