Why Everyone in Southwest Florida Is Moving to This #1 Underrated Area: Estero, Florida

When most people think about moving to Southwest Florida, the same cities always dominate the conversation: Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Naples. But there’s one community that consistently flies under the radar—despite offering some of the region’s best location advantages, top-rated lifestyle amenities, and fastest-growing real estate opportunities.

That hidden gem is Estero, Florida.

Over the past decade, Estero has quietly transformed from a small, overlooked town into one of the most desirable places to live in Southwest Florida. From luxury lakefront communities to top-tier shopping and recreation, residents are choosing Estero for its balance of value, lifestyle, and long-term potential.

And stay tuned, because a massive development is underway that will reshape Estero’s future—adding more than 20,000 new residents and marking the largest growth project in the area’s history.

Below is the definitive guide to why Estero is quickly becoming the #1 most underrated place to live in Southwest Florida.

Why Estero, FL Has the Best Location in Southwest Florida

Estero sits strategically between Naples and Fort Myers, giving residents access to both cities without the congestion, tourism traffic, or premium housing costs.

You can be:

• About 22 minutes from Downtown Fort Myers
  
  
• About 29 minutes from Downtown Naples
  
  
• 15–17 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)
  
  

For anyone with frequent travelers in the family or a career that requires occasional business flights, that proximity to RSW is a major advantage.

What About the Beaches?

Bonita Beach and Lovers Key State Park are a short drive away—typically 25 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic and season. You’re not paying Naples waterfront prices, yet you’re still enjoying the same Gulf Coast sunsets, sugar-sand beaches, and outdoor recreation Southwest Florida is known for.

Estero’s location gives residents the best of all worlds: central access, convenient travel, quieter neighborhoods, and beaches close enough to enjoy without the crowds.

Lifestyle, Dining, Shopping, and Amenities in Estero, Florida

What surprises most people moving to Estero is how much lifestyle, dining, shopping, and entertainment the area offers—often rivaling cities twice its size.

Coconut Point Mall

Home to 110+ stores with anchors like Dillard’s and the Apple Store, Coconut Point offers open-air, Mediterranean-style shopping with restaurants, bars, and entertainment perfect for a night out.

Miromar Outlets

With 140+ designer outlet stores, Miromar offers deep discounts from Coach, Michael Kors, Nike, and more—drawing shoppers from across the region.

Hertz Arena

Estero is home to the 7,100-seat Hertz Arena, which hosts:

• Florida Everblades hockey games
  
  
• Major concerts
  
  
• Sporting events
  
  
• Family entertainment year-round
  
  

Outdoor Recreation

Estero offers some of the region’s most stunning nature and outdoor lifestyle options:

• Estero Bay Preserve State Park: Florida’s first aquatic preserve
  
  
• Koreshan State Park: 200 acres of trails, kayaking, and historic structures
  
  
• Old Corkscrew Golf Club: A Jack Nicklaus Signature Course and one of the most challenging in Southwest Florida
  
  

Estero delivers a lifestyle that blends outdoor beauty with upscale dining, shopping, recreation, and a strong community feel.

Estero Real Estate: High Value, Strong Appreciation, and Luxury Communities

The real estate market is one of Estero’s strongest advantages.

• Median home price: Approx. $490,000
  
  
• Naples median: Approx. $685,000
  
  
• Fort Myers median: Approx. $350,000
  
  

Estero sits right in the middle—offering Naples-level amenities and master-planned communities at a more accessible price point.

Top Master-Planned Communities in Estero

Estero is home to some of the most desirable communities in Southwest Florida, including:

• The Brooks: 2,500 acres and four upscale gated communities
  
  
• Wildcat Run: Only 450 homes with large lots and an Arnold Palmer golf course
  
  

But three communities in particular are driving a massive wave of new demand.

WildBlue: Estero’s #1 Luxury Waterfront Community

WildBlue is Southwest Florida luxury at its finest—an unmatched blend of boating, lakefront living, and upscale amenities.

Key Features:

• Built around 3,500 acres with multiple lakes
  
  
• 872-acre main lake—larger than most in the region
  
  
• Waterfront estates with private boat docks
  
  
• Resort-style amenities: pools, tennis, pickleball, clubhouse, fitness center
  
  
• Over 38% conserved natural land
  
  

Homes in WildBlue can reach well into the millions, driven by boating access, views, and highly controlled development standards.

For buyers seeking a premium waterfront lifestyle, WildBlue is one of the top options anywhere in Southwest Florida.

The Place at Corkscrew: Family-Focused Resort Living

The Place at Corkscrew is one of Estero’s most energetic and family-friendly communities.

Highlights:

• Massive resort pool with 100-foot waterslide
  
  
• Lap pool, splash pad, and full-time activity director
  
  
• Full calendar of family events, fitness classes, and holiday celebrations
  
  
• Coastal-contemporary homes, many with large layouts ideal for families
  
  

With home prices reaching up to approximately $1.29M, The Place combines value with lifestyle—making it a top choice for families moving to Estero.

Verdana Village: The Future of Estero’s Luxury Development

Verdana Village is one of the newest and most ambitious communities in the region—and a centerpiece of Estero’s long-term growth plan.

Community Overview:

• 2,400 homes across 2,100 acres
  
  
• Indoor and outdoor tennis and pickleball
  
  
• Indoor basketball and volleyball
  
  
• Resort pool with cabanas and lap lanes
  
  
• 78,000 sq. ft. of on-site retail at The Shoppes at Verdana Village
  
  

With high construction quality from Lennar and Pulte, modern design, and major commercial additions, Verdana Village offers strong long-term value and appreciation potential.

Kingston: The Massive New Development Reshaping Estero’s Future

The most transformational project underway in Estero is Kingston, a 25-year development that will introduce:

• 10,000+ new homes
  
  
• 700,000 sq. ft. of commercial space
  
  
• A 240-room hotel
  
  
• 3,200 acres of conservation land
  
  
• Trails, recreation areas, and preserved wildlife habitat
  
  

Kingston is essentially an entirely new city being built inside Estero—and it positions the community for explosive population and economic growth.

Who’s Moving to Estero?

Estero is no longer a retirement-only market. Three buyer groups are driving demand:

1. Retirees

Choosing Estero over Naples due to lower costs, golf accessibility, and high-end communities.

2. Families

Attracted by schools, safety, resort-style communities, and strong neighborhood engagement.

3. Working Professionals

Many work in Naples or Fort Myers. Estero provides the perfect midpoint—plus large employers like Hertz and Florida Gulf Coast University.

This blend of demographics creates a dynamic, well-balanced community with year-round vibrancy.

Growth & Future Outlook

Estero’s future is defined by smart, long-term planning and infrastructure reinvestment.

Major developments include:

• Widening of Corkscrew Road with sidewalks and bike lanes
  
  
• 70+ miles of new pedestrian and cycling paths
  
  
• Significant investment in wildlife protection and conservation
  
  
• Expanded commercial corridors to support population growth
  
  

Since incorporating in 2014, Estero has taken control of its development—resulting in measured, thoughtful growth rather than rapid, unplanned expansion.

Final Thoughts: Why Estero Is Southwest Florida’s Most Underrated Market

Estero sits at the center of convenience, lifestyle, and value. It offers the shopping and amenities of a major city, the tranquility of a well-planned community, and the growth trajectory of a booming real estate market.

Whether you're a retiree, a professional, or a growing family, Estero offers a lifestyle that continues to attract new residents year after year.

If you’re considering a move to Estero or anywhere in Southwest Florida, my team and I are here to help. Contact us at hello@swfloridarealestate.com or call us at (239) 456-3711 for expert local guidance.