Welcome to Estero
A quaint, vibrant village and a true gem at the heart of Southwest Florida
Too often overlooked as nothing more than a bridge between the more well-known cities of Fort Myers and Naples (a 27-minute drive to the former, 35 minutes to the latter), Estero is the definition of a hidden gem. A standout destination in a region filled with them, Estero is a classic, suburban paradise located close to all the best that Southwest Florida offers and far enough away to absorb a genuinely relaxing lifestyle. Perfect for a fun night out on the town or a quiet night in, in Estero the choice is always yours.
Though it only recently incorporated as a village in 2014, Estero has a long history of citrus production dating back to the 1880s. Cyrus Teed and his Koreshan Unity followers established Estero — Spanish for estuary — with a post office, schools, Art Hall, a sawmill, and several other businesses.
Though that iteration of Estero is preserved to history, today, the village is a collection of gated, high-end, luxury enclaves, many of which are situated around a golf course and first-class amenities. There are many housing options based on your lifestyle, including large-lot, single-family residences, smaller golf course patio homes, and even lower-maintenance condo and townhome living.
What to Love
- Central location — not far from all that Southwest Florida offers
- Outstanding golf-course communities
- Historic and activity-rich Koreshan State Historic Site
Local Lifestyle
Considering Esteros's strategic location, the village of roughly 35,000 residents draws all types - commuters, young families, and retirees. There's even an understated college vibe here due to the proximity to Florida Gulf Coast University. Anchoring the city's economy is the corporate headquarters for car rental giant Hertz Corporation.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
More than a simple waypoint between Fort Myers and Naples, Estero offers many excellent shopping and dining options. The village's primary draw is Coconut Point Mall. The outdoor mall features over 110 stores, restaurants, and professional services and includes Apple, Dillard's, Super Target, and a Regal Cinema.
Head northeast, and you'll discover Estero's other notable shopping destination - Miromar Outlets. Totaling over 75 shops and dining options, the upscale outlet's roster of stores includes Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH, Bloomingdale's The Outlet Store, Nike Factory Store, H&M, and Vera Bradley.
Things to Do
Estero offers incredible entertainment both indoors and out, even with a considerably smaller population than several of its nearby sibling cities.
The most prominent venue is the 7,181-seat Hertz Arena. Home of the Florida Everblades of the ECHL, the multi-purpose facility has hosted Cher, Elton John, Willie Nelson, Cirque du Soleil, and Disney On Ice.
The 135-acre Koreshan State Historic Site offers visitors a window into Estero's early history. Part of the National Register of Historic Places, the former site of the Koreshan Unity Settlement, showcases eleven well-preserved buildings dating back to the early 1900s. Recreation at the state park includes fishing, boating and canoeing, camping, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Schools
The Estero community is home to several outstanding educational institutions, including:
Estero also offers easy access to Florida Gulf Coast University, just minutes from the village center and one of Florida's top 4-year public universities.