Everything You Need to Know About Waterfront Living in Cape Coral, FL

Modern everyday life can be hectic, stressful, and fast-paced. Living life in the fast lane, you’ll want to find your own refuge where you might slow down and pace yourself. Waterfront living offers that kind of lifestyle for you and your family, and Cape Coral in southwest Florida is one of the best places to enjoy a serene waterfront home.

Often dubbed the “Venice of America”, Cape Coral has 400 miles of canals and an impressive collection of man-made lakes. Boating is a popular pastime for the locals, often making their way through the canals directly from their homes to travel in and around the city.

As one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, the Cape (as it is called by the locals) is home to a flourishing art, culture, and food scene. Young professionals, families, and retirees have made this place their home because of the perfect mix of outdoor fun, tranquil surroundings, and vibrant city life.

If you’re looking for a city to relocate to that offers all of those, then look no further as Cape Coral could be your dream city.

 

The Waterfront Real Estate in Cape Coral, FL

With the many canals and lakes around the area, there are multiple options for owning a waterfront home in Cape Coral. The listings range from lofty estates in gated beachfront subdivisions and cozy townhouses in lake communities to affordable condos by the bay.

Cape Coral’s waterfront real estate is available at a wide range of prices. As of January 2021, the median price of active listings in the city is $311,711.  Luxury estates in Cape Coral fetch for as much as $4 million and can go beyond that price tag. But no matter what kind of home you can afford, you can guarantee that the view of the water will be absolutely priceless.

Since Cape Coral is a rapidly developing part of Florida, you’ll be treated to a variety of property types and architectural styles. There are 1950s homes with Americana flair, well-maintained, and located in master-planned communities. Some houses are newly-built villas with elegant Mediterranean architecture, perfect for enjoying the waterfront life. Cape Coral waterfront real estate also offers sleek contemporary homes for modern design aficionados.

If you’re set on moving to stunning Cape Coral, you’ll definitely find a property that fits your needs and lifestyle.

 

The Benefits of Waterfront Living in Cape Coral, FL

Most people have never lived in waterfront homes, so buying a waterfront property in Cape Coral might seem daunting and unfamiliar. The following benefits, however, are hard to resist.

1. Stellar views – Every day you step out onto the balcony or backyard of your dream waterfront home will always feel like you’re on vacation. It’s reinvigorating to wake up and see the beauty of the world from right outside your home.
2. Close to nature – Cape Coral’s properties are prime spots for bird watching and fishing. Best of all, you’ll be a short distance away from a wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities in places like the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve and the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.
3. Privacy – When you live in a waterfront home, it’s easy to lower the blinds and indulge in some much-needed privacy. You can also create your own private oasis in Cape Coral provided it follows the local zoning regulations. It’s much easier getting some well-needed quiet time in a city like Cape Coral.
4. Healthy lifestyle – Being far away from the congested city, you can soak up some sun from every direction in your home for some essential vitamin D. Morning walks are also much more pleasant to take in Cape Coral’s communities, because the air is clean and the views you come across during your stroll can be breathtaking.
5. Water activities – This area rivals the canals of Venice, without the tourists! With your own waterfront home, you can take your boat out any time and sail the tranquil waters of Cape Coral. In some areas, you can take a dip and enjoy the warm weather. You can even fish in the waterways and catch largemouth bass and spotted seatrout.
6. A different mode of transportation – Living in a waterfront home, specifically one that’s located along a waterway, enables you to see and experience Cape Coral in a different way: by boat! Most waterfront properties in the city come with their own docks– a testament to the boating lifestyle that’s deeply ingrained in Cape Coral.

It’s no secret that waterfront homes can cost a fairly large amount to buy and maintain. For most homeowners, however, the waterfront lifestyle is worth the expense.

 

Living the Life in Cape Coral, FL

As a fast-growing city that mixes the classic with the modern, Cape Coral has tons of exciting areas to visit as a tourist and to continuously enjoy as a resident. The overall atmosphere of the area has the easygoing vibe of Southwest Florida.

Locals here enjoy their days by lounging around and visiting all the hotspots in the area at their own pace. It’s not rare to see people spending their whole day in one spot, basking in the beauty of the Cape.

Cape Coral is one for all ages. Retirees, young professionals, and families coexist in this community harmoniously. The relaxing atmosphere welcomes anyone who wants to take a breather and enjoy nature’s beauty in one of the best ecosystems in the whole country.

Here are some of the best things to do and the most incredible places to visit once you make Cape Coral your new home:

 

Beaches

You can’t live in southwest Florida without going to the spectacular beaches that line the coast. Luckily, Cape Coral has access to some world-class beaches with the most amazing landscapes.

• Lovers’ Key State Park in Fort Myers Beach is a staple for the locals in the area. After all, it’s only less than an hour’s drive away from Cape Coral. The fine white sand and the turquoise water makes for a sight that can’t be beaten, and the area is relaxing and peaceful as a retreat away from city life. Lovers’ Key also has a kayaking tour where you can go through mangroves to see manatees and alligators.
• Sanibel Island is a short drive away from Cape Coral, but it is an accessible paradise that is absolutely breathtaking. The sand is bedazzled with shiny seashells all over, and the many beaches on the island can guarantee you some solace. It’s a virtually untouched landscape and a great destination to pack a picnic and spend an entire day lounging around.

Other beaches in the area include Captiva Beach and Lynn Hall, Memorial Park. Both have their own unique attractions that can assure any Cape Coral resident a different beach experience every time they decide to visit one.

 

Arts and Culture

Cape Coral is an up-and-coming cultural center in southwest Florida. Museums and theaters are located in the downtown area for some sophisticated leisure time. Immerse yourself in the scene by browsing through different galleries and checking out local art that helps you appreciate the culture of the surrounding areas.

• The Cape Coral Art Center is a 13,600-square-foot building dedicated to the arts. It features a beautiful gallery showcasing art from local artists, but it also serves as a place where you can learn to create your own masterpiece. It houses state-of-the-art studios that can pique your creative interests and has an art store that sells materials for any of your craft hobbies.
• The Cultural Park Theater puts on local productions every month if you want to watch a play or two. You can also take acting classes here to bring out your inner thespian.
• The Cape Coral Museum of History has wonderful exhibits in three different buildings, one of which is the historic Rosen Building. Guided tours are available for a more engaging experience with their knowledgeable tour guides.
• Every year, the Cape Coral Art Festival takes place and features art in different media such as glassware, jewelry, metalworks, and sculptures. The centerpiece of the festival is the vibrant market that showcases and sells local art, as well as food from the restaurants in the area.

 

Shopping and Dining

Cape Coral’s bustling downtown area wouldn’t be complete without its most fashionable boutiques and great restaurants. If you’re done relaxing in your waterfront home and you’re craving some social interaction, then Cape Coral has some fantastic commercial centers for you to go to.

• Coralwood Center is the premier destination for shopping and dining in the area. The shopping center has a moviehouse, a gym, and over 30 retailers for you to shop at ‘til you drop. The Marina Village Shops is another popular shopping destination where the locals of Cape Coral love to unwind on the weekends.
• For the freshest food the city has to offer, head over to Cape Coral Farmers Market every Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday, popping up in various locations around the city. Take home some of the freshest Floridan produce, as well as some of the finest, handcrafted goods from local artisans.

 

Retiree Paradise

Cape Coral has consistently been named one of the best cities to retire in across the whole country. There are plenty of retirement communities in the area, like The Windsor of Cape Coral, Grand Villa of Fort Myers, the Campo Felice Retirement Living, among others.

Due to the climate in the area, retirees flock to Cape Coral so they can spend their golden years in a relaxing, warm atmosphere. Local retirees often spend their entire time here dressed in light linen clothing and sundresses. All attractions in the area are also senior-friendly, making sure that even the elderly can enjoy the best that the Cape has to offer.

Lastly, the medical facilities in the area are some of the best in the United States. The hospitals and care facilities in Cape Coral and nearby Fort Myers rank high when it comes to elderly care and other related services.

 

Other Activities Around Cape Coral

Cape Coral is home to the Cape Coral Yacht Club and its community park. It has been a landmark and an institution in the area since the 1950s. The community park has a swimming pool, a fishing dock, and a playground open to the public. They also host many events throughout the year.

For those who love a good tee time, there are also several golf courses located in and around Cape Coral. These include the Cape Royal Golf Club,  Coral Oaks Golf Course, the Hunters Run Executive Golf Course, and The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club in nearby Sanibel.

 

Tips for Buying Waterfront Homes for Sale in Cape Coral, FL

Anytime is a good time to buy a waterfront home in Cape Coral as long as you’re 100% ready. As you prepare for your eventual home purchase, here are a few tips to bear in mind.

 

• • Check the water accessWhether you’re buying a beachfront, riverfront, or canal front home, it always pays to check who has access to the water. This is especially important if you’re looking for a private escape in Cape Coral.You can check who has access to the water by going around the neighborhood or asking the HOA if there are any. Even gated communities that are located near popular public destinations can suffer from crowds.

 

• • Can you swim in the water?Part of the allure of waterfront homes is the lifestyle that comes with them. Before you commit to a property, do check if the water is swimmable. Currents can make waters dangerous. Local tide conditions can also prevent you from fully enjoying the water. If you’re looking at a river or canal property, find out if it’s allowed to swim as these are navigable waterways.

 

• Determine the property’s orientationTo fully enjoy your waterfront property in Cape Coral, it’s important to know its orientation. South-facing homes are the best in places like Southwest Florida where we enjoy warm weather all year round. That’s because south-facing homes get plenty of breezes, cooling the property and everyone inside it.

 

Find More Waterfront Properties in Cape Coral, FL

Let the Mike Lombardo Team, the best real estate agents in Cape Coral, Florida, show you around the area and help you find your dream waterfront home.