Lee County
The 67-mile-long Caloosahatchee River wends its way to the Gulf of Mexico through Lee County, which was created in 1887 after it was carved out of Monroe County. The river is part of the Western Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and Okeechobee Waterway, which connects the state’s west and east coasts by water inland. The Caloosahatchee is also a unique natural resource for the county seat, Fort Myers. Originally a military fort and then a cattle town, Fort Myers was selected by inventor Thomas A. Edison for his seasonal winter home, which is now a popular tourist destination. International travelers are also drawn to Sanibel and Captiva islands, Gasparilla Island, and the rich fishing grounds of Pine Island Sound and Charlotte Harbor. Lee County has Major League Baseball spring training facilities for both the Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins. There are six incorporated cities and many distinct communities throughout the unincorporated parts of the county. Here is a snapshot of the municipalities:
Bonita Springs: Beachfront Paradise
Bonita Springs is an incorporated city in south Lee County with a population of 56,300. It is home to the 1,616-acre Lovers Key State Park, stunning beachfront homes, public access to its gulf shoreline, a large community park on the Imperial River, and a historic downtown.
Cape Coral: City of Canals
Across the Caloosahatchee west of Fort Myers, Cape Coral is the largest city between Tampa and Miami with a population of 224,455. It is the seventh largest in the state. At 120 square miles, Cape Coral is the third largest city in Florida by land mass. Developed in the late 1950s, Cape Coral is one of the largest master-planned communities in the nation. It is known as the “City of Canals” for good reason: With 400 miles of navigable waterways, it has more canals than Venice, Italy. Cape Coral has a wide mix of residential options and plenty of vacant, developable lots; it is only 50 percent built out, so there are many commercial and industrial opportunities.
Village of Estero: Historic River Hamlet
Estero is a 25-square-mile village nestled between Fort Myers and Bonita Springs that became incorporated in 2014. Today, it hosts a population of 37,900. For more than a century, it has drawn visitors to the Koreshan State Historic Site and the Estero River. In recent decades, it has become home to Florida Gulf Coast University, Hertz Corporation’s headquarters, Coconut Point Mall, and the Hertz Arena. The arena attracts national concerts and hosts the Florida Everblades hockey team.
Fort Myers: Historic Hub
The county seat of Lee County, Fort Myers is a diverse community of 97,370 residents living in the 40-square-mile city. Fort Myers is home to the Caloosahatchee River, palm-tree-lined McGregor Boulevard, Dunbar community, the county’s central government offices, and Southwest Florida’s largest concentration of historic commercial buildings in the downtown River District. The residential neighborhoods feature a blend of architectural styles ranging from the early 1900s to modern gems. Many apartment complexes and riverfront condos provide options.
Fort Myers Beach: Casual Coastal Community
At six square miles, Fort Myers Beach has a year-round population of about 5,250, though it soars with seasonal visitors in the spring and winter months. Beachfront lovers can find a bungalow, condo, or multilevel mansion for full- or part-time living. The island lifestyle is casual and laid-back, with dining, live music, and community events that draw visitors from throughout the region.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands: Gulf Gems
Sanibel and Captiva Islands have a unique natural beauty and commitment to environmental stewardship that has restricted both commercial and residential development. These islands are home to about 6,300 residents. Their shores have drawn the world-famous for more than a century. Captiva consistently ranks among the most desirable beaches in the world, and Sanibel has a global reputation for unparalleled shelling and coastal recreation. Due to limited inventory, these island gems boast the highest price tags in the county.
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