North Fort Myers earns high U-Haul ranking for growth communities
North Fort Myers was recently ranked number 12 out of the top 25 in the U-Haul Growth Index for growth cities in 2025.
Twelve out of the top 25 U-Haul Growth Index cities were located in Florida: Ocala (1), North Port (2), Kissimmee (3), Clermont (5), Fort Lauderdale (7), St. Augustine (8), Daytona Beach (9), Panama City (10), North Fort Myers (12), Leesburg (16), Sarasota (18) and St. Cloud (19).
Elite International Realty CEO Daniel Ickowicz said the U-Haul Index provides real-time data, rather than surveying people and guessing data. He said the index collects data from 2.5 million one-way moves that include trucks and trailers.
“It gives a sense for net migration – how many people are moving out versus moving in to have the net gain,” Ickowicz said.
With Florida having 12 out of 25 cities named, it shows that the Sunshine State is really a state where people want to live.
He said the U-Haul Index shows that the big metro areas of Florida are not necessarily the go-to places, as the cost of living in the areas is not for everyone.
The smaller cities – secondary cities, Ickowicz said are the destinations because they too have the amazing Florida weather without the metro prices.
“You have the affordability, quality of life,” he said, adding that people want to pay less, but still have that lifestyle living close to a bigger city.
The age of those traveling has also changed from not only retirees moving to Florida, but families, too.
“Now we have families relocating here, creating different demands, parks, public works and schools. Generations of people are moving and wanting to stay in Florida,” he said.
Since the pandemic, Ickowicz said the growth in price has been about 30 to 40%, which is also a reflection of what has happened in the state. He said there is a 6 to 8% per year appreciation, almost double of the average of 3 to 4%.
“It’s linked directly to migration. They want to move to Florida because of the quality of life, sunshine, no state income taxes,” Ickowicz said of why the prices went up.
He does not believe the growth will continue at 6 to 7%.
“A lot of people talk about bubbles and prices doing down,” he said. “We might still see 2 to 3%. Maybe with interest rates going down it could help even more.”
Florida growth, he said, is sustainable because it is not just investors coming in and buying property, but real people who are moving here to retire and work for a longer-term move.
Smaller communities such as North Fort Myers, he said benefit from that.
“Because of the value, accessibility, you can buy more for less. Space, a great community and lifestyle is now on people’s radar,” Ickowicz said. “Now you have choices.”
The U-Haul Index, he said, is a very helpful tool that individuals use.
“Real people use it to make real decisions,” Ickowicz said. “When there are 25 cities being listed and 12 are in Florida, they start to do some research. Where in Florida do I want to be and (here are my) 12 top choices.”
Although there were many recurring cities from the 2024-2025 list, North Fort Myers is a newcomer in 2025.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com