Lake Okeechobee gateway, sugarcane landscape and outdoor lifestyle
The rural Hendry County community of Clewiston is known as both the “Gateway to Lake Okeechobee” and “America’s Sweetest Town.” The first comes from its location on the southern edge of the state’s largest freshwater lake and the second is because of the area’s climate and abundance of sugarcane fields. “You won’t see lakefront properties here thanks to the 30-foot Herbert Hoover Dike,” says Greg Bone, Owner and Broker with Southern Heritage Real Estate & Investments, Inc. “Fishing for bass and duck hunting are the main tourist activities. Otherwise, it’s mostly sugar cane fields, not particularly scenic.”
Ranch-style homes and custom Old Florida estates
Clewiston’s housing market offers a mix of classic ranch-style homes, manufactured houses and larger custom builds set on open, spacious lots throughout town. The lowest priced homes are modest ranch-styles, typically between 1,100 and 1,300 square feet. Manufactured homes provide additional choices. At the higher end, Clewiston’s priciest properties showcase Old Florida architecture and range from 2,400 to 2,700 square feet, often with custom finishes and generous yards. Overall home prices in the area start around $150,000 and climb to $700,000 for the most expansive custom estates.
Central Elementary, C-rated middle and high school, career programs
Local kids can start school at Central Elementary School, which earns a B-minus from Niche. Clewiston Middle School and Clewiston High have both received C ratings. Clewiston High School now offers a Child Development Associate (CDA) program designed to expedite students' entry into teaching careers, as well as a vocational HVAC program that provides training in heating, air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation.
Lake Okeechobee bass fishing, golf course and scenic trail access
Clewiston offers plenty of ways to get outside, including the municipal Clewiston Golf Course. Fishing is a major draw on the 730-mile Lake Okeechobee, where locals and visitors cast for trophy bass along one of Florida’s most renowned bodies of water. The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail circles the water for hiking and biking.
Local tapas, lakefront dining and convenient grocery shopping
Next Corner Tapas and Bar serves Mediterranean-inspired tapas, including patatas bravas, seafood paella, codfish croquettes and Spanish-style omelets. Swamp Water Café and Scotty’s Tiki Bar offer casual American eats, cold drinks and waterfront views. Grocery runs are easy at Save A Lot, and Clewiston Town Center brings together Marshalls, Bealls and Dollar General for everyday essentials, clothes and household goods.
America’s Sweetest celebration
The Clewiston Sugar Festival is the town’s signature spring celebration, honoring its sugarcane heritage with a weekend of family-friendly events. Hosted in the heart of downtown, the event features antique tractor displays, classic car shows and gator wrestling demonstrations. The festival also offers free kids’ play parks, local performers and headlining musicians on the main stage.
U.S. 27, Sugar Express train and nearby regional airports
Clewiston sits at the crossroads of U.S. Highway 27 and State Road 80, making for easy car travel across South Florida toward destinations such as Fort Myers, West Palm Beach and Miami. Sugar Express, a restored heritage train, now offers scheduled excursions and special events with departures right from Clewiston. The closest hospitals include Hendry Regional Medical Center in town, and nearby Lakeside Medical Center in Belle Glade. Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) is about 52 miles east, while Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is roughly 53 miles west.
