Glades County

Glades County is the smallest and most rural county in Southwest Florida, with a population of approximately 13,000. Situated on the western shores of Lake Okeechobee — Florida's largest freshwater lake — Glades County offers an experience of natural Florida that is increasingly rare in the rapidly developing state. The county seat is Moore Haven, a small town on the Caloosahatchee River near where it meets Lake Okeechobee.

Lake Okeechobee dominates the geography, economy, and identity of Glades County. The lake, spanning more than 730 square miles, is one of the premier bass fishing destinations in the country. Tournament anglers and recreational fishers flock to the lake year-round, and fishing guides based in Moore Haven and Lakeport provide access to the lake's legendary bass populations. The Herbert Hoover Dike, which encircles the lake, also serves as a popular trail for hiking and cycling.

Moore Haven, the county seat, is a quiet town with a handful of restaurants, a small downtown, and a community that knows its neighbors. The town hosts an annual Chalo Nitka Festival — a celebration of the local culture with a parade, bass tournament, and community activities. "Chalo Nitka" means "Day of the Bass" in the Seminole language.

Buckhead Ridge, Lakeport, and Palmdale are small residential communities scattered across the county. These communities attract retirees and outdoors enthusiasts who value the low cost of living, proximity to nature, and freedom from the congestion of coastal development.

Glades County's economy is based on agriculture (cattle, citrus, sugar cane), fishing tourism, and government services. The county is one of the most affordable places to live in all of Florida, with housing costs well below state and national averages.

For those seeking an authentic, unspoiled Florida experience — wide-open skies, world-class fishing, and a genuine small-town community — Glades County is a hidden treasure within the Southwest Florida region.