Fort Myers & Cape Coral, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Set along Florida's southwest coast, the Fort Myers area is known for its fishing, beaches, golfing, shopping and other outdoor recreations. There are attractions to capture the imagination of any active adult retiree, and the sunny climate offers mild winters and long, hot summers. With both urban and coastal attractions, the area may be an ideal destination for many active adult retirees.

The city of Fort Myers sits on the south bank of the Caloosahatchee River, just 15 miles from Fort Myers Beach, which enjoys the warm waters of the southern Gulf coast. The area is about 30 minutes north of Naples, another popular retirement destination, and the same distance south of the quaint communities in Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. Though summers are hot, Southern Florida offers relatively mild weather with plenty of sunshine.

Golf enthusiasts particularly enjoy Fort Myers' fine weather as there are more than 50 public and private golf courses scattered throughout the area. Active adults looking to relocate to the Fort Myers area will be particularly interested in the spectacular 27-hole championship course found at Pelican Preserve. In addition to the beautiful and challenging course, members can enjoy all of the amenities within its 25,000 square-foot clubhouse, including a fitness center, private spa, full service dining room and pro golf shop.

Fort Myers is considered by many to be the gateway to the Southwest Florida region. It is also the home of the Edison and Ford winter estates, which are now popular tourist attractions. Visitors can explore 20 acres of buildings and gardens at these adjoining winter estates (which are one shared attraction). The Estates Museum features hundreds of artifacts and special exhibits, while science-minded visitors may prefer a pass through Edison's Botanic Research Lab. Tourists can easily spend a whole day touring the estates, and local residents will find many reasons to come back again and again.

With its close proximity to both the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico, it's not a surprise that boating, fishing and other water activities are popular activities in the Fort Myers area. Fisherman can take their pick of destinations from deep artificial reefs, to backwater creeks and swamps, to booking a deep sea fishing excursion. A wide variety of recreational cruises and boat tours are also available along the river and out past the sparkling coast.

Both local residents and visiting tourists enjoy all of the fine dining and shopping opportunities found throughout the area. Downtown Fort Myers has many distinct shops, eateries, galleries and cafes. There are well-known chains and charming local boutiques. Bargain-lovers will particularly enjoy searching for savings at shopping hot spots like Tanger Outlet Center and the Fleamaster's Fleamarket.

Whether planning a sunny beach vacation or looking for a place to retire, active adults are sure to find many appealing attractions in Fort Myers. Plan a visit for yourself and see why this Southwest Florida area is a perfect getaway for active adults.