Is It Still a Good Idea to Move to Florida in 2026?

Why People Are Still Moving to Fort Myers and Southwest Florida

People don’t uproot their lives for nothing. When I talk with buyers relocating to Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Naples, the same reasons keep coming up:

• Lifestyle in Fort Myers, FL – Warm weather, beaches, boating, golf, and outdoor living almost every day of the year.

• Tax advantages – No state income tax, homestead protections, and property taxes that are often lower than what my clients were paying up north.

• Quality of life – A slower, more relaxed pace than many big metros, with growing restaurant, medical, and cultural options.

• Flexibility – Remote and hybrid work make it possible to choose where you want to live, not just where your office is.

If you’re tired of scraping ice off your windshield or paying high state taxes for a lifestyle you don’t love, moving to Fort Myers or Cape Coral in 2026 can still make a lot of sense.

What’s Different About the Fort Myers Housing Market in 2026?

We’re not in the frenzy of 2021–2022 anymore, and that’s a good thing.

• Prices in many parts of Lee County have cooled or flattened.

• The Fort Myers real estate market is closer to balanced: buyers have more choices, and sellers need to price realistically.

• You’re not competing with 10 offers on day one in most neighborhoods.

In other words, we’ve shifted from “panic buying” to a more normal, data-driven market where you can breathe, think, and negotiate.

But What About Insurance and Hurricanes?

This is usually the next question my relocation clients ask.

Yes, insurance and weather are fundamental factors in Southwest Florida real estate:

• Insurance costs are higher than they were five or ten years ago.

• Older condo buildings and specific coastal properties can have higher carrying costs.

The key is choosing the right type of property and location:

• Newer or updated homes in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Estero with good roofs and impact windows.

• Communities where the HOA master policy covers a large portion of the insurance (familiar with condos/villas).

• Neighborhoods that balance elevation, construction quality, and lifestyle.

The question isn’t “Is Florida risky?” It’s “Am I buying the right property in the right part of Southwest Florida for my needs and budget?”

So… Is It Still a Good Idea to Move to Fort Myers in 2026?

If you’re looking for:

• Warmer weather and a more relaxed lifestyle

• A homestead in a no-state-income-tax state

• A market where people still want to live, work, retire, and invest

…then yes, moving to Fort Myers or the surrounding SW Florida area in 2026 can absolutely still be a wise decision.

You need a clear plan, honest numbers, and a local advisor who will tell you the truth—not just what you want to hear.

Thinking about moving to Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or nearby?
I’m happy to walk you through neighborhoods, costs, insurance questions, and what a realistic plan would look like for you, whether you’re 3 months or 3 years away from making a move.