Moving to Cape Coral, FL: 10 Reasons You’ll Love Living in Cape Coral
Are you considering a move to Cape Coral, FL? Here are ten things you need to know about living in Cape Coral.
Nestled in the scenic southwest region of Florida along the Gulf of Mexico, Cape Coral stands as a thriving community, boasting a population of over 208,053 residents (University of Florida, Economic Research 2022). Situated on the opposite banks of the Caloosahatchee River from Fort Myers, this picturesque city, encompassing approximately 120 square miles, is renowned for its 400 miles of canals, premier golf courses, and a plethora of family-friendly attractions, making it an attractive destination for both families and retirees.
Affectionately dubbed the “Waterfront Wonderland,” Cape Coral has earned its reputation as one of the most desirable places to reside in Florida, thanks to its affordability and commendably low crime rate. As the second-largest city in the state and the largest urban center between Tampa and Miami, Cape Coral offers a dynamic lifestyle characterized by a high quality of life and an array of opportunities like boating, fishing, parks, cycling, dining, bars, and entertainment.
This list provides essential aspects to consider, ensuring that you are well-informed about the experience of living in Cape Coral.
Cost of Living
As one of the best places to live in Florida, Cape Coral’s cost of living is surprisingly affordable. With a cost of living that is 3% higher than the state average and 9% higher than the national average, living in Cape Coral is less expensive than in other areas in Florida, such as Naples and Miami. (data source from Payscale)
Real Estate Market
Whether you are searching for single-family homes, condos, or luxury homes, Cape Coral has no shortage of breathtaking real estate for sale. Known to have a somewhat competitive housing market, most homes get multiple offers, and some of the hottest homes can sell for around the list price in about 12 days. As of January 2023, home prices were up 5.3%. The average price of a home in Cape Coral is $373 per square foot.
Weather
Known for having a subtropical climate, Cape Coral is primarily hot, with humid summers and short and pleasantly warm winters. Attracting new residents from the northeast and midwest, most people moving to Cape Coral choose the area, particularly for its desirable weather and warmer climate.
Waterfront Living
Cape Coral boasts a high demand for waterfront residences, given its extensive network of over 400 miles of freshwater and saltwater canals—surpassing any other city globally. Homes positioned along these canals offer unparalleled water vistas. While many of these canals are navigable, not all provide direct entry to the Gulf of Mexico. Aside from being a boater’s haven, these canals serve as flood control mechanisms for residents.
Education
Cape Coral takes education seriously as part of the Lee County School District, the ninth-largest school district in Florida and the 32nd-largest school district in the United States. Educating over 90,000 students in grades K-12, this above-average school district has some of the best schools in Florida. The public schools in Cape Coral rank in the top 50% of schools in Florida, and most schools have above-average math and reading proficiency scores. (Data Sourced from GreatSchool)
Low Crime Rate
Cape Coral is a safe community and a great place to raise a family. With a crime rate of 1 per 1,000 residents, your chance of becoming a victim of crime is 1 in 84. Awarded an A+ crime rating, overall total crime rates in Cape Coral are 49% lower than the national average. In comparison, violent crime is 67% lower, and property crime is 45% lower than the national average.
Great Place to Retire
Retirees love living in Cape Coral for its laid-back lifestyle and active community. Considered one of the best places to retire in the country, Cape Coral’s warm and sunny weather, access to recreational activities, and proximity to leading hospitals and healthcare facilities make this city a hotspot for retiring.
Restaurants
One of the best ways to get to know an area is by dining at its local favorite restaurants. Cape Coral has no shortage of great restaurants that serve delicious food, from freshly caught seafood to gourmet burgers. Dine at these top-rated restaurants in Cape Coral, FL: Ford’s Garage, Point 57 Kitchen and Cocktails, Cork Soakers Deck and Wine Bar, Fish Tale Grill, Nevermind Awesome Bar and The Hop.
Things To Do
Add these favorite local things to do to your Cape Coral, FL, bucket list: Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Sun Splash Family Waterpark, Cape Coral Farmers Market, Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery , Sirenia Vista – a small eight-acre environmental park offers manatee viewing areas.
Burrowing Owls
The Cape Coral City Bird is officially the Florida Burrowing Owl. While this owl species is distributed throughout Florida, Cape Coral boasts the highest concentration of burrowing owls in the state, with over 3,500 owl burrows. Unlike some migratory owls, burrowing owls make Cape Coral their year-round home. However, due to ongoing residential and commercial development in the area, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission has classified them as an endangered species.