Cape Coral, Florida Attracts Year-round Vacationers, Residents
by Blanche Evans
New shopping, entertainment and restaurants are adding to the sunshine and blue waters of Cape Coral, attracting full-time residents as well as vacationers. "Cape Coral has been experiencing tremendous growth," says Realtor Julie Kubic. "With over 400 miles of canals, it's a wonderful boating community with gulf access. We also have many miles of fresh water canals that do not access the gulf but do access many lakes and are very popular with bass fishermen." Kubic explains, "We have received national attention as one of the fastest growing areas in the country. This is a predominately single-family community. Our community is a wonderful place to work, vacation or raise a family. Land values have jumped considerably in the past 12 months and continue to rise. Whether you are an investor looking for property or a family wanting a great place to live and raise your children, Cape Coral has it all." "Cape Coral became a city in 1970 and continues to be one of the fastest growing cities in Florida," says Realtor Ruthann McBride. "It is the second largest city in the state and hosts thousands of waterfront homes on over 400 miles of canals. Many of these canals provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and Charlotte Harbor. Cape Coral has one of the largest populations of a "Species of Special Concern" in Florida - burrowing owls. Visitors and residents often see these little owls resting on perches throughout the city during nesting season. These adorable owls, along with great fishing and miles and miles of waterfront properties add to the charm and magnetic appeal that is Cape Coral." Notes Realtor Phil Gieseke, "Instead of the usual 50 percent drop off in summer traffic, the airport is reporting a 15 to 20 percent drop. And the 'year-rounders' are noticing full roadways and restaurants even in July. "What's happening? Several things," suggests Gieseke. "People are now vacationing here in summer also, when the Gulf is bluer and warmer than winter. People are moving to southwest Florida full time to escape the bustle and cold weather 'back home'. Property buyers are shopping in the spring and coming back in the summer to buy. That was a smart strategy right after 9/11, but today's buyers are finding less inventory and higher prices than this past spring. About the area, Gieseke says, "The Jacobs Group has broken ground for its new shopping mall at Alico & I-75. The first residential homes adjoining the Coconut Point Mall are selling - quickly. Both malls should be open in 2006. The area between Naples and Ft Myers continues to grow and appreciate, led by sales in new communities. Growth has now extended east along state route 80 paralleling the Caloosahatchee.The Ft Myers riverfront is in the midst of an urban renewal. Several new high rises are started or permitted near the downtown center that has been refurbished. There are also hotel projects in the works. Test pilings are being drilled for the first high-rise in Cape Coral. Riverfront and salt water access canal properties continue to climb in value, and high-end homes and small gated communities are springing up in northwest Cape Coral." He advises, "All market segments are healthy. Builders are scrambling to open new models as single-family homes are once again popular - owners now consider living here for months and years instead of weeks when they purchase." | 
