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Cape Coral : Florida

What it's Like to Retire in Cape Coral

Cape Coral is one the nicer communities for retirement in south Florida. This relaxed town is just north of Ft. Myers and west of North Ft.Myers, along the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. Cape Coral is a very new town; it was formed in 1958. The population is about 165,000, an increase of over 45% since 2000. The average age is 41.6, 3 years higher than the average in the State of Florida. Cape Coral was named one of the top 25 places to retire by Fortune in 2012. The reasons cited were low cost of housing, warm weather, and no state income tax.

One of the most unusual things about Cape Coral is its access to the water, since it is surrounded by it on 2 sides. It also has more than 400 miles of canals; having a home with water access is very available. The cost of living and crime rate is lower than average. Being next to Fort Myers is a plus because of all its shopping, recreation, cultural, and transportation opportunities.

Where to Retire in Cape Coral and Home Prices

Many active adult communities are available in Cape Coral and surrounding towns. (Try asking the Chamber of Commerce in each town for a list).
The median real estate price was $200,975, in early 2016, according to Zillow.com. During the second quarter of 2016, the National Association of Realtors reports the median sale price in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area to be higher at $230,000.

What is special about Cape Coral

With more than 400 miles of canals, Cape Coral has more canals than any place on earth. Cape Coral's access to the water and Gulf are extraordinary. Pine Island is nice place to live or visit. The Cape Coral Art Festival is one of the biggest in Florida. Warm winters.

What is not special about Cape Coral

The real estate bust has hit Cape Coral and some of its neighborhoods and developments hard. Traffic in the winter season can be a bear. Summers are hot and humid.

Who will like retirement in Cape Coral

Cape Coral is very well suited to retirees looking for a comfortable lifestyle in the warm Florida winters. It is not a fancy town, although there are plenty of places near the water that are expensive and very nice.

Local economy is driven by

Up until recently construction was very important to Cape Coral's economy. Now medical services and retirement are the big drivers.

Climate and Physical Environment

Cape Coral is surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River on the south and the Gulf of Mexico on the west. It is in southwest Florida. There is a huge island to its west, Pine Island. There are many bays, sounds, and harbors in the area. Winters are warm in Cape Coral, summers are hot and humid with daily rainstorms.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

The Cape Coral Festival of the Arts is held the second weekend of January every year. More than 100,000 people and over 300 artists and crafts people exhibit. Cape Coral Gardens is a popular attraction. Nearby Ft. Myers has many theatres and cultural attractions including the continuing schedule at the Barbara Mann Hall.

Crime

Crime in Cape Coral is just under the national average.

Medical facilities

Cape Coral Hospital is in town, while Ft. Myers has several large hospitals. There are qualified doctors for every kind of medical specialty in the Cape Coral area.

Transportation

Southwest Florida International airport in south Ft. Myers is nearby and one of the busier airports in the country.

Valuable Links

Florida retirement guide
Cape Coral Chamber of Commerce
Cape Coral Festival of the Arts

What people are saying about Cape Coral
Cape Coral
Absolutely the hottest place on the planet.
Posted by bigfoot14b on June 28, 2012

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Cape Coral Active Communities

Facts about CAPE CORAL

State: FL
Environment: Suburban,Coastal,Boating Community,Golf Community,
City Population: 100,001+
Median age of Population: 45-64
Avg Jan Temperature: 61 +
Avg July Temperature: 81+
Median HH Income: 41,001-60,000
Average Home Price (MLS): $100,000-$200,000
Annual Property Tax on a $200,000 house: Less than 2000
Total Crime Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Cost of Living Index: 91-100 (slightly below average)
Culture Index: 81-90 (low)
State Sales Tax: Yes
State Income Tax: No
Name of the Guide: boomer1

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