There is a neighborhood where cars with northern license plates increase every winter. To trace the origins of this trend, we must go back to Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.

This is the story of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates located along the Caloosahatchee River near downtown Fort Myers. It is where the two spent their winters, separated by just a fence, and it is now open to the public as a museum and garden.

The story begins in 1885 when Edison first visited the area and purchased 13 acres of riverside land that year.

The house was not built locally. It was prefabricated in Maine and shipped by boat, then assembled in 1886. In modern terms, it can be considered a precursor to modular homes.

The Edison family called this house the Seminole Lodge. Even though it was a winter retreat, it was not just a space for relaxation; it also included a laboratory and a garden.

Ford entered the picture in 1916 when the house next door went up for sale, and he purchased it for a reported price of $20,000.

This house is named Mangoes. According to a historical marker in Florida, Ford bought it to spend more time with his friend and mentor, Edison.

From a real estate perspective, this part was the most interesting to me. It wasn't about the house price or return on investment; it was about buying a house because of the neighbor. While it was a choice made by someone with excess money, it still holds true that the value of a neighborhood is shaped by its residents.

The friendship between the two homes was not the only connection. In 1927, Edison, Ford, and tire company founder Harvey Firestone established the Edison Botanical Research Corporation together.

The purpose was clear: to find plants that could be grown quickly in the U.S. without relying on overseas rubber imports.

Thus, in 1928, they built the plant research laboratory that still stands today. The team tested over 17,000 plant samples and selected goldenrod as a final candidate.

Goldenrod is a common yellow wildflower found throughout the U.S. The idea of extracting strategic materials from such a common plant still seems quite practical today.

This laboratory was designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American Chemical Society on May 25, 2014. It resonates with current news as a site that contemplated supply chain issues a century ago.

The massive banyan tree standing in the middle of the garden cannot be overlooked. A seedling gifted by Firestone in the mid-1920s has now grown large enough to cover the yard with its shade.

It reminded me of the large trees in the village squares of rural Korea. Despite the differences in country and era, people still gather under big trees.

Edison passed away in 1931. After that, Ford rarely visited the estate and sold Mangoes in 1945.

In 1947, Edison's wife, Mina, donated the Seminole Lodge to the city of Fort Myers. As Mangoes transitioned to city ownership, the two homes were once again united within the same fence.

The management structure changed to a nonprofit corporation in 2003, which is seen as better for maintenance than relying solely on tax funding.

Living in this neighborhood, one cannot avoid discussions about hurricanes. In 2022, during Hurricane Ian, seawater flooded the area, damaging many garden plants.

However, the foundation reported that the historic homes and buildings withstood the storm with minimal damage. Seeing a century-old wooden house endure like this shows that traditional building methods should not be underestimated.

During Hurricane Milton in 2024, the estate closed temporarily but reopened afterward. It is advisable to check the official website for operational status before visiting.

Now, let's get to the practical details. According to the official ticket store, the self-guided adult admission fee is $28.

For youth aged 13 to 19, the fee is $20, and for children aged 6 to 12, it is $15. Some travel sites still list the price as $25, so don't be misled by outdated information.

If you plan to visit only once, just buy a ticket. However, if you intend to bring guests frequently, considering an annual membership might be worthwhile. Members enjoy free admission, making it cost-effective after just two or three visits.

The estate covers just over 20 acres, so even a casual stroll will take about two hours. It's best to avoid the summer heat and visit between the cool months of November and spring for a more comfortable experience.

In December, the Holiday Nights event features lights in the garden. Visiting once during the day and once at night offers a completely different atmosphere, making it a great option for entertaining guests during the year-end.

As I walked around, I had a simple thought: even the wealthiest Americans sought out this riverside location for its warm weather and good neighbors.

When choosing a home after immigrating, it makes sense to consider school districts, taxes, and insurance rates first. However, the value of knowing who lives next door is something that cannot be quantified, as these two homes have demonstrated for a century.