Pine Ridge at Fort Myers

Pros

• One of the top 55+ gated communities in the US.
• Well-managed condo association, beautiful, well-kept grounds, active social club.
• Secret Gem of a community; friendly, many activities, beautiful views and landscaping.
• The pool was clean and heated.
• Lake views were very relaxing.
• Nice walking trail.
• The people are always very nice and friendly, and wave as you drive by.

Cons

• The Treno are rude and pushy little troll watch out for them.
• This place is so racist.

Review

This quiet retirement community feels like a small nation of friendly strangers who quickly become neighbors. From the moment you hear that many residents are from all over the country, you sense a welcoming, diverse tapestry of backgrounds converging in one peaceful place. One repeat sentiment is the wish that they hadn't passed up a chance to buy an inexpensive home there a few years ago, a regret tied to the belief that the lifestyle and value have only continued to improve. For many who visit or stay for a spell, the impression is that this is a place that grows on you - calm, well-kept, and quietly appealing.

A big part of the appeal is the setting itself: a beautiful gated community with sure-footed security, well-manicured grounds, and views that invite you to linger. The scenery isn't just pretty in snapshots; it's something you can experience daily, whether you're strolling a nice walking trail or pausing to take in lake views that many find relaxing and rejuvenating. The gates and the landscaping contribute to a sense of order and safety, while the overall aesthetics - the curving sidewalks, the well-tended common areas, and the careful attention to detail - make the place feel cared for. Fog slowly dissipating in the morning and the sense of quiet luxury pepper many notes, reinforcing the feeling that this is a place to slow down and savor life.

Amenities and everyday life are frequently highlighted as standout features. A clean, heated pool is a recurring highlight, along with the tranquil lake views and accessible walking trails that invite residents to stay active without leaving the community. The pool, often described as a key draw, is paired with lush landscaping and scenic overlooks that make leisure feel almost vacation-like. In addition to physical spaces, there's a strong social heartbeat: a well-regarded 55+ association, an active social club, and a steady stream of weekly activities. Some reviewers mention bingo nights and other regular gatherings, which helps explain why so many say they feel at home there. Several people emphasize that the complex is nicely kept and that residents' care for the place translates into a pleasant daily atmosphere.

The tone about the people and the social climate is consistently warm, with many calling it a place where "the grounds alone make me want to live there." The sense of community is reinforced by small, everyday interactions - neighbors who wave as you drive by, even if they don't know you, and a general sense that people are friendly and welcoming. One reviewer notes that the groundskeepers "are always very friendly and seem happy to work there," a detail that speaks to the pride people take in maintaining the shared space. For those who have lived or worked nearby, sentiments of familiarity, security, and neighborliness are repeated: "the people are always very nice and friendly," and many describe Pine Ridge as feeling like family, with warmth that is evident in conversations and encounters.

There are, however, a few cautionary notes that remind readers this isn't a perfectly uniform experience. Some reviews lean into the more critical side, pointing out negative dynamics or unsavory behavior among a small subset of residents. One line bluntly describes a group as "The Treno are Rude and pushy little troll watch out for them," which serves as a stark counterpoint to the otherwise glowing portrayals. Another reviewer is more severe, stating, "This place is so racist. I dread going to visit my mother who lives here," a reminder that perceptions of culture and inclusivity can vary widely even within a 55+ community. There's also a direct but colorful remark about people to watch for in certain situations. Taken together, these notes suggest that while the bulk of the experience can be positive - friendly faces, security, beauty, and activity - there can be tensions and real conflicts that color some visits or stays.

Despite these divergences, the overall impression remains strong and largely positive for many residents and visitors. Phrases like "One of the top 55+ gated communities in the US," and "Well-managed condo association, beautiful, well-kept grounds, active social club" appear alongside more intimate reflections: "Love living in Paradise! Beautiful 55+ community," "Love this place," and "Great place to retire." The repetition of affectionate descriptors - home, paradise, jewel, secret gem - drives home the sense that, for a large portion of people, this is one of those places that feels special enough to want to return, to rebook a trip, and to consider as a long-term home. Even reviews that acknowledge challenges still end with gratitude for the beauty, the quiet, and the strong sense of belonging.

In many notes, the place is framed as a safe harbor for retirement: quiet, peaceful, and conducive to building a community around shared interests and manageable living. People speak of the grounds as a draw in their own right, of the lake and the walking paths as daily rejuvenators, and of the pool as a social hub where neighbors meet and reconnect. The phrase "The best place to live" recurs, and several reviewers underline that it feels like a well-kept, lightly bustling haven for 55 and over living. Others celebrate the location as a "Secret Gem of a community," where friendly faces, remarkable views, and steady activities create a sense of home away from home. The balance of beauty, security, and sociability culminates in a strong verdict: this is a great place to retire, with enough variety, warmth, and character to satisfy a wide range of expectations.

If you're considering a 55+ lifestyle, the reviews paint a compelling, multi-faceted picture. You'll find striking grounds, a serene environment, and practical perks like a clean pool and scenic trails that invite regular use. The social life is active, with an ongoing calendar of events that helps shape a sense of belonging, even for newcomers. Yet it's also a place where experiences can diverge - where racism or interpersonal friction can surface in some corners or among some individuals, and where a reminder to navigate personalities and neighborhood dynamics is wise. Taken as a whole, the community stands out for its beauty, its spirit of welcome, and its capacity to feel like home for many who choose to plant roots there.

This part of Fort Myers, Florida, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With several restaurants nearby such as Cracker Barrel, McDonald's, and Pizza Hut, there are plenty of dining options for convenience. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS within a short driving distance for easy access to medications and healthcare products. For medical care, there are several physicians' offices including Lee County Health Department and Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute nearby. The area also features parks like Terry Park and Barkingham Dog Park for leisurely walks or outdoor activities. In terms of entertainment, there is a movie theater (AMC Merchants Crossing 16) within a reasonable distance for seniors who enjoy films. Places of worship such as St Cecilia's Catholic Church are also conveniently located for spiritual comfort. Overall, this area provides a mix of essential services and recreational options that make it suitable for senior living.

Restaurants

• Cracker Barrel (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)
• Pizza Hut (2.6 miles)
• Hogbodys Bar and Grill (2.8 miles)
• Buckingham Farms (3 miles)
• Boathouse (3.5 miles)
• McAlister's Deli (4.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (4.3 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (4.4 miles)

Physicians

• Lee County Health Department (3 miles)
• Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute - Fort Myers Colonial (4.2 miles)
• Family Health Centers Medical Office (5.1 miles)
• Eugene Usberghi (5.4 miles)
• Dr Gary Pynckel (5.8 miles)
• Gardner Orthopedics (5.9 miles)
• The McGregor Clinic (6.1 miles)

Parks

• Terry Park (3.2 miles)
• Barkingham Dog Park (3.6 miles)
• Buckingham Park (3.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Havana Bakery (4.5 miles)
• First Watch - Colonial (4.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.9 miles)
• Panera Bread (8.6 miles)

Hospitals

• LPG Orthopedics - The Sanctuary (4.2 miles)
• Johns Hopkins All Children's Outpatient Care (4.8 miles)
• Healthpark Medical Center (5 miles)
• Lee County VA Healthcare Center (7.8 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Merchants Crossing 16 (6.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Cecilia's Catholic Church (8.2 miles)
• Blessed Pope John the XXIII Catholic Church (8.4 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (8.4 miles)