A Straightforward Guide to Cascades at Estero Real Estate and Community Living
Cascades at Estero is a gated, deed-restricted 55-plus active adult community in Estero, developed by Levitt & Sons between 2003 and 2006 on 158 acres. Formerly known as Indigo Isles, it features 614 single-family homes surrounded by lakes, fountains, and lush landscaping that create a calm, resort-style setting. With a vibrant social calendar led by a full-time activities director, the community emphasizes wellness, recreation, and low-maintenance living without golf. Located on Estero Parkway between U.S. 41 and Three Oaks Boulevard, it’s minutes from RSW Airport, Coconut Point Mall, and Gulf beaches—offering an upscale yet affordable 55-plus lifestyle in Southwest Florida. Homes generally range from the mid-$300,000s to about $550,000.
Inside Cascades at Estero
- Location: Estero on Estero Parkway, between U.S. 41 and Three Oaks Boulevard; about 10 minutes to RSW Airport, 15 minutes to Bonita Beach, and 20 minutes to downtown Fort Myers.
- Size & Homes: 158 acres with 614 single-family residences.
- Prices: From the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$500,000s, depending on size, updates, and lake or preserve views.
- Amenities: 28,000-square-foot clubhouse with ballroom, arts and crafts studio with two kilns, billiards and card rooms, library and media center; indoor and outdoor resort-style pools and spa; fitness center with dance studio, saunas, and showers; five Har-Tru tennis courts with pro shop and leagues, four pickleball courts, lighted bocce courts, satellite pool, and a full-time activities director organizing clubs, shows, and community events.
- Distinctive Feature: A no-golf, deed-restricted 55-plus community with an 80/20 occupancy rule allowing up to 20 percent of residents under 55—ideal for active adults seeking a social, low-maintenance lifestyle without mandatory golf or sports fees.
Types of Homes in Cascades at Estero
Homes in Cascades at Estero feature Florida-Mediterranean architecture with stucco exteriors, tile roofs, and screened lanais overlooking lakes or preserves. Residences range from approximately 1,525 to 2,536 square feet with two or three bedrooms, two or three baths, and two-car garages. Popular floor plans include the Aruba, Montego, St. Kitts, and Anastasia. Many homes include granite countertops, stainless-steel appliances, impact windows, and private pools or spas. Turnkey furnished listings are common, and HOA-maintained landscaping makes this a favorite among seasonal residents who value easy upkeep and year-round comfort.
What You’ll Find Living in Cascades at Estero
Life in Cascades centers on wellness, creativity, and connection. Residents start their mornings with yoga or aqua aerobics, play tennis or pickleball on Har-Tru courts, or walk shaded lakefront paths. Afternoons often bring art workshops in the kiln studio or bocce matches under the palms. Evenings fill with themed dinners, live entertainment, or dances in the clubhouse ballroom. With a full-time activities director, an extensive events calendar, and neighbors who stay active year-round, Cascades blends resort amenities with genuine community warmth. Its central Estero location also places Miromar Outlets, Coconut Point, and Gulf Coast Town Center just minutes away.
What to Know About Cascades at Estero
Cascades appeals to active adults seeking a 55-plus lifestyle with full amenities and no golf. Built in the mid-2000s and modernized in recent years, it combines mature landscaping with an updated clubhouse and a steady schedule of social events. Low quarterly HOA fees cover maintenance, security, and amenities, keeping ownership affordable compared to larger 55-plus developments like Valencia Bonita or Pelican Preserve. The community operates without a CDD, with infrastructure funded through the HOA. Deed restrictions maintain its 55-plus focus, allowing up to 20 percent under 55 for added flexibility while preserving its active-adult character.
Practical Considerations for Cascades at Estero Buyers
- HOA Fees: Low quarterly fees cover landscaping, security, amenities, pest control, and reserves.
- CDD: None documented in public records; infrastructure is funded through the HOA rather than a separate assessment.
- Age Restriction: 55-plus community (at least 80 percent of residents age 55 or older; up to 20 percent under 55 permitted).
- Transportation: About 9 miles (15 minutes) to RSW Airport, 12 miles (22 minutes) to Bonita Beach, and 16 miles (30 minutes) to downtown Fort Myers.
- Healthcare: Lee Health Coconut Point about 5 minutes away; Gulf Coast Medical Center about 10 minutes.
- Rental Policy: Allowed with 30-day minimum; typically limited to one or two times per year per HOA rules.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cascades at Estero
Is Cascades at Estero gated?
Yes. Cascades is a fully gated 55-plus community with staffed entrances and 24-hour security, providing peace of mind amid landscaped lakes and fountains.
Does Cascades at Estero include golf?
No. Cascades was intentionally designed as a no-golf community, focusing instead on tennis, pickleball, fitness, and social programming. This model keeps fees low while encouraging daily recreation and connection.
What are typical home prices?
Single-family homes generally range from the mid-$300,000s to the mid-$500,000s, depending on floor plan, updates, and location within the community.
What are the HOA fees at Cascades at Estero?
Quarterly HOA fees cover landscaping, security, amenities, and reserves. Cable and internet are not bundled, allowing residents to choose their own providers and plans.
What makes Cascades at Estero distinctive?
Cascades stands out as one of Estero’s few no-golf, 55-plus communities combining an active social scene, five Har-Tru tennis courts, four pickleball courts, and a 28,000-square-foot clubhouse with two kilns and lighted bocce courts. Its manageable size, full-time activities director, and absence of CDD fees make it a unique blend of affordability, connection, and resort living.
-
Grandezza Homes for Sale
Grandezza offers an 18-hole golf course, homes from the $500s to $1M+, plus tennis, dining, and a social clubhouse.
-
Bella Terra Homes for Sale
Bella Terra features villas and single-family homes from the $300s to $500s. Community amenities include a resort pool, tennis, sports fields, and playgrounds.
-
The Place at Corkscrew Homes for Sale
The Place offers resort-style living with homes from the $500s to over $1M. Highlights include a 100-foot waterslide, bourbon bar, fitness center, pickleball, and playgrounds.
-
Stoneybrook Homes for Sale
Stoneybrook is a bundled-golf community with homes from the $400s to $800s, pools, tennis, and recreation areas
-
Verdana Village Homes for Sale
Verdana Village is one of Estero’s largest new communities, with modern homes starting in the $400s. Amenities include pools, tennis, pickleball, dog parks, and on-site dining.