Seven Lakes in Fort Myers, FL

Pros

• The golf course is nice and very well maintained.
• There are several pools and lots of activities for the seniors to do.
• It's a great place to live.
• The Tee Room is friendly and the executive course is nice.
• It's a private course bundled with ownership and the best deal in SW Florida.
• Renovations to the golf course are excellent, with new cart paths, greens and fairways.
• Seven Lakes residents are very friendly and welcoming.
• The community offers many activities and a fabulous restaurant.
• The course is beautiful, well taken care of, and fun.
• The people are welcoming and the community is friendly.

Cons

• The association constantly assigns new assessments to the already high HOA fees.
• Golfers follow no rules, hitting villas with golf balls and driving their carts through yards up to residents' patios.
• The association does nothing to enforce rules.
• Activities cost extra money now.
• The place constantly raises fees, yet few improvements are made.
• The board of directors seems to pay themselves high salaries instead of funneling residents' dues into improvements and free activities.
• The new golf pro, Troy, is extremely rude and disrespectful to elders and should be let go.
• Online sign-ups are forced, benefiting the pro rather than the members.
• The general manager failed to show up for a meeting and did not call to cancel.
• Residents pay almost $1,000 per month and are nickel-and-dimed for a $5 bag tag, with staff chasing on the course to collect.
• Buildings look too clinical and there are a lot of rules to follow.
• The course needs work to update aging infrastructure.
• The food was bland, and the salad lettuce was yellow.

Review

Seven Lakes in Fort Myers is best suited for active, golf- and tennis-focused seniors who want a private, bundled lifestyle where the course is central to daily life. This community rewards residents with a well-maintained executive course, a robust calendar of activities, multiple pools, and dining options that create a vibrant social fabric. It is ideal for couples or individuals who crave a strong sense of belonging and a lifestyle built around clubs, socializing, and outdoor recreation, all within a gated, seemingly safe environment. The bundled ownership model is a practical advantage for many, delivering a cohesive package where living, playing, and entertaining are all part of the same ecosystem.

That said, certain buyers should consider alternatives. Budget-conscious households will want to scrutinize the ongoing HOA-like fees, as assessments and new charges for golf, tennis, and activities have been a recurring complaint. The move toward online signups and more digital processes can frustrate longtime residents who prefer a simpler, more personal approach. Governance concerns also surface in reviews - rules enforcement appears inconsistent, and a few members report management gaps, rude personnel, or missed commitments. For families prioritizing predictable costs, tight service consistency, or a less golf-centric environment, a more traditional assisted-living setting or a non-golf-forward community may be a wiser fit.

The core pros are substantial and they tend to offset some of the financial headwinds for those who value the lifestyle highly. The golf course has undergone significant renovations, delivering better cart paths, greens, and fairways that elevate both play and aesthetics. Residents enjoy free access to the course, with guest policies that favor local players, and the layout remains enjoyable and challenging for an executive design. The property is consistently well maintained, and the amenities - pools, tennis courts, and a growing central dining and gathering scene around the Tee Room - contribute to a high-quality daily rhythm. This combination of top-tier golf, strong maintenance, and a social backbone creates tangible value for those who measure retirement by activity, friends, and recreation.

Yet the cons are real and must be acknowledged in any decision. Fee pressure is palpable, with many noting that dues feel supplemented by discretionary charges and even salary considerations at the management level. Reports of a golf pro who is perceived as disrespectful, plus a general manager who misses meetings, illustrate governance friction that can erode trust and enthusiasm. The push toward online processes can alienate residents less comfortable with technology, and aging infrastructure - paint that could use refreshing, for example - signals that capital improvements may lag behind aspirations. Taken together, these factors can significantly diminish the appeal if cost control, consistent leadership, and a people-centered culture are non-negotiables.

From a living-lifestyle standpoint, Seven Lakes remains compelling for the right buyer. The golf renovations have elevated the course to a premier-feeling experience within the community, and the social energy - neighbors welcoming neighbors, plentiful activities, and accessible dining - creates a strong sense of belonging. The planned expansion of tennis facilities and the intent to add communal gathering spaces point to ongoing commitment to quality. For residents who prize a high-touch, club-like atmosphere and are comfortable with the cost structure and governance dynamics, the value is substantial. The risk is misalignment between expectations of governance, cost stability, and the actual day-to-day experience.

Bottom line: Seven Lakes is a powerful option for those who want a full-spectrum, golf-forward retirement environment with a private course, an expansive amenity set, and a lively resident community. It is best suited for buyers who can tolerate rising fees and occasional governance frustrations while valuing the lifestyle advantages: social clubs, extensive activities, and a course that consistently impresses after renovations. It may not suit households prioritizing budget predictability, stricter governance, or a less golf-centered day-to-day. Prospective residents should verify current fee structures, meet with management, and talk with multiple residents about day-to-day reality. When alignment exists, Seven Lakes offers a durable, satisfying path to an active, connected retirement; if not, the search should continue toward options with steadier dues and clearer governance.

This area of Fort Myers, Florida, offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living needs. With several well-known restaurant chains such as Olive Garden and Chick-Fil-A within close proximity, there are plenty of dining options for residents. Additionally, nearby pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens provide convenient access to medications and healthcare supplies. For medical services, reputable physicians' offices such as Joint Implant Surgeons of Florida and Lee Cancer Clinic are located nearby. In case of emergencies, Gulf Coast Hospital is just 0.6 miles away. The presence of cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread offer great spots for socializing or enjoying a quiet cup of coffee. Overall, this part of Fort Myers provides a balanced mix of essential services and recreational facilities that would suit the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Restaurants

• Olive Garden (0.2 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.3 miles)
• Dave & Buster's (0.4 miles)
• Culver's (0.5 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (0.5 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.5 miles)
• KFC (0.8 miles)

Physicians

• Joint Implant Surgeons of Florida (0.3 miles)
• Frantz Cosmetic Center (0.5 miles)
• Lee Cancer Clinic (0.5 miles)
• Florida Cancer Specialists (0.6 miles)
• Associates in Digestive Health (0.6 miles)
• Florida Neurology Group (0.6 miles)
• Troast & Associates (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Lee Pharmacy - Gulf Coast Medical Center (1.6 miles)
• Gulf Coast Medical Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Belltower (0.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Gulf Coast Hospital (0.6 miles)
• Lee Health (3.7 miles)
• The Children's Rehabilitation Center - Bass Rd (3.7 miles)
• Lee Health Cardiovascular Services - HealthPark Commons (3.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (1.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Cecilia's Catholic Church (2.5 miles)
• Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers (3.5 miles)

Parks

• Jaycee Park (3.8 miles)