Forum - Fort Myers, FL

The city of Fort Myers was incorporated in 1885. Originally settled by Seminole indians, the land was eventually overtaken by frontier settlers and soldiers for both the confederate and union armies. The land held great value due to its fertile attributes and access to shipping waterways. Once settled, the waterways extended toward central Florida opening up trade further and allowing for further development of infrastructure. The town petitioned for release from Monroe county and were granted release in 1887, forming Lee County. The area became popular amongst northern travelers as a vacation destination, and has thrived as a tourist and retirement location ever since.

Sitting just west of the Forum, the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium hosts a variety of events including a daily reptile program. The planetarium shows allow visitors to explore the solar system, and annual events grant the public access to a telescope located within the complex.

Residents and visitors to the Forum area have numerous dining options. Many national chains lie within the neighborhood, with others located southwest of the area. The small size of the Forum area means dining options are limited in the neighborhood but several local hot spots sit just beyond the borders.

Bella Mozzarella sits at the southern end of the Forum and dishes out authentic Italian pizza and cuisine which southwest Florida has become known for. The calzone will satisfy any appetite, overly stuffed with a mixture of mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, and your choice of meat and veggies. Another popular dish, the chicken marsala, boasts a homemade sauce with fresh tomato and garlic. Complete your meal with a homemade cannoli, sure to delight the dessert lover.

Residents and visitors have more than a few options when looking for a night out on the town. You can drop in to a bar near the southern end of the Forum, such as Buffalo Wild Wings, or venture further beyond the limits of the Forum to establishments like Sidelines Sports Bar and Grill and Miller's Ale House. Both sit west of the Forum along Colonial Boulevard. At Sidelines you can take advantage of nightly drink specials while viewing your favorite sporting events.

For residents looking for a club scene, you must travel west toward downtown Fort Myers to Bay Street, where several bars and clubs take up residence such as City Tavern.

Locals in the Forum area mainly use personal vehicles to navigate through the area. The long roads and distance to shopping and dining spots do not make walking a convenient of efficient option. Lee County transit operates local buses, with stops along Forum Boulevard via the 110 route on the southern end of the Forum, and via route 5 along the northern edge of the Forum. You must make a connection to reach downtown Fort Myers, with the cost of a single one-way ride totaling $1.50. Cabs can be hailed along the major roadways north and south of the Forum with few taxis operating within the neighborhood unless called. Uber operates in the area with service to all parts of Fort Myers.

Public parking can be found within the retail spaces at no charge, and within the communities guest parking is available for non residents in special spaces. The gated communities make biking and jogging accessible for residents but the area's major roadways do not contain special lanes for pedestrians and bikers.

The Forum has a vast expanse of unaltered land which provides natural beauty to the landscape but the area is not convenient for recreational activities. Locals visit the nearby Buckingham Park for recreational fields and exercise which sits northeast of The Forum. The park offers your four legged friends a special area to play and run free as well. The athletic fields host several youth sports leagues, and the picnic areas can be rented for hosting cookouts and family events.

Annually the city of Fort Myers hosts an Art Walk in the downtown area along the river. The Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium has a variety of events including shows and observation events which highlight the expanses of our solar system.

The cost of living in the Forum area sits 3.6 percent lower than the Florida average. You can expect to pay $1.50 to reach downtown Fort Myers by public transit and $15 for cab or Uber service. The median rent for a one-bedroom residence in the area costs $1033.

You can find a pint of beer for $3 at any of the local bars and chain restaurants. Gas prices generally sit 8.3 percent above the national average.

The southern end of The Forum hosts a large shopping center anchored by The Home Depot. Starbucks, Subway, several banks and a few restaurants make this shopping hub their home as well. Edison Mall is located several miles to the west of The Forum, and includes stores such as Macy's, American Eagle Outfitters and Dillard's.

Locals wanting more of an off the rack shopping experience have a few options to get bargain deals. Fleamasters Fleamarket contains a number of local vendors and retailers looking to sell homemade and vintage goods. Walking the complex takes endurance, but the deals abound within this vast expanse of unique homemade goods. Visit one of the local shops to get homemade salsa or a scarf made from scratch.

Boutique on First by Goodwill has a more upscale feel than a normal thrift or goodwill store. The clothing is itemized and easy to identify by designer, the items are lightly used, and generally in good condition. The store operates as a boutique rather than the normal thrift experience where you must dig through a long rack simply to find nothing of interest. Last seasons fashions can be yours for a fraction of the original cost.

Pair a Dice Produce lies a short drive southeast of The Forum. The market provides farm to table options for residents with vibrant red strawberries fresh daily and local produce available for delivery to local businesses. National grocery retailers Winn Dixie and Publix grocery stores sit within the direct vicinity of The Forum to the southern edge.