SWFL Communities

Alva

This rural, unincorporated, quiet town on the Caloosahatchee River is in Lee County, east of Fort Myers. Alva is known for its citrus groves, cattle, oak trees and woodland trails, which are ideal for horseback riding. Although many assume Alva is named after Thomas Alva Edison, an American inventor and businessman, the town was actually named after Peter Nelson, a sea captain who discovered small white flowers called alvas in the late 1800s. The quaint, modest town has preserved its charm by devoted residents who want to keep Alva a special place, full of nature, without any large condos or shopping centers. Alva continues to be just as beautiful as when Capt. Nelson ventured up the river, full of lush and vibrant vegetation.

Ave Maria

One of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing areas is the town of Ave Maria, about a half-hour drive east of Naples. Ave Maria was founded in 2005 by Ave Maria Development Company, Barron Collier Companies and Roman Catholic philanthropist Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza. This unincorporated community officially opened in July 2007, and Ave Maria University welcomed students in August for the 2007-2008 school year. The Ave Maria Catholic Church is the focal point of this up-and-coming town as the distinctive steel structure and architecture were heavily influenced by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright. With affordable housing, a good community and excellent education, Ave Maria is attracting many to move to this hidden treasure.

Babcock Ranch

America’s first solar-powered town, Babcock Ranch, is passionate about living a well-balanced life full of fun, wellness and environmental appreciation. The town, in southeastern Charlotte County and northeastern Lee County, is designed to aid residents in living their happiest, healthiest lives in its vast array of outdoor adventures in a walkable urban landscape. In addition to great education in the area within walking distance, Babcock Ranch plans to build trails to connect the neighborhoods. The social hub of this town is Founder’s Square, with residents and visitors bustling about during community events, music and celebrations, enjoying a stroll through boutiques or grabbing a bite with friends at one of the eateries.

Boca Grande

This small residential community on Gasparilla Island was named “the preppiest place on earth” by The Wall Street Journal. Boca Grande, a beautiful coastal town, oozes charm, class and wealth. The clear blue waters are perfect for fishing, shelling and snorkeling. A picturesque bike path stretches over six miles across the island and offers a perfect way for visitors to immerse themselves in the Old Florida charm. One of the main attractions in Boca Grande is the grand Gasparilla Inn, built in 1911. The inn offers various activities to guests and residents, such as a pristine golf course, a relaxing spa and salon, boating and fishing excursions, a sparkly white beachfront and local restaurants. The inn is also a popular wedding venue with scenic views, exceptional service, and fine dining.

Bonita Springs

This town in southern Lee County is just 15 miles from Naples and is known for its pristine golf courses, open-air shopping and white sandy beaches. Lovers Key State Park is a popular destination loved by visitors and residents. It is home to breathtaking vegetation and wonderful wildlife, such as bald eagles, dolphins and manatees. The Center for the Arts Bonita Springs offers fun for all ages with various performances, festivals and art classes. The historic hotel, Shangri-La Springs, built in 1921, provides a full-service organic spa, beautiful gardens, and a highly sought-after venue for weddings and events. The Wonder Gardens is home to a diverse mix of rescued and rehabilitated wildlife, perfect for a family day learning about nature and animals native to Florida.

Cape Coral

In the late 1950s, two visionary Baltimore businessmen, brothers Leonard and Jack Rosen, founded Cape Coral, promoting the town as a “waterfront wonderland.” Cape Coral, the largest city in Southwest Florida, has one of the world’s most extensive waterways, with more canals than Venice, Italy. The city offers many opportunities for all nature and water lovers, with more than 1,500 acres of parks great for hiking, camping, fishing and water activities. The city’s premier family adventure park, Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park, offers thrilling excursions for all ages, such as go-cart tracks, miniature golf, batting cages and a zipline. Every Saturday in South Cape, local vendors are featured in the farmer’s market, offering everything from fresh produce to baked goods.

Englewood

Founded in 1896 by three brothers from Illinois, Englewood became one of the first winter resorts in Florida known for its excellent fishing, hunting and aquatic activities. This classic beach town straddles two counties, Charlotte and Sarasota, and is home to 11 picturesque golf courses. Englewood also offers many notable artistic events, such as live theatre, musical performances and museums. Manasota Key has four breathtaking beaches that dwell in this artsy town. All waterways and beaches are protected, ensuring visitors enjoy the beauty of sparkling white sands and the Gulf of Mexico in these natural habitats all year round. From kayaking to enjoying the theatre, there is much to do in this unique beachfront community.

Estero

Before major developers and communities swarmed to inhabit Estero, this unincorporated village in Lee County was previously occupied by the Koreshans. The religious cult held many beliefs that are no longer practiced today. However, their history remains in the Koreshan State Park, where visitors can tour the grounds and learn about communal utopia. Estero, back in the day, was a hotspot for citrus farming and fishing. This town, nestled between Naples and Fort Myers, has abundant outlet stores at Miromar Outlets, 140 retailers and eateries at Coconut Point and an impressive stadium to catch a hockey game at Hertz Arena. Whether visitors fish, explore state parks or enjoy the arts, Estero has much to offer for everyone.

Fort Myers

Fort Myers has long been a desired location for communities from the Calusa to the Seminole Indians. With excellent visibility and access to the beachfront, it’s understandable why the U.S. Army chose it for a military fort twice. With a population of 349, Fort Myers was incorporated in 1885, later becoming the county seat of Lee County two years later. Along the Caloosahatchee River, the River District is speckled with architectural gems such as the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, the Burroughs Home and the Lee County Courthouse. The city’s diverse art scene includes the Florida Repertory Theatre, the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall and the Laboratory Theater of Florida. Fort Myers also hosts the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins during spring training.

Fort Myers Beach

Located on Estero Island, Fort Myers Beach is known for its seven miles of white sandy beaches and waterfront resorts full of island adventures for friends and family. Its fresh coastal cuisine boasts a vibrant fishing community. Visitors can enjoy the water by seeing dolphins and other wildlife native to Florida, sightseeing or sunset cruises. Fort Myers Beach stands resilient as this beloved beach community rallied to rebuild, restore and recover its precious gem after Hurricane Ian. Long before the first Europeans reached the area in the 1500s, the native Calusa resided on the island. Remains of the Calusa culture can be found at the Mound House, an early 20th-century cottage built atop one of the Calusa mounds with an active archeological dig site.

Immokalee

In the northwest corner of Collier County is the town of Immokalee, meaning “my home” in the Seminole language. With a thriving agricultural industry, Immokalee produces 90% of the nation’s winter tomatoes along with other crops such as cucumbers, bell peppers and citrus. Immokalee has abundant wildlife in the many open acres of natural habitats. The Seminole Casino and Hotel is owned and operated by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, which also has various other casinos across South Florida. The casino offers multiple fun activities for visitors, such as trying the local Seminole cuisine and classic games like poker and blackjack, along with performances and music concerts. For history lovers, visitors can learn tales of how Immokalee came to be at the Pioneer Museum.

Lehigh Acres

Similar to Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres was created by visionary Northern businessmen from Chicago in the 1950s. As one of Florida’s most prominent residential communities, Lehigh Acres offers affordable housing within close proximity to major cities such as Naples and Fort Myers. Lehigh Acres remains a census-designated place, with around 124,000 residents calling this quaint, vibrant place their home. Many family-friendly activities are available to visitors, such as exploring parks and preserves, scenic golfing at Westminster Golf Club and aquatic activities. Visitors and residents can also discover and view wildlife at Hickey Creek Wildlife and Environmental Area and Frank Mann Preserve. Aquatic adventures can be found at the Caloosahatchee River, accessible through the Alva Boat Ramp.

Marco Island

Marco Island is the largest barrier island in the Ten Thousand Islands and a four-hour boat ride from Key West to Fort Myers, the Key West Express. It is the perfect place for all sorts of water sports, from kayaking and standup paddleboarding to fishing and sailing. From superb hotels, such as the Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites, to the six miles of sparkling white beaches, Marco Island residents and visitors call this special gem paradise. Tigertail Beach is a popular destination for bird watching, shelling, tidal pool exploration and beautiful, serene sunsets. Visitors can learn about the history at the Marco Island Historical Museum, which features famous sculptures like the Key Marco Cat crafted by the Calusa people who originally inhabited the island.

Naples

It comes as no surprise that this tropical paradise, full of sunshine and miles of beautiful beachfront, was named the No.1 place to live by U.S. News & World Report this year. A city full of arts and culture, local fine dining cuisine, high-end shopping and luscious vegetation, Naples is beloved by all residents and visitors. Enjoy a delicious, sweet treat from Kilwins, a popular local ice cream spot, while strolling down Fifth Avenue, which features many shops and local boutiques. Naples’s historic Tin City is a hidden gem on Fifth Avenue South, showcasing local vendors on the waterfront. Lowdermilk Park and Clam Pass are premier beachfronts with soft white sand and blue waters that people and manatees can enjoy.

Pine Island

Surrounded by mangroves and coral rock, Pine Island is the largest island on the Gulf Coast of peninsular Florida. Known for its abundant tropical fruits such as mangos, papaya, and jackfruit, Pine Island is mainly agricultural land that offers the small-town feel of a classic Old Florida fishing village. Boating and water activities are popular in this area and visitors have the option to take a ferry and explore the beautiful beach at Cayo Costa State Park. Visitors can also learn more about the island’s history and the Calusa Indians who first inhabited Pine Island 2,000 years ago at the Museum of Islands and Calusa Heritage Trail. Tarpon Lodge, a four-star restaurant, offers exquisite fine dining featuring local cuisine and wine-tasting events.

Port Charlotte

This small coastal community is nestled along the southwest coast, where Peace River joins with Charlotte Harbor. Home to 165 miles of man-made waterways, Port Charlotte is popular for its vast recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, sailing, kayaking and many more. Visitors can rent jet skis for a fun day on the water or relax and see the dolphins and manatees in the harbor. Visitors and residents can hike and explore wildlife at Tippecanoe Environmental Park, a 380-acre preserve. Local eateries feature the coastal community’s fishing with a catch of the day at Brother’s Fish House or seafood boils at Captain Crab Seafood. Baseball fans can visit Charlotte Sports Park to see the Tampa Bay Rays during spring training.

Punta Gorda

Along where the Peace River meets Charlotte Harbor, Punta Gorda remains a place to embrace the Old Florida charm. Just 30 minutes from Fort Myers, Punta Gorda is full of freshwater and saltwater adventures, including prime fishing of largemouth bass, grouper and tarpon. Visitors can stroll the 2.5-mile Harborwalk, taking in the beautiful views of the Charlotte Harbor shoreline leading to Fisherman’s Village, where visitors and residents enjoy coastal cuisine, local shops and boutiques and stunning scenery. Beauty, art and culture are abundant in Punta Gorda, with destinations such as Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, Iguanaland and Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary. Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is a great opportunity to learn about the wildlife and ecosystems in Punta Gorda.

Sanibel-Captiva

Awarded for having the best shelling beach in Florida, Sanibel-Captiva Island is a wonderful gem of the Gulf of Mexico with abundant wildlife, sparking white sandy beaches and 25 miles of picturesque bike paths. In a place where Key lime pie is served at many restaurants, this secluded hideaway has much to offer, such as the Lighthouse Park Beach, the Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum and the Bubble Room, which are known for their memorable dining experiences. Visitors and residents have various aquatic activities to choose from for a fun day in the sun, like paddleboarding, snorkeling and kayaking. Avid birdwatchers can see over 245 species at the “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge and many other animals native to the area.