Industrial space meets close-knit community west of Fort Myers
Laredo and Country Lakes is home to a mix of subdivisions, industrial buildings and mature tropical greenery. The area offers a slower pace of life without being too far from the trendy destination of historic downtown Fort Myers, located about 10 miles west. Many subdivisions in Laredo and Country Lakes are quiet in the summertime but grow lively in winter when snowbird residents come down to roost. That said, the neighborhood has a “healthy blend” of seasonal and full-time residents, so a close-knit community is there year-round, according to Fort Myers resident Irene Moser, a Realtor with Century 21 Selling Paradise. “I worked with a couple who bought some properties there and fixed them up to rent out. They ended up liking the area so much that they moved in themselves.” Moser says affordability makes Laredo and Country Lakes appeal to investors, but the community’s togetherness and family atmosphere endear it to homebuyers.
Laredo & Country Lakes has many industrial businesses in the neighborhood.
Laredo & Country Lakes is primarily residential, with industrial businesses nearby.
Laredo & Country Lakes residents will find popular farm shops and eateries nearby.
1/3
Country Lakes’s low HOA fees
List prices here range from the mid $100,000s to the mid $200,000s. Two- to three-bedroom manufactured homes are the primary option. Properties are spread across several subdivisions, including gated options like Country Lakes and Crystal Lakes, two 55-plus communities east of I-75. In communities like those, HOAs are mandatory but low. The vacation-style subdivisions wrap around manmade lakes and typically feature community amenities, including clubhouses and pools. The streets that branch off Ortiz Avenue, west of I-75, are HOA-free and feature classic ranch-style houses and cottages, as well as a selection of vinyl-sided manufactured homes. Properties on this side of the highway have larger lots with more mature trees like live oaks and palms.
Laredo & Country Lakes has exclusive communities for residents 55 years and older.
Homes in Laredo & Country Lakes include manufactured homes in private communities.
Laredo & Country Lakes communities have resort like amenities, like swimming pools.
1/3
Manatee viewing at Manatee Park
An expansive recreational space sits a few miles from the neighborhood, created by pairing the walkways at Billy Creek Preserve with the playgrounds and fields at Billy Bowlegs Park. Nearby Manatee Park features a playground and a kayak launch, perfect for access to the Orange River and views of the manatees migrating between late December and February. The wetland features an almost 2-mile-long boardwalk and various trails and is a great place to spot wading birds, rabbits and deer.
Manatee Park allows Laredo and Country Lakes residents to view migrating manatees up close.
Laredo and Country Lakes residents will love all there is to see at Manatee Park.
Billy Creek near Laredo & Country Lakes has extensive pathways, perfect for cycling.
1/3
The Flea Market of Ortiz Avenue
The Flea Market of Ortiz Avenue is the longest-running flea market in Fort Myers and a staple for the Laredo and Country Lakes communities. “It’s huge,” Moser says. “Busy every weekend. People bring their families and make a day of it. Maybe grab a couple of cervezas.” The market started in 1967 and is still a family-owned affair. Vendors sell everything from cowboy boots and jewelry to fresh produce and authentic Latin food. The flea market isn’t just a hub of weekend shopping and dining, it's also a family-friendly gathering spot for the Latin community. La Mexicana is a local grocery store right next to the flea market. It has necessities for day-to-day shopping, but for the most part, folks come there for freshly baked pastries and street tacos. Next door, Happy Sun Ice Cream serves cold, homemade treats and fruit juices. Chain restaurants like Culver’s and national retailers like Walmart are about 5 miles away along 6 Mile Cypress Parkway.
Happy Sun Ice Cream is a festive eatery in Laredo and Country Lakes.
La Mexicana features groceries and freshly prepared food in Laredo & Country Lakes.
The Flea Market of Ortiz Avenue is a popular place to shop near Laredo & Country Lakes.
1/3
The School District of Lee County
Laredo and Country Lakes is a part of the School District of Lee County. Students living west of I-75 attend mostly city schools, and those west of the interstate go to schools in the county, including Lee County’s newest high school, Gateway High. The high school is currently unrated because it only opened in 2021. Manatee Elementary is graded B-minus on Niche. Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle is graded B, as is Dunbar High, which was the first high school for black students in Fort Myers. Dunbar High features career academies for students interested in engineering, biomedicine and technology.
Orange River Elementary School has a central main entrance.
Paul Laurence Dunbar Middle School in Fort Myers is a Grade 6-8 school.
Dunbar High School in Fort Myers has 1,769 Students in grades 9-12th grade.
1/3
Immediate access to Interstate 75
Residents in Laredo and Country Lakes have immediate access to I-75. Public LeeTran bus stops are on Ortiz Avenue, but the area is not very walkable since most roads lack sidewalks. Downtown is roughly 7 miles away, and the closest hospital is Lee Memorial Hospital, 8 miles away.
Laredo & Country Lakes residents have direct access to I-75.
Laredo & Country Lakes has several bus routes and stops within the neighborhood.
Ortiz Ave is the main thoroughfare connecting Laredo & Country Lakes to surrounding areas.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
What a great fully paved back in Lot on Meadow Beauty Trail which is the newest section of the resort. This lot comes with professionally installed irrigation throughout a variety of beautifully landscaped plants and trees. The rear of the lot features a Yardistry 15 x 11‘ Gazebo Structure complete with a side bar, two stools and a lighted fan. Under the structure enjoy an additional three
Welcome to your private south-facing concrete/paver lot. Lot 405 is a wonderful private setting with lush landscaping and built-in irrigation. You'll appreciate the sounds of birds coming from the memorial garden on the right side of this lot, which provides, along with extra privacy, a tropical atmosphere as you sit beneath this gorgeous 10x5 Tikki at the back of the lot. This property provides
Welcome to Lot 19, a beautiful perimeter lot offering privacy and convenience—just a short walk from the clubhouse, pool and hot tub, and pickleball courts. This lot features a spacious concrete pad perfect for your RV or trailer, and backs up to lush, landscaped greenery—so there are no neighbors behind you. The property comes with an 8’ x 15’ unfinished shed for future potential for
Make your new home in Crystal Lakes Ft. Myers, a well-maintained, professionally managed manufactured home community! This is a 2023 2 bed/2 bath with den (optional 3rd bedroom). the Home boasts a 1352.00 sq. ft. home in a gorgeous neighborhood. Crystal Lakes Ft. Myers is the perfect place to enjoy the laid-back Fort Myers lifestyle! Let us show you around the place! Call John or Amanda to
When you're ready to settle down and take it easy, take a good look at Crystal Lakes Ft. Myers, an age-restricted (55+), professionally managed, manufactured home community. Right now, qualifying applicants could own a 2022 model year, 1,295 sq. ft. 3 bed/2 bath home. Talk to one of our representatives today and schedule a viewing of this home. For more details and a HOME TOUR REQUEST please call
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sarah Klotzbach,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
2,780
Median Age
40
Population Density
2 ppl/acre
Population under 18
24.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
22.2%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$40,994
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$51,010
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
69%
Below the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
9.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3%
% Population in Labor Force
51.8%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
55°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
27/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
