Tucked on the Gulf Coast, Cape Coral in Florida opens up a world of getaways for retiree residents nestled within its scenic waterfront locale, where a population of approximately 240,000 enjoys a balance of tranquillity and adventure. The city teems with travel conveniences and boasts of a surprisingly affordable cost of living.
Cape Coral ushers in traveling convenience via the Southwest Florida International Airport. Located a mile away from Lee County center, the airport swiftly connects to 64 locations in the U.S and seven international destinations through 15 airlines including Delta, United, and JetBlue. The airport’s relatively small size and strategic location bring down traveling hassles for older travelers, making it the third-ranked medium-sized airport in the 2024 J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey.
Cape Coral pairs up its air access with water-based travel across its 400 miles of navigable canals – holding the crown for having the highest number of canals than any city in the world, surpassing even Venice, Italy. Residents can embark on leisurely trips to enchanting spots like Pine Island starting right from their backyards by sailing in their boats, kayaks, or paddle-boards. Also, local services like the Silver King Dolphin & Beach Taxi provide several round-trips.
Cape Coral's geographical convenience and low cost of living provide a winning combination for retirees. Housing, transportation, and food, the three main household expense categories, in Lee County are relatively affordable in comparison to national averages. The county's average housing cost is approximately $1,372 per month compared to the nationwide average of $2,120. The median housing property value is 20% below the national median, at $326,300. The transportation and food costs are also comparably lower here. Florida's absence of a state income tax adds to the benefit, allowing retirees to extend their savings.
Retirees won’t lack local entertainment options between their travel adventures. Cape Coral flaunts 440 art and entertainment establishments and an abundance of recreational outdoor activities. The over 1,800 healthcare facilities and 25 hospitals in Lee County ensure healthcare accessibility for the elderly.
Nonetheless, Cape Coral’s hurricanes and flood risks, and the population surge might give retirees a pause. A visit to the city in different seasons could provide a first-hand experience in deciding whether Florida's waterfront city is their ideal retirement destination.