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Fort Myers, Florida sits along the Caloosahatchee River in Southwest Florida, a sprawling, sunny, car-shaped city where Florida Gulf Coast University anchors the student scene from its campus south of town near Estero. FGCU's Eagles spread out across the suburbs, so off-campus living is just how it works here. The walkable downtown River District packs the most life into a few blocks, with the riverfront, galleries, and a weekly farmers market. Nature's close too: Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve and its boardwalk, Manatee Park on the Orange River, and the Gulf beaches a short drive west. Being a student renter here means more space, more sun, and a quieter pace than a packed college town.
Closest to FGCU, full of newer student-heavy complexes with shuttles and an easy campus commute.
Mixes apartments with shopping and dining, popular with renters who want everything nearby.
The walkable, social pick, best for upperclassmen who'll trade a longer drive to class for riverfront nightlife.
Here's what you need to know about getting around Fort Myers.
LeeTran is the public bus system, covering Fort Myers, Estero, Cape Coral, and beyond, and it is a solid backup if you are near a route, though service is thinner than in a big-city system. Downtown, the seasonal River District trolleys loop the riverfront for free during peak months. Many student complexes near FGCU run their own shuttles. For students near a route or a complex shuttle, transit covers some trips.
Biking works fine around campus and on flatter neighborhood roads. Students living close to FGCU can handle short trips on foot or by bike. The flat terrain makes cycling a reasonable everyday option in the closer neighborhoods. The walkable downtown River District packs the most pedestrian-friendly life into a few blocks.
Fort Myers runs on cars, full stop. The city and FGCU are spread out, so most students drive, and a parking decal plus a reliable ride makes everyday life a lot easier. For getting to the beaches or across the river, you will want wheels. Students who drive should expect to rely on a vehicle for most trips around the spread-out city.
Common questions from students searching for housing.
It depends on the spot and your roommate situation. A private bedroom in a shared apartment near FGCU usually runs about $700-$1,050/month per person. Studios and one-bedrooms typically land around $1,200-$1,600/month. Splitting a place with roommates is almost always the cheapest move per head.
Browse student housing near each Fort Myers-area university.