Boaters and dog walkers enjoy the laid-back river lifestyle
For Fort Myers Shores, a community on the Caloosahatchee River, the appeal is in its waterfront homes and public boat launch. "Along the water, it has a lot of relaxed boater vibes. Everyone is out walking their dogs and hanging out on the docks," says Yvonne Gallegos, Realtor with John R. Wood Properties. The area is about 10 miles upriver from downtown Fort Myers, and locals are as likely to get there by water as by the nearby Interstate 75. "It's out of the way, but not too out of the way, and for boaters, it’s a good option to get on the river and out to the Gulf," Gallegos says.
Waterfront homes with private docks are a desirable housing option in Fort Myers Shores.
Fort Myers Shores residents can enjoy kayaking on the Caloosahatchee River.
1/2
With no HOA, colorful homes here display plenty of personality
Lining the streets are many 1970s and '80s ranch-style homes, early 2000s traditional Florida stucco homes and Mediterranean-style homes, often with waterfrontage on the river or canals. As a non-HOA neighborhood, lax restrictions are one of this area's perks, according to Gallegos. "Individuality really shows through here — it's not all the same [as in a] gated community," she says. "You'll see a pink house here, an orange house there, and regular colors. There's a lot of variety." Prices range from about $175,000 to around $830,000. Some waterfront homes can reach above $1 million. Much of this area falls within a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area.
Midcentury ranch-style homes can be found throughout Fort Myers Shores.
Coastal style homes offer great views of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers Shores.
1/2
Nature parks offer manatee sightings and cypress trails
Locals access the river from private docks or the Davis Boat Ramp on the community's west end. Fort Myers beaches, islands and the Gulf are about a 45-minute trip west with riverfront restaurants on the way. "Usually when we leave from there, we make a whole day of it," Gallegos says. Residents also enjoy a leisurely eastward cruise toward Lake Okeechobee. "It's very peaceful and quaint, and people stop along the side and chat," she says. The outlying Sanibel Island is known as the Seashell Capital of the World, with over 400 varieties washing up on the white-sand beaches. About 3 miles west, Manatee Park offers an up-close look at sea cows from kayaks or viewing platforms. The animals usually visit here from November to March. Fort Myers Shores Nature Trail Park features a boardwalk through a cypress habitat with native trees and bird species.
Boating is a popular recreation in Fort Myers Shores, with public two boat ramps.
Ft Myers Shores residents can walk the boardwalk and trails at Manatee Park.
1/2
STEM magnet and career academies offer unique programs
Younger kids may attend James Stephens Elementary School, which earns a C-minus from Niche. As Lee County's only STEM magnet school, it incorporates STEM concepts into all subjects, including reading, physical education and art. The Alva School earns a B-minus and serves kindergarten through eighth-grade students. The B-rated Riverdale High School offers training and certifications through various career academies. Students can explore gaming and animation, web design, emerging technology and other subjects.
James Stephens International Academy in Fort Myers offers the STEM program in K- 5th Grade.
The Alva School is a public school centrally located in the community.
Riverdale High School in Fort Myers Shores gets high rankings for student college readiness.
1/3
Walkable downtown and waterfront eateries add variety
River cruises may involve a trip to The Boathouse, a lively spot with music and outdoor seating near the water. The tiki-style restaurant serves fried seafood baskets, burgers, tacos and build-your-own entrees. Tire shops, gas stations, local restaurants, fast-food chains and grocery stores line the community's southern border along State Road 80. The family-owned Jonesez BBQ is a local favorite for traditional barbecue meats and sides. The ribs, pulled pork, mac and cheese and cornbread are menu favorites. Winn-Dixie, Publix and CVS are all nearby. Fort Myers' walkable downtown area — the River District — hosts more restaurants, bars and boutiques.
The Boathouse is known for its seafood, bar, and large tiki hut in Fort Myers Shores.
Jonesez is a the place for take out ribs in Fort Myers Shores.
1/2
Live music, boat shows and parades bring locals downtown
At the monthly Music Walk, the downtown Fort Myers streets and venues come alive with jazz, blues, rock and other sounds from local and regional talent. The city celebrates its late resident, Thomas Edison, in February with the Edison Festival of Light — the largest nighttime parade in the Southeast. The Fort Myers Boat Show is a November highlight with over 100 manufacturers on display.
Art Lovers enjoy admiring the handmade pieces at The Fort Myers Arts Fest held near Fort Myers Shores.
The Fort Myers Boat Show invites residents to check out boats and gear near Fort Myers Shores.
1/2
LeeTran buses and I-75 connect residents to the city center
State Road 80 connects to Fort Myers, about 10 miles southwest. Lee County's LeeTran buses also offer a route to the city center. Commuters are close to Interstate 75, which connects to Southwest Florida International Airport, about 20 miles south. Lee Memorial Hospital in central Fort Myers offers 24-hour emergency care. While sidewalks are uncommon in Fort Myers Shores, Gallegos says there is less traffic within the area boundaries. "You can definitely walk and bike the different areas in the community," she says.
Written By
Liz Coughlin
Photography Contributed By
Kristjan Veski
Video By
Scott Wiggins
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Sande Ellis,
an experienced agent in this area.
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
Beautiful, immaculate and so tastefully updated 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with family room . Entire home has been re-plumbed up to current code. Recent new roof. Never flooded. Kitchen and bathe have granite and Coriancounter tops. Nice large laundry room with new utility sink and a large separate storage room. Vary large screened lanai. Please read confidential comments. Professional photos on
Experience true Southwest Florida waterfront living with this exceptional direct riverfront property offering immediate boating access to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf beyond. Set on over half an acre, this oversized homesite provides room to breathe, expand, and design the lifestyle you have been dreaming of. With unobstructed river frontage, this property is ideal for boating
WATERFRONT POOL HOME + GULF ACCESS + TWO PRIMARY SUITES. Welcome to the peaceful, tucked-away lifestyle of Fort Myers Shores—where days move slower, sunsets feel bigger, and the water is part of everyday living. This fully remodeled 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers over 1,900 sq ft with a flexible layout that’s perfect for multi-generational living, long-term guests, or creating a true private
We offer a custom design built home on a waterfront-gulf access lot with seawall, all constructed in 2017 to an elevation of 7.5. Located on Marquette Blvd on a quiet dead end street and one of the best locations in Fort Myers Shores. The home offers insulated Impact windows & doors and the lanai is protected with motor operated roll down hurricane screen shutters. The property is nicely
NO HOA! COMMUNITY BOAT RAMP! NEWER ROOF! Welcome to this well maintained home in the established Fort Myers Shores neighborhood. This home has numerous updates, including a newer roof and gutters (2023), hurricane-rated impact windows, and a newer A/C unit (2021). The interior features stylish, modern flooring in living area and an updated kitchen with elegant quartz countertops and a chic glass
SELLER FINANCING AVAILABLE! Experience the allure of waterfront living with this riverfront, Gulf Access, legal duplex in the highly sought-after Paradise Shores area. Located in a charming boating community with NO HOA fees, NO city tax, and NO assessments, this exquisite home offers breathtaking million-dollar views from the Caloosahatchee River, part of the Okeechobee Intracoastal Waterway.
We offer an amazing opportunity to own almost 3⁄4 acre of river front property located in the River Forest community and situated on a protected oxbow of the Caloosahatchee River. Water carries good depth to accommodate most any vessel. There is a beautiful view across the oxbow of a protected island full of natural wildlife. The water front has a concrete seawall with composite dock and boat
Welcome home to this updated 4-bedroom, 1 bath home in Ft Myers Shores. You will have plenty of space for your family, including a big, fenced backyard for all to enjoy. Home has been completely redone and includes a 3 yr old AC, new flooring and appliances. Friendly neighborhood with docks and river nearby. Very convenient location, Garage has been converted to a room when home was built. Close
Build your WATERFRONT DREAM HOME on this exceptional RIVERVIEW GULF ACCESS/ NO BRIDGES vacant lot WITH 80' of SEAWALL frontage in FT MYERS SHORES, offering WIDE, breathtaking river views and DIRECT ACCESS to the Gulf of Mexico. This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of paradise in a PREMIER waterfront location. Enjoy quick and easy access to open water—perfect for boating, fishing, and
Bonnie Chase PaKeller Williams Realty Fort Myers and the Islands
This property is located in one of the best and most popular areas of Fort Myers. Completely renovated, it features new impact doors and windows, beautiful new tile flooring, new kitchen cabinets with granite countertops, and beautiful, renovated bathrooms in both the master and guest rooms. This property boasts the most spacious patio and a beautiful, large swimming pool for the full enjoyment
Discover your dream home or income-producing investment! This beautifully maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom ranch-style home offers 1,589 sq ft of living space on a spacious 0.36-acre corner lot. Inside, you'll find a bright, open split floor plan with tile flooring throughout, a large living area, formal dining room, and a comfortable family room. The updated kitchen features an island with
Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to own a 1/3-acre corner lot in the desirable Cottage Point community of Fort Myers. This spacious lot is ideally situated in a quiet, established neighborhood and offers the perfect setting to build either your dream family home or a smart investment property. Zoned AG-2, the property provides increased flexibility for residential or agricultural use,
Beautifully renovated waterfront home located in Fort Myers Shores! This stunning property offers 1,511 square feet of living space and was completely remodeled after Hurricane Ian. The home has not been lived in since the renovation and is ready for its new owner. Featuring large ceramic tile flooring throughout, a modern updated kitchen, new windows, and fully remodeled bathrooms. The home
Discover your perfect getaway on the beautiful Caloosahatchee River located in Fort Myers, Lee County FL! 55+ Riverlawn Terrace Community is located on the river and has community boat docks. This charming trailer offers year-round, winter, or weekend living in a peaceful waterfront community just minutes from Olga Community Park and the historic Franklin Locks. Enjoy direct river access with
Further PRICE REDUCTION! Now at $225,000. Calling all investors, first time buyers or if you are just looking to downsize, now is the time to take advantage of the market reset in SW Florida. Welcome to this charming 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom family home. First time ever on the market. This inviting space is truly a gem, with numerous features that make it ideal for comfortable living. Recent
Welcome home to this charming 3-bedroom, 1-bath residence with a bonus sunroom/den—perfect for a home office, playroom, or extra living space. This home features tile flooring throughout, a beautifully updated kitchen with granite countertops and wood cabinetry, and a functional split-bedroom layout that makes the space feel open and comfortable. Enjoy peace of mind with new roof and windows
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
2 Beds, 1 Bath – 2239 Iris Way: The “Yep, This Is It” Stop on Your Tour Some rentals feel like a stepping stone. This one feels like you’ll still be here happily debating throw pillows three years from now. This 2-bedroom, 1-bath duplex in Fort Myers brings the kind of comfort that’s hard to fake. The layout flows the way you actually live — a welcoming living space, well-sized bedrooms, and
3 bedroom, two bath plus den with living room, family room and screened lanai on a direct gulf access canal with no bridges and includes a seawall and dock. The interior of the home has been completely remodeled with 13x13 ceramic tile, new carpet, new windows, new kitchen and bathroom cabinets with solid surface tops. The roof was replaced in 2005. The electric and plumbing has been updated.
2 Bed, 2 Bath Duplex on First Street – Washer & Dryer Included, Pet-Friendly, Minutes from Downtown Fort Myers Looking for a place that feels like home without trying too hard? This 2-bedroom, 2-bath duplex at 13437 First Street in Fort Myers delivers comfort, practicality, and just the right amount of personality. The kitchen is fully equipped with full-size appliances and plenty of cabinet
Beautifully Remodeled Lakefront Home – Move-In Ready! Come see this stunning, newly remodeled lakefront home — you truly have to see it to appreciate all the upgrades and charm! Inside, you’ll find new plank tile flooring throughout, offering a modern look that’s both beautiful and easy to maintain. The brand-new kitchen features stylish cabinetry and granite countertops, making meal prep and
Stunning Waterfront Retreat with Private Canal Access Discover your own slice of paradise in this exceptional 2-story home featuring 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths, perfectly positioned on a serene waterfront canal with cantilever dock. This remarkable property offers the ultimate blend of indoor comfort and outdoor living. Key Features: Waterfront Living: Direct canal access with cantilever for
Charming Single Family Home 3-bedroom, 1 Bathroom with 1 Car Garage. Screened-in lanai. Roof replaced 10/2020, Water Heater replaced 12/2018, Exterior painted 1/2025.
Caloosahatchee riverfront gulf access property ready for new owner. Direct sailboat access. Beautiful ground level home ranch style, offering a spacious flowing floor plan, 3 bedroom, 2 bathrooms, sunroom with double attached car garage, new impact windows, porcelain tile floors, newly painted, updated bathrooms and kitchen, large screen lanai and pool. One of the few properties on the area with
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
