Estero, FL 55+ Active Adult Retirement Communities

Overview 

Estero is located between Fort Myers and Naples in Florida. An in-demand seaside city, Estero’s pleasant year-round temperature, as well as its abundant golfing and water recreation, make it popular for retirees looking to escape the cold. In addition, residents can enjoy daily amenities in town with quick and easy access to major metro areas.

Climate & Geography 

Located in Southwest Florida, Estero experiences a tropical savanna climate with hot and wet summers and dry winters. Temperatures rarely rise above the 100s and or fall below freezing. Residents can expect more than average rainfall during the wet season, no snow, and about 262 days of sunshine each year.

Estero’s terrain is level and low with some coastal plain. It is located on the Estero Aquatic Bay, and the heart of the city is located on the Estero River. 

Recreation, Culture, & Entertainment 

Water sports, outdoor recreation, and boating are popular in Estero. Residents can visit the Koreshan State Park and the 10-mile Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve for canoeing, fishing, camping, and wildlife viewing. The larger Estero Bay is 15 miles long, shallow, and bordered by several chain islands, including Estero Island, Long Key, Lovers Key, Black Island, Big Hickory Island, and Little Hickory Island. Many of these also feature beach activities and boating.

Further outdoor recreation includes Mound Key Archaeological State Park, which is miles from shore and made up of ancient shells, bones, and pottery pieces that transform the landscape, as well as eight golf courses in and around the city.

Residents can shop at Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets, two large malls that feature live music and seasonal events in addition to their brand-name shops. 

Those looking for even more amenities can travel a half-hour north to Fort Myers or a half-hour south to Naples for more local breweries, museums, art, and local boutiques.

Cost of Living & Taxes 

The cost of living in Estero is above average, mainly because of housing. Transportation and health care are also above average, while groceries and utilities hover close to the rest of the country.

Florida does not tax any form of income, including Social Security. Property taxes in the state are relatively low, and retirees 65 and older can qualify for an additional Homestead Exemption. Estero’s sale tax is average at 6.5 percent.

Health Care

The Naples metro area ranked as the No. 1 community across the U.S. four years in a row on Gallup’s Well-Being Index. The Fort Myers-Cape Coral metro area also scores well, ranking in the top six communities. Florida also ranks in the top 20 states.

Although there are no hospitals in Estero, nearby in Fort Myers, Gulf Coast Medical Center and Lee Memorial Hospital are both rated by U.S. News as high performing. Naples has NCH Baker Hospital, which is also high performing and the No. 14 hospital in Florida.