Estero has transformed from quiet farmland into one of Southwest Florida's most sought-after retirement destinations. Located between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs, this rapidly growing community offers brand-new homes, excellent shopping at Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets, and unmatched convenience with RSW airport just 10 minutes away.
For retirees seeking modern amenities, new construction, and a central location without Naples prices, Estero delivers exceptional value.
Why Retire to Estero?
Estero attracts retirees who want the best of Southwest Florida without the premium price tags of Naples or the crowds of Fort Myers Beach. Here's what makes Estero special:
- No state income tax on retirement income, Social Security, or pensions
- New construction availability - Unlike built-out Naples, Estero still has new homes
- RSW Airport proximity - 10 minutes to terminal, easy travel for snowbirds and visitors
- Premier shopping - Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets within minutes
- Central location - 20 minutes to Naples, 15 minutes to Fort Myers, 20 minutes to beaches
- Modern infrastructure - New roads, utilities, and community amenities
- Active adult communities - Multiple 55+ options with resort-style amenities
- Nature access - Estero Bay Preserve, Koreshan State Park, Lovers Key nearby
Location & Convenience
Estero's central position provides unmatched access to everything Southwest Florida offers:
Transportation
- RSW Airport - Southwest Florida International is just 10 minutes away, making Estero ideal for frequent travelers or hosting out-of-town guests
- I-75 Access - Direct highway access for trips north to Tampa or south to Miami
- US-41 (Tamiami Trail) - Main commercial corridor running through Estero
Shopping & Dining
- Coconut Point - Premier open-air lifestyle center with 140+ stores, restaurants, and a 16-screen movie theater
- Miromar Outlets - Over 140 designer outlet stores plus restaurants
- Gulf Coast Town Center - Additional shopping, dining, and entertainment options
- Publix & Fresh Market - Multiple grocery options throughout the area
Beach Access
- Bonita Beach - 15-20 minutes west
- Fort Myers Beach - 20-25 minutes northwest
- Lovers Key State Park - 20 minutes, natural barrier island beach
- Naples beaches - 25-30 minutes south
Cost of Living in Estero for Retirees
Estero offers excellent value compared to Naples and coastal Bonita Springs, with the advantage of new construction availability.
Housing Costs
| Housing Type | Price Range | Monthly HOA |
|---|---|---|
| Condo (2BR) | $250,000 - $400,000 | $400 - $700 |
| Single Family | $350,000 - $600,000 | $150 - $400 |
| 55+ Community | $300,000 - $550,000 | $200 - $500 |
| Golf Community | $400,000 - $800,000 | $300 - $600 |
| Luxury/Estate | $600,000 - $1,200,000+ | $400 - $800 |
Regional Comparison
| Expense | Estero | Bonita Springs | Naples | Fort Myers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home | $400,000 | $475,000 | $650,000 | $350,000 |
| New Construction | Abundant | Limited | Very Limited | Moderate |
| Property Tax (per $300K) | ~$4,500 | ~$4,500 | ~$4,200 | ~$4,800 |
| Insurance (annual) | $3,500-6,000 | $4,000-7,000 | $4,000-7,000 | $3,500-6,000 |
Monthly Budget Breakdown
A comfortable retirement in Estero typically requires:
| Expense | Budget Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $2,200 - $3,500 | Mortgage/rent + HOA + insurance |
| Utilities | $180 - $300 | Electric, water, internet |
| Healthcare | $400 - $800 | Medicare supplement + copays |
| Groceries | $500 - $800 | Publix, Fresh Market, Costco nearby |
| Transportation | $250 - $400 | Gas, maintenance, insurance |
| Entertainment | $400 - $800 | Dining, golf, activities |
| Total | $3,930 - $6,600 |
Pro Tip: Estero's newer communities often include amenities (pools, fitness, activities) in HOA fees, reducing the need for separate gym memberships or club dues.
Best Communities for Retirees
Pelican Preserve
Lee County's largest active adult community, Pelican Preserve spans 2,400 acres and offers a true resort lifestyle.
- Age Restriction: 55+
- Home Prices: $250,000 - $600,000
- HOA: $250 - $450/month
- Amenities: Town Center with restaurants, 27-hole golf course, tennis, pickleball, pools, fitness center, full-time activities director
- Lifestyle: Extremely active social calendar with 100+ clubs and activities
- Best For: Social retirees who want built-in community and activities
The Brooks
Nature-focused master-planned community straddling the Estero/Bonita Springs line, known for its extensive preserve areas and walking trails.
- Age Restriction: None (but popular with retirees)
- Home Prices: $400,000 - $900,000
- HOA: $300 - $500/month
- Amenities: Multiple community pools, fitness centers, tennis, nature trails, beach shuttle
- Lifestyle: Active but quieter than Pelican Preserve, nature-oriented
- Best For: Retirees who value nature, walking trails, and a more relaxed pace
Raptor Bay
Hyatt Regency-affiliated community offering resort-style living with golf course access.
- Age Restriction: None
- Home Prices: $350,000 - $700,000
- HOA: $350 - $550/month
- Amenities: Championship golf course, Hyatt Regency access (pools, dining, spa), tennis
- Lifestyle: Country club atmosphere without mandatory golf membership
- Best For: Golfers and those wanting resort amenities
Coconut Point Area Condos
Newer condominium developments near the Coconut Point shopping center offer walkable lifestyle options.
- Age Restriction: Varies by building
- Home Prices: $250,000 - $450,000
- HOA: $400 - $700/month
- Amenities: Pools, fitness, walking distance to shopping and dining
- Lifestyle: Urban-style convenience in suburban setting
- Best For: Those prioritizing walkability and low maintenance
Grandezza
Gated golf community with Mediterranean architecture and mature landscaping.
- Age Restriction: None
- Home Prices: $400,000 - $800,000
- HOA: $400 - $600/month (plus golf if desired)
- Amenities: Championship golf, clubhouse, tennis, pools
- Best For: Golfers seeking established community with mature landscaping
Healthcare in Estero
Estero benefits from proximity to excellent healthcare systems in both Lee and Collier counties.
Nearby Hospitals
Lee Health Gulf Coast Medical Center (10 minutes)
- Full-service hospital with emergency department
- Cardiac care, orthopedics, cancer center
- Level II trauma center
Lee Health HealthPark Medical Center (15 minutes)
- Comprehensive medical campus
- Specialty care and outpatient services
NCH Baker Hospital (20 minutes in Naples)
- Award-winning cardiac program
- Comprehensive stroke center
Physicians Regional - Collier Boulevard (15 minutes)
- Full-service hospital
- Orthopedic specialty
Medical Services in Estero
- Urgent Care: Multiple locations along US-41 and near Coconut Point
- Primary Care: Numerous physician offices in medical plazas
- Specialists: Cardiology, orthopedics, dermatology, and more available locally
- Pharmacy: CVS, Walgreens, and Publix pharmacies throughout area
Healthcare Considerations
- Most facilities accept Medicare and major supplements
- Specialist appointments typically available within 1-2 weeks
- For complex procedures, both Lee Health and NCH systems offer excellent care
- Air ambulance service available for emergencies
Things to Do in Estero
Shopping & Entertainment
- Coconut Point - Shopping, dining, movies, seasonal events
- Miromar Outlets - Designer shopping with restaurant row
- Gulf Coast Town Center - Additional retail and dining
- Hertz Arena - Florida Everblades hockey, concerts, events
Dining Highlights
- Ruth's Chris Steakhouse - Upscale steakhouse at Coconut Point
- Rodizio Grill - Brazilian steakhouse
- Tommy Bahama - Island-inspired dining
- Ford's Garage - Casual American with craft burgers
- Blue Water Bistro - Seafood with waterfront views
Golf
- Raptor Bay Golf Club - Public access, Hyatt-affiliated
- Old Corkscrew Golf Club - Jack Nicklaus design
- Pelican Preserve Golf Club - 27 holes for residents
- Grandezza Golf Club - Private, Mediterranean style
Nature & Outdoors
- Estero Bay Preserve State Park - Kayaking, hiking, wildlife
- Koreshan State Historic Site - Unique history plus nature trails
- Lovers Key State Park - Natural beach, wildlife, kayaking
- Six Mile Cypress Slough - Boardwalk through wetlands
Sports & Recreation
- Florida Everblades - ECHL hockey at Hertz Arena
- Spring Training - Red Sox (Fort Myers) and Twins (Fort Myers) nearby
- Pickleball - Courts at most communities
- Tennis - Public and community courts
Weather & Climate
What to Expect
| Season | Temperature | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | 55-75°F | Dry, pleasant, peak season |
| Spring (Mar-May) | 65-85°F | Warming, low humidity |
| Summer (Jun-Sep) | 80-92°F | Hot, humid, afternoon storms |
| Fall (Oct-Nov) | 70-85°F | Cooling, hurricane season ending |
Hurricane Considerations
- Estero is inland, reducing (but not eliminating) storm surge risk
- Hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30
- Most communities have hurricane-rated construction
- Evacuation zones: Most of Estero is Zone B or C (not first to evacuate)
- Hurricane shutters or impact windows recommended
Moving to Estero: Practical Steps
Timeline
- 6-12 months before: Visit during different seasons, tour communities
- 3-6 months before: Work with local realtor, get pre-approved
- 2-3 months before: Make offer, schedule inspections, secure insurance
- 1 month before: Arrange movers, transfer utilities, notify services
- First month: Establish Florida residency, update license/registration
- First year: File homestead exemption by March 1 (saves ~$50K from taxable value)
Establishing Florida Residency
- Obtain Florida driver's license
- Register vehicles in Florida
- Register to vote
- Update bank accounts and financial institutions
- File Declaration of Domicile with county clerk
Insurance Tips
- Get flood insurance quotes even if not required (recommended for Florida)
- Shop homeowners insurance early - some properties have limited options
- Consider umbrella policy for liability protection
- Wind/hurricane coverage may be separate policy
Pros and Cons of Retiring to Estero
Pros
- No state income tax - Keep more of retirement income
- New construction available - Modern homes with latest features
- Excellent shopping - Coconut Point and Miromar within minutes
- Airport convenience - RSW just 10 minutes away
- Central location - Easy access to Naples, Fort Myers, beaches
- Active communities - Multiple 55+ options with amenities
- Growing area - New restaurants, services, healthcare continually opening
- Value pricing - Less expensive than Naples or coastal communities
Cons
- Rapid growth - Construction and traffic increasing
- Less beach character - Inland location, not a beach town
- Chain-heavy dining - More chains than independent restaurants
- Hot summers - June-September uncomfortable outdoors
- Hurricane risk - Less than coast but still present
- Limited nightlife - Quiet evenings, though improving
- Newer community - Less established character than older towns
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Estero a good place to retire?
Yes. Estero offers newer communities, excellent shopping, convenient airport access, and prices below Naples and coastal Bonita Springs. The central location provides easy access to beaches, healthcare, and entertainment in all directions.
What is Estero known for?
Estero is known for Coconut Point lifestyle center, Miromar Outlets, the Florida Everblades hockey team, and large master-planned communities like Pelican Preserve. It's also recognized for its proximity to RSW airport.
Is Estero expensive?
Estero is moderately priced for Southwest Florida - less expensive than Naples or Bonita Bay, but higher than inland areas like Lehigh Acres. New construction availability is a major draw, with homes starting in the mid-$300,000s.
How far is Estero from the beach?
Bonita Beach and Fort Myers Beach are both 15-25 minutes away. Lovers Key State Park offers natural beach access in about 20 minutes. Naples beaches are 25-30 minutes south.
What's the difference between Estero and Bonita Springs?
Estero is newer and more commercially developed with big shopping centers. Bonita Springs has more established neighborhoods, beach access at Bonita Beach, and a more residential feel. Estero typically offers better value for new construction.
Does Estero flood?
Estero is generally well-drained with newer stormwater infrastructure. Flood risk is lower than coastal areas, but some properties near Estero Bay or in low-lying areas may have flood zone designations. Always check FEMA flood maps for specific properties.
What is the average age in Estero?
The median age is approximately 50-55, heavily influenced by the large 55+ communities like Pelican Preserve. The area attracts active retirees and pre-retirees.
Compare Nearby Retirement Destinations
Not sure if Estero is right for you? Compare with these nearby alternatives:
- Retiring to Bonita Springs - More established, beach access, 10 minutes south
- Retiring to Fort Myers - More urban, River District, 15 minutes north
- Retiring to Naples - Upscale luxury, 20 minutes south
- Retiring to Cape Coral - Canal lifestyle, more affordable, 25 minutes north
