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Two Southwest Florida Cities Are The Best Places To Live In The US For 2023

Author Diana Beasley

Two Southwest Florida Cities Are The Best Places To Live In The US For 2023, according to US News & World Report.

Of course those of us living here in Southwest Florida, (at least most of us), know that there’s not many places better.  Sure, the traffic is horrible (really hoping it dies down after Easter).  Yes, the real estate prices are killing us.  And, how can we forget about the devastation left behind by Hurricane Ian?  But, every place has it’s pros and cons, right?

The climate here in Southwest Florida cannot be beat.  The outdoor activities are year round.  Where else can you have a boat day on Christmas Day?  How can life get any sweeter?

The folks over at US News conducted a study to find the best places to live in the US for 2022-2023 and two Southwest Florida cities were in the top 12.  Sarasota comes in at #9 on the list and Naples at #12.

Other cities in Florida did make the top 50 cities on the list.  Melbourne at #20, Jacksonville at #24, Tampa at #39 and Pensacola at #44.

According to the study, these results were based on five categories.  Those include job market, value, quality of life, desirability and migration.

 

The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida: Ranked

The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida. Fort Myers and Naples have some of the nicest golf courses in the country – the only problem is, to play these, you either need a rich friend who belongs at one of the courses, or you need to part ways with a couple hundred thousand to become a member yourself.

Don’t have either? You’re still in luck!   Southwest Florida has a litany of fun and challenging public courses open year-round to the average bloke. They may not offer the luxury amenities such as iced towels, golf carts outfitted with GPS and speakers, and Pro-V1 range balls, but the beers are just as cold and often times the cart girls are better looking!

I put these courses through a screening process and am basing this on certain criteria – first and foremost, they need to be open year-round for public play. After that, I judged them on: Layout (fun vs challenging), Condition and Amenities, Rates, Cart Girls (when applicable), and of course, the 19th hole. So, text your buddies, wash your balls, and tee up at these local favorites year round.  

These are The 9 Best Public Golf Courses in Southwest Florida

  • 9. San Carlos Golf Club

    Don’t sleep on this muni – affordable rates and easy to score. I am listing this course for the golfers who like to have a good time playing. Pack a few beers, grab a transfusion at the turn, and swing away with no regard! Don’t come here if you’re bougie – but if you enjoy a good buzz and a good time without breaking the bank, San Carlos Golf Club is a great option. 

     

  • 8. Eagle Ridge Country Club

    Eagle Ridge has great rates year round – even during season (October through May). Decent layout and can score if you’re playing well. The are several downsides though – you could easily get stuck behind several slow foursomes, the 19th hole is more reminiscent of a small deli, and if it rains for a few days make sure wear your mud boots as the drainage is poor.    

     

  • 7. Palmetto-Pine Country Club

    A hidden gem in Cape Coral. They don’t allow coolers, but not sure that has ever stopped anyone. Not the cheapest during season, but you can find good deals sometimes on golfnow.com  

     

  • 6. River Hall Country Club

    River Hall is a little hike from Fort Myers or Naples, and that is probably why this course is still public, but if you can make it out there you won’t be disappointed. Great layout, nice amenities, and the course is usually in great shape.  

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cmwm19ZOlwv/

  • 5. Eastwood Golf Course

    Once a top 50 Public Golf Course in the Country, Eastwood Golf Course is a staple if you grew up in Fort Myers. This course is one of two public courses owned and maintained by the City of Fort Myers. Next to a nature center and it’s not uncommon to see Bald Eagles, Alligators, and Snakes along the track.  

  • 4. Shell Point

    Shell Point is easily one of the most fun courses on the list. The different tee boxes can make this course very scorable or very challenging. It’s always in great shape, but the problem is…it’s a dry course. I can’t stress this enough – pack your own drinks, if you’re into that kind of thing.  

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C1cPKWlCH_A/

  • 3. Old Corkscrew

    Old Corkscrew is actually the nicest course on this list, however, the price keeps it at #3. This Jack Nicholas layout and the greens will certainly challenge the best golfers, but will make you feel like a pro if you can shoot a low round. Just watch out for the alligators, seriously…. 

  • 2. Stoneybrook Golf Club

    Pretty fun layout on this tract. Not always in the best shape but it’s affordable, fun, has great drinks (thanks to having Duffy’s at the turn), and can be quite challenging if the wind is blowing. A lot of water on this course – starting with the water range. Runner up for best 19th hole also! 

    Stoneybrook

  • 1. Fort Myers Country Club Golf Course

    Sure, I’m a little biased because I grew up here and have played Fort Myers 1,000 times – but it never gets old. Some holes were actually redesigned a few years ago (5th Tee Box used to give slicers nightmares). This course has great rates, fun to play (several drivable par 4s), cart girls, and by far the best 19th hole in the area, The Edison! Always a fun time at “The Fort.”  

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Author Diana Beasley
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