Living a Boating Lifestyle in Estero, Florida

Estero, Florida is a new and very small town that has just emerged on Route 41 between Ft. Myers to the north and Naples to the South. Located in the southern part of Florida’s Gulf Coast, there is easy access to the extensive bays and waterways -this is a boater’s and fishermen’s paradise. At least one river gives a sheltered harbor leading out to the Gulf of Mexico. Boaters can easily get from Estero to the many islands that dot the coast off Estero and Fort Myers. There is very little infrastructure and no downtown area.  Coconut Point is a massive upscale shopping area that attracts shoppers from afar. Koreshan, a lost utopian community, was built here early in the 1900’s.  Estero was hit by hurricanes in 2004, although the aftermath has been repaired by now.

Where to Retire in Estero and Home Prices

The community is mostly for retirees and over 55s (average age is one of the highest in the country - 65 years). Most developments boast championship golf courses, tennis courts, swimming pools and outsized clubhouses inside their gated walls.  There are many developments to choose from with a wide range of costs and types of facilities, including 55+ and active adult communities. One of the nicest is Pelican Sound, which has several golf courses and access to the Gulf from its own launching ramp. It is right across the street from Coconut Point.
Like most of south Florida, real estate took a hit in Estero, but has since come back strongly. Some communities saw extensive foreclosures and/or closure of facilities, while prices in others have been relatively stable. The median home value according to Zillow was $482,411 in mid-2022.

What Is Special about Estero

• Water everywhere for fishing, boating, swimming • Koreshan - the Utopian Community is definitely worth  a visit  • Wide range of upscale housing opportunities for seniors • Warm winters • Resort like feeling • Easy access to Ft. Myers Airport

What Is Not Special about Estero

There is a lot traffic in the summer. Over development is looming. There are also frequent hurricanes and no public transportation.

Climate and Physical Environment

Estero is situated on the Gulf of Mexico in very southern Florida, just above Naples and below Ft. Myers. The land is flat and many bays present an ample coastline. The climate is sub-tropical and prone to hurricanes

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Cultural opportunities are close to non-existent in Estero. But Ft. Myers and Naples have much to offer a short drive away.

Crime

Crime in Estero is very low.

Medical Facilities

Gulf Coast Hospital (Fort Myers); Cleveland Clinic Florida Hospital (Naples); Southwest Florida Reg Med Center (Fort Myers)

Transportation

Southwest Florida International Ft. Myers (9 Miles); Estero is not a walkable community.

Valuable Links

Estero on Wikipedia

Village of Estero Florida

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