Cape Coral is a city in southwest Florida located on the Gulf of Mexico coast between Fort Myers and Naples. It has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. There are many things to do within walking distance from your home including shopping, dining & entertainment in the local area.
It is one of the most popular cities for retirees and families with young children. The city is known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather.
Whether you’re looking to retire or relocate, it’s important to understand what living in Cape Coral has to offer before making your decision! Read this to find out the pros and cons of living in Cape Coral, Florida.
What are some pros and cons of living in Cape Coral, Florida?
Here’s a list:
Pros:
- One of the most popular cities for retirees and young families.
- It’s known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather year round due to its location on the Gulf of Mexico.
- There are many restaurants and entertainment options, both indoor and outdoor.
- The city is not crowded, allowing for peace and quiet when desired, but also plenty of activities to do.
- Affordable housing options are available for purchase or rent, depending on your needs and budget in the area, as well as a wide range of community services and facilities.
- There are many schools, colleges, and universities nearby, as well as a variety of job opportunities.
- It is close to the Gulf Beaches, and only 20 minutes from Ft Myers Beach or Sanibel Island, which offers gorgeous wildlife, nature trails and more.
- It has a large selection of homes for sale designed to accommodate any family’s needs or budget.
Cons:
- It’s located in southwest Florida, meaning it can be quite humid during the summer months with lots of rain falling throughout the year (more than 80 inches per year).
- Hurricanes are a threat to the city, but the risk varies depending on where you live.
- The city is known to be prone to flooding during the rainy season from June through October due to its location on the Gulf of Mexico coast.
- There is a bit of traffic due to the high number of visitors and residents in the city.
- It is far from the major airports, including Miami International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport.
- There is limited public transportation available, so it may be difficult to get around without a car.
- It can be expensive for those who are not used to the area or use local services regularly!
- The cost of living is a bit higher than other regions in Florida. Overall though, it’s still very affordable for those looking to relocate or retire!
What are the factors to consider before living in Cape Coral, Florida?
Climate – The climate of Cape Coral is humid, with lots of rain falling throughout the year (over 80 inches). The area has an average temperature between 70-80 degrees during summer and 40 degree’s Fahrenheit in winter making it perfect for all types of homes; from single family houses to condominiums!
It’s located in southwest Florida, which means it can be quite humid during the summer months. The city is also prone to flooding due to its location on the Gulf of Mexico coast.
Transportation Availability and Public Services – There is limited public transportation in the area, and it may be difficult to get around without a car. The total land area of Cape Coral, Florida is over 170 square miles making it difficult to navigate the area without a car. The city has an average commute time of just under 30 minutes, which is about the same number reported by many major U.S cities!
Population – There are over 150,000 people who live within the cape coral city limits, with another 300,000+ who live in the surrounding communities. It is far from the major airports including Miami International Airport and Southwest Florida International Airport.
Housing Availability – Housing options are available for purchase or rent depending on your needs and budget in this area as well as a wide range of community services & facilities to suite any family’s needs. The city has a wide range of housing options available, from single family homes to condos and townhouses. There are many schools, colleges & universities nearby as well as various job opportunities.
Safety and Crime Rates – The crime rates in Cape Coral is just above the national average according to City-Data’s statistics report. Living in Cape Coral is generally considered safe for families and retirees, but it still wise to be aware of your surroundings.
Education – There are many schools, colleges and universities located nearby so you can choose where your child goes. It is also a great place for retirees to live since it has lower property taxes and homeowners insurance rates.
Taxes – The overall tax rate in the city is 11% which falls between Florida’s average state and local income, sales and real estate tax rates (Florida: no personal income or state/local sales tax; United States: an average of slightly under 11 percent).
Hospitals – There are many medical facilities available in the city including hospitals, urgent care centers and private health clinics. The nearest hospital for Cape Coral residents is the Gulf Coast Medical Center. It has one of the largest emergency rooms in Florida, and there are several other medical facilities in the area including; Cape Coral Hospital, Health Park Medical Centers & RSW Regional Healthcare System.
Tourist/ Visitors – Cape Coral has a high number of visitors and residents which can lead to traffic during peak hours, especially on weekends. This also affects your commute time from work or school.
Traffic – There is a bit of traffic due to the high number of visitors and residents in the city. This can be an issue for those who do not own cars or use public transportation regularly!
Time zone – Cape Florida is in the Eastern Time Zone, which means it’s on a similar time as most of North and South America.
Cost of living – The cost of living in Cape Coral is generally higher than other regions in Florida depending on your needs and budget. Overall though, it’s still very affordable for those looking to relocate or retire!
Economy – The economy in Cape Coral is also doing better than the majority of Florida. Unemployment is lower than the state average, and incomes are higher. This means there are many job opportunities available.
Environment – The city itself isn’t very environmentally friendly with no recycling facilities or green spaces to ‘give back’ to mother nature. It’s important for residents and tourists alike to be mindful of their water usage and waste in order to make a positive impact on their surroundings.
Food & Restaurants – There are many options when it comes to food in Cape Coral, from sit-down restaurants serving American cuisine to fast food places for an easy meal on the go! The city has numerous grocery stores with all different types of foods available.
The city has many fast food restaurants including McDonald’s, Burger King & Dunkin Donuts as well as plenty of grocery stores to choose from for those who like to cook their own meals at home. It also has a great selection of sit down restaurant options depending on your budget.
These are the factors you need to consider when moving to Cape Coral. It is a great place for retirees and families alike, especially if you are looking to start over in sunny Florida with plenty of opportunities nearby.
Tips for Settling into Your New Home in Cape Coral Florida
Once you have decided to move into your new home in Cape Coral, Florida there are a few things that you need to know:
First of all, the city is very spread out and can take some getting used to depending on where you live – make sure your commute time from place to place doesn’t add up too much or it won’t be as peaceful as you’d like!
Finding a place to live is just the first step, and it can be difficult. You need to get orientated in your new area so you know where everything is located such as grocery stores & restaurants! It’s also important that you find some local friends who can show you around and introduce you to some community activities.
Locating what are grocery stores and restaurants available nearby such as; Publix Supermarkets, Winn Dixie Stores & McDonald’s.
If you’re a student, don’t forget to find out about your new school and meet the teachers before classes start! You’ll also want to get involved with sports teams or other extracurriculars as soon as possible so you can make friends and feel like part of the local community.
If you have any children, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the local school system and get them enrolled as early as possible.
Finding your way around can be challenging at first, so why not try getting an Uber or Lyft for those initial few months? This will help you save money on expensive cabs while also helping you find out where everything is located. There are also plenty of bus routes around the city, so make sure you check those out too.
Keeping busy is important when moving to a new place especially if it’s far away from family and friends back home! It might take some time for them to visit though. Try finding activities like hiking or sports that you can do on your own. This will help you stay active and meet new people. You could also look into joining a club or book club to learn about the local community and make some friends in your area.
Living in a new place can be challenging, but if you’re prepared it’ll go smoothly! We hope this blog post was helpful and gave you a better idea of what to expect when moving to Cape Coral.
What are some of the best beaches and recreational activities in Cape Coral, Florida?
Cape Coral, Florida has a wide range of beaches, as well as indoor and outdoor pursuits. Here are some of the city’s most popular ones:
There’s plenty of things to do outdoors around Cape Coral, including fishing & boating at one of the local marinas. If you’re a golfer then you will be in heaven with an abundance of courses to choose from.
Cape Coral Yacht Club is great for meeting new people and learning about the community.
The beaches in Cape Coral are always buzzing with activity as locals enjoy spending their weekends there to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It is a great place for those who love fishing, biking or picnics too! The warm weather makes it perfect for outdoor activities so you’ll never be stuck inside during your stay.
Pine Island Park is a great place to take the kids for a day out at the beach! There’s plenty of room for children to play with sandpits & swings as well as basketball courts. It also offers bike trails and walking paths where you can exercise or just take in the beautiful surroundings. The park is also located near shopping centers which are great for grabbing some groceries or picking up any last minute items you need before settling into your new home!
Winter is one of the best times to visit Cape Coral, Florida with so many activities and things to do.
Cape Coral has a strong cultural identity that reflects its heritage. There are lots of festivals and events throughout the year such as; The Sun Splash Family Festival in June featuring live music, food & crafts stalls PLUS an annual Holiday Tree Lighting in December. The city also has many museums you can visit such as; the Edison & Ford Winter Estates.
You will never be bored with so much to do in Cape Coral! If you are looking for a vibrant and active place to live, look no further than this amazing destination.
Final Thought
Living in Cape Coral, Florida can be a great experience. You will need to consider the costs and benefits of living here before making that decision though! It is important to carefully review all aspects of this area when considering it as your new home.
You should also consider the city’s safety and how you will get around if this is your new home. If you have a car, think about things like traffic congestion or parking costs in the area before committing to buying a house here! If you are relocating or retiring, make sure you include these factors when deciding on where to move.
Please consult a licensed real estate agent or appropriate professional
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