Is Southwest Florida a good place to live? The pros, the cons, and the best places to relocate

Is Southwest Florida a good place to live? The pros, the cons, and the best places to relocateSouthwest Florida has quietly become one of the most sought-after places to live in the Sunshine State. From retirees looking for warmth year-round to young families and remote workers seeking space, serenity, and value, this corner of Florida is experiencing a new wave of interest.

What makes the region so appealing?

It’s the diversity of lifestyle. On one end, you’ll find bustling coastal hubs like Naples and Fort Myers, known for high-end shopping, white-sand beaches, and cultural charm. On the other, you’ll discover peaceful inland gems like LaBelle, Alva, and Muse, where open skies, riverside sunsets, and wide acreage offer a slower, more grounded way of life.

This blog post will help you decide: Is Southwest Florida a good place to live?

We’ll walk through the pros, the cons, and, most importantly, reveal three of the best-kept secrets for relocation in the region. Whether you’re dreaming of a riverfront home, a family ranch, or a laid-back lifestyle surrounded by nature, you might just find your answer here.

THE PROS OF LIVING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

Thinking about making a move? Here’s why Southwest Florida continues to attract buyers from all walks of life:

1. Year-round sunshineWith over 260 sunny days a year, the climate here is perfect for outdoor living, whether you’re boating, gardening, or relaxing on your porch in January.
2. Natural beauty and outdoor lifeFrom the Caloosahatchee River to pine forests in Muse, nature is always nearby. Enjoy boating, fishing, horseback riding, or simply soaking in serene rural views.
3. Affordable living and tax perksFlorida’s no state income tax is a big win. Plus, in towns like LaBelle, you’ll find affordable land and homes, a rare find this close to the coast.
4. Improved access and growthAs nearby Fort Myers grows, so does access to modern amenities, healthcare, and infrastructure, without sacrificing the peaceful pace of rural living.

THE CONS OF LIVING IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

While there’s a lot to love about Southwest Florida, no place is perfect. Here are a few downsides to consider before relocating:

1. Hurricane seasonHurricane season is real. While LaBelle’s location between river locks offers some protection, the region still sees tropical storms and occasional flooding.
2. Humid summersSummers can be intense. High humidity and soaring temperatures from June through September can be uncomfortable for some newcomers.
3. Limited nightlife in rural areasIf you’re moving from a big city, towns like Muse and LaBelle offer peace and privacy, but not much in the way of nightlife or upscale dining.
4. Tourist seasonSnowbirds flock to Southwest Florida in the winter, bringing crowds, traffic, and longer wait times at stores and restaurants, especially near coastal zones.

HIDDEN GEMS: THE BEST RURAL PLACES TO LIVE IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

If you’re looking to escape the congestion of coastal Florida without sacrificing natural beauty, access to water, or investment potential, these three rural towns stand out as some of the best places to live in Southwest Florida, and even among the best places to live in Florida for families.

LaBelle (Hendry County)

LaBelle is an emerging favorite among buyers relocating to Southwest Florida. Set along the Caloosahatchee River, this charming small town combines Old Florida aesthetics with modern accessibility. The river itself is an intercoastal waterway with locks that regulate water levels and help protect homes from hurricane flooding, a major advantage in storm season.

Residents in LaBelle enjoy:

• Upscale riverfront homes with boat access to the Gulf or Atlantic Ocean
• Acreage and ranch-style properties ideal for equestrian, farming, or multi-generational living
• A close-knit, welcoming community known for its local events like the Swamp Cabbage Festival
• Local government and services invested in growth without losing the area’s rural soul

For those seeking space, security, and a sense of place, LaBelle real estate offers one of the most attractive options in the region.

Browse homes for sale in LaBelle, FL

Alva (Lee County)

Nestled just east of Fort Myers, Alva blends historical charm with rural sophistication. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find century-old oak trees, colonial-style homes, and peaceful riverfront views, yet you’re only 20 to 30 minutes away from major shopping centers, hospitals, and beaches.

Why buyers love Alva:

• It’s part of Lee County, one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions, yet it maintains its rural roots
• Larger property sizes allow for privacy, gardening, livestock, or hobby farming
• Offers a balanced lifestyle: you get the tranquility of the countryside with the convenience of city services
• Popular among retirees and families seeking more space without giving up connectivity

Alva is ideal for those who want a quiet life without being disconnected, making it a standout among the best neighborhoods in Southwest Florida.

Browse homes for sale in Alva, FL

Muse (Glades County)

If you dream of off-the-grid freedom, stargazing nights, and acres of untouched land, Muse might just be your paradise. Located in Glades County, this rural gem is one of the few places left in Florida where you can still own large parcels of land at a reasonable cost.

Muse attracts:

• Homesteaders and self-sufficient families who value privacy and independence
• Horse owners and nature lovers seeking space for barns, trails, and recreational activities
• Buyers looking for a true escape from suburban sprawl, with plenty of room to build, farm, or simply breathe

Although remote, Muse isn’t disconnected. Services and small-town shops are nearby, and you’re still within reach of LaBelle, Fort Myers, and Lake Okeechobee.

Inquire about properties for sale in Muse, FL

READY TO DISCOVER YOUR PIECE OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA?

At Southern Heritage Real Estate & Investments, we’ve proudly served the Southwest Florida community since 1986. Based right here in LaBelle, we specialize in helping buyers and investors find their ideal home, acreage, or waterfront property in hidden gems like LaBelle, Alva, and Muse.

As the top-performing brokerage in our area for over 35 years, we offer something national chains can’t: hyper-local knowledge, long-standing relationships, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right. We know these communities inside and out because we live here, too.

Whether you’re searching for space to spread out, a quiet place to retire, or a smart investment near the river, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. No pressure. Just honest advice from a team that treats you like family.

Ready to take the next step? Give us a call at 863.675.4500 or email us. We’d love to help you explore the best of what Southwest Florida has to offer.