Best Independent Living in Lee County, FL

Showcasing scenic beaches and picturesque outdoors, Lee County, Florida, offers a vibrant lifestyle with its diverse culture and historic sites. Outdoor activities, convenient access to top-rated amenities, and entertainment options are among the city’s defining features that attract residents and visitors. Independent living communities also reside in the area, providing top-notch accommodations and dedicated services for retirees’ comfort. With age-friendly services, tax benefits, and a welcoming community, the county creates the ideal setting for a blissful retirement.

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Comparison Chart

Compare Independent Living around Lee County
Seneca at Oak Creek
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

North Fort Myers
Yes
1 Bed / 2 Bed
Taverna
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Fort Myers
Yes
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed
Diamond Oaks Village
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Bonita Springs
No
1 Bed
Cabana Club South
IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

Cape Coral
Yes
2 Bed
The Woodlands at Shell Point
AL

For seniors needing help with daily tasks but not full-time nursing.

IL

For self-sufficient seniors seeking community and minimal assistance.

MC

Specialized care for those with Memory Loss, Alzheimer's, or dementia, ensuring safety and support.

SN

Skilled Nursing

Fort Myers
No
1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed

Seneca at Oak Creek

7621 Green Sage Cir, North Fort Myers, FL 33917

Seneca at Oak Creek is an active independent living community in North Fort Myers, FL, that offers thoughtfully furnished one- and two-bedroom villas for those 55+. With its quiet and inviting environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. On-site management, planned activities, and wellness programs are also offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. Through its all-inclusive rates, the community ensures residents have a maintenance-free lifestyle.

Social events, yoga, and various games provide residents with plenty of opportunities to try new hobbies and gain fun experiences. With a resort-style pool, a fitness center, and a multi-purpose clubhouse, residents can relax and freely interact with friends. Lee Memorial Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center, as well as plenty of leisure sites, are easily accessible, ensuring residents’ convenience. This independent living community has luxurious amenities and top-notch services for older adults’ welfare, making it one of the best options for senior living in Florida.

Overview of Seneca at Oak Creek

Seneca at Oak Creek is an active independent living community in North Fort Myers, FL, that offers thoughtfully furnished one- and two-bedroom villas for those 55+. With its quiet and inviting environment, the community ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. On-site management, planned activities, and wellness programs are also offered to enrich residents’ living experiences. Through its all-inclusive rates, the community ensures residents have a maintenance-free lifestyle.

Social events, yoga, and various games provide residents with plenty of opportunities to try new hobbies and gain fun experiences. With a resort-style pool, a fitness center, and a multi-purpose clubhouse, residents can relax and freely interact with friends. Lee Memorial Hospital and Gulf Coast Medical Center, as well as plenty of leisure sites, are easily accessible, ensuring residents’ convenience. This independent living community has luxurious amenities and top-notch services for older adults’ welfare, making it one of the best options for senior living in Florida.

What does this home offer?

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Minimum Age: 55 Years Old

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed

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Building Type: Single-story

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

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Swimming Pool

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Seneca at Oak Creek

Taverna

3240 Champion Ring Rd, Fort Myers, FL 33905

Taverna at the Forum is a luxurious independent living community in Fort Myers, FL, that offers pet-friendly apartments for older adults. The community continuously promotes an active and welcoming environment, ensuring older adults feel at ease during their stay. With a 24-hour market, recreational opportunities, and safety features, residents experience a convenient and vibrant lifestyle. The community strives to help residents thrive in retirement with its upscale amenities and high-quality services.

Social gatherings, light exercises, and various games provide residents with more opportunities to learn and gain fun experiences. A club room, a coffee bar, and a dog walk area allow residents to spend time with their pets and friends and relax. Restaurants, shops, local amenities, and public transportation also surround the area, providing residents with easy access to their necessities and leisure. As one of the best options for senior living in Florida, this independent living community has a variety of amenities for older adults’ welfare.

Overview of Taverna

Taverna at the Forum is a luxurious independent living community in Fort Myers, FL, that offers pet-friendly apartments for older adults. The community continuously promotes an active and welcoming environment, ensuring older adults feel at ease during their stay. With a 24-hour market, recreational opportunities, and safety features, residents experience a convenient and vibrant lifestyle. The community strives to help residents thrive in retirement with its upscale amenities and high-quality services.

Social gatherings, light exercises, and various games provide residents with more opportunities to learn and gain fun experiences. A club room, a coffee bar, and a dog walk area allow residents to spend time with their pets and friends and relax. Restaurants, shops, local amenities, and public transportation also surround the area, providing residents with easy access to their necessities and leisure. As one of the best options for senior living in Florida, this independent living community has a variety of amenities for older adults’ welfare.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed

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Building Type: 3-story

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Swimming Pool

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Exercise Programs

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Taverna

Diamond Oaks Village

24110 S Tamiami Trl, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Diamond Oaks Village is a top-rated independent living community in Bonita Springs, FL, that has specially designed one- and two-bedroom apartments for older adults. Featuring resort-style amenities, the community ensures older adults experience a high-quality living while remaining active. Residents also have a maintenance-free lifestyle with chef-prepared meals, housekeeping services, and recreational opportunities. With its dedication to improving residents’ well-being and promoting friendships, the community offers à la carte services, accompanied by thoughtfully designed amenities.

Fitness programs, unique activities, and local trips allow residents to connect with friends and gain meaningful experiences. A heated outdoor pool, a putting green, and a movie theater are just some of the state-of-the-art amenities dedicated to residents’ leisure and wellness. NCH Bonita Springs Emergency Department, dining options, and public transportation are easily accessible from the community, ensuring residents’ convenience and safety. This independent living community is one of the best options for senior living in Florida, especially with its ideal location and high-quality amenities.

Overview of Diamond Oaks Village

Diamond Oaks Village is a top-rated independent living community in Bonita Springs, FL, that has specially designed one- and two-bedroom apartments for older adults. Featuring resort-style amenities, the community ensures older adults experience a high-quality living while remaining active. Residents also have a maintenance-free lifestyle with chef-prepared meals, housekeeping services, and recreational opportunities. With its dedication to improving residents’ well-being and promoting friendships, the community offers à la carte services, accompanied by thoughtfully designed amenities.

Fitness programs, unique activities, and local trips allow residents to connect with friends and gain meaningful experiences. A heated outdoor pool, a putting green, and a movie theater are just some of the state-of-the-art amenities dedicated to residents’ leisure and wellness. NCH Bonita Springs Emergency Department, dining options, and public transportation are easily accessible from the community, ensuring residents’ convenience and safety. This independent living community is one of the best options for senior living in Florida, especially with its ideal location and high-quality amenities.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: 1 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Transportation Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

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Swimming Pool

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Diamond Oaks Village

Cabana Club South in Cape Coral, FL, is a top-notch independent living community that has spacious two-bedroom apartments for older adults. Fostering comfort and familiarity, the community ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. On-site maintenance, a property manager, and recreational opportunities are also offered to help residents maintain their independence with ease. The community’s dedication to helping residents live actively in retirement is well-reflected in its state-of-the-art amenities.

Social events and light exercises allow residents to connect with friends and try new hobbies. Residents can also utilize various amenities, like the sundeck, pool, and picnic area, for their leisure and wellness. Bus stops, serene parks, and other local amenities are also easily accessible from the community, ensuring residents’ convenience. This independent living community’s vibrant setting and high-quality amenities make it one of the best options for senior living in Florida.

Overview of Cabana Club South

Cabana Club South in Cape Coral, FL, is a top-notch independent living community that has spacious two-bedroom apartments for older adults. Fostering comfort and familiarity, the community ensures older adults can feel at home during their stay. On-site maintenance, a property manager, and recreational opportunities are also offered to help residents maintain their independence with ease. The community’s dedication to helping residents live actively in retirement is well-reflected in its state-of-the-art amenities.

Social events and light exercises allow residents to connect with friends and try new hobbies. Residents can also utilize various amenities, like the sundeck, pool, and picnic area, for their leisure and wellness. Bus stops, serene parks, and other local amenities are also easily accessible from the community, ensuring residents’ convenience. This independent living community’s vibrant setting and high-quality amenities make it one of the best options for senior living in Florida.

What does this home offer?

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Pets Allowed: Yes, Pets Allowed

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Room Sizes: 1,100 sq. ft

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Housing Options: 2 Bed

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Building Type: 2-story

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Swimming Pool

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Parking Available

Type of Care Available

Independent Living
Contact Cabana Club South

The Woodlands at Shellpoint is an upscale independent living community in Fort Myers, FL, that has a variety of one- to three-bedroom apartments for older adults. With atrium-style buildings, the community ensures older adults’ convenience. Restaurant-style dining, leisure activities, and maintenance services are also offered to help residents maintain their independence without hassles. The community’s luxurious living spaces and top-notch amenities ensure residents can live comfortably in retirement.

Concerts, trips, and various activities allow residents to have fun and connect with friends. Residents can also use various amenities for leisure and wellness, like the art studio, fitness center, and swimming pool. With its beautiful setting near Fort Myers Beach and plenty of leisure amenities, residents are guaranteed an active lifestyle in retirement. This independent living community is a good choice for senior living in Florida, as it has convenient access to higher levels of care.

Overview of The Woodlands at Shell Point

The Woodlands at Shellpoint is an upscale independent living community in Fort Myers, FL, that has a variety of one- to three-bedroom apartments for older adults. With atrium-style buildings, the community ensures older adults’ convenience. Restaurant-style dining, leisure activities, and maintenance services are also offered to help residents maintain their independence without hassles. The community’s luxurious living spaces and top-notch amenities ensure residents can live comfortably in retirement.

Concerts, trips, and various activities allow residents to have fun and connect with friends. Residents can also use various amenities for leisure and wellness, like the art studio, fitness center, and swimming pool. With its beautiful setting near Fort Myers Beach and plenty of leisure amenities, residents are guaranteed an active lifestyle in retirement. This independent living community is a good choice for senior living in Florida, as it has convenient access to higher levels of care.

What does this home offer?

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Housing Options: 1 Bed / 2 Bed / 3 Bed

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Building Type: Mid-rise

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Dining Services

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Beauty Services

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Transportation Services

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Housekeeping Services

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Social and Recreational Activities

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Exercise Programs

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Swimming Pool

Type of Care Available

Independent Living Assisted Living Memory Care Skilled Nursing
Contact The Woodlands at Shell Point

Assisted Living Magazine Ranking Methodology

View Full Ranking Methodology

How We Score & Rank Senior Living Communities

At Assisted Living Magazine, our rankings are designed to help families compare senior living communities with clarity and confidence.
Each community is evaluated and ranked based on reputation, transparency, digital trust, and on-site quality signals.
Below is the full explanation of every factor and the exact weight it contributes to the final score.

Update cadence: Reviewed quarterly, with prompt updates when new reviews, reports, or complaints are filed.

What We Prioritize Most

The largest portion of every community’s score comes from resident feedback and online reputation (40%), which reflects real experiences shared by families and caregivers.
An additional 45% of the score comes from a combination of transparency and operational quality signals, including:

  • Photos, videos, and virtual tours (visual transparency)
  • Website quality and digital trust indicators
  • Occupancy levels and number of units (community scale & stability)

These factors help us evaluate how well a community presents itself and how consistently it meets resident needs.

Balancing Additional Factors

The final 15% of the score comes from supportive context data, including:

  • Walkability and local accessibility
  • Estimated property value
  • Pricing information

These elements provide helpful context but carry less weight because our rankings prioritize real-world satisfaction and care consistency first.
The result is a fair, clear, and data-driven ranking system for families researching senior living options.

What Families Search for Most in Lee County

A quick look at the senior living and care categories people explore the most. Find the options that matter to you in one place.

Best Assisted Living in Lee County
Best Nursing Homes in Lee County
Best Memory Care in Lee County
Who we are

Your Senior Care Partner, Every Step of the Way

We help families find affordable senior communities and unlock same day discounts, Medicaid, and Medicare options tailored to your needs.

Contact us Today

Frequently Asked Questions

What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Virtual Tours & Videos

Check out our photo album

Check out our virtual tours

Check out our home videos

Resident interviews at our senior living facilities

Check out our resident interviews

Cost guide to senior living, assisted living, nursing homes, and more.

Check out our cost guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions from families.
What government services provide money for senior housing?

Several government programs offer financial assistance for senior housing in various countries, focusing on the United States for a broad overview:

  • Medicaid: Medicaid is a state and federally funded program that can cover the costs of nursing home care for those who meet eligibility criteria, including income and asset limits. Some states also offer Medicaid waivers that help pay for home and community-based services to prevent or delay nursing home placement.
  • Medicare: Medicare, primarily a health insurance program for people aged 65 and over, does not cover long-term housing costs. However, it can cover short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility under specific conditions following a hospital stay.
  • Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly Program: This program provides housing for low-income seniors. It offers rental assistance and access to supportive services, such as cleaning, cooking, and transportation.
  • Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Properties: While not a direct subsidy, LIHTC encourages developers to create affordable housing. Seniors with low incomes can find reduced-rent apartments through this program.
  • State and Local Programs: Many states, counties, and cities offer their own programs to assist seniors with housing costs. These can include property tax relief programs, rental assistance programs, and programs that offer affordable senior housing options.
  • Veterans Affairs (VA): The VA offers several programs for veterans, including the Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to veterans who require the aid of another person, or are housebound, to help cover the cost of care in homes, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities.
  • Social Security: While Social Security primarily provides retirement income, for many seniors, these benefits are a crucial part of their budget, including housing costs.
How do you pick the homes you recommend?

Before recommending homes, we conduct a thorough evaluation on crucial factors that define a senior home such as the quality of care they provide, the reputation of the organization, and a comprehensive review of community testimonials as well. Every detail is assessed to assure that seniors are offered not just senior care options, but trustworthy homes where they can experience the care that they deserve.

Do you help families that need Medicaid?

Yes. Assisting families who need Medicaid is important to us as it plays a crucial role in offering financial support to seniors confronting economic challenges. We would like to keep essential healthcare services accessible to all community members, irrespective of one’s financial circumstances.

Cost guide to senior living, assisted living, nursing homes, and more.

Check out our cost guide.

How much does this service cost?

We extend our services at no cost, ensuring that families and seniors can benefit from tailored assistance in their search for care and home options. Our ability to offer personalized guidance without charge to families and seniors is made possible through the support and funding from the communities with which we team up. 

What services do you offer?
  • Finding and ranking the best assisted living facilities
  • Finding and ranking the best nursing homes
  • Finding and ranking the best memory care facilities
  • Our concierge service helps seniors move into the perfect home for them
  • Helping seniors use medicare, medicaid, and other government programs to pay for their homes
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Helping seniors avoid senior homes that have bad service or fraud
  • Autobiography & Family History Writing + Research
  • Senior-focused concierge medicine
  • Senior-focused nutritionist
  • Senior-focused personal training
  • Memory care specialists
  • Custom wheelchairs at all price points.
  • Custom hearing aids
  • Cosmetic skincare + dermatology
  • Companionship: We offer in-person and virtual companionship services. Someone engaging to hang out with or talk to on video chat.
  • Senior housing concierge. Our service finds the best senior living options based on your needs, income, and personality.
Virtual Tours & Videos

Check out our photo album

Check out our virtual tours

Check out our home videos

Resident interviews at our senior living facilities

Check out our resident interviews