Cape Coral is a beautiful city in Southwest Florida that is home to more than 400 miles of canals – making it a great place for boating, fishing, and other water sports. The Gulf Coast beaches, verdant golf courses, and family attractions like Sun Splash Family Waterpark make it a very appealing destination for residents.
While Cape Coral is home to so much, even the most loved cities have drawbacks. So the cost of living, large population, and traffic may outweigh what Cape Coral offers. Thankfully, you have options if you want to live near Cape Coral without permanently residing there
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful coastal retreat, a vibrant urban center, or a friendly community, these 5 cities provide a diverse range of options to suit every lifestyle and budget.
#1: Fort Myers, FL
Miles from Cape Coral: 9
Population: 83,500
Median home sale price: $390,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,656
Walk Score: 35
Transit Score: 48
Fort Myers, located in Lee County, is referred to as the gateway to southwest Florida. Fort Myers was founded after the American Civil War in 1866 and quickly turned from a small trading post to a developing community loaded with great neighborhoods for people to live in.
There are many things to do while living in Fort Myers. Some popular tourist attractions include the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the Imaginarium Science Center, and the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium. Fort Myers is also home to several minor league baseball teams and is a popular destination for golfers.
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#2: Bonita Springs, FL
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Miles from Cape Coral: 22
Population: 58,000
Median home sale price: $547,500
Average 1-bed rent: $2,149
Walk Score: 19
Transit Score: 45
Bonita Springs is located in southwest Florida, just 22 miles from Cape Coral. The city was founded in 1901 and was named after the Spanish words for “pretty spring.” There are quite a few activities to do in the city. For starters, you can enjoy the white sand beaches and the Gulf of Mexico. You can also go fishing, kayaking, and canoeing in the many waterways. And, if you love golf, Bonita Springs is home to some of the best golf courses in the world.
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#3: Lehigh Acres, FL
Miles from Cape Coral: 25
Population: 124,500
Median home sale price: $330,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,550
Walk Score: 7
Transit Score: 28
Lehigh Acres a charming suburban city that is a few minutes inland from Fort Myers and Cape Coral. This makes it convenient to access the beaches of south Florida’s Gulf Coast as well as the dining, shopping, and cultural attractions of the nearby city centers.
This community is rich in natural wonders, with majestic lakes, ponds, and vast lands. You can enjoy kayak adventures in Manatee Park or try the mountain biking trails in the Caloosahatchee Regional Park. For a more relaxing experience, visit the Manatee & Eco River Tours and enjoy a day marveling at the area’s surroundings.
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#4: Port Charlotte, FL
Miles from Cape Coral: 35
Population: 64,500
Median home sale price: $320,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,860
Walk Score: 16
Transit Score: 37
Port Charlotte is a small city located on the Gulf of Mexico in Charlotte County, Florida. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, it’s fishing and boating opportunities, and its warm weather.
If you decide to move to Port Charlotte, there’s plenty to do to keep you busy. The Port Charlotte Beach Complex features several different beaches, a fishing pier, a boat ramp, and picnic areas. The Charlotte Sports Park is the spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays, and there are also many golf courses in the area. If you’re looking to go fishing, Charlotte Harbor and the many canals in Port Charlotte are great places to check out, or you can take a boat tour of the local waterways.
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#5: North Port, FL
Miles from Cape Coral: 46
Population: 69,000
Median home sale price: $410,000
Average 2-bed-rent: $1,250
Walk Score: 7
Transit Score: 32
North Port, FL, is located in Sarasota County and is well known for its lush and natural environment where wildlife flourishes among 95 miles of freshwater canals.
If you’re moving to North Port, you’ll find plenty to do. Here are just a few examples: visit the North Port Zoo, go fishing in the Myakka River, take a walk through the Botanical Gardens, or visit the North Port History Museum.
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Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Cape Coral. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from United States Census Bureau.
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