Fort Myers, located on Florida's Gulf Coast, is a city that has consistently attracted attention due to the overlap of retirement migration and investment demand. However, it is important to consider the risks of hurricanes and the price differences between neighborhoods.

The historic district along McGregor Boulevard tends to be relatively high, ranging from $450,000 to $550,000, while the Gateway area is around $400,000 to $450,000, and southern Fort Myers near Colonial Boulevard tends to trade between $380,000 and $420,000.

Recent trends show that Gateway is experiencing a steady supply of new construction, keeping prices stable, while the historic district has limited inventory, maintaining a gradual upward trend. Southern Fort Myers appears to be in a more transitional phase, closer to the middle of the two areas.

From an investment perspective, Gateway is gaining attention. It is close to Southwest Florida International Airport and is seeing continued expansion of nearby commercial areas, making it a region with improving accessibility and convenience.

In terms of rental yield, both the Gateway and southern Fort Myers areas are relatively favorable. Considering seasonal short-term rental demand, there are cases where total returns of around 5% annually are achieved compared to sales prices, making it frequently mentioned as a rental investment location within Florida.

However, the increase in homeowners insurance premiums due to hurricane season is cited as a major risk that eats into net returns. In recent years, the increase in new housing supply has also raised concerns about oversupply in some areas.

For Korean households, the following points are worth considering:

• If prioritizing actual residence after retirement, the quiet historic district may be a suitable choice.
• If considering rental income and accessibility together, Gateway could be an alternative.
• It is essential to check the burden of insurance premiums during hurricane season before purchasing.

Fort Myers has a strong rental market based on its mild climate and tourism demand, but changes in insurance premiums and supply levels are variables that should be monitored closely.