Estero 79 Exceptional
Estero Livability #156 ranked city in Florida#2,197 ranked city in the USARanks better than 92% of areas
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Pros and Cons of Living in Estero

PROS
  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Employment Employment

    This area excels in the employment category with a score well above average, primarily due to the higher median home income, per capita income and low unemployment rates.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Amenities Amenities

    A large portion of amenities are not ideally situated within walking distance, potentially requiring residents to utilize a vehicle or public transportation.

  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this area is notably high, making it a more expensive place to live. You'll find higher expenses for everyday goods and services, housing and groceries.

What's it like Living in Estero?

Located in the state of Florida, Estero is a medium-sized city with a population of 34,403 inhabitants. If we look at the most recent Census, Estero is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Asian and Black. The Estero population appears to be aging at a faster rate than normal. The median age is currently 66, which is on the high side when compared to most other cities. Estero has a high percentage of people who are married with children when compared to the rest of the country. In total, more than 76% of the population is classified as married and 15% have kids. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Estero, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 27 minutes.

Are you trying to figure out if living in Estero is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a fulfilling experience before relocating to any new city in Florida, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, crime, cost of living, commute, employment, you can easily compare the best places to live in Estero and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Estero to Florida and the national average.

The livability score in Estero is 79 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 93rd percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Estero would be considered a very livable city! The cherry on top is that Estero also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities. If we explore each of the categories individually, we see that Estero ranks well for crime (A+), education (A), employment (A+) and housing (A+). The bad news for Estero, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F) and cost of living (F).

The Estero unemployment rate of 1.9% has continued to decrease over the years and is now well below the national average. The result could lead to reduced poverty and inequality in the area, higher wages and increased economic growth. This is a positive sign in the overall health of the local economy.

Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Estero, the average school test scores are an impressive 71%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Estero apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Assuming that Estero meets all of your requirements like low crime rates, good schools and great local amenities, the next most important item to examine is the affordability of real estate in Estero. Everything else becomes a lot less important if it turns out that home prices in Estero are simply unattainable. Median real estate prices in Estero come in at $626,118, which is 109% higher than the Florida average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Estero, the home price to income ratio is 4.8, which is 14.3% higher than the Florida average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Estero

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Compare Estero, FL Livability

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      Estero transportation information

      Statistic Estero Florida National
      Average one way commute27min27min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.3%79.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool5.1%9.3%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit0.1%2.1%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.4%0.7%0.6%
      Workers who walk0.5%1.5%2.8%
      Working from home12.6%5.4%4.6%
      Source: The Estero, FL data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.