Wife and I are moving to Naples FL next month and want to find an affordable rental home\condo for a year or less until we decide where we want to buy. The rentals in Naples are pretty high and would like your suggestions of cities nearby that may be more affordable. Of course, no areas that I would have to check each day to see if my wheels have been stolen.

Nice area, but you're right it's $$$ as you can't go much further South before the Everglades. If you have a little flexibility on distance from Naples, you might look about an hour North on 75 (Lehigh Acres).

Bonita Springs or even south fort Myers are nice areas. My wife and I are in fort Myers. The new southwest FLORIDA A&m club (https://facebook.com/groups/567736969999058) has people from all over SWFL that could help and advise. Al Giacalone (not an Ag but somene I'm familiar with) is a fort Myers realtor who may be able to help, too. Not sure if he does rentals. https://facebook.com/REALTORSAlandDeb

Hope this is helpful!

Steve '09
Fort Myers, FL

Just now saw this, I don't venture to this board very often. Hopefully you have already found a place, but in case you haven't I'll give you my input. I live in Bonita and work in Naples and the commute isn't bad at all. There aren't too many bad areas, but feel free to ask if there is a specific place you are wondering about. Depending on where you'll be working it will depend on how long the commute is. There are areas of Naples that would be a longer drive for me to work than Bonita is. Estero has some nice areas as well and like Bonita tends to be cheaper. The farther north or east you go the cheaper it will be.

This is the worst time of year for rentals, prices should drop some once the snowbirds start heading home (usually around Easter) and spring breaks are over. I have my house listed for sale and my realtor is an Aggie, I can get you his info if you want it. I'm not sure if he deals with rentals but I'm sure he could recommend someone if you are still looking. Hope you find what you are looking for. Good luck and welcome to Florida.