Montura keeps old Florida traditions with acreage and hobby farms
Montura lives up to its name — meaning "saddle" or "mount" — as a rural community with the acreage and zoning for animals. This unincorporated Hendry County area balances growth with an old Florida vibe and agricultural heritage that residents hold dear. "You have an acre to an acre and a quarter of land, so it's country living," says Realtor Ana Moore of Everglades Realty, who works throughout Hendry and surrounding counties. "Most people are coming here from the city, so they're going from zero lot lines to (acreage). It's a substantial change." Moore says commuters find this an affordable bedroom community between Fort Myers, West Palm Beach and Broward County.
Livestock allowed with limits on numbers
Most of this area is zoned for hobby farming, allowing for limited quantities of horses, cows, donkeys, goats, chickens and other livestock. "It used to be a lot more lax, but now that more people are there, they are limiting the number of animals," Moore says. "I always tell people to make sure to check with the county." The community has a tidy grid of paved and unpaved roads — a remnant of the original master plan from the 1970s. Many lots are available to build on, as the area is still largely undeveloped. There are also mobile homes, traditional Florida stucco homes and new builds. Lots range from around $30,000 to $80,000, and move-in-ready homes range from around $300,000 to $500,000.
Community at the clubhouse, and outdoor activities at Okaloacoochee
The centrally located clubhouse is a community hub with a pool, playground, basketball courts, ball field and open space. It hosts after-school programs and summer camps for kids. There are acres of surrounding natural spaces for horseback riding, camping, hunting, wildlife viewing, fishing and hiking. Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest features 40 miles of unpaved roads and trails. It's home to Florida panthers, black bears, white-tailed deer and over 100 bird species. Locals also enjoy fishing and boating on Lake Okeechobee, accessible from Clewiston.
Preschool center and public schools with college credit options
Montura Early Learning Center serves preschool students. Other Hendry County Schools are located in Clewiston, and school buses make the journey. Kids may attend Eastside Elementary School and Clewiston Middle School, both earning C grades from Niche, and Clewiston High School, which gets a C-plus. Eleventh and 12th-graders can immerse themselves in college classes without leaving campus. The collegiate academy consists of a full-time dual enrollment schedule, led by Florida SouthWestern State College professors at the high school.
Shopping and Dining
Montura's Market and Azteca Super Market both sell produce and grocery staples. Azteca also offers ready-to-eat Mexican food. The small commercial scene is set to grow. "(County Road) 833 is one of the main roads, and it's zoned commercial. There is talk of bringing a clinic, and some other things are on the way," Moore says. Locals can head to Clewiston, about 20 miles northeast, for additional options such as Walmart Supercenter, Walgreens and Save A Lot. Scotty's Tiki Bar and Grill serves up a Florida vibe with live music and outdoor dining. Patrons appreciate the complementary bug spray. The gator tacos and fish sandwich are menu favorites.
Country music and family fun at the Sugar Festival
Clewiston's annual Sugar Festival draws a crowd with established and rising country music artists from Nashville. The March event also features a car show, antique tractor display, kids' carnival, wildlife shows and over 200 vendors.
Central location and highway connections support commuters
Commuters appreciate a central location between Fort Myers, about 60 miles west, West Palm Beach, about 80 miles east, and Broward, about 85 miles southeast. U.S. Route 27 and State Road 80 are the main arteries. "It's easy on traffic as well," Moore says. "A lot of people travel back and forth from Broward, so commuting is fairly easy." Southwest Florida International Airport offers 70 direct flights, and counting, out of Fort Myers. Hendry Regional Medical Center provides comprehensive care in Clewiston. Hendry County's STREAM service offers fixed bus routes throughout the area.
