SW FL Overview 2

Cape Coral is a huge suburb to the West of Ft Myers. Its actually much larger than Fort Myers itself, having outgrown it’s host city.  In fact, it’s the second largest city in all of Florida, geographically.  With that said though, the population density is not that high– as it’s designed as a large suburban type of community where pretty much everybody gets a 1/4 acre parcel of land. The city is divided into 4 quadrants of unequal size. The NW and NE have somewhat of a rural quality, especially the Northernmost sections, and are not that developed (yet). These Northern sections have a different quality to them than most cities.  The majority of homes up here are quite new, but spaced sporadically in between lots of vacant, clear cut lots.  It doesn’t appeal to quite everyone, but for those who like it, you get very new homes for very reasonable prices here. Note that the NW offers Gulf access while the NE does not, so for the boaters, skip the NE.

South Cape is much more developed and has the added benefit of it’s numerous waterfront properties which increase the overall values of the neighborhoods. Home prices will be higher because of it. The very SE corner was the first section of the city to be built. It contains the Yacht Club, a pier, public tennis courts, and a little beach too.  That SE corner (referred to as the Yacht Club) has valuable land and homes often get bulldozed rather than added on to.  Alternatively, the SW corner of the city will be the prettiest section to drive around in– lots of very well maintained newer homes down here.

Note that in Cape Coral nearly the whole city was initially built on private wells and septic systems. The city is going around and converting everything to city utilities. This is a huge undertaking given the size of the city–it will take many years to do. Because of this assessments for the work will apply. Some areas have already had it done and will be paid in full, others are just getting them, or slated to in the near future. It’s something to consider when evaluating prices! The prices vary, but for example, think along the lines of $35,000 if paid off immediately. And thousands more, due to the accumulated interested, if alternately rolled in and paid back with your annual property taxes over the coming years. That is a an option for all homeowners– no lump sum payment is necessary. The exact pattern of the work varies, but here’s the general pattern: SE & SW is now all on city utilities. The lowest sections of the NW & NE is next in line.

North Fort Myers has several Gulf access neighborhoods and though certainly upriver a ways, the price points are low to make up for it. Overall it is largely rural but the waterfront contains several high rises, several nice newer neighborhoods along the riverfront, and again some affordable, older Gulf access options.   Large more inland sections of North Fort Myers contain numerous trailer parks and large acreage rural properties.  Of possible interest to those seeking equestrian property.