Thinking about moving to the area in Estero, Florida? You’re not alone. This vibrant village in Lee County has become one of Southwest Florida’s most sought-after places to live, thanks to its top-notch master-planned communities, proximity to beaches and airports, excellent shopping and dining, and a laid-back lifestyle that works for full-time residents, snowbirds, and investors alike. I’m Lorri Abate with Coast to Coast Living at Keller Williams Realty Fort Myers and The Islands, and I’ve guided hundreds of buyers and sellers through Estero’s unique market. Below, I’ve packed everything you need to know to make your move smooth—from neighborhoods and schools to insurance, HOA fees, commute times, and insider lifestyle tips.
Why Estero, Florida Is on Everyone’s Shortlist
Estero sits between Naples and Fort Myers, offering the best of both worlds: resort-style amenities without the congestion and price tag you often find in bigger cities. You’ll find:
- Fast access to Gulf beaches like Bonita Beach and Lovers Key State Park.
- Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) about 15–20 minutes away.
- Year-round recreation on the Estero River, Koreshan State Park, and Estero Bay Preserve State Park.
- A broad mix of housing—from affordable condos and 55+ homes to luxury golf and waterfront communities.
If you’re moving to the area with family, for retirement, or to invest, Estero’s quality of life, newer housing stock, and well-maintained communities make it a standout.
Neighborhoods and Communities: Finding Your Best Fit
One of Estero’s strengths is its variety of gated and amenity-rich neighborhoods. Here’s a local breakdown by lifestyle:
- Golf and Country Club Living:
- The Club at Grandezza: Central Estero location with a challenging golf course, dining, fitness, and social events. Homes include condos, coach homes, and single-family residences.
- Shadow Wood at The Brooks: Upscale, meticulously landscaped, with multiple golf courses and a strong social calendar. Excellent for those who desire refined club living.
- Pelican Sound Golf & River Club: Combines golf with river access—residents love the boat shuttle to the beach, kayaking on the Estero River, and bundled golf in many properties.
- Wildcat Run and Estero Country Club at The Vines: Known for classic golf, larger lots, and a serene atmosphere.
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West Bay Club: Blends golf, tennis, and access to a private beach club on Bonita Beach, plus a river park and boating.
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Resort-Style, Family-Friendly Gated Communities:
- Bella Terra: Popular for its value, grand clubhouse, resort pool, and active sports scene. Expect a mix of single-family homes and townhomes; many properties have lake views.
- The Preserve at Corkscrew and Corkscrew Shores: Newer homes, resort pools, pickleball, fitness, and scenic lakes; great for buyers seeking modern floor plans and energy-efficient construction.
- Stoneybrook: Known for affordability and an 18-hole public course running through the community, with parks, sidewalks, and plenty of neighborhood activities.
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Rookery Pointe and Fountain Lakes: Central locations near Coconut Point, with amenities and well-kept common areas.
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Amenity-Rich Condo and Coach Home Living:
- Rapallo at Coconut Point and Lighthouse Bay: Mediterranean-style communities with lagoon pools, tennis programs, and walking distance or a short drive to shopping and dining.
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Villagio and Osprey Cove: Attractive options for those seeking value and convenient locations.
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55+ Active Adult:
- Tidewater by Del Webb: A true 55+ gated option with an active clubhouse, fitness, social clubs, and pickleball. Corkscrew Woodlands and Riverwoods Plantation are additional age-restricted options popular with seasonal residents.
Every community has its own personality, amenities, and fee structure. When you’re moving to the area, the right fit often comes down to how you’ll live day to day: golf or no golf; lake, preserve, or golf views; condo convenience or single-family privacy; and whether a bundled membership or optional club works best for you.
Home Prices, HOA/CCD Fees, and Taxes: What to Expect
- Typical Home Values:
- Condos and Coach Homes: Often range from the mid-$300s to the $500s, with luxury or golf-front units commanding more.
- Single-Family Homes: Commonly run from the $500s to $1M+, with premium lots and club communities on the higher side.
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Luxury Golf or West Bay/Shadow Wood/Grandezza Estates: Frequently $1M to $3M+, depending on size, upgrades, and views.
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HOA and Condo Fees:
- Condos: Often $350–$800 per month, which usually includes exterior maintenance, building insurance, water/sewer, and amenities.
- Single-Family in Gated Communities: Expect $150–$450 per month, depending on amenities, with some communities offering bundled golf or social memberships.
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Golf Clubs: Bundled golf communities roll membership into association dues; equity clubs require an upfront membership plus annual dues. Waitlists may apply—ask before you buy.
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CDD Fees:
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Communities with extensive new infrastructure—like parts of Bella Terra and the Preserve at Corkscrew—may have Community Development District assessments included in the annual tax bill. I’ll show you how to estimate these so you’re not surprised.
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Property Taxes and Exemptions:
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Lee County’s effective tax rates are generally around 1%–1.2% of assessed value. Florida’s Homestead Exemption can reduce your taxable value if the property is your primary residence, and the Save Our Homes cap helps limit annual assessed value increases.
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Insurance and Inspections:
- Windstorm, homeowners, and sometimes flood insurance apply. A wind mitigation inspection can reduce premiums, and a 4-point inspection is common for homes over a certain age. Some properties built during the mid-2000s in Southwest Florida warrant a check for Chinese drywall; newer homes tend to meet stricter building codes.
I’ll break down each property’s full cost of ownership—purchase price, dues, taxes, and insurance—so you can compare apples to apples.
Schools and Education
Families moving to the area will find Estero served by the School District of Lee County, with options that often include:
- Estero High School: Home of the Wildcats, with a variety of academic and extracurricular programs.
- Pinewoods Elementary: Well-regarded neighborhood elementary serving parts of Estero.
- Three Oaks Elementary and Three Oaks Middle: Nearby schools that serve Estero-area students.
Lee County also offers school choice programs, and private/charter options can be found within a short drive in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. Higher education is close by—Florida Gulf Coast University sits just north of Estero and draws athletics, culture, and internships to the local community.
Commute, Transportation, and Airports
Estero’s central location is a major advantage:
- Major Roads: US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and I-75 make north-south travel easy. Key local arteries include Corkscrew Road, Estero Parkway, Three Oaks Parkway, and Via Coconut Point.
- Typical Drive Times: RSW Airport 15–20 minutes, Gulf beaches 20–30 minutes, Downtown Naples 25–35 minutes, Fort Myers 20–30 minutes.
- Public Transit: Limited, but available via LeeTran on certain corridors. Most residents drive or golf-cart within communities.
- Seasonal Traffic: Peak season (January–March) brings more visitors. I help buyers choose locations that balance convenience with quieter streets when this is a priority.
Shopping, Dining, and Everyday Conveniences
Estero punches above its weight for shopping and dining:
- Coconut Point: An open-air town center with restaurants, boutiques, big-box stores, fitness, and a movie theater. Many residents enjoy walking or biking here from nearby communities like Rapallo and Lighthouse Bay.
- Miromar Outlets: A destination for designer outlets, casual dining, and frequent family-friendly events.
- Groceries and Services: Multiple Publix and Super Target locations, pharmacies, medical offices, salons, and fitness studios are minutes away.
Healthcare is robust: Lee Health Coconut Point is a state-of-the-art medical campus with outpatient services, imaging, and an emergency department—a major plus when moving to the area and prioritizing access to care.
Outdoor Lifestyle: Parks, Beaches, and Things To Do
Estero’s lifestyle revolves around sun and water:
- Beaches: Bonita Beach and Lovers Key State Park are easy day trips for shelling, kayaking, and sunset watching. Barefoot Beach in nearby Bonita Springs is another local favorite.
- Nature and History: Koreshan State Park sits along the Estero River and offers kayaking, hiking, and a fascinating historic settlement. Estero Bay Preserve State Park brings miles of trails and wildlife sightings.
- Recreation: Golf, pickleball, and tennis are everywhere. Kayaking on the Estero River is a must-try. You can also catch Florida Everblades hockey, concerts, and family shows at Hertz Arena.
- Arts and Culture: From local galleries and seasonal art fairs to performances at FGCU, there’s plenty to keep culture lovers engaged.
If you’re moving to the area and crave an active, outdoorsy life, Estero is a natural fit.
Weather, Storm Preparedness, and Flood Considerations
Southwest Florida’s subtropical climate means warm winters and hot, humid summers with afternoon showers. Hurricane season runs June through November. Practical tips:
- Building Standards: Many Estero homes are newer and built to modern codes with impact windows or shutters.
- Flood Zones: Areas near Estero Bay and the Estero River may fall in flood zones requiring flood insurance; inland neighborhoods are often in zones where it’s optional. I’ll help you verify each property’s zone and insurance requirements.
- Evacuation Zones: Vary by location and elevation. We’ll check your address so you understand your plan before storm season.
Preparedness, good construction, and the right insurance package are key to confidence when relocating to coastal Florida.
Utilities, Internet, and Everyday Costs
- Electricity: Florida Power & Light (FPL) serves Estero. Budget varies based on home size and whether you run a pool/spa year-round; many owners add smart thermostats for efficiency.
- Water/Sewer/Trash: Typically provided through Lee County Utilities or within your community; costs differ by usage and association structure.
- Internet/TV: Xfinity is widely available; CenturyLink and fiber providers like Hotwire or Summit Broadband serve certain communities. Some HOAs include bulk internet/cable in dues.
- Landscaping and Pools: In condos and many villas, exterior maintenance is covered. In single-family homes, owners may handle their own landscaping/pool or opt for service contracts.
When you’re moving to the area, I’ll map your monthly budget so surprises are minimized.
Jobs and the Local Economy
Estero’s economy benefits from regional stability and growth:
- Employers and Sectors: Lee Health, Florida Gulf Coast University, retail and hospitality, RSW Airport and aviation services, Hertz’s corporate presence, and nearby firms in Naples and Fort Myers.
- Remote Work: Many buyers choose Estero for quality of life and travel convenience, with RSW offering extensive domestic connections and easy access to major hubs.
I’ll help you evaluate commute patterns and neighborhood access to keep your daily life simple.
Tips for Buyers, Sellers, and Investors
- For Buyers:
- Request HOA docs, fee schedules, and any club membership details early.
- Understand rental policies if you plan to rent seasonally; many condo associations have minimum lease terms and limits per year.
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Consider resale value: view, lot orientation, and proximity to amenities can boost long-term demand.
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For Sellers:
- Pre-listing inspections, fresh landscaping, and light renovations (paint, lighting, hardware) maximize ROI.
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Present unique lifestyle value—golf, river access, walkability to Coconut Point—to differentiate your home.
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For Investors:
- Target communities with flexible rental policies and strong seasonal demand.
- Look for modern construction and low-maintenance finishes to reduce operating costs.
- Evaluate special assessments and reserve health in condo documents.
As your local expert at Coast to Coast Living, I provide data-driven guidance, on-the-ground nuance, and a vetted network of inspectors, insurance agents, lenders, contractors, and designers to support every step.
How Coast to Coast Living and Lorri Abate Make Your Move Easier
Moving to the area is more than a home search—it’s choosing a lifestyle. Here’s how I help you arrive confident:
- Neighborhood Matchmaking: After a detailed lifestyle and budget consult, I’ll curate communities that truly fit—whether that’s a bundled-golf condo in Pelican Sound, a lakefront home in Corkscrew Shores, or a lock-and-leave villa near Coconut Point.
- New Construction and Resale Expertise: I’ll compare builder incentives versus resale value, help you navigate CDD fees, and ensure your contract protects your interests.
- Virtual Tours and Relocation Concierge: For out-of-state clients, I offer live video walk-throughs, detailed neighborhood drives, and local vendor coordination so you can move quickly without missing a detail.
- Offer Strategy and Negotiation: I track micro-trends by neighborhood, factoring seasonality, days on market, and seller motivation to craft compelling offers and save you money.
- Seamless Closing: From inspections to insurance, wind mitigation, and utilities, I manage the moving parts so you can focus on your move.
If you’re moving to the area in Estero, Florida, let’s turn your wish list into a real address you love. I’m here to help you compare communities, demystify fees and insurance, and negotiate a great outcome—backed by the reach and resources of Coast to Coast Living at Keller Williams Realty Fort Myers and The Islands. When you’re ready, reach out and let’s get started.
