Nestled along the Gulf Coast, Cape Coral, Florida, proves a remarkable retirement locale for those driven by the love for exploration and travel. With approximately 240,000 residents, this coastal city offers a serene setting alongside practical benefits such as smooth access to travel possibilities and a cost of living that surprisingly fits most budgets.
Cape Coral's prime location allows retirees to readily embark on their travel adventures. One significant advantage lies in its proximity to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located just around a mile from Lee County's heart. This major travel hub, serviced by 15 leading airlines, provides routes to 64 domestic and seven international destinations. Paired with its easy connectivity to the Interstate 75 and a compact layout, the airport allows travelers to avoid bustling traffic and extensive terminals. This convenience led to RSW ranking third in J.D. Power's medium-sized airport customer satisfaction survey in 2024.
The city's geographical uniqueness allows for waterway travel, thanks to more than 400 miles of navigable canals. This gives adventurous retirees direct access to marvelous destinations such as Pine Island. Plus, casual modes of transportation like the Silver King Dolphin & Beach Taxi are readily available, adding convenience to leisure.
Besides its travel benefits, Cape Coral also provides an affordable cost of living-ideal for managing travel expenditure. Housing, transportation, and food often incur the most expenses, with Lee County slightly above the national average in transportation. However, manageable housing and food costs offset it. With the median property value in Lee County being over 20% below the national median and cheaper fuel costs, retirees can save significantly.
Along with its outdoor recreational offerings and vibrant cultural scene, health care access is readily available in Cape Coral-in Lee County, you can find 25 hospitals and more than 1,800 health care establishments. Despite Florida's growing population and inherent climatic risks, including hurricane exposure, Cape Coral stands as an attractive destination for retirees desiring a coastal lifestyle with potential for constant exploring.
However, potential retirees should understand the city’s climate risks and continually expanding population prior to making a decision and might benefit from visiting Cape Coral during different seasons to get a genuine feel for the city and its lifestyle.