Fort Myers and Naples are both top cities in Florida and top destinations for retirees in the US. The choice of where to live in between the two cities can be difficult as they both have their perks. To save you the trouble, we have put together a detailed breakdown of Fort Myers vs. Naples for retirement living. On a scale of one to 10, you will find the score each city has when it comes to the cost of living and other aspects of life in the cities.
Safety
One of the most important things to consider when looking for a community for retirement living is safety. The peace of mind you will get from knowing you are in a safe environment is unmatched and that can help to improve your quality of life while you enjoy your retirement.
On a scale of one to 10, Fort Myers gets a six out of 10 because the crime rates in some areas in the city are above-average, even though the crime rates have improved over the years. Naples scores a 10 as it ranks as one of the safest cities to live in Florida.
Food
When it comes to food in Fort Myers, there are several great options to choose from, whether farm-to-table dining or relaxed bistros. You’ll find several local restaurants with cuisines such as Cuban and Colombian. The food scene in Naples has gained so much reputation over the years as a foodie haven. There are several upscale restaurants where you can get delightful seafood and low-budget outdoor cafes.
Overall, the food scene in Fort Myers scores a 6 while that of Naples scores a seven out of 10.
Cost of Living
The affordability of a city is another important factor to consider before choosing it for retirement living. When it comes down to the cost of living, Fort Myers is no doubt the most affordable place to live in compared to Naples. Fort Myers is one of the most affordable big cities in Florida and that gives it a score of eight out of 10 in affordability. Meanwhile, Naples offers a lot of upscale neighborhoods with the cost of living higher than the rest of Florida. This makes for a four out of 10 when it comes to affordability.
Activities and Things to Do
In Fort Myers, there are several activities aging adults can do in their free time, including visiting historic downtown districts, grabbing a drink at a bar, or eating out in restaurants. Since walking is a good low-impact activity for aging adults, you can also walk and relax at any of the nearest parks to you. The nearby beaches are also a lot of relaxation for you to enjoy a nice atmosphere on sunny days.
Naples also offers a range of activities for aging adults such as a visit to the beautiful botanical garden, Naples Pier, or a relaxing trip down to the beach on the Naples coastline.
On a scale of one to 10, both cities rank eight out of 10 each.
Location
Fort Myers is an accessible city that easily links with other cities as it is located on Florida’s western coast. It is just 25 minutes away from the Southwest Florida International Airport and 20 minutes away from Cape Coral. Naples is a bit more isolated as the nearest big city close to it is Fort Myers which is 30 minutes away. On a scale of one to 10, Fort Myers ranks a seven while Naples ranks a 5 out of 10.
Looking for an assisted living community for your aging loved one? Our retirement community in Fort Myers is one of the top communities in Florida with unmatched amenities and senior living programs for our residents. To find out more about our senior living options, we will be happy to have a chat with you.