Fort Myers, located along the Gulf Coast, shows a clear price difference between the island areas and the mainland. Understanding this structure allows for a much clearer view of the local market prices.

The first area to mention is Sanibel Island. As a nature reserve, the development density is strictly limited, with the median home price exceeding $1 million, and Gulf-front listings often surpassing $2 million. This is a significant contrast compared to the overall median price in Fort Myers, which is around $400,000.

Captiva Island is smaller and more exclusive than Sanibel, with median home prices similar to or even higher than those on Sanibel. On the mainland, the Gulf Harbor Yacht and Country Club area is noted as a prime upscale residential area, where the median price for waterfront properties with yacht docking facilities is around $1 million.

The historic district along McGregor Boulevard also deserves mention. Famous for being the winter retreat of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, this area features grand mansions lined along old oak tree-lined streets. The median home prices in this area range from $700,000 to $1 million.

The high prices on Sanibel and Captiva are supported by strict development restrictions. Local ordinances maintain low building density across the islands, effectively blocking new supply, and this scarcity has been identified as a factor sustaining prices over time.

The price gap between the general mainland areas and the island regions can sometimes be two to five times greater. Even within the same county, whether or not you cross a bridge can lead to completely different market dynamics.

Southwest Florida is not a region with a large Korean population, but it has been observed that more Korean families are settling here in search of a warm climate after retirement. Among them, those with more means tend to choose areas near Gulf Harbor or McGregor, while those with a stronger focus on actual residence tend to opt for relatively affordable areas on the eastern mainland.

Florida has the advantage of no state income tax, but it is also a region where hurricane insurance premiums have risen significantly in recent years. If you are considering a purchase, it is advisable to check not only the home prices but also the annual insurance premiums and whether flood insurance is necessary.