Town and River: Fort Myers’ Premier Waterfront Boating Community

If you’ve spent any time looking at waterfront real estate in Fort Myers, Town and River has probably come up — and for good reason. This established community sits directly on the Caloosahatchee River at the junction of McGregor Boulevard and Cypress Lake Drive, putting residents within minutes of open water, the barrier islands, and some of the best boating access in all of Southwest Florida.

What Makes Town and River Stand Out

Town and River was developed in the 1960s and 70s, and the community has been evolving ever since. Many of the original CBS block homes have been renovated extensively or replaced entirely with custom-built waterfront estates — so the housing stock today ranges from the original character homes to contemporary new construction.

What hasn’t changed is the location. Town and River sits right on the river, with wide canals that offer direct sailboat access to the Gulf of Mexico — no bridges to clear. That means larger vessels can move freely, and residents are just a short ride from Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel, Captiva, Estero Bay, and beyond. Head east on the river and you can dock in downtown Fort Myers, continue to Lake Okeechobee, or navigate all the way to the Atlantic coast.

Most single-family homes in the community include private docks directly behind the house. For condo owners, community docks are available through the association. And if you need boat service, there’s a full-service boatyard just a couple of canals away.

Property Types and What to Expect

Town and River isn’t just one type of home. The community offers a mix of property types that keeps the price range wide and the buyer pool diverse:

Riverfront and canalfront single-family homes make up the core of the community. These are the properties most buyers picture when they think of Town and River — waterfront lots with private docks, pool decks, and direct water access. Expect canal homes to start around $700K and riverfront estates to reach well above $2M, with new construction pushing higher.

Lakefront homes provide water views and a quieter setting without the maintenance that comes with saltwater exposure. These typically start in the mid-$600s.

Off-water homes on dry lots offer the same community access, walkability, and low HOA dues without the waterfront premium. Entry points here start in the mid-$500s.

Condos at Town and River Waterfront Condominiums sit along the river and include community amenities like a heated pool, tennis and pickleball courts, shuffleboard, a renovated clubhouse, and available boat slips for vessels up to 36 feet. Condo pricing currently starts around $250K — making it one of the most accessible ways into a direct-access boating community in South Fort Myers.

Community Amenities and HOA

One of Town and River’s biggest draws is its combination of community amenities and low cost of entry. The civic association maintains a clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, and community docks — and annual dues come in at just $120 per year. That’s not a typo. For a waterfront boating community of this caliber, that number is nearly unheard of in Southwest Florida.

Town and River is structured as a deed-restricted community (not a full HOA), which means there are protective covenants in place to maintain property values without the heavy governance structure and high monthly fees that come with many gated communities.

Location and Lifestyle

The name says it all — Town and River sits at the intersection of community and waterfront access. McGregor Boulevard connects residents to historic downtown Fort Myers, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, and the River District in about seven miles. Cypress Lake Drive runs east to Bell Tower Shops, Costco, Target, and the broader commercial corridor.

Schools, medical facilities, and Florida South Western State College are all within a few miles. Restaurants, shops, a marina, and a boatyard are within walking distance of the community. And if you want to go further, Coconut Point, Gulf Coast Town Center, and downtown Naples are an easy drive south.

For boaters, the geography is the real story. Town and River’s position on the Caloosahatchee gives you the entire Southwest Florida coast as your backyard. Sanibel and Captiva are a short cruise away. Fort Myers Beach is even closer. And for those who think bigger, the Okeechobee Waterway connects the Gulf coast to the Atlantic — making Town and River a genuine home base for extended cruising.

Start Your Town and River Home Search

Whether you’re looking for a turnkey waterfront estate, a canalfront fixer with potential, or a condo with boating access, Town and River has something worth seeing. Contact Shane to schedule a tour or talk through what’s currently available — and search all Fort Myers waterfront homes for sale to compare properties across the area.