Cape Coral is a vibrant city located in Lee County, Florida, on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. With an area of 310 square kilometers, Cape Coral is the third largest city in the region, after Tampa and Miami. This planned community has experienced steady population growth since 1957, with a 72% increase since 2009 (according to the Census Bureau 2020 estimate) and a 30% increase since the 2010 census, making it the 117th largest city in the United States.
Cape Coral Waterfront Homes
One of the unique features of Cape Coral is its extensive network of 640 kilometers of navigable waterways, which is the largest in the world. Additionally, Cape Coral is the largest city in the statistical metropolitan area of Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida, and despite being the second largest city between Tampa and Miami, the downtown area is one of the smallest and most distinct.
Downtown Cape Coral
Downtown Cape Coral is a must-visit destination, with its inner city strip being the first fully developed business park in the southwest of the city. The area is relatively new but is expanding rapidly. The redevelopment area in downtown Cape Coral is bounded by southeast 44th Street, southeast 46th Lane, north south 17th Place, and the Caloosahatchee River on the east and south sides, and is bounded to the west by Miramar Street, the Bimini Basin, Tudor Canal, and Palm Tree Boulevard.
Things to Do in Cape Coral
Cape Coral offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities, such as cycling and exploring the waterways, which are home to a diverse range of wildlife. The city is recognized as a bike-friendly community by the League of American Bicyclists. Visitors can also enjoy the city’s cultural attractions, such as the historical museum, art studios, the Cape Coral Art League, a cultural park, and the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall, which showcases live art and performances.
Cape Coral Beaches
Cape Coral is home to two well-maintained public beaches, the Yacht Club and the Community Park, which are perfect for a family weekend getaway. The former offers a covered playground and barbecue areas, while the latter is a popular park with beautiful scenery.
The city has a lower ratio of registered sex offenders to residents than the federal average. While there are some open-air bars in downtown Cape Coral with an audience of over 21, the city is generally considered safe.
Cape Coral Fort Myers Area
Cape Coral-Fort Myers region has experienced explosive population growth, with five out of the past 13 years seeing the most significant increase in population in the United States. Cape Coral’s climate is subtropical, with plenty of sunshine and boat moorings, which makes it feel like a subtropical version of its northern suburbs, villages, towns, and small towns. The average temperature in Cape Coral ranges from 73F to 91F, making it a comfortable place to live.
Cape Coral Demographics
Most residents in Cape Coral are homeowners (73%) and have a university degree (49%). The city is also a great place for families, with 35% of residents being married with children. The city’s homes are mostly rented apartments, making them very affordable. The cost of living in Cape Coral is only 4% higher than the national average, making it one of Florida’s most affordable cities.
Fort Myers – Cape Coral’s Neighbor
Fort Myers is a neighboring city located on the River Caloosahatchee, east of Fort Myers and Matlacha and Pine Islands to the west. The water in front of it is surrounded by suburban floodplains and sparkles in the sun.
Cape Coral also hosts several dog-friendly festivals throughout the year, which are fun for both dogs and their owners. These festivals are not official city events, but they are a great way to spend time with your furry friends.
In addition to its natural attractions and affordable living, Cape Coral offers a variety of employment opportunities. The city has a diverse economy that includes healthcare, education, retail, and construction, among others. Top employers in the area include Lee Health, Lee County School District, and Publix Super Markets.
The city is also home to several higher education institutions, including Florida Gulf Coast University and Hodges University. These institutions offer a range of degree programs and educational opportunities for students of all ages.
Overall, Cape Coral is a thriving city with plenty to offer both residents and visitors. Its natural beauty, affordable cost of living, and diverse economy make it an attractive place to live and work.
