From her home in Olga, Barbara Ware sees all sorts of boats sail past on their way down the Caloosahatchee River. One day, Ware even spotted a vessel bearing the presidential seal; it was the former presidential yacht, used by every U.S. president from Harry Truman to Richard Nixon, on a chartered trip. Many boats travel the river, which eventually connects to the Intracoastal Waterway. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers operates a lock in the unincorporated community of Olga, creating prime viewing opportunities from residents’ docks and porches. “All the boats that go through have to stop in front of our house, so we get a chance to see all these boats as they cross to the Intracoastal,” says Ware, owner of Barbara L. Ware Realty Inc. Boat traffic can build up on the water, but, on land, Olga is a peaceful community removed from the rapidly developing city of Fort Myers. Away from the riverfront, there are a few farms and houses on large parcels, sequestered behind rows of palms and Spanish moss-covered oaks. “It reminds me of how Fort Myers used to be,” Ware says.
The expansive Caloosahatchee River offers great opportunity for daily boating and recreation in Olga.
Olga is a peaceful community removed from the rapidly developing city of Fort Myers.
1/2
Waterfront homes along the Caloosahatchee
Riverside houses vary from stucco ranch-style homes to custom contemporary designs, but most have private docks. Inland, Spanish Colonial Revival homes and New Traditionals line streets, while some houses are spaced out on multi-acre properties. Most recent home sales range from $260,000 to $540,000, though a few homes on acre-plus lots have sold between $710,000 and $890,000. Flood zones cover most of the community, so mortgage lenders may require homebuyers to have flood insurance. The W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam, along with another lock about 30 miles away, helps with flood control for some areas of Olga. For example, Hurricane Ian destroyed thousands of buildings across Lee County in 2022 — but not Ware’s house. “We were one of the homes not flooded during Ian, because we lived between the locks,” she says. “The water came into our yard, but it didn’t flood the house.” The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opens the locks before major storms, allowing boats to seek safe harbor between them.
An exciting variety of boats can be seen traveling along the river, and moored on private docks in Olga.
Homes in Olga include waterfront ranches with idyllic views.
1/2
School choice in the School District of Lee County
Children are assigned to an attendance zone based on where they live, and each zone has multiple school options. In January and February, parents of incoming kindergartners, sixth graders and ninth graders may apply to the schools they want their children to attend. In Olga, options include The Alva School, a school for kindergartners through eighth graders that gets a B-minus from Niche, and B-rated Riverdale High. Riverdale High’s Education Academy gives students interested in teaching the opportunity to learn about education careers, take part in classroom observations and help teach at local elementary schools.
Riverdale High School has a central main entrance and drop off area.
The Alva School is a public school centrally located in the community.
1/2
Accessing the river at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area
Paddlers and boaters can launch into the river from the ramp at W.P. Franklin South Recreation Area. On occasion, the Florida Vagabonds suit up in old-timey baseball uniforms and head to the park to play vintage baseball, a version of the game played according to 1860s rules. The park is next to the W.P. Franklin Lock and Dam. “They have a platform where you can see the water level go up and down when they open the locks,” Ware says. The playground and tennis court at Olga Community Park are next to Olga Community Center, where people can take yoga classes and line dancing lessons. The center also hosts summer and spring break camps for kids. Beach days are only about 30 miles away.
Olga boaters can launch from private boat launches, or private docks.
Olga Park and Community Center features a center with indoor activities and programs.
1/2
Businesses concentrate along state Road 80
Residents can go east or west on Florida state Road 80 to grab barbecue at Rib City or Southern breakfasts, lunches and dinners at Alva Country Diner. Boaters moor their vessels at Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, a waterfront restaurant with a swimming pool and daily live music. Stores along the highway include Publix, Tractor Supply Co. and DG Ace Hardware. HCA Florida Lehigh Hospital is 12 miles away. On South Olga Drive, Holy Cross Orthodox Church stands across from Olga Baptist Church.
Olga residents can find groceries and essentials at Publix.
Olga is close to several shopping centers along Route 80.
1/2
State Road 80, LeeTran bus route to Fort Myers
The 10-mile drive to Fort Myers can take up to 45 minutes, depending on traffic. People can hop on a LeeTran bus to downtown Fort Myers, a roughly 30-minute ride. Twenty miles away at Southwest Florida International Airport, travelers catch nonstop flights to more than 70 destinations.
Bus stops can be found along major roadways, and near retail centers in Olga.
Downtown Fort Myers is just a short distance away, offering Olga residents a wider variety of nightlife, events, and restaurants.
1/2
Written By
Alex Soderstrom
Photography Contributed By
Kristjan Veski
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Lesley Williams,
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
Eco-friendly, move-in ready, 2-bedroom plus den villa in Cascades at River Hall. This property features $$$ MONEY-SAVING SOLAR PANELS $$$ that sharply lower electric bills while helping the environment. Step right outside to your !!!! HUGE OVERSIZED EXTENDED SCREENED LANAI !!! boasting completely private, tranquil preserve views for the ultimate outdoor retreat. The bright, open floor plan shines
MAKE AN OFFER TODAY AND WIN THE BEST DEAL IN RIVER HALL GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB! Back on the market after a brief pause due to the sellers’ relocation timeline, this beautifully upgraded lakefront pool home in River Hall Country Club is ready for its next owner. Located on a quiet dead-end street with no homes directly across the road, this exceptional property offers rare privacy, southern rear
Alexis Hansen-MayKeller Williams Realty Fort Myers and the Islands
Beautiful 2 bedroom plus den , 2 full baths , with over 1600 sq ft. This home features cathedral ceilings , large open airy floor plan. Large Master suite with large walk in closet and duel sinks in bath. Split floor plan . Den can be used as 3 bedroom as well. Roof is new in 2021 also new Air handler in 2022. Huge wrap around lanai plus beautiful side garden area. 2 car garage on a large
Fantastic buy for the size and location!! Seller Financing Available. Discover the perfect blend of luxury and community living in this spacious Cairn floor plan nestled within the scenic Cascades at River Hall. Situated on a corner lot overlooking a lakeview preserve, this home offer ideal setting for adding a pool or extended lanai effortlessly. No hurricane damage here! No flooding
Exquisite Home in Cascades at River Hall — Premier 55+ Living in Alva, Florida Discover refined living in the peaceful countryside of Alva at Cascades at River Hall, a premier 55+ gated community just minutes from Fort Myers. This beautifully maintained 2-bedroom plus a Den, 2-bath home features tile flooring throughout, soaring ceilings, abundant natural light, and an open-concept design perfect
The Lakeside floorplan is a spacious floor plan encompassing 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, and great room. These 2,078 square foot home features an open concept floorplan where the living area, dining area, and kitchen join to create the perfect space for family time and entertaining. In the kitchen, the quartz countertops and kitchen island are ideal for preparing meals or sharing meals at barstool
Welcome to your slice of Florida living where everything feels just right the moment you walk in.This 2022-built Bright Meadow 2 by Neal Communities is being offered by its original owners, and it shows—in all the best ways. Once inside, you’re greeted with that light, bright, airy feel buyers are always chasing but rarely find. Neutral tones, crisp white shaker cabinetry, and driftwood plank
The Cali floorplan in Hemingway Pointe is a 1,828 square foot home with four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a two-car garage. As one of our most popular floorplans, this one-story home features an open-concept design to enhance the modern feel of this home. The well-appointed kitchen includes a large island perfect for bar-style eating or entertaining, a walk-in pantry, quartz countertops, and
Direct Gulf Access lot right off the beautiful Caloosahatchee River! Rarely available in this price range with a seawall in place, this parcel is 2 lots off the river and within the Waterway Shores Subdivision which offers a boat ramp for the exclusive use of the community property owners only. Build your new home on this cleared parcel and have year-round boating access to the warm waters of the
Huge 4 bedroom 4 bath house on 1.14 acres overlooking a large pond, with an attached 3 1/2 car garage, a chicken coop, machinery shed and large pole barn for the RV, boats or use as a workshop, all on a quiet country road in Alva. Both air conditioners are recent; two and three years old, oversized well equipment and water storage with a septic system. The first floor has two bedrooms and two
Welcome to Alva – The Secret Equestrian & Boater’s Recreational Hideaway Discover where refined waterfront living meets unspoiled Old Florida beauty. Tucked along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway, this extraordinary riverfront estate delivers the perfect balance of luxury, privacy, and adventure. Wake each morning to breathtaking sunrises shimmering across the water from your expansive primary
Get ready to experience luxurious living at its finest with our stunning, light and bright 3 bed, 2 bath and 2 car garage 1328 sq ft Archer II plan home. This spacious and beautifully designed home offers the perfect blend of comfort and style, with ample room for relaxation and entertaining. Imagine waking up every morning to the sound of birds chirping and enjoying your morning coffee on your
Step into elevated Florida living in this move-in-ready, new construction home located within the gated community of Hemingway Pointe in Fort Myers. This 4-bedroom, 2 bath residence is loaded with upgrades unlike any other property in the community, including plank tile flooring throughout the home and impact-resistant windows and sliding glass doors, offering enhanced quality, durability, and
This beautiful "David Weekly" residence located at 16436 Windsor Way, is nestled within the prestigious River Hall Country Club, a gated bundled golf community renowned for its championship Davis Love III golf course, resort-style amenities, and serene natural surroundings in Southwest Florida.This beautifully updated 3,210 square foot, 4-bedroom + den and office, 3-bathroom home includes a
Welcome to the lifestyle you've been looking forward to. This beautifully maintained Cairn floor plan in the sought-after Cascades at River Hall offers everything a discerning 55+ renter could want — space, serenity, and a resort-style community built for active, fulfilling living.Spanning 2,090 square feet under air, this corner home sits on a tranquil lakeview preserve lot, bathing every
Beautifully updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-family home located in the desirable Hawks Preserve community. This home features new tile flooring throughout (installed approx. one year ago), fresh interior and exterior paint, and a newly installed roof for added peace of mind.Situated on a quiet end-of-street location with no through traffic, the property offers added privacy with a lake
Welcome to this cozy, newly renovated PadSplit designed for comfort and easy living. ?? Enjoy relaxing on the patio or porch, sharing meals in the dining area, and settling into a space that truly feels like home.Each room includes: Comfortable bed & mattress Dresser or storage space Fast WiFi Secure entryCook with ease in a kitchen that features TWO
Recently remodeled 3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Fort Myers, FL, combining modern finishes with functional living spaces. The interior features LVP and tile flooring, a living room, and a walk-in closet, plus extra storage for convenience. The kitchen includes stainless steel appliances, and on-site laundry adds everyday practicality. Step outside to a patio for outdoor enjoyment, and benefit from a
3-bedroom, 2-bath home in Fort Myers, FL, combining modern finishes with functional living spaces. The interior features tile flooring, a living room, and a walk-in closet, plus extra storage for convenience. Modern Kitchen and on-site laundry adds everyday practicality. Step outside to a patio for outdoor enjoyment, and benefit from a two-car garage. Located in an HOA community, this home offers
BEAUTIFUL SPACIOUS HOME FOR RENT located in sought after east area of Fort Myers (Hawk’s Preserve Community). This house has 4 Bedrooms, 1 Den, 3 full Bathrooms, 2 Car Garage, Roomy front Porch and back Lanai. All Bedrooms have fan ceilings with light fixtures. Kitchen has a stylish Corian counter tops with stainless steel appliances and plenty of cabinets for storage. Kitchen’s island overlooks
Beautiful ANNUAL Rental Available now. This 3-bedroom 2 bath home boasts a bright and open floor plan with formal living room and dining room, tile and laminate wood floors throughout. Completely renovated as well as cabinets. The island kitchen is perfect with a breakfast bar and nook, Master bedroom has a large walk-in closet, backyard includes a privacy fence, and the laundry room with washer
Welcome to 14181 Old Olga Rd., Fort Myers! This charming and well-maintained duplex presents an excellent opportunity for those seeking a cozy and comfortable rental home. With its prime location in Fort Myers, FL 33905, this property offers convenient access to local amenities, parks, and transportation options. Upon entering this delightful duplex, you'll be greeted by a warm and inviting
Beautiful waterfront duplex apartment available for rent in the desirable Fort Myers Beach area! This spacious 2-bedroom, 2-bath unit offers comfortable coastal living with direct canal access to the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy a bright and open layout, relaxing water views, and the perfect setting for boating, fishing, and enjoying the Florida lifestyle. Conveniently located near beaches, restaurants,
This 2-2 has a large screened in lanai, living room and large kitchen. In the Olga community One block to the river with community parks within walking distance and boat ramp 1 mile away. With in 30 minute to everything Ft Myers has to offer, downtown, movies , shopping, dining.
Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and 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.
