FL's "Sweetest Town" has Access to the Nation's 2nd Biggest Freshwater Lake, Parks, and a Median Home Price of $300K

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There are many small, charming towns in Florida that are relatively inexpensive when compared to larger towns. Examples are Homosassa Springs, Fort Meade, and Quincy.

However, none of those cities is known as "Florida's sweetest." That honor goes to a small, quaint town in Hendry County that sits on the banks of Lake Okeechobee, the second-largest freshwater lake in the United States. The town is a short drive to Fort Myers and offers natural attributes, a cute downtown with a marina, and an inexpensive cost of living.

What's So Special About Clewiston, Florida?: This town of only around 7,500 is called Florida's "sweetest" because of its sugar cane industry and its Sugar Festival.

Its iconic Clewiston Inn is a National Historic Site, its walkable downtown sits on a charming marina, and Lake Okeechobee arguably offers some of the best fishing in Florida, but it is also a great place to see wildlife such as birds as well as exotic plants. Below is a photo of the Clewiston Inn.

Photo byEbyabe, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Additionally, there is golfing, as well as water and nature parks at your disposal, and the housing market and cost of living are cheaper than many cities in Florida. The city also has a very interesting history related to Florida's Seminole Indians.

Big Cypress Reservation: One interesting stop in Clewiston is Big Cypress Reservation, where you can find nature trails, examples of Seminole culture, alligator wrestling, a petting zoo, rodeo, and airboat rides. The reservation can be a nice place to spend the day and learn something new.

The Lake Okeechobee Scenic Trail: Clewiston gives you access to this lovely site that is part of Florida's national scenic trail, and it offers paved areas to walk or ride your bike around this huge, scenic lake. Sunrises and sunsets are gorgeous over this lake.

Photo byRicoRico, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Devil’s Garden Bird Park: This national wildlife park spans 7,000 acres and is home to over 1,000 species of birds, so it's a great spot to take your binoculars, bird watch, and have a picnic lunch.

Clewiston Water Park: If you have children or grandchildren, the Clewiston Recreation Department offers a water park to cool down children and allow for play in Florida's sun.

A Low Cost of Living and Decent Livability Score: The median home price in Clewiston is currently around $300,000, which is less than the median home price in Florida of around $410,00 or the national average of $426,000.

According to AreaVibes, Clewiston has a livability score of 67, with A rankings in the cost of living, housing, and health care.

Where to Get a Bite to Eat in Clewiston: For a fun and nice meal, check out Scotty's Tiki Bar at the marina. It's right on the water and often offers live entertainment and dancing. Dishes that diners seem to enjoy are the boneless catfish and shrimp.