The Definitive Guide to Living In Estero, Florida
The Definitive Guide to Living in Estero, Florida will give you all the insider info about living in Estero, Florida. The sunny State of Florida is known to be the home of white, sandy beaches, juicy oranges, and the theme park capital of the world. And Estero, Florida is a village that is home to around 31,000 people and has so much to offer its residents. From humble beginnings to a vibrant community, Estero has become a hotspot to settle down and build a family, as well as retire.
The community is situated in an ideal location, between Fort Myers & Naples. With the temperature floating in between light sweater weather and beach weather, residents and visitors enjoy a fairly mild climate year-round. The unemployment rate is low and the economy continues to expand and grow.
This guide will outline the location of Estero, Florida, its history, business and jobs, education, real estate, and more. Is Estero right for you? Let’s find out!
Where is Estero, Florida?
Estero and Lee County are considered the best areas to live in Florida. There is a dense suburban community, and the village has a surprising number of things to do.
General Overview
The most famous pioneer of this time was the leader of the Koreshan Unity, named Cyrus Teed. The group of his followers believed that the universe existed within a vast, hollow sphere. The Unity built infrastructure, including schools, a post office, and a general store.
Around 2002, growth was booming, and decisions needed to be made about how the community would proceed, Estero became an official village in 2014.
Interesting Facts About Estero
- The approximate 20 miles of land that makes up Estero is divided into seven districts, each of them home to around 4,000 residents.
- There are 35 gated communities in Estero (2019).
- When Estero officially became a village in late 2014, the total property value was $5,420,958,716.
- The median age of Estero residents is 62 years old.
- Many residents relocate to Estero to retire.
Chapter 3
Business & Jobs
The cost of living in Estero is about 12% higher than the national average, and about 10% higher than the state of Florida average. The most significant impact on the higher cost of living is the cost of housing. With the median home price being in the low $410,000, that factor has driven up the overall cost of living. However, the cost of utilities is below the national average by about 10%, and the cost of groceries comes in about 5% above average.
Many residents work in four major industries: retail and management, health care and social assistance, professional or scientific trades, and educational services. Other common careers include finance, construction, real estate, accommodation, insurance, and manufacturing. In fact, Hertz, a popular car rental company, has its world headquarters located in Estero.
Of the 31,000 residents in the village, only about 30% of them are active in the workforce. Due to the high median age of residents, many are retired and have retreated to the community.
The average annual income has been on the rise, and the economy of the village is thriving and continues to grow.
Chapter 4
Education
Estero is home to the Pinewoods Elementary School and Estero High School. Three Oaks Elementary school which is the nation’s first core knowledge school and Three Oaks Middle School are located just outside of Estero, on the border of Fort Myers.
The Lee County School District offers many educational resources for students and adults alike. Adult lifelong learning classes are offered for subjects like art, technology, language, health, and culinary courses at affordable rates. They also offer GED testing for those looking to earn their high school diploma. For those who are looking to learn English as a second language, they offer ESL classes as well. To register for any of their available courses, visit their website.
While there are no post-secondary education institutions in Estero, there are some close by. Within 25 miles of Estero are Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, Florida Southwestern State College in Fort Myers, Hodges University in Naples, Southwest Florida College in Fort Myers, and Ave Maria University in Ave Maria.
The Florida Gulf Coast University has 58 undergraduate degrees, 25 graduate programs, and 6 doctoral programs currently available. The school has a 22:1 ratio of students to faculty, so they promise a great learning experience for students. The campus is ranked #67 in the United States for the best university campus.
Chapter 5
Real Estate – Browse Estero Real Estate Listings
The real estate market in Estero is some of the most expensive in Florida. There are just over 14,000 homes in the village, and the median price is around $410,000.
Single-family homes make up almost half of the housing types in the community, and over 65% of them were built after the year 2000. 31% of households were constructed between 1970-1999. Apartments and townhomes are the next most common housing type, followed by small apartments and mobile homes. On average, homes have between two and three bedrooms, with a small percentage having four to six.
85.5% of residents are homeowners, and 14.5% are renters. Many people live in Estero seasonally, so there are a large number of vacant homes for a portion of the year. Many condos and apartments are used as vacation rentals, as well.
Over the last decade, houses in the area have gained some of the highest appreciation values across the nation. Appreciating by 53.61% since 2009, the community falls in the top 10% in the United States. This, combined with the popularity of tourism in the community, is a winning combination for real estate investors. Even during the market downturn in the rest of the country, Estero’s appreciation values were still positive.
Interestingly, Estero also is huge in the tourism department. It’s a popular destination for vacation. As such, there is a booming vacation and long-term rental market, making this place one of the most attractive real estate investments you can make.
Chapter 6
Where to Live
There are so many beautiful neighborhoods in Estero, all with different qualities that they offer residents. From affordable single-family homes to million-dollar estate homes, Estero has it all.
Bella Terra
Highlights: Gated, Family Oriented
Property Types: Condo, Villa, Townhome, Single Family
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Residents of this Central Florida Gulf Coast area enjoy state-of-the-art amenities, such as a clubhouse, resort-style pool, baseball diamond, and multiple sports courts for tennis, pickleball, basketball court, and sand volleyball. Bella Terra also features many small lakes, and an overall abundance of greenspace, which adds to the natural splendor surrounding beautiful Bella Terra.
Belle Lago
Highlights: Gated, Golf cart access to Estero Country Club and Golf Course, Large estate homes, Preserve area with boardwalk.
Property Type: Single Family
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Community amenities include a grand clubhouse with a multi-purpose room, fitness center, aerobics studio, library/craft room, game room, and locker rooms. There are four tennis courts, a basketball court, two pickleball courts, two bocce ball courts, a resort-style swimming pool and golf cart access to neighboring Estero Country Club. Belle Lago residents enjoy a variety of on-going activities and special events.
Breckenridge
Highlights: Gated, Bundled Golf
Property Types: Condo, Coach Home, Townhome
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Indoor amenities include a fitness room, a library, a catering kitchen, and a large common area and lanai. The clubhouse offers numerous regularly scheduled activities such as bingo, knitting, exercise classes, bridge, euchre, poker and other cards groups. Special events vary but include themed parties and dinner dances with live entertainment! The Breckenridge Golf Club is an equity membership arrangement and features 18-holes on a par 3 course.
Cascades
Highlights: 55+, Gated, Indoor swimming pool, Full-time activities director
Property Types: Single Family
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Our community offers its residents six professional Har-Tru tennis courts, pro shop with full-time pro, lighted bocce courts. a state-of-the art clubhouse facility which includes both an oversized outdoor pool, an attached indoor swimming pool, a ballroom facility that supports entertainment programs, dances, various parties, theatre productions, a chorus program, among many other activities sponsored by the many clubs and activity groups that make the Cascades a wonderful place to live. In addition, the clubhouse facility hosts a professional billiards room, media room and card rooms, a library, and an arts and crafts room that includes a kiln for pottery. Next to the clubhouse facility is a physical fitness center that includes up-to-date workout equipment, a dance studio, and bathroom facilities, showers, and saunas. A full-size satellite pool is also located near the end of the community to accommodate those who live closer to that area.
Colonial Oaks
Highlights: Gated, Low HOA Fees
Property Type: Single Family
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Copperleaf at The Brooks
Property Types: Single Family, Coach Home
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Copperleaf amenities include a clubhouse, dining, pool, Jacuzzi, tennis, and bocce, providing distinguished amenities and a quality lifestyle for members and their guests. Copperleaf residents optionally may join the Brooks Commons Club which offers a private gulf front beach club, health & fitness center, community enrichment center and Rosie Spoonbill’s waterfront restaurant.
Copper Oaks
Highlights: Gated, Low HOA Fees
Property Types: Single Family, Townhome
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Corkscrew Shores
Property Type: Single Family
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A state-of-the-art amenity center is being built on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. Corkscrew Shores amenities will include a resort-style pool, grand clubhouse, fitness center, movement studio, outdoor bar, fire pit, tennis courts, bocce courts, pickleball courts, sports field and a fishing dock. Corkscrew Shores is located in Estero on Corkscrew Road, three miles east of I-75 and slightly west of Alico Road.
Country Creek
Property Types: Single Family, Villa, Condo
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Estates at Estero River
Property Types: Single Family
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Estero Place
Highlights: Gated
Property Type: Single Family
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Fountain Lakes
Highlights: Gated, Low HOA fees, 9 hole par 3 golf course included
Property Types: Single Family, Condo, Villa
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The Fountain Lakes amenities include a 9-hole par-3 golf course, community pool, fitness center, tennis, shuffleboard, bocce, children’s playground, picnic & barbeque area, volleyball and a 2-mile jogging path circling the community. Fountain Lakes is conveniently located across the street from Coconut Point Mall in Estero on US 41, South of Williams Road with community access on both.
Genova
Property Types: Condo
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The Club at Genova resort amenities include a clubhouse with social gathering rooms including an expansive community room with large-screen television and lounge seating as well as games tables and a hospitality prep kitchen, beach-entry resort outdoor pool overlooking the lake and indoor Olympic lap pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, aerobic studio with floor exercise, Zumba and dance, saunas and massage. Bocce courts and Genova residents have two entries into Estero Community Park and all its amenities.
Grandezza
Property Type: Single Family, Coach Home
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The Club at Grandézza’s championship golf course, designed by Darwin Sharp III, plays to a par 72, and is maintained to the highest standards for the satisfaction of our members and guests.
Amenities include a 53,000 square foot Tuscan-style clubhouse with restaurant, signature shop, Junior Olympic pool and spa, with Cabana Bar, state-of-the-art Fitness Center, tennis facility with six Har-Tru clay courts, two Bocce Ball courts and scenic walking paths that wind throughout the community with its 23 lakes and 41-acres of wooded preserve areas. Grandézza is located east of I-75, near Corkscrew Road and Ben Hill Griffin Parkway.
Lakes of Estero
Highlights: Not gated, Low HOA fees, Across from Estero High School
Property Types: Single Family
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Lighthouse Bay at The Brooks
Property Types: Condo, Villa, Coach Home
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Lighthouse Bay offers 5 different pools including Resort lagoon style pool with rock waterfall and spa and a screen enclosed 25 meter lap pool, Sauna, The Freshwater Sunning Beach with chaises and gazebo, Clubhouse with concierge and activities director, Fully equipped Fitness Center with cardio exercise area, Massage room and six lighted Hydro-grid clay tennis courts and two regulation Bocce Courts, and over 3 miles of lushly landscaping paths for walking & biking.
Marsh Landing
Property Type: Single Family, Coach Home, Villa
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Meadows of Estero
Property Types: Coach Home
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Mirasol
Property Types: Coach Home/Condo
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Conveniently located at the corner of Via Coconut Point & Coconut Point Road, Mirasol is across the street to the Coconut Point outdoor mall which offers an abundance of shopping with over 100 retail stores, more than 20 restaurants, a 16 screen movie theater, and other forms of entertainment such as live music, art shows, and a seasonal farmers market.
Oaks of Estero
Highlights: Gated, Sidewalk to Estero Community Park, Low HOA Fees
Property Type: Single Family
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The Oaks of Estero community is located on Block Lane off River Ranch Road between Corkscrew Road and Williams Road. This family-friendly location is tucked between Estero High School to the south and the Estero Community Park and Recreation Center to the west. A sidewalk will connect the Oaks of Estero to the Estero Community Park.
Osprey Cove
Property Types: Condo
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Pelican Sound
Property Types: Single Family, Condo, Coach Home
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Pelican Sound’s amenities include a 27 holes golf course, aquatic driving range, 6 Har-Tru tennis courts, boat launch at Estero River-to Gulf of Mexico access, water taxi to Lovers’ Key beach, canoes & kayaks, new state-of-the-art fitness center, 6 community pools/spas + kiddie pool, tot lot, bocce, jogging paths, pickleball, basketball, formal Clubhouse & newly renovated River Club Sports Bar for casual dining.
Preserve at Corkscrew
Highlights: Gated, Resort Style Amenities
Property Type: Single Family
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Rapallo
Property Types: Single Family, Condo, Coach Home
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Two and a half miles of walking/biking path weaving along the lush perimeter of Rapallo plus a half-mile Nature Boardwalk through the Halfway Creek Wildlife Preserve (a federally-protected sanctuary). And for your convenience the five pedestrian gates along the walking/biking path link you to the Coconut Point Town Center and neighborhood areas.
Amenities include a Clubhouse with dining, two-level resort pools and spa featuring rock waterfalls, fire pit, freshwater beach, Health & Fitness Center, Massage Therapy & Sauna, Aerobic/Yoga & Creative Arts Studios, screen enclosed four lane, 25 meter lap pool. The Rapallo Tennis facility with five lighted Hydro grid Har-Tru clay tournament courts by Welsh including a stadium court, Players Bistro with catering kitchen, a full pro shop and a USPTA pro.
Rookery Pointe
Property Types: Single Family
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Shadow Wood at the Brooks
Property Type: Single Family, Coach Home
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Shadow Wood Country Club offers dining and has three courses and 54-holes of championship golf. Two within the community; The North Course offers mounding, wavy fairways and spectacular water views, while the South Course offers a more forgiving open design with wide fairways and numerous water features. A third course available for Shadow Wood Members is located 5 miles away at Shadow Wood Preserve in South Fort Myers.
Shadow Wood offers many amenities including a pool, tennis, aerobics and fitness center, and a workout space with massage therapy suites. The Shadow Wood Beach Club is a private beach area on Bonita Beach with a snack bar, grills, showers, restroom and private parking. Residents of Shadow Wood have the option of joining the Brooks Commons Club which offers an extensive roster of amenities.
Spring Run at The Brooks
Property Types: Single Family, Villa, Condo, Coach Home
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Spring Run residents optionally may join the Brooks Commons Club which offers a private gulf front beach club, health & fitness center, community enrichment center and Rosie Spoonbill’s waterfront restaurant.
Stoneybrook
Property Types: Single Family, Villa, Condo
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Stoneybrook amenities include a clubhouse, pool, spa, fitness center, tennis, in-line roller hockey rink, basketball, and horseshoe, soccer and baseball fields, bocce ball, bike paths and a playground. Stoneybrook has a second gate to the adjacent Pinewood Elementary School. Stoneybrook of Estero amenities include: Basketball Court, Clubhouse, Community Center, Fitness Center, Library-Reading Room, Gated, Home Owner Association, Playground, Manned Gatehouse, Sport Court, Swimming Pool, Tennis Court, Tot Lot, Volleyball Court, Bocce Courts, and HorseShoe Pits.
The Colony at Pelican Landing
Highlights: Gated, Golf Optional, Luxury, Beach Club
Property Type: Single Family, Coach Home, High Rise Condo
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The Place at Corkscrew
Property Types: Single Family
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Amenities include a resort style pool and spa with rock waterfalls, waterslide, Splash Park, cabanas, fire pits, beach volleyball, restaurant, Bourbon Bar, clubhouse, fitness, aerobics studio, massage therapy rooms, shuffleboard, kids club, café/ Market Place, tennis courts and Pro Shop, bocce courts, pickleball courts, basketball, playground, pavilion, dog park and community trolley.
The Reserve at Estero
Property Types: Single Family
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The Reserve at Estero amenities include a grand clubhouse with a social room, fitness center, aerobics studio, library, card/craft room, billiard room, and conference room. There are tennis courts, a basketball court, pickleball courts, a resort-style swimming pool with children’s pool, spa and playground. Residents enjoy a variety of on-going activities and special events.
Residences at Coconut Point
Highlights: Urban living, Resort Style Amenities
Property Type: Condo
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The Vines
Highlights: Gated, Golf Optional
Property Types: Single Family, Condo, Coach Home, Villa
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Tidewater
Property Types: Single Family, Villa
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Amenities at Tidewater include a two-story clubhouse with activity rooms and catering kitchen, resort style pool and spa, outdoor barefoot bar, fitness center, movement studio, pickleball courts, Bocce courts, event lawn, fire pit and BBQ grilles, dog park and community garden. The community also features a lifestyle director who coordinates the busy schedule of activities at Tidewater.
Villa Palmeras
Property Type: Villa
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Villagio
Property Types: Condo
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West Bay
Property Types: Single Family, Condo, Coach Home, High Rise Condo
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West Bay Club membership amenities include world class golf and tennis, pickleball, clubhouse with fitness, nature parks and boating with Gulf access, multiple dining venues including the Bay House and Beach House on Hickory Island, private Beach Club and dog park.
Wild Blue
Highlights: Gated, Lake Living, Resort Style Amenities, Luxury
Property Type: Single Family
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WildBlue amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, clubhouse with indoor and outdoor dining, fitness center, tennis courts, pickleball and bocce courts, hiking and biking trails, kayaking, boating, paddle boarding and other water activities to satisfy even the most avid lake lover.
Wildcat Run
Property Types: Single Family, Villa, Coach Home
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Shopping & Recreation
Shopping
Three shopping centers are popular among residents and tourists alike.
The Gulf Coast Town Center, located just north of the village, includes big retailers such as JC Penney, Bass Pro Outdoor World, and Dick’s Sporting Goods. Enjoy a movie at Gulf Coast Town Center with Regal Cinemas or work on your fitness at LA Fitness!
Recreational Activities
Estero Island, just off of Fort Myers Beach, is a resident favorite.
Koreshan State Park, Mound Key Archaeological State Park, and Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve are just a few Estero parks that are highly recommended to all visitors. There are many other parks nearby in neighboring communities, many of them on the water. For those who love camping, canoeing, water sports, and other outdoor activities, Estero has endless options.
Public Golf Courses
Stoneybrook Golf Club
Located along the appropriately named Stoneybrook Golf Blvd., is the beautifully cared for Stoneybrook Golf Club. Offering a challenging 72 par course, Stoneybrook was designed by renowned architects Gordy Lewis and Jed Azinger. 7 sets of tees ensures every skill level will enjoy their time at Stoneybrook and has landed the course on the list of only 200 courses nationwide to be considered “beginner friendly”. Stoneybrook Golf Club, from the championship tees, is one of the longest courses in Southwestern Florida at an impressive 7353 yards. Golfers will be challenged both physically and mentally.
Raptor Bay Golf Club
Raptor Bay Golf Club was designed with nature in mind. Immerse yourself in the beauty and scenery of the course while experiencing top rated golf. With 5 tees available the Raptor Bay Golf Club will have players of all skill levels enjoying the immaculate greens and challenging holes. Promoting biological diversity, the course pays tribute to nature and world class golf in one stunning setting.
Estero Country Club
Estero Country Club offers 105 acres of lush greenery surrounded by over 35 acres of sparkling ponds. The 72 par course features 6 sets of tees and over 7,000 yards from the championship tees. Designed by the esteemed Gordon Lewis, Estero Country Club is exceptionally well maintained ensuring top quality golf year round. Enjoy a round of golf, whatever your skill level, or practice at the driving range or putting and chipping greens. Looking for extra assistance? PGA pros are available for instruction.
Old Corkscrew Golf Club
Restaurants & Nightlife
Restoratives Cafe
Restoratives is the place for lunch in Estero. With Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options available, this little cafe has been consistently a favorite among residents. Known for their sandwiches, they also have a great breakfast and beer menu.
Ruth’s Chris Steak House
Naples Flatbread Kitchen & Bar
Divieto Ristorante
First Watch
Tony Saccos
Norman Love
In the neighboring areas, like Fort Myers, there’s plenty of nightlife action to engage in. Residents can enjoy dinner at great beachfront restaurants, explore local breweries, and indulge in drinks at one of the many bars in this area.
Things to Do
Festivals
In neighboring Bonita Springs, the Bonita Brew Fest is an event that showcases craft brewers or homebrewers that are looking to share their love of beer, while benefiting the Bonita Springs Historical Society. It’s held in February and tickets are available now.
The Annual Fort Myers Veg Fest is being held in January 2020. Learn about plant-based diets in the Fort Myers area, watch cooking demos, join in discussions about the latest nutrition information, see many vendors, and hear many expert speakers.
Seasonal Events
Estero hosts m any seasonal events, including the 3rd Annual Holiday Bazaar at Koreshan State Park, pictures with Santa and Santa cow, Christmas lights, Christmas cookie decorating classes, and many Christmas musical and theater performances. There’s also the Farmers Market at Coconut Mall and Koreshan Park that take place on different days. Check in advance and find a time and date that works for you.
There are many annual golf tournaments and events that go on in the community, especially during the holidays. Some of the competitions are geared towards professionals, and some are geared towards amateurs. Many of them are to benefit charities and foundations, like Type 1 Diabetes. You can even ring in the New Year on the green.
Venues
The Estero Historical Society is a historic site that showcases the history of the village dating back to the 1800s. It’s a shorter tour that is recommended to follow the Koreshan Historical park, and they also hold events at the site. The Historical Society would be a great family-friendly outing that is educational and captivating.
Happehatchee Center is a sanctuary in the heart of the village that is used for yoga and spiritual healing. It offers a relaxing and tranquil environment that allows you to be at one with, and appreciate, nature a little bit more.
Estero may be a popular place to retire, to kick back and relax in a close-knit community, but once you look past that title, you’ll see that it’s a beautiful place to live and raise a family. With an incredible location on the coast of Florida, this little village is packed full of history and fun. If you’re planning on making a move to Estero, you will be pleased with everything this community has to offer.
Areas We Proudly Serve
Estero, Florida
The village of Estero, Florida is known for its captivating coastline, its soft, sun-warmed sand, and the aquatic and nature preserve that’s right next door. People visit and live here because they enjoy the beach, the warm weather, and the laid-back lifestyle that makes it feel like summer vacation forever.
Naples, Florida
Naples is the place to be for shopping, fine dining, and golf. Investors will find upscale, well-landscaped neighborhoods that appeal to long-term renters as well as short-term vacationers. Beaches along the Gulf of Mexico are calm, and there’s plenty of boating and fishing. Investing in Naples is always a lucrative move.
Fort Myers, Florida
Fun for families and well-known for spring training baseball as well as spring break in general, Fort Myers offers a lot of fun and a variety of diverse activities and housing options. Choose a high-rise condo, a home on the beach, or a little cottage tucked away into a leafy neighborhood. Fort Myers has character.
Bonita Springs, Florida
The village of Estero, Florida is known for its captivating coastline, its soft, sun-warmed sand, and the aquatic and nature preserve that’s right next door. People visit and live here because they enjoy the beach, the warm weather, and the laid-back lifestyle that makes it feel like summer vacation forever.
Cape Coral, Florida
Cape Coral isn't just a city, it's a lifestyle. Imagine turquoise canals winding past your doorstep, leading you straight to the Gulf's embrace. Explore over 400 miles of waterways by boat, cast a line, or simply unwind on your waterfront patio. Beyond the water, discover charming neighborhoods, vibrant shopping, and a relaxed pace that lets you truly unwind. Cape Coral offers the perfect blend of aquatic adventure and laid-back living.