Located just 7 miles south of downtown Fort Myers and at the edge of the Caloosahatchee River is Villas, a laid-back southwest Florida enclave. “It’s a great area to live in,” says Antonette Fazlic, a real estate broker with years of experience in the Fort Myers region. “It’s an old-school [community]. People live here for a long time, and they know their neighbors.” Residents enjoy the familiar, small-town feel while also being just a quick drive away from all the resources of the city. “It’s great, you’re close to everything. You’re in the heart of Fort Myers, but you’re also kind of off the beaten path. There’s nothing else really like it,” says Fazlic. Villa locals also enjoy the natural beauty of tropical Southwest Florida and the abundance of parks and outdoor recreation that comes with it.
Subdivisions filled with contemporary, Spanish Mission and ranch-style homes
Villas consists of several gridded subdivisions with one small 55+ community on the western side. The streets of this planned community are straight and narrow, with bordering palm and oak trees sprinkled throughout a subtropical green expanse. Though there are no sidewalks, most homes have two-car garages and large driveways, as residents mainly use cars to get around. With plenty of space between residences, many yards are ornamented with small gardens, bordering rose bushes, and evergreen shrubs. Most houses are single-family, namely ranch and some contemporary-style homes with a Spanish Mission influence. Prices range from $250,000 to $550,000, with the average price hovering around $400,000.
Aerial overview of smaller gated communities in the Villas area.
Many of the single-family homes in Villas are boast two to three bedrooms.
Older single-family homes can be found in the Villas area.
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School choice includes the highly-rated Cypress Lake High School
The Lee County Public School District serves the residents of Villas. Students can begin their education at Heights Elementary School and Cypress Lake Middle School, both of which scored a B-plus on Niche. When finishing their education, students can attend Cypress Lake High School, which ranked No. 6 in Best Public High Schools in Lee County, earning itself an A-minus on Niche. Cypress Lake High also offers the Advanced Studies Program, which allows students to take courses to prepare them for success in their college careers and future workplaces. There are also several private school options to choose from.
Athletic fields and courts at Brooks Community Park
Villa residents can visit Brooks Community Park, right inside Villas off South Cleveland Avenue. This 10-acre greenspace offers Athletic fields and Pickleball Courts. Locals can also experience the natural beauty of Lakes Regional Park, just 1 mile west of Villas. This 279-acre park offers an expanse of manufactured freshwater lakes with dozens of small islands dotting the waterscape, accessible by a bridge that allows visitors to hike or bike to the other side. The park also offers water parks, playgrounds, a miniature train ride and a railroad museum. From October to June, residents can visit the Lakes Park Farmers Market. “Every Wednesday, they have a farmers market where vendors come out and sell food, jewelry, clothes— you name it,” says Fazlic. For fun indoors, residents can head to Gator Lanes, a local bowling alley located near the intersection of Crystal Drive and South Cleveland Avenue.
Lakes Park offers a large playground for children to enjoy.
Villas residents head over to Brooks Community Park for some Pickle Ball action.
Many Villas residents enjoy fishing on the lake at Lakes Park.
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Shopping at Market Square
Residents can shop at Market Square for big box retailers like Target, Michaels, Barnes and Noble and World Market. For dining, locals can head to Taqueria San Julian just off South Cleveland Avenue for authentic and affordable Mexican fare. Another popular option is Jason's Deli, a health-conscious chain specializing in sandwiches and salads.
Villas residents are minutes away from retail shops.
Villas residents can shop for groceries at the Aldi.
Many Villas residents head to Bell Tower Mall for food.
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Taste of Lee food festival at Centennial Park
With fall comes the Taste of Lee, an annual food festival highlighting the best restaurants of Lee County. Held at Centennial Park by the Caloosahatchee River, this event includes live music, a kids' play area, and featured businesses throughout the park.
Villas is car-dependent
Though most residents get around by car, LeeTran services several bus stops along South Cleveland Avenue.
Recovery after Hurricane Ian
Though Villas was hit by Hurricane Ian in September of 2022, many homes have been rebuilt and remodeled over the past year. “It’s been a challenge,” says Fazlic. “But the rebuild has been quick.”
Sandy Hansel is an award-winning, full-time Broker Associate for Engel & Voelkers. Her clients know that she has a strong work ethic, honesty, and integrity to buy or sell property with the utmost privacy and confidentiality. Her team's goals are to exceed all expectations of their buyers and sellers.
Her business partner and son Ryan are originally from Illinois and love living and working here in Southwest Florida. Their passion comes out by giving the best customer service before, during, and after the sale. They are here for you 7 days a week all year long. In Sandy’s free time, she likes to golf, spend time with her children (Nicole and Ryan), and watch sunsets on the beach with her husband Keith.
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.
