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Quality of Life in Cape Coral
Click on the links below for specific information |
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| Schools | Taxes & Exemptions | Bugs |
| Shopping | Housing | Restaurants |
| Important Phone Numbers | Flood Zones | Statistics |
| Economy | Weather | Waterfront Living |
Schools
In Lee County we practice what is called "school of choice". Around January or February parents register their children for the school they want their child to attend. It is 'first come, first served' basis for registration.
Schools in this area have different levels of achievement for different areas of study. While one school may be known for it's science/math program, another will be known for it's music/arts program. While all schools meet legal state standards, individual schools approach the teaching and scholastics of children differently. If your child attends school within 2 miles of your home they must walk or be driven to/from school. Otherwise, there is bussing available.
Here you can find information on all schools, including their performance scores in the FCAT, at the Lee County School District Page.
Also available are a growing number of Charter Schools and Private Schools.
Bugs
Everyone wants to know about bugs in Florida! If you have lived in the SE portion of the United States, then you have experienced the bug situation in SW Florida. The most dangerous insects here are the fiddler spider and black widow spider.
We do experience mosquitoes during certain times of the year. Outdoor spraying is done by the local government to keep mosquitoes under control. Inside your home, you will find that with proper treatment insects are not a major problem. Outside, you can sit comfortably in your screened lanai.
Weather
Do you love the sun? Do you enjoy waking up every morning with vibrant blue skies, the occasional white puffy cloud and streaming sunlight to warm the activities of the day? This captures the essence of everyday life in SW Florida.
Our winters here, late October through April, offer incredibly comfortable temperatures and weather conditions. During these months the rainfall is very low, the winds are calm and the average daytime temperatures are in the 70's and 80's.
During the summer months the temperature runs in the 90's with offshore breezes and a one half hour rain shower each afternoon! Most facilities here are air conditioned. The humidity, which is most notable in the summer months, keeps peoples wardrobes light and loose fitting.
If you are an outdoor person SW Florida offers year around enjoyment. As a matter of fact, people spend so much time outside that houses in this area tend to be small compared to other areas of the nation, where weather conditions keep people indoors.
Flood Zones
The majority of coastal Florida lies in a 100 year flood plain. You can located potential property on this map of Lee County Flood Zones! Flood insurance is federally subsidized and is very reasonably priced!
Shopping
Lee County offers an array of standard department and mall stores for shopping. Ft. Myers has two main shopping areas, the Edison Mall and the Shops at Bell Towers. Between these two facilities you can find most anything you need. Major grocery stores are Publix, Albertsons, Sweetbay and Winn Dixie, all of which are common throughout SW Florida. (See a list of Clubs & Shops)
South Fort Myers features the Miromar Outlet Mall and Tanger Factory Outlets. New malls are being built in Estero, including the Gulf Coast mall and Coconut Point.
Naples has a variety of upscale shopping choices. Home Depot and Lowe's are prominent. Fruit stands abound. Baers and Rob & Stucky are major furniture stores.
There is also a lot of interesting shopping options at Ft. Myers Beach and Sanibel for curio and tourist shops. Sanibel's boutique shops are as unique as they are popular.
Housing
The average house in SW Florida is generally smaller than those in other places in the country. Part of the reason is that most homes include an enclosed (caged) lanai which is used as part of the living space. When square footage is calculated on homes, the lanai is added separately. Due to the incredible weather, many people eat, relax and entertain on their lanais.
Quaint older homes in the McGregor Blvd area are favorites for terrazzo floors, soaring palms, large windows and floorplans that were built to be open to the breeze.
Newer homes in blossoming developments take advantage of the advances in appliances and convenience.
Restaurants
We enjoy a full assortment of typical chain restaurants, such as Carrabas, Outback Steak House, Olive Garden, Red Lobster, etc. (See a list). Like anywhere in the country, fast food abounds! We have an incredible assortment of specialty Italian eating establishments as well as some awesome seafood restaurants. Oriental cuisine is easy to find.
Because southwest Florida is a tourist destination, we have more than our "fair" share of of excellent dining in all price ranges. Many privately owned establishments have been favorites for decades.
Economy
SW Florida thrives on the tourist dollar. Much of the area is very seasonal. The season is winter time here, since our weather is so great! It has only been in recent years that SW Florida has seen a major increase in full time population. (See an article profiling Cape Coral's population.)
When you go around the country it is very difficult to find waterfront land at affordable prices. Quietly and quickly the market began picking up here. Land has been bought up by investors and the prices have been skyrocketing. Those who have visited the area in past years are looking to purchase property now for retirement. They are being faced with property values that have tripled and quadrupled since they were here. When I get requests for prices I try to always make customers aware that the price I give you today may not be the asking price tomorrow.
Important Phone Numbers
In order to provide the best possible service, we have added a list of phone numbers to help you get your utilities turned on, etc.
Southwest Florida Realty, Inc. Dockside Realty Group1326 Cape Coral Pkwy E.
Cape Coral, FL 33904