A cozy community on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River, Cape Coral is known for its plentiful sunshine, abundant water recreation, and friendly locals — three hallmarks of the Florida lifestyle.
Like much of Southwest Florida, Cape Coral is also a growing city with increases in new homes and businesses being built. You’ll find the perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities, making it a great spot for prospective homebuyers to consider.
Thinking of buying your next home in Cape Coral? Here’s your guide to living in this charming, waterfront community.
About Cape Coral, Florida
Photo Credit: Nadezda Murmakova
Cape Coral was founded in 1957 as one of the many planned waterfront communities that were being built in Southwest Florida at the time. By 1970, it was fully developed with homes, businesses, and a thriving population, and became formally named as the town of Cape Coral, Florida.
Today, Cape Coral covers nearly 120 square miles and contains over 400 miles of waterways, earning it nicknames like the “Venice of America” and a “waterfront wonderland.” It is the largest city in Lee County with a population of around 208,500 residents, mostly families, some single residents, and a sizable population of retirees.
With its gorgeous waterfront views, abundance of outdoor recreation, and proximity to destinations like Sanibel Island and Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral is becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida — as reflected in its booming real estate market.
The Cape Coral Lifestyle
Photo Credit: Sadie Mantell
Surrounded by water, nature, and unique things to do, Cape Coral offers a relaxed yet active lifestyle. Residents can enjoy sunny days out on the water, breezy evenings dining outdoors, and relaxing weekends spent browsing farmer’s markets. Cape Coral is also a very family-friendly city, with plenty of parks, playgrounds, waterparks, and kid-friendly activities.
Cape Coral Weather
Like much of Florida, Cape Coral has a humid subtropical climate — this means mostly sunny, warm weather year-round, with hotter, rainier summers and cooler, drier winters.
Average temperatures fluctuate between the 70s and 80s, with summers seeing some highs in the 90s, and winters having some lows in the 60s. The occasional winter cold front might bring temperatures down into the 50s for a few days, but rarely does Cape Coral ever see lower temperatures than that.
Overall, most of the year is pleasant for outdoor activities in Cape Coral.
Hurricane Season in Cape Coral
While Cape Coral does have that idyllic tropical Florida climate, with that also comes hurricane season. The Atlantic Hurricane Season runs from June through November, so like all Floridians, Cape Coral residents should keep an eye on any developing storms and take necessary precautions.
While hurricanes can be a risk anywhere in Florida, like all coastal cities, Cape Coral has some of the strictest hurricane building codes. Homes built to withstand these strong storms.
Cost of Living in Cape Coral
The cost of living in Cape Coral ranks about 9% higher than the national average, with housing being a large contributing factor, ranking at 18% higher. But this is expected for a waterfront city in Florida. Compared to many other growing Florida cities, Cape Coral still offers a great quality of life, at an affordable price.
Florida also does not impose a state income tax, so depending on where you’re moving from, you may also see some additional savings in your yearly budget.
Cape Coral Safety
Cape Coral is considered a very safe city. It has crime rates lower than the national averages and state averages, and has even been ranked among the safest cities in America in 2023. Of the reported crimes in Cape Coral, most were non-violent, theft-related incidents. The city also employs full-time police, fire-rescue, and emergency healthcare services.
Cape Coral Schools
Cape Coral has an excellent school system boasting numerous top-rated options for K-12 students, including charter, private, and public schools.
Some of Cape Coral's high schools have also won the prestigious College Success Award, which recognizes schools that “excel at helping students enroll and succeed in college.”
Those seeking post-secondary education have Cape Coral Technical College in-town, as well as other notable colleges and universities, like Florida Gulf Coast University, in neighboring Fort Myers.
Things To Do in Cape Coral
Whether you’re a runner, boater, family, foodie, or retiree — Cape Coral has something for everyone. Enjoy access to an abundance of outdoor recreation, great dining and entertainment, and lots of leisurely activities.
Boating and Water Recreation
Photo Credit: mginley
Cape Coral is nestled between the Caloosahatchee River and the Matlacha Pass, with over 400 miles of navigable waterways —so there’s no better way to explore than by getting out on the water! Whether you want to rent a boat, go fishing, or just paddle down the canals on a kayak or paddleboard, there’s no shortage of water recreation in Cape Coral.
If you prefer putting your toes in the sand, Cape Coral is home to some small public beaches, but just minutes away, you’ll also find Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach, Pine Island, and many more gorgeous Gulf Coast beaches.
Parks, Nature Trails, and Wildlife
Photo Credit: Billy McDonald
If you enjoy spending time in nature, Cape Coral offers plenty of parks, nature preserves, and trails — perfect for walking, running, hiking, and birdwatching.
Get some sunshine, fresh air, and exercise while strolling along the salt marshes of Rotary Park, the boardwalk trail at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, or the rocky pinelands at Yellow Fever Creek Preserve. You’ll spot a wide variety of birds, turtles, and if you’re lucky, a gator or two. Just across the bay, you’ll also find the famous J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge, which is home to over 245 bird species, alligators, otters, bobcats, and more.
Golf
Photo Credit: Sadie Mantell
If you’re looking forward to sunny afternoons on the back nine, Cape Coral is home to six beautiful golf courses, plus many more in the greater Lee County area. Whether you’re a casual player or you spend all your free time on the course, you’ll find plenty of places to play a round and mingle with other golfers.
Shopping, Dining, and Nightlife
Photo Credit: Ron Laroche
Whether you want to spend the day browsing shops or farmer’s markets or are looking for the perfect date night spot, Cape Coral has plenty to do.
Stroll the outdoor shops at Marina Village where you can browse boutiques, get your fill of fresh seafood, and enjoy cocktails with sunset views. Downtown Cape Coral also features shops, restaurants, and bars with live music, and hosts a weekend farmer’s market, which is a great place to shop, socialize, and snag some fresh produce and baked goods.
For some unique fun, head over to Wild About Popcorn to learn about the history of popcorn and try nearly every flavor imaginable. If you’re a rum lover, a visit to the Wicked Dolphin Distillery for a tour and tasting is a must.
Family Friendly Fun
Photo Credit: Dave Suchland
From parks and playgrounds to bowling and mini golf, there’s plenty of family-friendly fun to be found in Cape Coral. Float down the lazy river at Sunsplash Waterpark, stroll through the butterfly garden at Rotary Park, or play a round of laser tag or mini golf at Tropical Breeze Fun Park.
Get to Know the Locals
The Cape Coral community is full of friendly locals and lively social events. The city hosts numerous events throughout the year, from holiday and cultural events to art and music festivals. You can also find social clubs or meetups for nearly every interest, from running and cycling groups to kayaking and paddleboarding meetups.
Explore Nearby Attractions
One of the best things about Cape Coral is its location. You’re only a short drive or day trip away from many major cities and attractions. From beaches to theme parks, Florida has lots to explore.
Just about an hour away, you can explore the beautiful beaches of Naples and Marco Island or trek through the Florida Everglades. Within about two hours, you can be in Tampa Bay to visit museums, aquariums, and theme parks. And in just about three hours, you can be admiring the Miami skyline or soaking up some sun on South Beach.
The Pros and Cons of Living in Cape Coral
Planning where to move is a big decision and if you’re relocating from out of state or aren’t familiar with the area, it can be difficult to know what items to consider. Here are some pros and cons of living in Cape Coral, Florida to help you weigh your decision.
Cape Coral Pros
- Good location
- Warm, sunny weather year-round
- Lots of nature, beaches, and outdoor recreation
- Safe, relatively quiet, and family-friendly
- Laid-back lifestyle
- Affordable, with home prices to fit every budget
- Lots of activities
- No state income tax
Cape Coral Cons
- Hot, rainy summers
- At risk of hurricanes
- Some crowding during the tourist season
Ready to Call Cape Coral Home?
With year-round sunshine, friendly locals, and waterfront living, it’s not surprising that so many are choosing Cape Coral for their next home. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, a growing family needing an upgrade, or a retiree looking for the perfect place to relax — Cape Coral has a home for everyone.
Ready to start your search? NV Realty can guide you every step of the way, with local expertise and exceptional service to help you find your dream home in sunny, beautiful Cape Coral.