Neighbor to booming communities like Babcock, Alva offers tranquil living with a small-town feel along the outer edge of Lee County. A quick drive from major retailers and restaurants in Fort Myers, the neighborhood offers residents the chance to enjoy scenic views and sprawling properties while also benefiting from the ability to drive to the nearby city for work, shopping and entertainment.
Multi-acre properties along the Caloosahatchee
Alva maintains a rural atmosphere with agriculture and country living at its core. Farmhouse- and ranch-style homes sit on multi-acre lots along the Caloosahatchee River or near its tributaries. Some houses feature stables in the backyard for boarding horses, while others feature fenced-in gardens and tilled land. “It’s simple rural living. Everybody doesn’t want to be on top of each other. They want to come out here to get some privacy,” explains Brittany Greenwell of Realty Group of Southwest Florida, an agent living and working in the neighborhood. Seen as one of the few remaining communities retaining a secluded feel, Alva offers a stark contrast to more suburban and urban communities in the Fort Myers area. Three-bedroom homes on at least 2 acres cost over $450,000, and four-bedroom houses on over 7 acres cost closer to $600,000. Recently constructed subdivisions offer a lower price point with smaller lot sizes, granting residents a chance to own a home in Alva for around $320,000.
Alva is a big lot properties bordering the Caloosahatchee River
Multi Level homes with Mediterranean accents in Alva neighborhood.
Alva locals enjoy their Mediterranean revival style homes
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Protected green spaces along the river
A community dedicated to the conservation of its green space and small-town atmosphere, Alva includes multiple parks and preserves that emphasize the native plant and wildlife species in the area. Made up of over 750 acres of swamps and woodlands, Caloosahatchee Regional Park invites residents to get outside and enjoy miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails right in the center of the neighborhood. Charleston Park is about 6 miles to the southeast and includes amenities like playgrounds and basketball courts. Unlike Caloosahatchee Regional, Charleston Park is a dog-friendly park with covered pavilions and picnic tables, making it a popular destination for quick trips after school or on the weekend. For bird watching and wildlife observation, places like Daniels Preserve at Spanish Creek and Alva Scrub Preserve include acres of natural habitats for great-horned owls and gopher tortoises.
Alva natural reserve is an asset for Alva residents.
Charleston Park Alva offer covered and lit basketball courts.
The Caloosahatchee river that runs through Alva is and idyllic place to live by the water.
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The Alva School and nearby high school options
Part of Lee County Public Schools, the neighborhood gains access to the Alva School, a nearby elementary and middle school that earns a B grade from Niche. From here, students can attend East Lee County High, a C-plus-graded school located about 15 miles south, or Riverdale High, a B-graded school located approximately 10 miles southwest. At East Lee County High, students can participate in academies for agriculture, automotive technology and firefighting.
Crossing the Alva Bridge and getting out of town
Residents can reach downtown Fort Myers in less than 20 miles via Palm Beach Boulevard, though residents north of the Caloosahatchee River will first need to cross Broadway Street, over the Alva Bridge, to reach the boulevard. For trips outside Lee County, ramps to Interstate 75 are less than 15 miles away, and Southwest Florida International Airport is less than 30 miles southwest.
Alva Lee Highway drawbridge connects both sides Alva
Alva's banks are untied by the Alva Lee Drawbridge.
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31 Produce, Alva Country Diner and into the city
How far residents drive for restaurants and shops depends on what they are looking for. “Right now, I usually have to drive into town to go into Colonial and 6 Mile, so it’s about 20 or 30 minutes to get to any of the retail stores,” Greenwell explains. That said, Greenwell’s family owns 31 Produce, a pick-your-own produce stop along State Road 31 that helps to cover the essentials close to home. For dining out, downtown Fort Myers has options less than 20 miles away, but local Alva Country Diner serves broasted chicken and country-fried steak just off Palm Beach Boulevard, only steps from the local fire station.
The Alva Diner is a tradition in the area.
Alva Diner has a rustic atmosphere and excellent typical american cuisine.
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Building community at Country Harvest
Alva hosts weekly and annual events that promote a sense of unity in the community, including the Country Harvest Market, which features a local farmers market Tuesday through Sunday off Joel Boulevard. There is also an Annual Christmas Parade with live music, local vendors and floats down Palm Beach Boulevard.
Written By
Alicia Swain
Photography Contributed By
Eduardo Ford
Video By
Syd Silberman
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Susan Christiano,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Alva, FL sell after 127 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Alva, FL over the last 12 months is $401,540, down 9% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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