10 Best Independent Living Communities in Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers is a bright and beautiful setting to spend your next phase of life. With long coastal roads, shell-filled beaches, and warm air flowing in from the Gulf of Mexico, the environment of Fort Myers is paradisial.
Fort Myers is home to many independent living communities where seniors can find friendship, activities, and independence in a safe, secure property. Even though the Fort Myers area tends to be affordable, you can also find luxury options and additional amenities. It’s not unusual to find an independent living facility with its own swimming pool, movie theater, or beauty salon.
These listings cover a 10-mile radius of the Fort Myers downtown area, and you will find eight A Place for Mom partner communities in our guide — four are stand-alone independent living facilities and the rest are paired with other senior living options.
Aside from the listings themselves, we’ll also give you advice for payment methods, information on local transportation and health care, and highlight notable activities offered in and around the city.
Fort Myers Independent Living Facilities | 1413 Reviews
Great; well managed and friendly.
I'd say it's great pretty much on all grounds, but has gotten very expensive, and rates continue to go up every chance and increases are larger each time. This place was middle of the Rd in cost, but offered...
My loved one lived here for quite some time. Cleanliness was ok, but communication with the family was amazing. I got updates on my loved one frequently, for big things and little things. I can't say enough...
Mom is a professional complainer :-) but The Springs has been fabulous working with her and us to insure her safety and well-being!
Based on our experience with Palmview at Gulf Coast we think they could improve on the activities and just having more diverse activities. They could also have special food for events/days/birthdays.
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My mother was in the independent living facility for 2+ years and then moved to the assisted living facility, Palm View. Both facilities were clean with good food and adequately staffed. Mom is safe and...
The Woodlands is wonderful they are 5 stars all the way! I couldn't have picked a better place, my mother was in the hospital and when she was ready to leave, she asked to go back to The Woodlands. They are...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Fort Myers community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Fort Myers community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of independent living in the Fort Myers area
- What families are saying about independent living in Fort Myers
- How people pay for independent living in Fort Myers
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Types of independent living in Fort Myers
- Fort Myers independent living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fort Myers? Highlights for seniors
Costs of independent living in the Fort Myers area
The average cost of an independent living community partnered with A Place for Mom in Fort Myers is $3,896, including associated fees and service fee add-ons.[01] This is based on A Place for Mom’s proprietary data and represents what the residents in our network actually paid for their living costs.
The figures below represent the average baseline costs found in Fort Myers and the vicinity. This does not include add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Fort Myers, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Fort Myers, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Fort Myers vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Independent Living in Fort Myers, FL by room type
Average cost of Independent Living in Fort Myers over time
What families are saying about independent living in Fort Myers
Recent reviews for independent living in Fort Myers
Seaside at Fort Myers
Merrill Gardens at Barkley Place in Fort Myers, FL
The Opal at Lakes Park in Fort Myers, FL
How people pay for independent living in Fort Myers
If you’re thinking about independent living in Fort Myers and exploring costs, you’re probably wondering about payment options and strategies.
Independent living communities do not provide care, so the rental portion of your costs is not covered by long-term care insurance or programs like Medicaid or Medicare. However, these resources may help you cover necessary medical costs that you incur during your time in an independent living community and offset things like pharmaceuticals and hospital visits.
Social Security benefits and VA benefits can also help. Many seniors find that they’re able to combine these with private pay options to make their lifestyle work.
Here you will find information and resources about private pay, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare for seniors.
Most seniors moving to an independent living facility will cover their costs by using a combination of private pay methods, including savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. They may also consider the following:
Number of veterans who live in Fort Myers
About 70 percent of Fort Myers veterans are 65+
With over 3,500 senior veterans living in Fort Myers, the city and surrounding area have several resources to help the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces. It’s important to know what kinds of assistance you are entitled to, how to apply for those benefits, and where you can go if you need more guidance.
The main benefit that applies to seniors living in independent living communities is the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit provides monthly assistance to those who need help with daily activities. Surviving spouses of veterans may also be entitled to a Survivor’s Pension. Because there are so many eligibility and evidence requirements for these benefits, it’s a good idea to visit your local government office or veterans services organizations (VSOs) for help.
Because the benefits system can be complicated, we strongly advise seniors and/or their loved ones to contact or visit one of your local veterans services officers before making any decisions about benefits. They will be able to accurately assess your situation and make sure you receive what you’re entitled to.
Resources for Fort Myers veterans
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., Suite 214
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 727-319-7440
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Lee County Veteran Assistance Program
2440 Thompson St.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-533-8381
Email: veterans@leegov.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jewish War Veterans
Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 813-404-5616
Disabled American Veterans
2489 Diplomat Parkway East
Cape Coral, FL 33909
Phone: 239-652-1800
Rodney Van Ness
Phone: 239-533-7977
Email: rvanness@leegov.com
Joe Delorenzo
Phone: 239-533-7978
Email: jdelorenzo@leegov.com
Jonathan Ramirez
Phone: 239-533-7975
Email: jramirez@leegov.com
Medicaid is designed for low-income seniors and people of all ages with disabilities. It does not cover independent living housing costs, but it can be used to cover the cost of some health care expenses that you might incur while you’re residing in an independent living community. In fact, in-home care can be covered through the home and community based services (HCBS) waiver program if you’re eligible.
Florida Medicaid is run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and recipients access their benefits through Statewide Medicaid Managed Care. While the process of applying for aid can be complex, there are specific resources in Fort Myers to help and a guide to applying for these benefits can be found online.
Your local Area Agency on Agency can help you find the right application based on your eligibility. You can also call the Elder Helpline for Medicaid information and referrals or visit the Elder Affairs website for more information. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is another program by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging whose volunteers can answer questions. For more general help, or if you need someone to advocate for your needs in a long-term care environment, your local ombudsman will be able to support you.
Fort Myers resident Medicaid resources
Florida State Medicaid Managed Care
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, MS 62
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-652-6900
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida Ombudsman Program
2295 Victoria Ave., Room 152
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-338-2563
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 800-963-5337
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Elder Helpline
Phone: 866-41-ELDER or 866-413-5337
Medicare does not cover the costs associated with independent living. However, like Medicaid, it can be used to help seniors who are 65+ cover medically necessary in-home care and other health care needs, such as hospital visits and medications.
Before applying, seniors are encouraged to contact Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE), which is the local Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) for those living in Fort Myers. SHINE will help connect you with free benefits counseling. When you’re ready to apply, the people at the Social Security Administration Office in Fort Myers are ready to support you, too. In case of any extra challenges, you can always call on your local long-term care ombudsman.
The Medicare Savings Program, which helps mitigate Medicare-related costs, may also be available to some seniors, depending on their income. For low-income seniors, Fort Myers is also served by its local Program for All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE), Hope PACE, which can provide eligible seniors with a slew of health care and social services.
Fort Myers resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
4220 Executive Circle, Suite 25
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
2295 Victoria Ave., Room 125
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-338-2563
SHINE
2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-652-6900
Fax: 239-652-6989
Toll-free number: 866-413-5337
Hope PACE
2668 Winkler Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-985-6400
Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
Because independent living communities in Florida don’t have regular, on-site care, they don’t have to be licensed as care facilities. Instead, they are regulated according to general housing and rental laws. A guide to tenant and landlord laws can be found on the state website. Most independent living facilities only require an age minimum for residents wishing to join the community (generally 55 years of age).
However, about half of the facilities in our independent living network combine independent living with assisted living facilities and/or memory care, which provide housing, meals, and assistance with activities of daily living.
These communities will require licensing by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. State rules and regulations will also apply, and the facilities will have to undergo inspections every two years for health, safety, and security. You can see the outcome of inspections by using this Facility/Provider Locator to search for a specific facility or a type of facility.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Fort Myers independent living communities
There are no specific COVID-19 regulations in Fort Myers for independent living communities. However, the state of Florida follows the guidance and recommendations of the CDC and other government agencies.
Vaccinations.
It is advised that seniors receive all recommended vaccinations, including boosters.
Masking.
While masking is no longer mandated by law, it is recommended when social distancing cannot be observed, when you have respiratory symptoms, and when you are around vulnerable people.
Quarantining.
Government guidelines recommend self-isolation for anyone who has symptoms of or tests positive for COVID-19. This extends to close contact with infected or symptomatic individuals as well.
CDC guidelines.
More information and further guidelines can be found on the CDC’s website.
Types of independent living in Fort Myers
Fort Myers is an enviable location. Residents here can enjoy warm weather, beaches, boats, city life, and all the other Florida must-haves. This could mean, for example, relaxing among the palm trees, shopping with friends, or enjoying a round of golf. Fort Myers residents can enjoy all of this year-round.
Life, your way
Independent living communities in Fort Myers are homes — rooms, suites, apartments, and houses — that are usually designed for people who are at least 55 years old. The facilities in our network offer a range of property types, from beach-front hideaways to resort-style communities. They all come with amenities and features that will suit different personalities and interests. Most of A Place for Mom’s partner facilities, for example, offer games rooms, fitness centers, and even beauty salons.
Affordability and luxury
Fort Myers is an area known for being affordable, with high-quality care options, living spaces, and life-enhancing features at a relatively low cost. Luxury here is very possible. This is Florida, after all — sleek design, tropical landscaping, and poolside dining are not unusual. In addition, many of our partner communities pride themselves on their luxury services, whether that be expert nutrition care or elegant courtyards.
A level of care that suits you
Independent living facilities are designed for seniors who still want to have an active life and belong to a community of like-minded people. While they are built with independence in mind, many of our in-network partner facilities offer independent living alongside other arrangements. If your needs change, or if you or a loved one requires extra nursing care, dementia care, or daily assistance, you can find a facility that works for you.
Fort Myers independent living services and amenities
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Fort Myers independent living
Availability of select dining options in Fort Myers independent living
Availability of select programs and activities in Fort Myers independent living
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Fort Myers? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Fort Myers
Median annual income for Fort Myers seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Fort Myers
Gulf Coast Medical Center
As the area’s largest medical center, the Gulf Coast Medical Center boasts a Level II Trauma Center and the area’s only certified comprehensive stroke center. Telemedicine visits so you can see a doctor from home.
Lee Memorial Hospital
Lee has been around for more than 100 years serving Southwest Florida. It has been honored in 10 high-performing specialty areas by U.S. News & World Report.
Transportation for seniors in Fort Myers
Driving is the preferred way for most people to explore Fort Myers. With long coastal roads and beach fronts, and a metropolis buzzing between the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico, seniors and their families can enjoy road-tripping the area together. Some spots are more walkable than others — Lincoln Park, Winkler Safe Neighborhood, and Bowling Green in particular — but traffic and patchy pedestrian-friendly routes mean that driving and public transport (and cycling if you’re feeling brave) are your best bets.
The beach is about 20 miles from the downtown area, ideal for a drive but also well-serviced by the city’s public transportation. LeeTran is the main operator in Fort Myers, and it provides buses and shuttles around the city and surrounding area. This includes Southwest Florida International Airport. The LeeTran trolley service provides regular trips to Fort Myers Beach and charges a fare of 50 cents per passenger.
While LeeTran offers ride discounts for seniors as well as accessible options, there are also senior-specific transport options in Fort Myers that you might want to have on speed dial, such as the Cape Coral Mini-Bus and the Faith in Action Senior Transportation Program. These services go door to door and serve seniors specifically.
The Walk Scores below provide a sense of how people get around Fort Myers. They are based on a 100-point scale. Fort Myers’ bike score, for example, falls into the “somewhat bikeable” category.[06]
Walk Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Fort Myers
Because the Fort Myers landscape is a mix of natural and urban environments, and there are tons of things to get involved in, whether you’re a beach lover, park explorer, or city dweller.
The beach is likely to be a fixture in your Fort Myers life. Public beaches wind along the coastline, meeting the banks of the Caloosahatchee River. With so much space for water activities, you can take a boat ride with loved ones or explore the Great Calusa Blueway, a paddling trail from Pine Island Sound to Estero Bay. For more outdoor activities, consider heading to the public lap pool (with water slides for courageous grandkids) or Fort Myers Country Golf Club.
Get your steps in and enjoy your natural surroundings at the same time with a walk along the boardwalks of Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve, a 3,500-acre wildlife and wetland reserve. Fort Myers’ close proximity to Everglades National Park, a 1.5-million-acre preserve that serves as the habitat of hundreds of unique plants and animals, is another unmissable excursion for nature enthusiasts. For a less physically demanding outdoor experience, head to the River District to enjoy shopping and dining al fresco.
Sports fans will find kindred spirits at Hammond Stadium and JetBlue Park, the spring training ground for the Boston Red Sox. But that doesn’t mean art lovers have to be disappointed — the city of Fort Myers is full of cultural happenings. Take in a show at the Florida Repertory Theater or explore the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, old haunts of inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. For a literal stroll through history, sign up for a River District History Tour.
Fort Myers also hosts numerous events throughout the year. These include theater festivals, art fairs, and musical farmers markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canterfield of Fort Myers, American House Fort Myers and The Palms of Fort Myers are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Fort Myers, FL. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Fort Myers is $4,255 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Test answer:
The average cost of Independent Living in Fort Myers is $4,255 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey
U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). Gulf Coast Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). Lee Memorial Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fort Myers.
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