Estero Homes For Sale

Housing costs in Estero exceed the national average by 48%, while utility prices are just 1% higher. The transportation sector, including bus fares and gas, also sees an 8% increase compared to the national average. Grocery prices in Estero, on the other hand, are in line with the national average.

Calusa Native Americans In Estero FL

Around 500 BC, the Calusa migrated to Estero and reached their peak population of 50,000. They utilized nets and spears to catch various fish like mullet, pinfish, pigfish, catfish, eels, and turtles. Additionally, they used fish-bone arrowheads to hunt for deer and taught their women and children to gather shellfish.

Ponce De Leon

In 1513, explorer Ponce de León led the first European expedition to La Florida and likely passed through Estero as well. There’s a legend that he was in search of the Fountain of Youth.

Mound Key

By 1600, a significant mound was formed in Estero Bay, known as Mound Key, which was made solely from discarded fish bones, shells, and clay by the Calusa. They also used shells for various purposes such as tools, utensils, jewelry, and decorations for their shrines. In later years, pirates took advantage of Mound Key to attack passing ships and hide from the American Navy.

First Homesteaders In Estero FL

In 1882, Gustave and Alma Damkohler settled in Estero, becoming its first homesteaders. They raised silkworms and honeybees as their main livelihood. Nine years later, another homesteader, Mary and Frank Johnson, arrived at Mound Key.

Thomas Edison House

Inventor Thomas Edison first came to Fort Myers in 1885 and purchased 13 acres of land along the Caloosahatchee River for his winter home.

Koreshan Park (State Park)

In 1894, Cyrus Teed brought the Koreshan Unity to Estero and founded their “New Jerusalem.” Damkohler generously donated all of his 300 acres of land for the Koreshans to build their bakery, printing house, college, general store, concrete works, and power plant. The community reached its peak between 1903 and 1908 with over 250 residents, but numbers dwindled after Teed’s death in 1908.

Estero Post Office

The first Estero Post Office opened in 1895 and for many years there were two post offices: one run by the Koreshans and the other by local citrus growers.

Orange Groves In Florida

In 1900, Montana cattle rancher Daniel Augustus Green Floweree started one of the world’s largest citrus groves with 60,000 trees on 200 acres.

Town Of Estero

The first official establishment of the Town of Estero was in 1904, proclaiming it “the largest city in Florida” with a total area of 110 square miles. It had a town seal, mayor, marshal, and nine council members, and boasted one of the largest city land boundaries in Florida. Today, the town has a much smaller area of about 25 square miles.

In 1917, Edith Campbell Trebell became Estero’s first female entrepreneur with her tropical fruit business.

Johnny Cash Song

The Seaboard Airline Railroad passed by Estero in 1927 with 600 guests on board, known as the Orange Blossom Special, popularized by a Johnny Cash song. Its journey ended in Naples where it would then turn and head in the opposite direction.

Tamiami Trail

The Tamiami Trail, named as it connected Tampa to Miami, officially opened on April 26, 1928 after a 13-year-long construction process which cost $8 million and required 2.6 million sticks of dynamite.

In 1940, Clyde Marshall opened a large fruit stand in competition with Edith Trebell, selling citrus fruits, local novelties, and jam.

Electricity In Estero FL

Electricity was finally brought to Estero in 1945 after the end of World War II.

Estero Fire Department

In 1964, Estero’s first volunteer fire department was established, named Estero Precinct 12 Volunteer Fire Company No. 1. The first fire chief, George Horne, held his position for 18 years, with most of the firefighting equipment being funded through the community’s bake sales. It wasn’t until 1982 that the department hired its first paid employee, Joe Linzalone.

I-75

1968 saw the beginning of construction for Interstate 75 through Estero, due to the rapid growth in Southwest Florida.

Estero High School

In 1987, Estero’s first high school opened, providing an educational option for students who previously had to attend school in Fort Myers.

FGCU

Florida Gulf Coast University opened its doors to its first 2,584 students in 1997. Today, it has an enrollment of over 15,000.

Everblades

The Florida Everblades ice hockey team came to Estero in 1998 when an arena was built to accommodate them. The arena seats over 7,000 and serves as a designated hurricane shelter as well.

Coconut Point Mall

Coconut Point Mall opened in 2006 and played a significant role in Estero’s growth. The 500-acre master-planned development featured a unique mix of retail stores, restaurants, living spaces, and offices.

Hertz Arena

Hertz Corporation announced its move to Estero in 2013, bringing about 750 jobs and becoming the first Fortune 500 company in Southwest Florida. Their $75 million building on U.S. 41 and Williams Road opened soon after.

Things To Do Estero FL

Nestled between the cities of Naples and Fort Myers in Southwest Florida, Estero is a quaint village that boasts plenty of outdoor activities and untouched nature.

BEACHES

Estero and its neighboring areas are brimming with beautiful coastal destinations.

Enjoy the sandy shores of Estero Island at various beach access points.

Take a trip to Bonita Beach Park, a popular local spot.

Explore other nearby beaches in the area.

WATERWAYS

For a unique way to experience Estero, rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard and discover the beauty of the Estero River.

Discover the serene Estero Bay and scenic Estero River.

FAMILY FUN

For families with kids, Estero is filled with fun and family-friendly activities.

Check out the expansive play area at Coconut Point, complete with a walk-in castle.

Visit Estero’s parks and playgrounds, perfect for a day of family fun.

Explore other family-friendly activities at Coconut Point.

MUSEUMS, ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Immerse yourself in the artistic and cultural offerings of Estero.

Admire fine art at the COCO Art Gallery.

Experience an opera performance by the Gulfshore Opera.

Catch a show or sporting event at Hertz Arena.

Discover more arts and entertainment in the area.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Get outside and enjoy all that Estero’s parks have to offer, including camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, biking, and more.

Camping enthusiasts can visit Koreshan State Park for a unique outdoor experience.

Rent gear from Estero River Outfitters for a day on the river.

Explore the Estero Bay Preserve State Park.

Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at Estero Park and Recreation Center.

Learn about the history and culture of the Calusa Indians at Mound Key Archeological State Park.

PET-FRIENDLY ADVENTURES

While visiting Estero, don’t forget to bring your furry friends along to enjoy the many pet-friendly parks and restaurants.

Take your pup to the indoor dog park at the Pet-Friendly Café.

Discover the pet-friendly options at Koreshan State Park.

Unleash your dog’s energy at the K-9 Corral Dog Park.

If you have a boat and live in Estero FL you can always make the communte out to Dog Beach which is a dog friendly island off the coast.

ACCESSIBILITY

Estero is also a welcoming destination for those with accessibility needs, with a number of accessible parks and attractions.

Enjoy a show or event at Hertz Arena.

Explore the unique history of Koreshan State Park.

Shop at the accessible Coconut Point mall.

RESTAURANTS

Savor the seafood at Joe’s Fresh Catch.

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Divieto Ristorante.

Try Mediterranean dishes at Amfora Mediterranean Restaurant.

Discover more places to eat in Estero.

SHOPPING

Get your shopping fix at the popular Coconut Point mall and nearby outlet stores.

Shop ’til you drop at the Coconut Point mall.

Find great deals at the nearby Miromar Outlets.

SPORTS

Catch a hockey or basketball game at Hertz Arena, home of the Florida Everblades.

Cheer on the Florida Everblades Hockey Club.

Experience live sports at Hertz Arena.

PLACES TO STAY

Choose from a variety of accommodation options, including hotels near Coconut Point or campsites in state parks.

Relax at the Hyatt Place Coconut Point.

Experience Southern hospitality at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Fort Myers Estero.

Camp in the great outdoors at Koreshan State Park.

Explore more places to stay in Estero.

Estero Florida is located in Southwest Florida juxtaposed between Fort Myers FL and Naples FL.

Southwest Florida

Estero FL is located at I-75 Interstate (Exit 123) next to Miromar Outlets making it roughly 32 minutes or 20 miles away from Downtown Fort Myers also known as the City of Fort Myers.

Estero and Naples are approximately 17 miles apart, with an estimated driving time of 25 minutes.

Estero vs Other Cities In Florida

Comparing the cost of auto insurance in Estero, FL to other cities in Florida is difficult to quantify because insurance rates are highly dependent on individual factors such as driving record, age, and type of vehicle. However, according to data from The Zebra, a leading car insurance comparison site, the average cost of auto insurance in Estero is $1,405 per year, which is slightly lower than the state average of $1,438 per year.

Estero vs Miami vs Jacksonville

Compared to other cities in Florida, Estero’s auto insurance rates are generally lower than larger cities such as Miami and Jacksonville, which have average rates of $2,297 and $2,052, respectively. This may be due to the higher population density and increased risk of accidents in these cities.

In comparison to other smaller cities in Florida, Estero’s auto insurance rates are similar or slightly higher. For example, in neighboring city Fort Myers, the average cost of auto insurance is $1,408 per year, only a few dollars more than Estero. In contrast, cities like Tallahassee and Gainesville have lower average rates at $1,316 and $1,312, respectively.

It is important to note that these are just averages and individual rates may vary greatly depending on personal factors. It is always best to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to ensure the best rate.

Amenties and Facilities

There is no definitive answer to which location is better for retirement as preferences and priorities can vary greatly from person to person. However, some factors to consider when making a decision could include: overall cost of living, access to healthcare and amenities, climate, and proximity to family and friends. Estero offers a multitude of benefits ranging from luxury malls, cinemas, art theaters, fine dining, modern healthcare, leisure activities, nature parks, kayaking, international airports, and one of the fastest growing real estate markets in the United States. Estero communities range from multi-generational single family homes to 55+ communities.

Port Saint Lucie and Estero

Both Port Saint Lucie and Estero have a lower cost of living compared to other cities in Florida and offer a range of amenities and activities for retirees. Port Saint Lucie has a slightly higher crime rate than Estero, but it also has a larger retiree population. Estero, on the other hand, has a lower crime rate and is known for its beautiful beaches and outdoor activities. It may be beneficial to visit both locations and evaluate which one aligns better with your retirement goals and needs. From our perspective we feel as though Southwest Florida is most certainly the place to retire or just enjoy tropical living.

Estero is a picturesque Gulf Coast community known for its beautiful beaches, golf courses, shopping, and dining options. It offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and modern amenities, making it an ideal location for both full-time residents and snowbirds.

Estero’s real estate market is diverse, offering everything from cozy condos to spacious single-family homes. Architectural styles range from Mediterranean-inspired villas to contemporary homes. There are also new construction homes in planned communities like WildBlue and Verdana Village.

Yes, Estero features a variety of family-friendly homes including condominiums, twin villas, and luxurious custom estates. The area is known for its safe neighborhoods and excellent schools, making it a great place for families.

Gated Communties In Estero FL

Gated communities in Estero offer a secure and exclusive living environment. Many Estero communities provide residents with access to amenities such as golf courses, clubhouses, fitness centers, and more, enhancing the overall lifestyle experience.

You can search for homes on our modern platform, which is linked to multiple local MLS providers. Our Estero Homes For Sale website is updated frequently with the latest listings in Estero and surrounding regions, helping you stay ahead in the competitive market.

Our experienced real estate agents offer personalized tours, help you navigate the home-buying process, and provide expert advice on finding your dream home. We also assist with negotiations and the closing process to ensure a smooth transaction.

Yes, Estero is a growing community with a strong real estate market. The area is experiencing significant development, making it a promising location for long-term investment in both residential and rental properties.

Major Attractions

Estero is home to major attractions like Florida Gulf Coast University, Germain Arena, and premier shopping destinations like Coconut Point and Gulf Coast Center. It’s also close to the Southwest Florida International Airport, adding to its convenience.

You can start by browsing our catalog of homes for sale on our website. Once you find a property that interests you, contact us at 239-370-1513 or schedule a free tour with one of our skilled real estate agents.

Seller Guide For Home Owners In Estero FL

If you’re looking to put your Estero homes for sale, our seller guide provides detailed information about the process. Contact us to discuss your needs, and we will assist you with everything from listing to closing the sale.

Lee County Florida

Estero FL is located in Lee County just off of I-75 between exits 128 and 123. Estero Florida is juxaptosed between Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Naples Florida.

Alva FL is not located in Estero FL but is located roughly 15 minutes from the center of Fort Myers. Alva, Florida is located in Lee County situated on the Caloosahatchee River.