Discover The Best Neighborhoods in Fort Myers, Florida
Best Neighborhoods to Live in Fort Myers, Florida The city of Fort Myers, Florida, is a scenic beach community in Lee County. The city's population is close to 100,000, and residents love the area for its delicious food, unique attractions, and award-winning beaches. With more than 100 neighborhoods in Fort Myers, it can be challenging for prospective homebuyers to narrow their options. To help make home shopping easier, discover some of the best neighborhoods in Fort Myers. Paseo Fort Myers, Florida Resort lovers will feel right at home in Paseo. This luxurious and unique community makes every day like a vacation for its residents. Paseo is in south Fort Myers, near Daniels Parkway and Interstate 75. The Cape Coral community is less than thirty minutes away. The community is centered around the Village Center, which has everything a South Floridian resident could desire, including fine dining, an ice cream parlor, and a movie theater. There are also plenty of excellent opportunities for Paseo residents to socialize. In addition to recreational venues that include bocce, tennis, pickleball, and basketball courts, Paseo also features a fishing pier, fitness center, Wi-Fi Cafe, business center, dance studio, pub, and bistro restaurants for casual and fine dining. Living in Paseo is reminiscent of a vacation—even the pool is complete with a resort-inspired tiki bar. The pool area is decorated with sparkling waterfalls and artfully designed rockscapes. The Paseo real estate market offers various housing options. Property types include townhomes, single-family homes, and villa-style homes. Prices typically range from $300,000 to $1,500,000. Casa Del Lago Casa Del Lago is a gated community with more than 200 homes. Its location just across from Paseo makes it a commuter's dream, offering direct access to Daniels Pkwy. And Six Mile Cypress Parkway. Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers are less than twenty minutes away. Community members enjoy gathering in the 5,000-square-foot clubhouse, swimming in the heated outdoor pool, or playing tennis on one of the neighborhood's two-lighted courts. The neighborhood is two minutes south of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a wetland ecosystem spanning over 3,500 acres with several boardwalk trails. Casa Del Lago is close to Brooks Community Park and John Yarbrough Linear Park. Homes for sale in Casa Del Lago are beautiful, with many boasting stucco siding and Spanish-tiled roofs. Prices generally range from $400,000 to $700,000, and most properties offer between three and five bedrooms and at least two bathrooms. Living space ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 square feet. Cypress Lake Cypress Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in Lee County, Florida. The population was 13,727 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area. The neighborhood is between Calusa Palms and the Reflection Lakes community, which McGregor Boulevard borders. The neighborhood is scenic and especially popular with golf lovers. Cypress Lake Golf Club is home to a meticulously maintained course and offers lounge rooms, locker rooms, a snack bar, and full-service dining for members and guests. Other excellent golf courses in Cypress Lake include Golfview Golf & Racquet Club and Myerlee Country Club. Several schools are located in Cypress Lake, including Cypress Lake Middle School and Cypress Lake High School. These public schools are both a part of the Lee County School District. Nearby, the Canterbury School is a private school serving preschool through 12th grade, and Florida Southwestern Collegiate High School is a neighborhood charter school. Cypress Lake real estate is accessible for a wide range of budgets. A quaint, two-bedroom home with over 1,000 square feet of living space can be purchased for as low as $175,000. Homes listed for more than $800,000 are rarely seen in Cypress Lake. Crown Colony If you are searching for an upscale, friendly, fun-loving, active community in a great Southwest Florida location, check out Crown Colony. Crown Colony is a gated community in South Fort Myers, approximately 15 minutes from Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and Fort Myers Beach. The community is ideally located to take advantage of nearby restaurants, grocery stores, banks, emergency or routine medical services, beach activities, theaters, performing arts complexes, schools, and universities. Crown Colony is an entirely built-out, solvent community that offers something for all family members: golf, tennis, swimming, fitness, social events, and much more. Many of the homes overlook a member-owned, world-class 18-hole golf course. Homes for sale in Crown Colony typically range from $600,000 to $1,250,000. The properties here are relatively similar in size and exterior aesthetic, giving the neighborhood a pleasantly cohesive appearance. Most properties have three to four bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, and up to 3,000 square feet of living space. Esplanade Lake Club A boater's dream! Live life to the fullest in this stunning lakeside community. Stroll along the waterfront walking trail or view Lake Como on the floating pier. Hang out along the beach or take advantage of the community boat dock or kayak launch to get out on the water! Experience this style of remarkable living at Esplanade Lake Club. Life at Esplanade provides unique opportunities centered around resort-style amenities and wellness programs to invigorate the mind, body, and spirit. In addition to all the in-house amenities that Esplanade Lake Club offers, it's also near several popular shops and restaurants. Residents can travel south down Alico Road and arrive at establishments like Twin Peaks, Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen, and Miller's Ale House. Homes for sale in Esplanade Lake Club are villa-inspired properties that borrow attributes from Tuscan and Californian architectural styles. Prices vary greatly and generally range from $600,000 for a two-bedroom home to over $2,000,000 for a 3,000-square-foot home. The TM Livewell system benefits properties in Esplanade Lake Club. TM Livewell features and products are installed in every Esplanade Lake Club property at no additional cost and provide cleaner air and water and fewer potentially harmful chemicals. Watermark Watermark is a tightly knit and scenic community located in southeastern Fort Myers. Its over 100 acres are home to four breathtaking lakes, providing prospective homebuyers with plenty of waterfront property. These lakes also allow recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, swimming, and sunbathing. The neighborhood is on Watermark Boulevard, a short drive from Colonial Boulevard and Interstate 75. It's also less than five minutes from Heritage Palms Country Club, where Watermark residents can enjoy over 800 acres of meticulously maintained course, pickleball, tennis, and group fitness classes. Plenty of restaurants and entertainment options are less than a five-minute drive from Watermark. El Gaucho Inca and Stevie Tomato's Sports Page are popular local haunts, and the Cypress Woods Shopping Center is less than five minutes away. Watermark was created by Neal Communities, a company whose mission statement is focused on producing high-quality, long-term developments. New construction homes are typical in Watermark; when the neighborhood is complete, there will be close to 300 homes. Watermark real estate thus far consists of spacious and beautiful homes, with prices generally in the $400,000s—$600,000s. Most properties have at least three bedrooms and two or more bathrooms, and interior living spaces can be up to 2,500 square feet. Buckingham Buckingham ranches come with acreage and rural amenities. A unique neighborhood in northeast Fort Myers. Residents appreciate the neighborhood for its rural character and bucolic charm. It has over 4,000 residents and is home to the historic Buckingham School. Despite feeling far removed from city life, Buckingham is a convenient neighborhood for commuters. Buckingham Road and Orange River Boulevard are major thoroughfares running through the neighborhood. Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers are 35 and 20 minutes away. Buckingham is lush with parks and green space. Hickory Swamp Preserve, Buckingham Trails Preserve, and Buckingham Community Park are all in the neighborhood. Kohl's, Publix, and Walmart Supercenter are five minutes away. Homes for sale in Buckingham are typically single-family properties with beautifully landscaped frontage and spacious backyards. Prices usually start at $300,000 and normally don't rise above $1,500,000, so the neighborhood is accessible to a wide range of budgets. Homes have anywhere from two to six bedrooms, and it's not uncommon to see interior living spaces up to 4,000 square feet. WildBlue The neighborhood is a popular option for prospective homebuyers for its convenient location and excellent amenities. Residents of WildBlue are within an easy drive of Interstate 75 and U.S. 41, and Cape Coral and downtown Fort Myers are roughly thirty minutes away. This breathtaking master-planned community spans over 3,000 acres of rolling green space, over 800 of which are occupied by freshwater lakes. Residents can practically enjoy activities like fishing, kayaking, and boating from their doorstep. Residents are also just a ten-minute drive from the Gulf Coast Town Center, an outdoor shopping mall with over 100 stores. If that wasn't enough, there are beautiful beaches just a few miles away. Barefoot Beach and Lover's Key are two local favorites, with visitors appreciating their silky sands and relaxing atmospheres. WildBlue is the beautiful outcome of a collaboration between four well-respected local builders: Pulte Homes, Lennar, WCI, and Stock Development. The result is 1,100 homes that seamlessly blend aesthetics with functionality. This well-designed combination creates an environment that residents enjoy coming home to. WildBlue real estate prices generally range from $400,000 to $4,000,000, so homebuyers can choose from a wide range of options. Fort Myers Provides the Best of Florida Living With so many great neighborhoods in Fort Myers, it can be difficult for prospective homebuyers to choose. There is something for everyone here, whether they search for a relaxing oasis or an action-packed abode. No matter what is on a prospective homebuyer's wishlist when moving to Fort Myers, there is no doubt they will find something to love in one of these excellent neighborhoods. Click here to Contact Us. If you've fallen in love with Fort Myers, Call / Text 239 30 5988 or email esteelerealestate@gmail.com to contact a local real estate agent and find your dream home today.
Why an Agent Is Essential When Buying a Newly Built Home
For some buyers, there’s a misconception that newly built homes aren’t made to last or fall short of the quality you can find in older homes. Unfortunately, this is turning some buyers away from what may be one of their best options in today’s housing market. As Builder Online says: “As resale inventory remains limited and the price spread between new and resale homes narrows, new homes are increasingly an attractive value proposition for buyers, with incentives such as rate buydowns a way to help address ongoing affordability challenges.” So, is there any merit to the myth? Let’s explain the best way to ensure you feel good about looking into new home construction. That way, you’re not missing out on such a great option today. Choosing the Right Builder Choosing a good builder is vital to ensuring you get a quality newly built home. Reputable builders adhere to strict building codes and standards, use advanced construction techniques, and often offer warranties that cover structural issues for several years. That’s why the Mortgage Reports offers this advice: “When embarking on the journey of buying a new construction home, one of the most important steps is selecting the right builder. This decision can significantly impact the quality and satisfaction you derive from your new home.” And while you could dig into research about all the builders in your area, there’s an easier option to get the job done: lean on a pro. When you work with a local real estate agent, they already know about the builders and the new home communities under construction in your area. Beyond that, maybe they’ve even worked with other buyers who opted for a home in one of those neighborhoods. Here are just a few of the things your agent will help you with: 1. The Builder’s Reputation: Your agent will help point you toward builders with solid reputations and positive reviews from previous buyers. Additionally, your agent will make sure the builder is licensed and insured. Membership in professional organizations, such as the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), is also a good sign of a builder’s commitment to industry standards. 2. Their Model Homes: Your agent will also be able to tell you if the builders have model homes you can tour. And when your agent walks through the model with you, they’ll draw your attention to the little details that matter most. Things like the quality of finishes, layout, and overall feel of the home. 3. Builder Warranties: Your agent will also be able to help you navigate any builder offers or incentives. Reputable builders often provide warranties covering major structural elements of the home for a significant period of time, a testament to their confidence in the quality of their construction. 4. Getting Inspections: Inspections are crucial even for new homes. Your agent will coordinate the inspections with licensed professionals to ensure the home meets safety and quality standards before you move in. Agents Are the MVP When You’re Buying a Brand-New Home Maybe that’s why data shows homebuyers unanimously scored their agents higher than their builders when looking back on their recent purchase: So, you don’t need to worry that they just don’t make them like they used to. Working with a knowledgeable real estate agent to choose a reputable builder makes you feel confident when buying a newly built home today. As Realtor.com says: “If you are interested in buying a new construction . . . You need your own real estate agent from the get-go. Even if it seems like plug and play to sign up with the builder’s on-site agent, you’re going to want someone representing your side of the deal.” Bottom Line If you’re considering buying a brand-new home, don’t let misconceptions hold you back. Work with a local real estate agent to find a home you’ll love and be proud to call your own.
The Down Payment Assistance You Didn’t Know About
Believe it or not, almost 80% of first-time homebuyers qualify for down payment assistance, but only 13% actually use it. Here's what you need to know to make the most of your down payment in today's housing market. Amplify Your Down Payment Potential For first-time buyers, the name of the game with down payments is ensuring you're taking advantage of all the resources designed to help you. And many of them can get you to your goal faster than you may have thought possible. For example, loan options, like Veterans, require as little as 3% down or even 0% for specific qualified borrowers. And let's not forget down payment assistance, like grants and other opportunities, that help you cover the upfront cost of your down payment. If you want to explore those options and what you can use to your advantage, connect with a trusted lender. Because if you don't at least see what's available, you could be leaving money on the table and missing your chance at buying a home. These resources can boost your down payment. A higher down payment could help lower your eventual monthly mortgage payment and even avoid or reduce your fees like private mortgage insurance. As a Realtor in the Fort Myers area, I want to share all the assistance programs available in our county. Here is a list of down payment assistance programs available in Lee County, Florida, including statewide programs: 1. Lee County Housing Development Corporation (LCHDC) – Down Payment Assistance Program Details: Provides up to $10,000 in down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers in Lee County. Eligibility: Buyers must meet income limits, attend homebuyer education, and the home must be the buyer's primary residence. 2. Lee County SHIP (State Housing Initiatives Partnership) Program Details: Offers down payment and closing cost assistance for low- and moderate-income homebuyers. Eligibility: Income limits apply, and the program prioritizes first-time homebuyers. Funds may also be used to rehab existing homes. 3. Florida Housing Finance Corporation – Florida Assist Program Details: This program provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for a deferred second mortgage at 0% interest. Eligibility: Available to first-time homebuyers who qualify for Florida Housing's first mortgage loan programs. 4. Florida Housing – HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS Second Mortgage Details: It offers down payment assistance of 3%, 4%, or 5% of the home's purchase price. Eligibility: Must meet income limits and credit requirements and complete homebuyer education courses. 5. Florida Bond Program (Homebuyer Loan Program) Details: Provides low-interest loans and down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers through participating lenders. The aid comes as a second mortgage that may be forgivable after a certain period. Eligibility: Income and purchase price limits apply, and the program requires buyers to be first-time homebuyers. 6. Florida Housing Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) Program Details: Offers a federal tax credit of up to 50% of the mortgage interest paid each year, up to $2,000 annually. These savings can help homebuyers afford a larger mortgage. Eligibility: Must meet income limits, be a first-time homebuyer, and use the home as a primary residence. 7. Lee County Habitat for Humanity Details: Offers affordable homeownership opportunities and assistance for down payments through sweat equity and partnership with the organization. Eligibility: Must meet income guidelines, participate in Habitat's homebuyer program, and contribute a certain number of volunteer hours. 8. VA Home Loan – Florida Details: Offers 100% financing, meaning no down payment is required for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain military spouses. Eligibility: Must meet eligibility requirements set by the VA and have a satisfactory credit history. 9. FHA Loans with Down Payment Assistance Details: FHA loans only require a 3.5% down payment, and several down payment assistance programs, including the Florida Assist Program, can be paired with them. Eligibility: Available to first-time homebuyers or buyers with less-than-perfect credit. Must complete homebuyer education. 10. Good Neighbor Next Door Program (GNND) Details: This program offers significant home discounts (up to 50% off) for teachers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. It also includes a reduced down payment requirement. Eligibility: Must be a full-time teacher, law enforcement officer, firefighter, or EMT and live in designated revitalization areas. Each program has unique requirements; for personalized professional help, reach out to: 239 370 5988 Elizabeth Steele email:esteelerealestate@gmail.com or schedule. Click to schedule
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