Southwest Florida has gained quite the reputation as one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it your permanent home!
The region is home to some of the best places to live in Southwest Florida, offering warm weather, beautiful scenery, and plenty of exciting events year-round, as well as plenty of outdoor activities to keep you active and healthy no matter what time of year it is.
The best places to live in Southwest Florida are determined by a number of factors.
Some of these factors include:
Climate — The weather can be a huge factor in where you want to live. For example, if you want to enjoy the sun year-round and never need to shovel snow, then you might want to look at one of the islands in Southwest Florida.
Cost of living — The cost of living varies from place to place and can affect your quality of life. If you’re looking for affordability, then places like Naples might be good options for you.
If you want luxury amenities, then Fort Myers/Cape Coral would be better suited for that.
Safety — Safety is important for everyone, but especially so if you have children or elderly parents who could be more susceptible to crime or any other dangers in an area.
Schools — Schools can play a big role in where people choose to live because they can impact how well your children do academically and socially throughout their lives.
So why move to Southwest Florida? Find out now!
Related: The 10 Best Places to Live in the Panhandle of Florida
The 10 Best Places to Live in Southwest Florida
The Southwest Florida region is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country, and it’s no wonder.
With beautiful beaches, a year-round temperate climate, and a plethora of outdoor activities, it’s no wonder why people from all over the world flock to this area.
As the population continues to increase, there are many new developments being built in the region.
If you’re looking for a new place to call home, here are some of the best places to live in Southwest Florida:
1. Bonita Springs
Bonita Springs is one of the best places to live in Southwest Florida. With its natural beauty, pristine beaches, and an abundance of wildlife, Bonita Springs is a great place to call home.
Bonita Springs boasts a population of over 57,755 (2020) people. Located just north of Fort Myers, Bonita Springs is part of Lee County and is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
It’s also just minutes away from several different golf courses and championship tennis courts. Bonita Springs offers a variety of housing options including condos, townhomes, and single-family homes.
Real estate prices vary depending on location as well as availability but tend to be lower than those in Fort Myers or Naples.
Bonita Springs has plenty of things for residents to do including dining out at local restaurants or spending time at the beach enjoying one of the best sunsets in Southwest Florida!
The area has many parks and recreation areas for residents’ enjoyment, including Bonita Beach Park, which features an expansive beachfront boardwalk, manmade sandbar and swimming area, picnic areas and concessions stands.
The city also has a variety of festivals throughout the year that celebrates everything from art to music to food.
Related: The 10 Best Places to Live on the Gulf Coast of Florida
2. Cape Coral
Cape Coral is one of the best places to live in Southwest Florida. The community offers a vibrant culture, a strong economy, and excellent schools.
The city is also home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
It’s a beautiful city with all the amenities you could want. If you’re looking for a place to settle down, then it’s worth checking out.
There are plenty of reasons why people love living in Cape Coral. To start off, there are tons of great restaurants and shops nearby.
You also have access to Florida Gulf Coast University and Everglades University as well as shopping centers like Walmart and Target.
And don’t forget about the beaches — they’re just minutes away! The weather is another reason why people love living here so much.
Cape Coral has sunny days almost every day throughout the year, which means you don’t have to worry about bad weather ruining your day!
Plus, if you’re sick of the sun, there are plenty of indoor activities like arcades or bowling alleys that can keep you busy when you need a break from being outside all day long.
Related: The 10 Best Places to Live in Northern Florida
3. Estero
Estero is one of the best places to live in Southwest Florida. If you’ve ever wondered why so many people choose to live in Estero, here are five reasons why this quiet little town on the Southwest coast is such a great place to call home.
People who live in Estero love it because the weather is always nice! The average temperature throughout the year is around 75 degrees Fahrenheit (24 degrees Celsius). It rarely gets too hot or too cold.
The humidity level ranges from about 50% in December and January to 75% during the summer months of June through September. Estero has some of the best beaches on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
The sand is soft and white, and there are plenty of places for sunbathing or swimming in the crystal blue waters of Estero Bay and Gasparilla Sound.
There are also plenty of activities available at these beaches including boating, fishing, snorkeling, biking, and kayaking.
Many people choose not just one beach but several favorite ones on which they spend time throughout the year!
Related: The 10 Most Expensive Cities to Live in Florid
4. Fort Myers
Fort Myers is one of the best places to live in Southwest Florida. The city offers a variety of housing options, including apartments, condos, and townhomes.
If you’re looking for a nice place to call home, Fort Myers has what you are looking for with rentals ranging from $1,000 per month up to $5,000 per month.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, there are many apartment complexes within the city limits with prices under $1,500 per month.
If you prefer renting a house rather than an apartment or condo, there are also many options available for under $2,000 per month.
Fort Myers has a lot to offer those who want to live here.
There is plenty of public transportation that can take residents around town or out into the surrounding areas. If you don’t feel like driving yourself around town then taking advantage of these services is highly recommended!
There are also many parks located throughout Fort Myers where residents can go enjoy themselves outside while also getting some fresh air and exercise at the same time!
The best part about living here? Its close proximity to other cities such as Naples and Sarasota makes it easy for people who want to travel without having to drive far away just to get there.
Related: The 12 Wealthiest Cities in Florida
5. Naples
Naples is one of the best places to live in Southwest Florida. The city has a large and growing population, good schools, great weather, and plenty of things to do.
A number of factors make Naples an ideal place to live. It has a large population, with more than 22,265 people calling it home.
This makes it one of the most populous cities in Southwest Florida and one of the fastest-growing areas in the state.
The city also offers many excellent schools for students, including public schools like Naples High School and Barron Collier High School as well as private schools like Temple Beth El Hebrew School and First Baptist Academy.
There are also several colleges nearby, including Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers and DeVry University in Naples.
The city is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment venues that provide residents with plenty of options when it comes to enjoying themselves.
The Naples community is also very active in terms of charitable organizations and volunteer work, which means there are plenty of ways to get involved with your neighbors.
Related: Why Is Florida so Expensive?
6. Sarasota
Sarasota is a great place because it has beautiful beaches, a large variety of restaurants, and many fun attractions. The weather is always nice and there is always something to do.
If you like to be active, there are plenty of places for you to go running or biking. There are also many parks in Sarasota that offer hiking trails and other outdoor activities.
Sarasota has some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. The beaches have white sand and clear water, so you can see all the way to the bottom when you swim in it!
You will want to spend as much time as possible at these amazing beaches because they are so enjoyable! They are also great for swimming, surfing, boating, fishing, and more!
There are many different restaurants located throughout Sarasota County that serve different types of foods from around the world! Whether you are looking for Italian food or seafood, there is sure to be an option for everyone!
Related: The 15 Best Places to Live in Florida
7. Venice
Venice is one of the best places to live in Southwest Florida and it is easy to see why. It is a small town with a big heart and if you are looking for a place to call home, here are reasons why Venice is your next home.
Venice has some of the most beautiful sunsets around. Whether you’re sitting on your patio or walking along the beach, there is no better way to end your day than with a stunning sunset over the Gulf of Mexico.
The beaches in Venice are pristine, wide, and clean – perfect for spending an afternoon relaxing in the sun or playing in the surf with your family and friends.
The sand is also very soft which makes it easy to walk on even when it’s hot outside! Venice has one of the lowest crime rates in all of Southwest Florida making it one of the safest places to live in Southwest Florida.
There are plenty of activities for kids too so they can run around safely while mom and dad relax on their patio talking over a glass of wine (or two) after work!
8. Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte has a population of over 64,335 residents and is located in Charlotte County. It’s home to many beautiful beaches and stunning views of the Gulf Coast.
Port Charlotte has a lot to offer families, retirees, and young professionals looking for a great place to live. Port Charlotte is known for its beautiful beaches and waterfront homes that line the shoreline throughout town.
There are also many apartment complexes available if you’re looking for something less pricey than a house or condo rental.
Port Charlotte also has plenty of things for families to do including shopping at the many nearby malls like Outlet Mall at Punta Gorda and Westfield Brandon.
There are also several parks including Hartley Park which features playground equipment and picnic tables as well as other green spaces perfect for enjoying a picnic with friends or family members.
Related: The 20 Warm Places to Live With a Low Cost of Living
9. Boca Grande
Boca Grande is one of the best places to live in Southwest Florida. The island has a population of about 1,130 people and is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico.
The community is known for its beaches, fishing, and golf courses. There are only about 200 homes on Boca Grande Island and most of them are located along the waterfront or near the golf course.
Homes range from $1 million to $10 million for waterfront properties, but there are also some affordable options available for those who want to buy real estate on the island.
The schools in Boca Grande are part of the Lee County Public Schools district which has five elementary schools serving grades K-5 and one middle school serving grades 6-8.
There are no high schools in Boca Grande so students attend Gulf Coast High School in Cape Coral which serves as both a middle school and high school.
10. Manasota Key
Manasota Key is one of the best places to live in Southwest Florida. The island, which is part of the Sarasota County Beach and Bay Preserve, is only accessible by boat or by driving over the Manasota Key Beach Bridge.
The key is home to many families and retirees who enjoy its quiet lifestyle. It’s also popular among nature lovers who enjoy exploring what the area has to offer on land or sea.
Manasota Key residents enjoy living in a secluded area that’s just minutes from some of the best shopping, dining, and entertainment options in Sarasota County.
The island is known for its beachfront homes and condos that offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico beaches or Sarasota Bay.
It also has several commercial areas with shops and restaurants for residents who want to enjoy a night out without having to travel too far from home.