Striking sunsets, spectacular shelling, and looming lighthouses. These are quite possibly the first images one has of Southern Florida's Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Yet there are so many unexpected pleasures to find here.

Everything from nature hiking to shopping to just plain relaxing can be found on Sanibel and the twenty miles of pristine, white, sandy beaches which comprise its shore. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife refuge on Sanibel features 278 species of resident and migratory birds, observation towers, wild life drive, hiking and canoe trails and fishing and crabbing.

Situated in Florida's Lee County on the Caloosahatchee River, Fort Myers was originally built in 1850 after the Third Seminole War and named after Colonel Abraham Charles Myers, then chief quartermaster in Florida. Though Fort Myers was not incorporated by the State Legislature until April 1911, the late 1800's and early 1900's was a period of growth and change for Fort Myers.

The area was mainly known as a "cowtown" until northerners began to migrate to Florida for the warm climate and sunshine. In 1885, Thomas Alva Edison came to Fort Myers and made the town his winter home. Another famous resident who wintered in Fort Myers was Henry Ford. The winter homes of both Edison and Ford are available to visitors and public tours.

Besides its rich history, Fort Myers offers its residents great business opportunities and a high quality of family life. Emphasis is placed on fostering nurturing neighborhoods and strong educational programs. Retirees, too, can find a quality of life in Fort Myers not found in other communities.

Personal income and effective buying income has steadily risen since 1990, with the greatest recent employment growth in the home health industry. The cost of living, in comparison with cities such as Washington, DC and Miami, FL, is far below average.

Recreation is also stressed in Fort Myers. For almost 70 years, Fort Myers has been famous for its professional baseball spring training. From February to April, both the Boston Red Sox and the Minnesota Twins call this town home.

Fort Myers, or the "City of Palms", beckons its visitors and residents alike to remember its rich history and its status as one of the best places to live now and in the future.

The population of Fort Myers is projected to grow to 60,000 by the year 2010, Lee county covers 1005 square miles and its population is around 405,000.

Lee County has a variety of real estate listings from which to choose and a New Homes Realty, Inc. agent is ready to help you locate the real estate that best fits your needs. By combining the power of the Internet and our own network of real estate professionals, New Homes Realty, Inc. is ready to assist you in every possible way. Whether you are looking for townhouses, condos, luxury homes, or investment properties, let New Homes Realty, Inc. find you a new home in Lee County, Florida.