Cape Coral, located in Southwest Florida, is well-known for its natural beauty, numerous canals, and waterways, as well as superb boating opportunities.
Additionally, because of its location, Cape Coral offers visitors and residents easy access to the Gulf of Mexico for fishing, sailing, and exploring the southern tip of Florida.
Of course, Cape Coral can have its drawbacks.
Florida summers can be hot and sweaty and there is no shortage of people.
Let’s take a closer look at this Florida port city and its specific pros and cons.
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Pros of Living in Cape Coral, FL
1. The Housing Market
Cape Coral, known to locals as “The Cape,” is perfectly situated next to the Gulf of Mexico, making it prime real estate for home investors.
The growth and stability of Cape Coral’s housing market rival Florida’s big cities like Jacksonville and Miami.
According to Realtor.com, home prices range from the low $250,000s to over $1 million.
Prior to COVID, the median home value was $228,000, with an annual increase of almost 6%.
2. Waterfront Living
Speaking of houses, let’s talk about waterfront property.
Cape Coral is ideally situated next to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico.
It has hundreds of miles of canals that wind in and out of this beautiful city.
This leaves ample opportunities for Cape Coral residents to invest in waterfront real estate.
While waterfront investments come with their own unique set of challenges, the return on investment can be significant.
You also have the added benefit of being able to fish, boat, ski, and swim right from your backyard.
3. Cape Coral Is Nicknamed the “Venice of America”
Cape Coral is often referred to as the “Venice of America;” and for good reason.
With more than 400 miles of canals, this beautiful city holds the title for the most bodies of water.
Yes, it even beats the city it’s nicknamed after.
What does this mean for its residents?
They enjoy exotic beaches, bridges and waterways crisscrossed throughout the town, and lush, green vegetation year-round.
All that water, combined with sunny weather approximately 265 days of the year, makes this region a boat lover’s dream. An added benefit – the seafood is fresh and affordable.
4. Nature Lover’s Paradise
Cape Coral lacks the concrete landscape found in most major cities.
Instead, its residents are surrounded by nature.
Designed to promote ecotourism, The Cape has four major eco-parks spread out throughout the city.
These are best explored by kayak or on foot.
Depending upon the time of year, you can spot various animals including manatees, gopher tortoises, alligators, burrowing owls, and more.
The Cape is also surrounded by cypress trees and mangrove forests.
Here, you can camp with the family or spend the day birdwatching.
The area is a popular wintering ground for migrating birds like the purple martin and loud limpkin.
5. Cape Coral Is Dedicated to Preserving Its Paradise
The residents of Cape Coral appreciate the fact that they live in a nature lover’s paradise.
The city is dedicated to preserving its diverse ecosystem, without stifling growth and development.
As part of its commitment, Cape Coral is home to the world’s largest low-pressure reverse osmosis plants.
Fifty-five wells that run eight hundred feet into Florida’s Upper Aquifer send a mix of salt and fresh water to the plant.
The water is then processed by reverse osmosis, providing residents with the highest-quality drinking water.
The Cape also has a state-of-the-art water reclamation and irrigation system.
This is to ensure homeowners are able to water their gardens without sacrificing valuable drinkable water.
6. Weather
We would be remiss if we simply glossed over Cape Coral’s perfect weather.
Located in the heart of the Sunshine State, this area has the perfect balance of sunshine and rain.
With 255 days of sunshine and an average of 145 days of rain, it is easy to understand why wildlife and vegetation thrive here.
It does get hot and humid in the summer, with highs in the mid to upper-90s.
Winters deliver perfect, dry temperatures, averaging 65 to 70 degrees.
7. Outdoor Activities Year-Round
The perfect weather doesn’t just benefit the four-legged residents of Cape Coral.
It provides the perfect setting for year-round outdoor activities.
No matter what outdoor activity you enjoy, Cape Coral can accommodate your needs.
The city hosts the annual Tour de Cape, a running and cycling event.
It is also home to one of the nation’s oldest BMX tracks and has a skateboarding park.
If golf is your sport of choice, Cape Coral has courses to suit every skill level.
8. Low Cost of Living
Approximately 845 people move to Florida each day.
These folks are seeking warmer weather, affordable housing, and zero state income tax.
As a result, the cost of living across the Sunshine State continues to rise.
Despite significant growth, Cape Coral remains one of the most affordable places to live in Florida.
The job market is strong, the crime rate is low, and the sales tax is 1% lower than the national average.
This combination has helped The Cape keep the cost of living 4% lower than other Florida cities.
9. Voted One of the Best Places to Retire in America
Depending upon what you’re looking for in a city, this could be considered a pro or a con.
Due to the pros mentioned above, along with its extraordinary healthcare community, Cape Coral is voted one of the best places to retire in America year after year.
Cons of Living in Cape Coral, FL
1. Much of Cape Coral Is Low-Lying
The residents of Cape Coral are able to enjoy the water and outdoor sports year-round.
But, this does come with a price.
A large portion of the city is low-lying, situated just five feet above sea level.
What exactly does that mean?
When heavy rains hit, the area is at risk for flooding.
In fact, almost 70% of the city’s real estate is at risk for flooding.
The city has invested in the latest technology to ensure its residents are continually updated on potential threats.
With enough time, folks can properly prepare and minimize potential damage.
2. Hurricane Season
Florida’s hurricane season runs from June to November.
Since Cape Coral is surrounded by water and is low-lying, hurricanes are a significant threat to its residents.
Since 1930, Cape Coral has been affected by 82 hurricanes.
2017’s Hurricane Irma was the last major hurricane to hit the area.
Currently, 87% of the city’s homes are at risk for storm and flood damage.
This number is expected to reach 97% by 2050.
3. The Heat
Cape Coral’s weather is a major draw for most people.
Not everyone, however, enjoys a hot and humid climate.
Summer temperatures can rise as high as 100 degrees and rarely drops below 75 degrees.
If you tend to lock yourself indoors to get away from the heat, Cape Coral, Fl is not the place for you.
4. The Waterways Get Polluted
Unfortunately, other areas of the state are not as committed to keeping our lands and waters clean.
After almost 100 years of aggressive development and farming, Lake Okeechobee is severely polluted.
In the heat of the summer, this pollution turns to toxic blue-green algae.
To relieve the pressure from rising water, the Army Corp of Engineers releases this polluted water from Lake Okeechobee, sending it to the Gulf of Mexico by way of the Caloosahatchee River and Okeechobee Waterway.
What does this mean for Cape Coral residents?
Every year, their canals are infested with toxic blue-green algae.
This creates the perfect breeding ground for toxic red algae in the saltwater along the coast.
5. Pest Control Is Challenging
Another downside to being surrounded by water is that it attracts all kinds of pests.
Cockroaches, termites, and mosquitoes are just a few of the pests that you will contend with here.
Hiring a pest control service is a must and should be considered in your cost of living budget.
6. Not as Interesting for Younger Generations
Cape Coral is one of the best places for retirees to settle down.
The younger generations…not so much.
The city caters to an older audience and folks that enjoy the great outdoors.
To enjoy the nightlife, you will have to travel to Fort Myers or one of the other larger cities in the area.
7. Low Wages
While the cost of living is lower than in other parts of the state, so are the wages.
The average annual income in Cape Coral is rising but is still lower than much of the country.
Pros and Cons of Living in Cape Coral, FL – Summary Table
| Pros of Living in Cape Coral, FL | Cons of Living in Cape Coral, FL |
|---|---|
| 1. The Housing Market | 1. Much of Cape Coral Is Low-Lying |
| 2. Waterfront Living | 2. Hurricane Season |
| 3. Cape Coral Is Nicknamed the “Venice of America” | 3. The Heat |
| 4. Nature Lover’s Paradise | 4. The Waterways Get Polluted |
| 5. Cape Coral Is Dedicated to Preserving Its Paradise | 5. Pest Control Is Challenging |
| 6. Weather | 6. Not as Interesting for Younger Generations |
| 7. Outdoor Activities Year-Round | 7. Low Wages |
| 8. Low Cost of Living | |
| 9. Voted One of the Best Places to Retire in America |
Cape Coral Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Cape Coral Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: LOW
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: LOW
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cape Coral FL a Nice Place to Live?
Cape Coral is consistently voted one of the best places to live in America.
Residents enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including water sports and golf.
Despite its many positives, Cape Coral is not for everyone.
If you are looking for a city with a thriving nightlife, Cape Coral may not be the city for you.
Does Cape Coral Flood?
Because much of Cape Coral is low-lying, there is a significant risk of flooding.
It is recommended that residents obtain a Flood Insurance policy and have an emergency plan in place.
Is It Safe to Live in Cape Coral Florida?
Cape Coral is a safe community where residents look out for each other.
Its crime rate is almost 50% lower than the state and nation’s national averages.
How Often Do Hurricanes Hit Cape Coral Florida?
Cape Coral has been affected by 82 hurricanes since 1930.
Experts state that a hurricane or tropical storm hits the area about every 3 years.
Is Cape Coral an Affordable Place to Live?
Payscale.com reports that the cost of living in Cape Coral is 4% higher than the national average.
It is, however, significantly lower than most Florida cities.
You need to update this with Hurricane Ian. Massive destruction and flooding from storm surge. Not sure how the real estate market will respond.
Absolutely, and weather is unbearable. Electric is sky high. And the 3 of the pros are lies. I been living here for 10 years. It’s overrated.
Hurricane Ian makes it 83 hurricanes since 1930. Property taxes are outrageous for snowbirds… with home assessments skyrocketing a $100,000 per home in 2022 alone. Property taxes increased by an astounding 33%. If you’re a resident you come out much better. Weather is beautiful though and wildlife abundant.
Over zealous code people
Housing and property taxes are very High in Cape Coral.
Due to Huge amount of people escaping poorly run states, and moving here the Cape Coral roads are very over crowded.
March 2023
Not only high taxes, but want to force landowners to hook up to city water snd sewer at the cost of $39,000 / lot. All landowners pay, even if you have no home on the lot. This cost does not include hook up or the cost to fill in septics. If you don’t pre-pay, the city will spread payments over the years in the already high taxes. If you choose that option, you will pay over $100,000 for the “privilege” to have their water. Boil water notices, prescription medicine that can’t be filtered out, and of course, the cost monthly.
They are going to bankrupp thousands of people Which inturn will lose there Home Between the cost of Ins going Sky High and Taxes going Sky High….No one will be able to Afford to live There…All They are Doing is Taking Advanage of Cape coral Tax Payers to fill THere Greeety Pockets Which couse a Collapes in the Housing Market Before…There Sick….
Do you know when
ey are going to start the city water plan
When is the new development of restruants & infrastructure starting?
MOVED HERE 2 YEARS AGO. I LIVE IN SW CAPE AND ALL THE PEOPLE HERE ARE FREINDLY.. I DO FEEL THAT THERE IS A REALLY BIG TRAFFIC PROBLEM WHEN SNOW BIRDS COME IN AROUND NOVEMBER..- BUT THAT GETS THIS AREA A HEART BEAT OF MONEY AND MOVEMENT…
THE WATER IS THE 2ND WORST IN THE US BEHIND TEXAS, YOU DIFENENTLY NEED A SYSTEM THAT TREATS THE WATER COMING INTO THE HOUSE AND A RO UNDER THE SINK..TO MANY BOIL ALERTS IN CAPE CORAL.. I CALLED JOHN AT CULLIGAN AND THAT WAS FIXED.. GREAT AREA AND THE NIGHT LIFE HAS A HEART BEAT WITH ALL THE MOM AND POP PLACES ON 47TH TER…. LOW CRIME RATES AND LOVE BEING A FL RESIDENT….
If you like sweating for 10 months a year go to cape coral. Lived there 22 years only nice about 8 out of 52 weeks.
Accurate.
Much too hot and humid, tropical storms and hurricanes are exhausting. Traffic is terrible. Too many places being built without the roads to support the sheer volumes of people moving here. Can’t wait to leave. After 22 years, a once beautiful city is being overbuilt.