Living in Southwest Florida

Your guide to real estate, communities, and lifestyle across Southwest Florida.

Southwest Florida stretches from Fort Myers and Cape Coral through Estero and Bonita Springs to Naples, with Gulf beaches, golf courses, and master-planned communities connecting the region. Buyers will find waterfront canal homes, golf neighborhoods, new construction, and luxury estates—all within roughly an hour’s drive of each other. The region draws relocators, second-home buyers, and retirees seeking year-round sunshine and a lifestyle built around outdoor living.

Southwest Florida Real Estate at a Glance

Price range: Cape Coral and Fort Myers offer some of the region’s more accessible entry points, while Naples includes many of Southwest Florida’s highest-priced homes.
Housing variety: Canal-front homes with boat docks, historic and established neighborhoods, bundled and equity golf communities, gated new construction, beachfront condos, and 55+ neighborhoods.
Development style: A mix of older city neighborhoods, waterfront communities, master-planned developments with resort-style amenities, and newer construction concentrated east of I-75.
Lifestyle anchors: Lifestyle anchors: Gulf beaches, golf, boating and fishing, sprin training baseball, walkable downtown areas, and a dining scene that continues to grow across the region.

What You’ll Find in Southwest Florida

Many homes in the region are part of planned communities with pools, clubhouses, and fitness centers. Waterfront properties range from canal-front ranch homes with boat docks to Gulf-view condos with private beach access. Golf communities—both bundled and equity—anchor much of the inland development. Screened lanais, outdoor kitchens, and pool homes appear throughout, reflecting a lifestyle built around warm weather and time spent outside. Shopping centers, beaches, and restaurants are rarely more than a short drive away.

The Reality of Southwest Florida

Southwest Florida is a region of trade-offs. Proximity to Gulf beaches often comes with higher prices. Waterfront living may mean bridge commutes. Newer construction tends to cluster farther from established downtowns. Each city has its own character—some emphasize culture and walkability, others prioritize boating or golf or affordability. Buyers who visit multiple areas often find that one city simply feels right, based on how they want to spend their time day to day.

Featured Southwest Florida Cities

Each city in Southwest Florida has its own identity and a range of neighborhoods worth exploring. Below is a snapshot of what buyers find in each market.

Practical Considerations for Southwest Florida Buyers

Cost of living: Naples is highest, followed by Bonita Springs and Estero. Cape Coral and Fort Myers offer the most affordable entry points.
Transportation: RSW Airport serves the region. I-75 runs north-south; US-41 connects coastal areas. Bridge traffic between Cape Coral and Fort Myers can add time.
Education: Lee County schools serve Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita, and Estero. Collier County schools serve Naples. Confirm school assignments directly with each district.
Healthcare: Lee Health serves Lee County. NCH Healthcare System is based in Naples and serves Collier County.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Southwest Florida city is most affordable for homebuyers?

Cape Coral and Fort Myers typically offer the lowest entry points, with more inventory at accessible price ranges. Cape Coral provides the most affordable waterfront options. Estero and Bonita Springs fall in the middle; Naples carries the highest prices.

Where can I find bundled golf communities in Southwest Florida?

Bonita National in Bonita Springs and Esplanade in Naples offer bundled golf where membership is included with most homes. Lexington Country Club provides bundled golf near Fort Myers Beach. Other communities like Pelican Landing, Spanish Wells, Grandezza, and Lely Resort offer golf with optional or equity memberships.

What 55+ communities are available in Southwest Florida?

The region offers a range of 55+ options. Pelican Preserve serves Fort Myers. Cascades at Estero features organized activities. Valencia Bonita in Bonita Springs offers resort amenities with no CDD fees. Naples has age-restricted neighborhoods near Lely Resort and in other areas.

Which city offers the best beach access?

Bonita Springs and Naples offer the quickest Gulf access. Most Bonita neighborhoods are 10-15 minutes from Bonita Beach. Naples communities along Gulf Shore Boulevard provide direct access. Fort Myers Beach is reachable from Fort Myers and Cape Coral.

Where is the best waterfront living in Southwest Florida?

Cape Coral dominates with 400+ miles of canals, from freshwater properties to Gulf-access estates. Naples offers luxury Gulf-front condos. Fort Myers has riverfront homes along the Caloosahatchee. Tarpon Point and Cape Harbour deliver marina-focused luxury.

What new construction communities are available in Southwest Florida?

New construction is most active in Estero, eastern Fort Myers, and parts of Bonita Springs, with master-planned communities offering a range of home styles and amenities. Estero includes newer developments like Verdana Village and The Place at Corkscrew. Fort Myers offers options in communities such as Timber Creek. Bonita Springs features projects like Seasons at Bonita, while Naples includes newer neighborhoods such as The Isles of Collier Preserve. Cape Coral also continues to see new builds on both inland and waterfront lots.

How do I choose between the five Southwest Florida cities?

Choose Naples for luxury. Cape Coral for affordable waterfront. Fort Myers for culture and jobs. Bonita Springs for beach access and bundled golf. Estero for modern master-planned communities. Budget and lifestyle priorities will guide your decision.

Ready to Explore Southwest Florida?

Start your search with listings from across the region—Naples luxury, Cape Coral waterfront, Fort Myers golf, Bonita Springs beach access, and Estero new construction. If you’re still deciding which city fits your budget and lifestyle, our team knows Southwest Florida inside and out.

With five cities to consider, finding the right home can feel overwhelming. At Worthington Realty, we provide personalized guidance and clear communication so that you feel heard, valued, and confident in your decisions.