Fort Myers, Florida, November 21, 2025
News Summary
Fort Myers, Florida, is rapidly growing as one of America’s hottest beach towns, boasting a 6.73% population increase from 2021 to 2022. With accolades for business opportunities and retirement options, it’s becoming a desirable place for residents and businesses alike. Coupled with beautiful weather and outdoor activities, golf enthusiasts are finding a new coastal sanctuary in Fort Myers. Meanwhile, Myrtle Beach is also witnessing impressive growth, challenging the traditional tourism-centric economy.
Fort Myers: A Rapidly Growing Coastal Haven
The sunny shores of Fort Myers, Florida are taking center stage as one of America’s fastest-growing beach towns. This city has become a true hotspot, with population growth soaring almost every year. From 2023 to 2024, the growth trend in metro areas was notably strong, leaving past growth figures in the dust.
So, what’s the story behind this surge? To put it plainly, Fort Myers has recorded an impressive 6.73% increase in population from 2021 to 2022, making it the fastest-growing among the 150 major cities evaluated. Since the dawn of 2020, around 16.7% more people call Fort Myers home, showcasing a remarkable urban growth narrative that has captured the attention of many.
Perks of Calling Fort Myers Home
It’s not just the weather that’s attracting newcomers. In 2023, Fort Myers snagged the 8th spot in “Best Small Cities to Start a Business” and ranked 2nd in “Best Places to Retire in Florida” according to Wallet Hub. The city is pulling in Fortune 500 companies like Gartner, Chico’s, and Hertz, indicating a robust economic infrastructure that goes beyond tourism.
For those who enjoy the great outdoors, Fort Myers offers a vibrant lifestyle filled with exciting recreational activities. Residents and visitors alike can indulge in hiking, paddling, fishing, and boating, thanks to its close proximity to stunning spots like Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach.
Myrtle Beach: A Charming Coastal Favorite
Heading up the coast, we find another bustling beach town: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach areas are experiencing a fantastic wave of newcomers, driven by net domestic in-migration. This region has seen its population double since 2009, reaching an estimated 413,391 residents in July 2024.
Myrtle Beach is breaking records in residential housing growth, boasting a population growth rate of 2.93% along with a 4% increase in job opportunities. In 2023 alone, over 13,000 building permits were approved, reflecting a bustling construction landscape that meets the rising demand.
Economic Endeavors and Stability
Both Fort Myers and Myrtle Beach are illustrating the importance of economic diversification in contrasting the typical tourism-centered economies. Fort Myers, for instance, reported an 11.3% increase in total personal income from 2021 to 2022, with sectors like Manufacturing, Transportation & Warehousing, and Finance, Insurance & Real Estate leading the charge. On the flip side, Myrtle Beach is known for its affordability, all while nurturing a thriving culture and healthcare sector alongside its renowned golf courses and stunning coastline.
Managing Growth Challenges
However, with rapid growth comes the challenge of infrastructure management. Local officials in both cities are recognizing the importance of balancing development while maintaining the unique charm that makes these locations so desirable. Reports indicate a potential rise in housing prices and longer sales times in Myrtle Beach, suggesting a shift towards a steadier but still robust growth phase.
A notable fact about Myrtle Beach is that nearly 50% of its residents are renters rather than homeowners, showcasing a diverse demographic landscape keen on renting rather than buying property. With an anticipation of one million additional residents in South Carolina by 2042, strategic planning is essential to ensure that community life remains vibrant and appealing.
The Future Looks Bright
As Fort Myers widely attracts business relocations thanks to its educated workforce and favorable living conditions, Florida ranks second as “Best States for Business” in 2023. The upward trajectories of both Fort Myers and Myrtle Beach suggest that they’ll continue to draw in new residents throughout the decade, fundamentally reshaping the beach living experience across America.
The tale of these fast-growing beach towns serves as an exciting chapter in the narrative of coastal living as we know it, with each community working diligently to maintain its unique coastal allure.
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Additional Resources
- Travel Binger: U.S. Beach Towns Expected to See Major Growth
- Naples News: Rocket Launch Time in Florida
- 973 ESPN: Spirit Airlines Miami Flight
- U.S. News: Fastest Growing Places in the U.S.
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fort Myers, Florida
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
