Get the Complete Cape Coral Relocation Guide
Introduction to Cape Coral, Florida
You might be wondering right now, exactly where is Cape Coral? Florida has kept this treasure well hidden but it is truly a gem not to be overlooked. Cape Coral, Florida, is an attractive hideaway in Southwest Florida that’s perfect not just for retirees looking for the ideal place to spend their golden years but also for people interested in living the boating lifestyle and great homes.
The Cape Coral population is surprisingly large for such a lesser known place. When you move to Cape Coral, Florida, you’ll be living in a beautiful city with approximately 193,000 other residents.
In addition to numerous canals and easy water access throughout the town, nearby you’ll find beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, family attractions, abundant nature with outdoor recreation, and countless golf courses. This makes Cape Coral an attractive place to live for people of all ages. The city is located just to the north of Fort Myers and is home to a friendly and vibrant community.
If you’re thinking about moving to Cape Coral FL, you might be asking questions like…
- Exactly where is Cape Coral? Florida has kept it under wraps!
- What county is Cape Coral FL in? I need to check schools and jobs.
- Is Cape Coral a good place to live?
If that’s the case, then you’ve found the right resource. We’ve put together a quick guide to help you with everything you need to know about moving to Cape Coral Florida.
Josh Wilson, REALTOR®
License # SL3486473
eXp Realty
Let's Find Your Piece of Paradise
Ready to Live That Florida Life?
If you have any questions about real estate or homes for sale in Cape Coral, feel free to reach out. As a licensed real estate agent with eXp Realty, I’m more than happy to do whatever I can to find you the perfect home in paradise.
Feel Free to Reach Out if You Have Any Questions!
Relocation Guide for Moving to Cape Coral
Jump to Any Topic in This Guide
Quality of Life
Find out why Cape Coral is known as the "Waterfront Wonderland"
About Cape Coral
Learn more about Cape Coral's history and culture
City Data
Population, housing prices, demographics and more
Cost of Living
Compare the cost of living in Cape Coral to Florida and the US
Climate & Weather
What's the weather like in Cape Coral and general climate data
Things to Do
Discover all the fun things to do in Cape Coral for those who live here
Transportation
Major highways, interstates and airports in the area
Hospitals
Major hospitals and healthcare options in the Cape Coral area
Schools
Cape Coral has a wide selection of extremely high rated schools, at all levels, for you to choose from
Neighborhoods
Explore some of the most popular neighborhoods in Cape Coral and check out what properties are for sale
Quality of Life in Cape Coral
There are numerous upsides of living in or moving to Cape Coral. Florida’s renowned quality of life is definitely one of them.
The beautiful weather and abundant nature are great for endless outdoor fun. But a major appeal of this area are all the waterfront home opportunities where you can park your boat right in your backyard! Plus, the public and private schools are known for their student performance and high standards.
Whether you’re looking for an escape from the hustle and grind or a life full of outdoor adventure, this mid-size city has it all!
A Brief History of Cape Coral, Florida
Foundations
Founded in 1957, Cape Coral was incorporated in 1970. Its founders were Leonard and Jack Rosen, two real-estate developers who purchased land in the area together with a group of partners.
First Homes
The investors created many miles of canals, and the land was eventually transformed into Cape Coral. The first homes were built in 1958, and the Cape Coral Bridge, the city’s first bridge to Fort Myers, was opened in 1964.
Waterfront Wonderland
The development has become so popular that it’s now the 101st most populous city in the United States, the seventh biggest city in Florida, and the largest city between Tampa and Miami in both population and area. The city has over 400 mi (640 km) of navigable waterways, more than any other city on earth, and has been affectionately nicknamed “waterfront wonderland”.
Cape Coral City Data
Cape Coral is a vibrant and fast growing city in Lee County, just across the Edison Bridge from Fort Myers. It’s a highly educated, well serviced, district with a balanced cost of living and great quality of life.
- Population – 193,003
- Average Age – 45.9 years
- Average Home Price – $489,000 (Realtor.com)
- Average Household Income – $76,925
- Poverty Rate of 11.2%
- Unemployment Rate – 4.6%
- Median Property Value — $399,700 (Realtor.com)
- Crime Rate – 82 (City-data.com)
- Area – 119 miles
- Population Density – 2,095 people per square mile
Major Employers
The major sectors providing employment opportunities in Cape Coral include professional, scientific and technical services, Healthcare, Construction, Education, Social assistance, and Finance and insurance. Some of the biggest employers include:
- City of Cape Coral
- Lee Memorial Health System
- Lee County School District
Demographics & Education
Cape Coral has some of the best educational opportunities in the state so it’s no surprise that the population is generally well educated with excellent employment potential. 91% of residents have graduated high school and almost a quarter of all residents have gone as far as obtaining a bachelor’s degree.
For additional demographic data about Cape Coral check out the US Census Bureau for the following:
- Population
- Demographics (age, etc.)
- Housing
- Family & living arrangements
- Computer and internet use
- Education
- Transportation
- Income & poverty
- Economy
- Business
Cost of Living in Cape Coral
Given the quality of life and fast growth in Cape Coral, the cost of living here is surprisingly affordable. While the homes are significantly more expensive than the US average, they are still on the lower side for Florida. This is especially true for waterfront homes, which are more affordable here than many other parts of Florida. Additionally, while healthcare is some of the most expensive in Florida, residents balance their outgoings through lower costs of transport, and utilities.
100 = USA Average Cost of Living
103.1 = Florida Cost of Living
104.2 = Cape Coral Cost of Living
| Cape Coral | Florida | USA | |
| Overall | 104.2 | 103.1 | 100 |
| Grocery | 105 | 102.8 | 100 |
| Health | 119.2 | 102.3 | 100 |
| Housing | 99.7 | 101.1 | 100 |
| Median Home Cost | $377,400 | $362,400 | $338,100 |
| Utilities | 98.6 | 101.3 | 100 |
| Transportation | 110.1 | 112.6 | 100 |
| Miscellaneous | 103.2 | 87.6 | 100 |
SOURCE: https://www.bestplaces.net/cost_of_living/city/florida/cape_coral
Climate and Weather in Cape Coral
As you would expect from a city located in the Sunshine State, Cape Coral weather is hot and humid. Summers are long and hot, while the winters are short with mostly clear skies. You’ll very rarely see the thermometer falling below 44 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Rainfall – 53 inches per year
- Sunny Days – 265 per year
- Hottest Month – July
- Coldest Month – January
- Most Comfortable Months: December, February, March
- Most Uncomfortable Months: July, August
- Check out the current 10-day Cape Coral Weather Forecast Here
Hurricane Season
Hurricane season runs from June 1st through November 30th.
Hurricane Ian hit in 2022 and was the last high impact hurricane in the area, reaching just shy of category five. Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and Pine Island sustained the most damage but most businesses are already opened back to the public, meaning that the area’s infrastructure is well adapted to deal with the weather.
We wrote this post to help you understand and prepare for Florida’s hurricane season.
What To Do in Cape Coral, FL
Activities & the Arts
You’ll never be left wondering what to do in Cape Coral. This city has a thriving community with plenty of local events to get involved in and a bustling downtown scene that is constantly striving to provide its residents with everything they desire. As well as all the local attractions within Cape Coral, residents here are within easy reach of all the fun things to do in Fort Myers, too.
For even more sugestions, check out this insanely detailed post of over 50 things to do in Cape Coral.
Museums & More
The Southwest Florida Military Museum and the Cape Coral History Museum are both perfect ways to spend an afternoon and learn more about local history. The museums also host regular events that offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the bygone days of South Florida.
Cultural Park Theater and Harbour View Gallery also make it on the must-do list for any arts and culture fan visiting Cape Coral.
Festivals & Events
For more information on what’s happening in Cape Coral go to the main events calendar here
Downtown Cape Coral & Nearby Downtown Fort Myers
Cape Coral downtown is constantly expanding. This downtown strip is one of the smallest amongst the surrounding cities, but has everything residents need.You can find a CVS, grocery stores, schools, coffee shop, restaurants, museum and bars. For even more charm and downtown fun, residents can make a quick drive over the bridge and be in the heart of downtown Fort Myers.
Recreation & the Outdoors in Cape Coral
Outdoor Fun Year-Round
The exceptional weather might make it tempting to spend endless days on the water, but there are actually lots of things to do in and around Cape Coral.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark
This 14-acre complex is one of the iconic attractions of Cape Coral, where the entire family can enjoy incredibly fun days.
Rotary Park Environmental Center
Walk on trails or embark on unforgettable bike rides in this environmental center boasting 97 acres of stunning salt marshes.
Veteran’s Memorial Park is a great space for the community get-togethers, local events, and friendly baseball games.
Fellowship Park is perfect for family walks where the kids can enjoy the splash pads, fountains, and playparks.
Golf Courses in Cape Coral
Cape Coral has five top quality golf courses to choose from within its city limits. Though they are fewer in number than some of the neighboring communities, the quality of the courses makes up for it. Within 20 miles of the city, there are another 79 courses to choose from. Courses within the Cape Coral limits include:
- Coral Oaks Golf Course
- Palmetto-Pine Country Club
- Hunters Run Executive Golf Course
- Cape Coral Executive Golf Course
- Cape Royal Golf Club
Beaches Near Cape Coral
In Cape Coral, FL, there is no beachfront. Instead, the city is surrounded by the Caloosahatchee River and Matlacha Pass. However, you can still enjoy beach days in Cape Coral. Florida beaches are plentiful and Lee County has some great options on nearby islands. Some of our favorites include:
- Bonita Beach, the sole county-owned beach that permits pets.
- Captiva Beach, a romantic paradise, and one of the few in Southwest Florida with a drop off as you wade into the water.
- Turner Beach which is great for fishing enthusiasts.
- Blind Pass Beach, the perfect place for shell collecting.
- Lighthouse Beach Park with it’s nature trails and boardwalks to explore the surrounding wetlands.
- Bowman’s Beach for miles of secluded white sandy shores.
- Fort Myers Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the area for kayaking, parasailing, swimming, and simply sunbathing.
- Yacht Club Community Park is a great alternative. that offers various amenities, such as a public beach, fishing pier, and a community pool. horseshoe pits, fishing pier, and public boat ramp.
Dining in Cape Coral
Cape Coral’s dining scene is an explosive one for a city of its size. New dining venues pop up all the time, and the city is an exciting culinary hotspot. Cape Coral Downtown is also making a name for itself by housing a variety of fine eateries that, save for a few, are not big chains.
Some of the most popular restaurants in Cape Coral downtown and beyond include:
Lobster Lady where you can sample fresh seafood that’s sourced directly from the Atlantic and the Gulf.
Slate’s to enjoy a taste of New Orleans Cajunn cuisine and live jazz music in the heart of Florida.
Ariani, which was named in Florida’s top 500 restaurants for three years in a row.
Transportation in Cape Coral
The most popular method of transportation around Cape Coral is driving and even though the traffic may sometimes be congested when navigating to and from popular places such as Sanibel Island or Fort Myers Beach, traffic is definitely better than in large cities.
Public transportation options include a bus system and LeeTran trolleys. A minibus system with door-to-door transport is also available Monday to Friday.
Airports Near Cape Coral
The closest airport to Cape Coral is Ft. Myers (RSW) Airport which is 12.3 miles away. Punta Gorda (PGD) is 24.7 miles away.
Further afield, the Tampa (TPA) Airport is 104 miles away.
Hospitals in Cape Coral
Residents of Cape Coral, Florida, enjoy world-class healthcare from over 16 local and regional hospitals. The Lee Memorial Hospital in Fort Myers is a top-rated hospital in Florida that offers emergency, oncology and cardiology services, among others. Other hospitals include Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, Cape Coral Hospital, and Lehigh Regional Medical Center.
Cape Coral Hospital
This state of the art health care provider was recognized in the top 2% of hospitals nationwide according to Healthgrades. It was also the first hospital in the U.S. to implement the Veterans Visitation Program with the American Red Cross, as well as being the first hospital in Florida to achieve 4 stars in the Florida Quest for Quality Maternity Care Award.
Lee Memorial Hospital
Recently named a 4-star facility by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Lee Memorial has 290 Acute Care beds, 60 Rehabilitation beds, and 18 SNU beds. The facility sees 21,000+ patients per year and is recognized as one of the top 100 hospitals nationwide.
A+ Schools in Cape Coral
If you have children, you don’t have to worry about their education, as Cape Coral is home to multiple highly rated schools. There are over 7,000 students PK-12 enrolled in Lee County Public Schools in Cape Coral.
Some of the best schools in the area include Christa McAuliffe Elementary School, North Fort Myers High School, Diplomat Elementary School, Pine Island Elementary School, and Trafalgar Middle School.
Elementary Schools
0
Middle Schools
0
High Schools
0
Charter Schools
0
Homes for sale in Cape Coral
Browse all homes currently for sale in Cape Coral, Florida. You can use the map below to search for homes or scroll through the list of homes below the map. You can also view more homes and customize your search with your own criteria too.
