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Alva

Alva

Rural Neighborhood in Florida

Lee County 33920

Neighborhood Reviews
3.4
$560,501 Average Value
$345 Average Price per Sq Ft
42 Homes For Sale

Rural, small-town living connected to Fort Myers

Neighbor to booming communities like Babcock, Alva offers tranquil living with a small-town feel along the outer edge of Lee County. A quick drive from major retailers and restaurants in Fort Myers, the neighborhood offers residents the chance to enjoy scenic views and sprawling properties while also benefiting from the ability to drive to the nearby city for work, shopping and entertainment.

Multi-acre properties along the Caloosahatchee

Alva maintains a rural atmosphere with agriculture and country living at its core. Farmhouse- and ranch-style homes sit on multi-acre lots along the Caloosahatchee River or near its tributaries. Some houses feature stables in the backyard for boarding horses, while others feature fenced-in gardens and tilled land. “It’s simple rural living. Everybody doesn’t want to be on top of each other. They want to come out here to get some privacy,” explains Brittany Greenwell of Realty Group of Southwest Florida, an agent living and working in the neighborhood. Seen as one of the few remaining communities retaining a secluded feel, Alva offers a stark contrast to more suburban and urban communities in the Fort Myers area. Three-bedroom homes on at least 2 acres cost over $450,000, and four-bedroom houses on over 7 acres cost closer to $600,000. Recently constructed subdivisions offer a lower price point with smaller lot sizes, granting residents a chance to own a home in Alva for around $320,000.

Alva is a big lot properties bordering the Caloosahatchee River
Alva is a big lot properties bordering the Caloosahatchee River
Multi Level homes with Mediterranean accents in Alva neighborhood.
Multi Level homes with Mediterranean accents in Alva neighborhood.
Alva locals enjoy their Mediterranean revival style homes
Alva locals enjoy their Mediterranean revival style homes
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Protected green spaces along the river

A community dedicated to the conservation of its green space and small-town atmosphere, Alva includes multiple parks and preserves that emphasize the native plant and wildlife species in the area. Made up of over 750 acres of swamps and woodlands, Caloosahatchee Regional Park invites residents to get outside and enjoy miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails right in the center of the neighborhood. Charleston Park is about 6 miles to the southeast and includes amenities like playgrounds and basketball courts. Unlike Caloosahatchee Regional, Charleston Park is a dog-friendly park with covered pavilions and picnic tables, making it a popular destination for quick trips after school or on the weekend. For bird watching and wildlife observation, places like Daniels Preserve at Spanish Creek and Alva Scrub Preserve include acres of natural habitats for great-horned owls and gopher tortoises.

Alva natural reserve is an asset for Alva residents.
Alva natural reserve is an asset for Alva residents.
Charleston Park Alva offer covered and lit basketball courts.
Charleston Park Alva offer covered and lit basketball courts.
The Caloosahatchee river that runs through Alva is and idyllic place to live by the water.
The Caloosahatchee river that runs through Alva is and idyllic place to live by the water.
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The Alva School and nearby high school options

Part of Lee County Public Schools, the neighborhood gains access to the Alva School, a nearby elementary and middle school that earns a B grade from Niche. From here, students can attend East Lee County High, a C-plus-graded school located about 15 miles south, or Riverdale High, a B-graded school located approximately 10 miles southwest. At East Lee County High, students can participate in academies for agriculture, automotive technology and firefighting.

Crossing the Alva Bridge and getting out of town

Residents can reach downtown Fort Myers in less than 20 miles via Palm Beach Boulevard, though residents north of the Caloosahatchee River will first need to cross Broadway Street, over the Alva Bridge, to reach the boulevard. For trips outside Lee County, ramps to Interstate 75 are less than 15 miles away, and Southwest Florida International Airport is less than 30 miles southwest.

Alva Lee Highway drawbridge connects both sides Alva
Alva Lee Highway drawbridge connects both sides Alva
Alva's banks are untied by the Alva Lee Drawbridge.
Alva's banks are untied by the Alva Lee Drawbridge.
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31 Produce, Alva Country Diner and into the city

How far residents drive for restaurants and shops depends on what they are looking for. “Right now, I usually have to drive into town to go into Colonial and 6 Mile, so it’s about 20 or 30 minutes to get to any of the retail stores,” Greenwell explains. That said, Greenwell’s family owns 31 Produce, a pick-your-own produce stop along State Road 31 that helps to cover the essentials close to home. For dining out, downtown Fort Myers has options less than 20 miles away, but local Alva Country Diner serves broasted chicken and country-fried steak just off Palm Beach Boulevard, only steps from the local fire station.

The Alva Diner is a tradition in the area.
The Alva Diner is a tradition in the area.
Alva Diner has a rustic atmosphere and excellent typical american cuisine.
Alva Diner has a rustic atmosphere and excellent typical american cuisine.
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Building community at Country Harvest

Alva hosts weekly and annual events that promote a sense of unity in the community, including the Country Harvest Market, which features a local farmers market Tuesday through Sunday off Joel Boulevard. There is also an Annual Christmas Parade with live music, local vendors and floats down Palm Beach Boulevard.

Alicia Swain
Written By
Alicia Swain
Eduardo Ford
Photography Contributed By
Eduardo Ford
Syd Silberman
Video By
Syd Silberman

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Eric Pfeifer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Southwest Florida International

38 min drive

Reviews

Niche Reviews
3.4 9 Reviews
5.0 Current Resident
11/30/2022 Niche Review
Living in Alva is amazing! I like being in the country and having the ability to see the night stars in the sky.
3.0 Niche User
1/12/2015 Niche Review
Being a small town, Alva does not have much to offer in the way of fine dining. There is a small local restaurant, and fast food dining/some restaurants in the next town over.
4.0 Niche User
1/12/2015 Niche Review
Most business in Alva are family-owned and centered around the Community
Are you familiar with the Alva neighborhood? to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Alva US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 1 4
Assault with Weapon 1 4
Robbery 1 4
Burglary 1 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 4
Larceny 1 4
Crime Score 1 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$719,000
Median Single Family Price
$749,500
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$142,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$345
Number of Homes for Sale
42
Last 12 months Home Sales
123
Months of Supply
4.10
Median List Price
$789,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
7%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
31%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,266
Median Year Built
1985
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,109
Above the national average
1,935
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,152
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
973
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
48,787

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Apr 26
    3 - 5pm

    16990 River Boat Bend, Alva, FL 33920

    $1,900,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,554 Sq Ft
    • 16990 River Boat Bend

    No hurricane Ian flooding or flood insurance required. One of a kind, a must see! If you enjoy the serenity of country living, the view of being on the water and still want to be close to everything, this is the home for you. Nestled on the Caloosahatchee River with gulf access, this 2.5 acres of prime riverfront property boasts 250+/- feet on a river oxbow and does NOT require flood insurance.

    Agent Photo
    Dorothy Izzo
    Royal Shell Real Estate, Inc.
    (239) 610-7078
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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    18070 Interlochen Ln, Alva, FL 33920

    $799,900

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 2,410 Sq Ft
    • 18070 Interlochen Ln

    Welcome to Alva, Florida – “The Secret Equestrian & Boaters Recreational Hideaway” Discover Alva – Where Dreams Meet Nature. Escape to a world of tranquility and elegance in the heart of Alva, Florida, where breathtaking river views and luxurious living converge. This exceptional waterfront estate, nestled along the scenic Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), offers a rare blend of privacy, serenity, and

    Donalyn Moon RE/MAX Gulf Coast Living

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Eric Pfeifer, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
4,073
Median Age
46
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
20%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
24.3%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$84,033
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$108,342

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
87.4%
College Graduates
23.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
10.2%
% Population in Labor Force
57.4%
Below the national average
65.1%

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

26 / 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.

Nearby Neighborhoods

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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Alva
Eric Pfeifer
Pfeifer Realty Group LLC
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