Cape Coral is a great city to live in, whether you are single, raising a family, or looking to retire. It has a diverse population with people of all age groups and ethnicities. It is also a very affordable place to live, with a cost of living lower than the state average.
Cape Coral is a relatively new community, being founded only in 1957, but has since grown to a large community with over 176,000 residents. Many newcomers are drawn by the affordable real estate, scenic canals, and the beach lifestyle. They also may be attracted to the growing job market, nearby universities, local flora and fauna, and the favorable warm climate.
Moving to Cape Coral
The city, nicknamed the “Waterfront Wonderland” after all of its canals and beaches (it’s surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico on two sides), Cape Coral is also quite popular with retirees. It’s affordable living coupled with plenty of recreation to keep you busy offers a good prospect for those looking to move to the Sunshine State.
Cape Coral Affordable Living
As mentioned above, Cape Coral is one of the more affordable places to live in the state. The average home price is around $254,000 for a mid-sized home, but lower in many areas that are not directly on the water. This is not too far off the national average of $250,000 and is below the Florida average of $279,000.
Not only is real estate affordable, but the general cost of living is as well. Groceries and gas prices hover just above the national average, while other amenities like healthcare and utilities are below the national average. Most people get around in Cape Coral via car, since public transportation is scarce and gas is very affordable. Fort Meyers, FL is nearby to the East of the city, which also enjoys a similar scale of cost of living. Many are able to live comfortably on smaller to average sized salaries in the city.
Cape Coral Florida Retirement Communities
Cape Coral is home to many retirees who move from the more northern states and wish to enjoy a nicer climate. Some retirees may be ready to move, but not able or willing to maintain a property by themselves. Therefore, there are quite a few 55 and over communities to choose from in the city. These communities are designed to be a place to live but also a social outlet for residents—the needs of older residents are taken into account by staff, and many social and enrichment activities are planned each week.
New Beginning Assisted Living, Hannah’s Heart ALF, and Cape Coral Shores are just a few of the many senior communities and homes in the city. Many offer close proximity to beaches or other external recreation opportunities. Some also offer transportation to and from grocery stores or to other errands. The 55+ communities of Cape Coral are beautiful and showcase Florida living, many with outdoor patios and gardens.
Cape Coral Beaches
The city is surrounded on two sides by beaches and is known for its beach lifestyle. The two main beaches are the Yacht Club Community Park and Cape Coral Four Freedoms Park. Both offer beautiful sandy beaches with plenty to do. The Yacht Club beach, to the Southeast of the city, offers many amenities—parking is free, except for boat trailers which need to pay a small fee. Playground equipment that is designed to also accommodate users with disabilities is available, as well as a public boat ramps off the pier that is free to be used recreationally.
Four Freedoms Park, the newest beach of the city, is on the southern edge. It, as well as the Yacht beach, is open to visitors from dawn to dusk, with the disclaimer that there is no lifeguard on duty and the city is not liable for any accidents that may occur. Both are technically non-swimming beaches.
In addition to these main beaches, other beaches and boat launch areas can be found along the city’s shores, such as Bernice Braden Park, Horton Park and Boat Ramp, and Saratoga Lake Park.
Cape Coral Fishing
Florida is nicknamed the “Fishing Capital of the World.” Sport fishing is quite popular in Southern Florida, and Cape Coral is no exception. The city is unique due to its canal system, the Caloosahatchee River, and adjacent beaches—it offers both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Anglerfish are particularly common on these beaches, and Florida claims to have more anglers than any other state. Fishing in any setting requires proper permit and documentation according to Florida law.
The two main beaches, Yacht Club Community Beach and Four Freedoms Park, offer saltwater fishing. The Yacht Beach offers fishing along the shore as well as along the nearby canal. In the canal system of the city, over 6 variety of both saltwater and freshwater fish are said to be found. The mangrove, sheepshead, and snook are a few that locals and visitors report catching in the canals.
Cape Coral Golf
Cape Coral has some beautiful golf courses and attracts both local golfers and tourists. The options range from private to public, from resort style to others to choose from. Coral Oaks Golf Course is a public golf course off of Pine Tree Blvd and is one of the largest golf courses in the area. It offers 18 holes, practice ranges, putting greens, a fully stocked pro shop, and a full restaurant. Another golf course, Palmetto Pines, is a semi-private country club that offers dining and social events in addition to its championship golf course. Both Coral Oaks and Palmetto Pines were designed by famous area architect Arthur Hills.
Hunters Run, another Cape Coral golf course, is the semi-private executive course. All three courses provide expertly crafted terrain and exquisite scenery. Also, since many are almost as old as the young city itself, they all represent a part of Cape Coral history.
Cape Coral Real Estate Investment Opportunities
The cost of living and real estate prices are quite affordable in the city. It is currently a buyer’s market, with many properties selling at near value. If you are looking to invest in rental properties in the area, it is not a bad market to get into. Popular choices for investors include single family homes, duplexes, triplexes, or 4-5-unit small apartment buildings.
In recent years, a foreclosure crisis had hit the city, and many residents who once owned homes are looking to rent. Therefore, there is a consistent demand for apartments available to rent, and investors should not experience much difficulty procuring tenants. Apart from the past economic problems regarding foreclosures, many baby boomer retirees who move to Cape Coral desire to rent instead of buying. They also are often looking for well kept, affordable apartments to rent. With low crime rates and low taxes, the rental prospect is good for both tenants and landlords in Cape Coral.
Looking to retire in Cape Coral Florida but do not know where to start?
Here is your opportunity to put my experience in Cape Coral real estate and over a decade living in Cape Coral to work for you to help you fund you retirement paradise. Fill out the contact form below and I will be sure to get back to you in a timely manner on how to get your very own piece of paradise.
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