Don't Move To Cape Coral, Florida 2024 | Watch This Before Moving Here (Updated Edition)

[@socalguy97]

One of my friends and his family has lived in Cape Coral for nearly 30 years. I visited Cape Coral three years in a row in the winter of 1997, 1998, and 1999. I visited again in 2008. I found it to be beautiful, comfortable, always something to do, relaxing, close to the beaches, and a nice place to potentially call home. I don’t know what it’s like today, but I don’t have a single bad thing to say about it.

[@livinginfl]

We agree SOCALGUY, every city has its good and bad. It’s still a great place to live overall. Thank you for commenting and watching!

[@jennifers2233]

​@@livinginflIts still the best place to live and sooo peaceful. Love it. Someone is talking high property tax.. They have no clue.. taxes here is not even $2.000 a year. In NJ it was 14,000 a year.

[@itsmekoomzy]

My husband and I just bought a brand new home in Cape Coral for me is a piece of heaven a lot of peace and I don’t see that much traffic maybe because I used to live in Miami.

[@livinginfl]

Glad you found your "piece of heaven". Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@YouCOPIEDMEMOFO]

Oh its bad traffic

[@xx777shishixx]

i just visited and there was nooo traffic compared to miami!!!

[@jennifers2233]

​@@xx777shishixxits not season yet. Next month it will be crazy. Especially Cape Coral parkway.

[@petrslivinski7481]

My wife and I visited the area after we watched several videos on KZbin. The place looked interesting, and we decided to investigate the area ourselves. Let's just say that after two weeks of visiting the area during the months of September, December, February, April and June and we found how horrible the traffic and population becomes from October to April. We drove through many communities and found some that were truly lovely and were interested in purchasing a home. What turned us off were the prices of homes, the home insurance, and auto insurance, plus the cost of utilities and groceries. You mentioned in your video about shopping malls. Definitely would be nice to have other choices then to drive one hour to reach one. Also, there is a faint, pungent odor that lurks around from area to area possibly the fish or water. We decided that Cape Coral wasn't for us. Though we were impressed with the high end communities and appealed to our tastes. Your videos are amazing! Thank you for creating and sharing them for informational purposes.

[@livinginfl]

Thank you for watching!

[@chandlerpetersen1244]

Did you guys pick another area in Florida?

[@sharoncrawford7192]

Yep. Same in Ft Myers, Naples, and Bonita Springs. It wasn't that way when we moved there in 1982. After 25 yrs we sold our home and moved back north. No regrets. We're retired now, and we couldn't afford it.

[@tomcoleman7154]

Taxes should have been #1. What you get in Cape Coral from the Services/Government for your HIGH PROPERTY TAX RATE (compared to 80% of the rest of Florida) is NOT WORTH IT! Property taxes are completely out of control!

[@livinginfl]

I hate the taxes. Taxation is theft. That said, you would be surprised how many people relocating here think are tax are great. It’s all based on ones personal experience. Thank you for commenting and watching Tom! -Doug

[@jaimeserrano6758]

Tanto que te quejas de los impuestos tan altos ven vive en Connecticut para que entonces veas lo que son taxes altos yo vivo acá con casa propia de una familia y pago 8,000 de taxes al año

[@Press1for]

😂🎉

[@abelincoln3261]

People write comments that are total nonsense so for one of them bellow.. Yes, the City of Cape Coral’s Utility Expansion Project (UEP) is indeed a significant undertaking. The North 1 West and North 1 East areas are part of this project, which aims to extend water, sewer, and irrigation services to these regions1. The project includes the installation of new lift stations, upgrades to existing ones, new master pump stations, irrigation storage tanks, replacement of storm drain pipes, and newly paved roads1. The cost of $35,000 you mentioned is likely the assessment fee for property owners in these areas to cover the expenses of these extensive infrastructure improvements1. This project is expected to enhance property values, improve public safety with the installation of fire hydrants, and provide a reliable source of drinking water and wastewater services

[@livinginfl]

Thank you for sharing, good info!

[@slim2826]

Seems really crowded to me and with a lot of sandy soil, and lacking shade from all of the clear cutting and canal dredging. I guess some ppl are into that tho. Also, it’s clear not all of the canals get enough tidal exchange leaving for a lot of stinky algae ponds. Doesn’t seem like even half the houses are waterfront… in fact the majority aren’t. I guess it Depends on the person’s values, but someone could live 10 miles more inland in Fort Myers and still be just as long a drive from Bowman’s Beach Also seems kind of crazy to only be on average 6 1/2 feet above sea level with the average storm surge being way above that + the above ground powerlines that you mentioned… doesn’t seem best suited for the occasional hurricane. Here in Central Florida development is ramping up immensely, but isn’t it everywhere in Florida? crazy to think that out of 1000 people moving here a day 100 of them would be going to Cape Coral.

[@livinginfl]

You bring up some valid points about the development and environmental concerns in Cape Coral. It’s definitely a mixed bag when it comes to living in these areas, and everyone has their own preferences!

[@vickyfilson1916]

😢 the only thing I would agree on is they should have the powerlines under the ground. The rest of it is crap.

[@livinginfl]

We don't necessarily agree with each reason either. After all, we do live and love it here. The reasons mentioned are from those who are looking to move to or out of the area. Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@wallywanker7435]

Power lines under the ground ? With the rains would be a major problem. I had them underground up north and lost the power way more then I do in the cape. Even after Ian , of course we lost power but for that bad of a storm we were up and running in a matter of weeks.

[@justoneman3916]

Another great video. Some of these negatives I see as positives. Need to get city council watching these.

[@livinginfl]

Thank you @justineman3916! We appreciate your feedback!

[@allenr7306]

Cape has a lot of code restrictions and packed like gated communities,Roads are all crap so many potholes, and traffic can be a pain and its not just in the winter lol

[@livinginfl]

Ah, the joys of Cape living! It's like a game of dodgeball, but instead of balls, it's potholes and traffic cones. Just part of the adventure, right? 😉

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

I just moved here in September. Originally from the Pensacola area. I am truly shocked at how high the insurance and taxes are here. One thing I DO like is there are no HOA's everywhere. I looked for MONTHS for a house around Ft. Myers, Estero, Bonita and everything is in an HOA. So here I am.

[@livinginfl]

Well welcome Annie! Thank you for watching!

[@Nomercyever93]

What's the cost of insurance and taxes I'm looking to move out as well thanks

[@Leg239]

Cape is a giant HOA.

[@kimberlybegonia2869]

Visited my Aunt and Cousins in Cape Coral around December 2022 and the gridlock traffic was so annoying! This city is kinda landlocked only after you figure out which bridge to get there from Ft Myers and gives me a weird feeling of being trapped😮 oh well I’m much happier in Eau Gallie

[@livinginfl]

Traffic in some areas is busy. However, we're seeing that everywhere in Florida. We're also seeing it when we go to other states. Thank you for watching!

[@RJS-g5c]

My Dad had his home built in Cape Coral -1979. We had the benefit of knowing the builder Mr. Rosen and his family and he did a special upgrade on our house as he built his next door. Cape Coral was wonderful at time and for many years it was pleasant and enjoyable. My family lives in Nevada, and would spend several months each year in Florida and know it well. Sad to say, in the late 80's it changed, and never regained the charm it once had. My wife and I took possession of the property 3 years ago and I kept the house up to November 2023. The taxes, insurance rates, Nor-Eastern's, substandard law enforcement, including (Drunk and HIGH driving all over the place), the rip-off culture associate with most contractors & services, water supply & pollution, etc. has made this once wonderful paradise, just a place for day- to - day survival. The WEATHER is Nature and if you like living in a Tropical environment you can't complain.

[@sharoncrawford7192]

We moved to Bonita Springs in 1982. My husband had to start his own business to make a decent living. We lived in Ft Myers too for 5 yrs. Built 2 homes. Our last home was paid for and we sold in 2006. Way to many people. Way to much traffic. It wasn't bad at all when we first moved there. It grew to much, to fast. We moved back to Midwest, no regrets!😊

[@livinginfl]

Glad you found your happy place! Thank you for watching!

[@jennifers2233]

I heard it was Mr. Rosen who developed Cape coral!

[@lissakm87]

I live in Miami, visited cape coral and loved it! So quiet...planning to move there . Fingers crossed

[@livinginfl]

@lissakm87 we're glad to hear that! Let us know how we can help! Thank you for watching.

[@zAlaska]

They were discussing why they aren't burying power lines in Texas in another video. The power company in Texas discussing this says that the flooding of power lines underground is the issue. Also, underground power lines lose energy to the surroundings more efficiently than when suspended in the air. Maintenance costs are more expensive, especially when it's replacement time.

[@livinginfl]

Interesting. Thank you for sharing!

[@StevenL-sv9pn]

Cape coral florida. The traffic is insane. The roads can't handle all the traffic. Way to many people here

[@grethellbaldizon3357]

Does cape coral have any area with sewer lines already in place?

[@livinginfl]

Hi @grethellbaldizon3357! Yes, a lot of Cape Coral has the utilties already in place. It's the newer areas to the north that are still getting utilities put in. Here is where you can find more information on the utilities: www.capecoral.gov/uep/find_your_utility_extension_area.php

[@livinginfl]

To view all the latest homes for sale in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and Surrounding, click this link: bit.ly/MoveToCape24. This is the most powerful search platform in SW Florida, as it updates with the newest listings every 5 minutes. To see what your home is worth, click here: doug.searchfloridagulfhomes.com/seller/homeestimate/value. We use a proprietary system that analyzes recent sales around your home to determine an accurate home value. You will also see homes currently for sale like yours. If you want to go to the next step and have Doug & Lona Leugers evaluate your home and give you the most accurate value, we can schedule a quick free in-home evaluation. To start the free in-home evaluation process, schedule a quick Zoom call by clicking here: calendly.com/leugersgroup/15min

[@LPnerd]

a good 45 min. in heavy traffic. The power lines are dangerous, and the reason they are not buried is tax dollars wasted. I hope insurance companies leave the rest of us alone. You want to live in dangerous areas of FL. why should the rest of us pay for your folly. I lived in The cape for 20 yrs, and got out just before the housing crash. Best move we ever made.

[@livinginfl]

I don't understand your correlation between tax dollars and power lines. I'm pretty sure (more research may be necessary) that the Utility companies pay for their own infrastructure. As far as traffic, we don't like it either. That's why we don't typically travel during the rush hours. We've also found that similar to be everywhere we visited around the U.S. Thank you for watching!

[@lhyork1608]

We are ok with no more ppl moving here lol!so keep up the good work

[@livinginfl]

We don't mind if people move here. However we know its not for everyone!

[@jennifers2233]

We don't mind if they are not democrats.

[@gypsybelle637]

We moved to the Cape last December. I love it here! It's a perfect location in our opinion. But, give it a shot. It's wonderful!👏🏽👏🏽❤️👍🏼

[@livinginfl]

Happy to hear that Gypsybelle! We love it here too. Thank you for watching!

[@mozandy]

You can’t park a trailer or RV in your own driveway! So if you like RV life you’d have to find a storage place for your RV!

[@livinginfl]

True! Cape Coral doesn't allow boats and RV's in driveways. Thank you for watching!

[@slim2826]

Wow, just like my subdivision 😢

[@ginosuarez6674]

thanks for the info!

[@livinginfl]

Thank you for watching!

[@tweety9551]

I have never liked the cape I am from Coastal Florida and would never move to the Cape it's land locked beach is far but they do have nice homes for an affordable price but I would take a lesser home to feel that warm ocean breeze and salty air location, location location

[@livinginfl]

People don't move to Cape Coral for Cape Coral Beach. They move here because of it's waterways and access to the some of the most beautiful beaches that Southwest Florid has to offer. Thank you for watching!

[@tweety9551]

I agree I hope my comment didn't seem rude. My uncle just moved to Cape Coral and he loves it. There are truly beautiful homes there at a reasonable price. I am looking up by Venice/Nokomis right now and the homes there are not like Cape Coral much more pricey and lots of HOA. There are benefits to Cape Coral if I had a boat I would consider it. @@livinginfl

[@livinginfl]

I didn't think it was rude! Actually, I really appreciate you commenting and watching! You make some great points, and you obviously have been doing your research. Thank you again!

[@tweety9551]

thank you for understanding. I will be going to Cape Coral often since my uncle is there he says he found his paradise. He lived in Fort Lauderdale I do too it used to be what Cape Coral was years ago but now it's become over populated. We live 2 miles from the beach and that's why we want to look at Venice/Nokomis for that reason. Venice was what fort Lauderdale once was. Thanks for this video and I wish you a nice day. @@livinginfl

[@louisdias5758]

We moved to Cape Coral in September 2021 and still love every minute of it. It’s a little expensive but worth every penny.

[@livinginfl]

Thank you for the positive comment! We love it too. Thank you for watching!

[@generalnguyenngocloan1700]

Lived full time in the Cape for 11 yrs now. There’s 6 months of weather heaven, 2 months of so so, and 4 months of hot, humid, rainy hell. The 4 bad months you have to become a night person and come out after dark, at least locally, sort of like millions do in S.E. Asia. Summer trips to Naples area, Punta Gorda, and across eastward to Fort Lauderdale helps to break up the dreaded summers and add fun. Besides hit ‘n runs, crime isn’t high. Keep your car doors locked at night or the kids and teenagers will go through them. Despite the high cost of services in Cape Coral, it’s relatively safe and quiet here considering we’re already a city of 250,000.

[@livinginfl]

Good advice! Thank you for sharing and thank you for watching!

[@lhyork1608]

Love love love Cape Coral …so happy we moved here …ps we moved here 2021

[@livinginfl]

Welcome to the Cape! Thank you for watching @lhyork1608!

[@nancygreen8186]

Every homeowner in Cape Coral with a 10,000 sq ft lot will be charged $35,000 for two sewer pipes in the road. If you pay it in installments it will be over $100,000.

[@livinginfl]

I've never heard of it being that much. 3 lots are generally 1 buildable lot here. 1 Buildable lot = one assessment. If there is something different, I may need to go check it. Thank you for watching!

[@nancygreen8186]

@@livinginfl the City of Cape Coral has a UEP= Utility Expansion Project charging $35,000 for North 1 West and North 1 East.

[@livinginfl]

@bandbyoneMIDI - Great question. Should you be worried about it, no. Should you be aware of it yes. Homes that have or will have assessements are typically cheaper in price because of the future assessments. It's important to buy the home at the right price. The assessments are split up into payments. It's important to know that if I had to guess, that it's a 70/30 ratio. 70% of properties have already paid the assessments, and 30% have not. You're going to find more properties that owe assessments in the North part of Cape Coral. Any other questions, let me know. Here is the official site with all the info on assessments: www.capecoral.gov/uep/index.php

[@abelincoln3261]

@@nancygreen8186 Somehow you must be off by at least $ 32,000.00 please find this $ 35,000. charge and post it.. it's not possible .. period.

[@abelincoln3261]

@@nancygreen8186 Yes, the City of Cape Coral’s Utility Expansion Project (UEP) is indeed a significant undertaking. The North 1 West and North 1 East areas are part of this project, which aims to extend water, sewer, and irrigation services to these regions1. The project includes the installation of new lift stations, upgrades to existing ones, new master pump stations, irrigation storage tanks, replacement of storm drain pipes, and newly paved roads1. The cost of $35,000 you mentioned is likely the assessment fee for property owners in these areas to cover the expenses of these extensive infrastructure improvements1. This project is expected to enhance property values, improve public safety with the installation of fire hydrants, and provide a reliable source of drinking water and wastewater services

[@eknoke01]

Florida in general is a transient state. It’s people either moving from other states to retire or tourists visiting for a short time. With that comes a general lack of community because no one has permanent roots. The natives are a different breed and only a small segment of the population. So if your looking for a sense of community anywhere in FL good luck. Even in FL “ gated communities “ neighbors barely know or interact with each other.

[@livinginfl]

It definitely can feel the way you describe. However, I will say that we've experienced the complete opposite. There are many communities that are tighter knit. You have to know where they are and you have be willing to be out making friends.

[@MikeSchreader]

While most of this video is accurate, not all is shared. Granted there is a huge cost difference to live in Cape versus Naples, but in comparison Cape is the equivalent of Haiti. Pot holes here are like moon craters and the infrastructure suffers horribly. Major hurricanes come through and the City lays in ruins for years before some sense of normalcy. Been here for 3 years from West Central MN and moving back! I'll take 1000 blizzards over 1 major hurricane. Ian gave me PTSD on top of PTSD!

[@livinginfl]

It's been rough the last few years, that is for sure. We're right here with you. We've traveled many places, and there is still no place we'd rather be. It's not for everyone though! Thank you for watching and sharing your opinion.

[@sharoncrawford7192]

I always heard Cape Coral had good schools when we lived in Fl. But none of the public schools are good anywhere anymore. We lived in Ft Myers and Bonita Springs. Our now 44 yr old daughter was raised in Fl. We sent her to private christian schools. She became a Paralegal and now lives in Charleston, SC. We moved back up north in 2006. I like where we are now much better.

[@livinginfl]

Thanks for watching and commenting Sharon! We like the midwest as well, as that's where we are from. That said, we want to eventually buy a home in the Blue Ridge Mountains. We wouldn't live there year around though because we don't like the gray, cold, snow, and Ice that the winter brings. We like the best of both worlds.

[@DennReid]

Taxes are half of what they are where I came from, maybe even much less than half. I'm always amazed when I get my tax bill. I paid over double this 18 years ago in N.H. I love the weather. In NH you got 2 months of pure summer if you were lucky. Then you stay in for 6 months. I don't think these people know what what they are talking about.

[@livinginfl]

If you watch the video, you would see that we're actually in complete agreement. At least it sounds as if we are by your comment. Thank you for watching.

[@ManojKumar-ek6py]

When the interest rate will go down. home gonna be super expensive in cape.

[@livinginfl]

I think it will create more demand and increase prices further. Thank you for watching!

[@Randy-st9lb]

Cape looks like North Korea when you come in across the Cape Coral Bridge. Terrible 1st impression. But i love it here! I do hate that we dont have any good shoe stores or clothing stores. we pay 1st class taxes but besides the beautiful parks, we dont have 1st class amenities

[@livinginfl]

Agreed! The first impression could be much better. Fingers crossed that improvements will come in the future! Thank you for watching Randy! Get down here!

[@cynthiawilliamson5905]

Hurricane’s affect all of Florida as well as other states! Not as hot and humid as some other states… .

[@livinginfl]

True. We love it here. Thank you for watching!

[@russellj.s.257]

I've lived here since I was seven and I'm planning on moving to the North Fort Myers or Fort Myers area soon,too many people

[@livinginfl]

Sorry to hear that Russell. We hope you find your happy place. Let us know if we can help. Thank you for watching!

[@maumor2]

Cape Coral sucks because the fake canals (put in place so thousands could say "I live in the water" even if the canals take you nowhere) break everything. Traffic is insane because of the canals, utilities cant run under the roads because of the canals, you got the green and smelly canals for half the year. Taxes are way too high for what you get, city authorities only want to add more houses to increase the tax base. Shopping and dining? you got just the basics. Want to go out at night? a few sports bar is all you got. Want to go to the beach? 35 minutes on a good day to Fort Myers Beach. Sports? you need to go across the river and then drive some more. Arts? same. Education? schools are way below average and no college opportunities. Parks and preserves? you got a decent one and a bunch of tiny neighborhood parks that offer minimal facilities. Cape Coral is a cheap bedroom for SWFL (just a tiny step ahead of Lehigh Acres). And huge disagreement in "they lack gated communities" the whole city is a random collection of poorly connected communities defined by the canals

[@livinginfl]

Sounds like you don't like it here. We can help you move. Let us know when you're ready and we'll get your home sold!

[@maumor2]

@livinginfl already out of there LOL

[@livinginfl]

Congratulations and Godspeed!

[@nickh.2007]

We moved here almost 3 years ago and love it. Prior to our move, we vacationed here for 5 years, and it was harder each we had to go back home leaving the Cape behind. We knew this was the place for us. Having a home on the water access to the gulf. Cape Coral is alot more reasonable than other areas. We love boating and fishing. People are very friendly as well. God bless.

[@livinginfl]

Thank you for watching!

[@doolittlegeorge]

Don't forget FARK . Wouldn't be Florida if we weren't reading up about what is going on in Florida via FARK.

[@livinginfl]

FARK? What is that?

[@abelincoln3261]

Houses are way to big more then 4/5ths of the time... a smaller lot smaller house is practical.. it's not the lot size it's the ridiculously large house built on it.

[@livinginfl]

Thank you for watching!

[@kenbrown5217]

And you can't park your pickup in your driveway overnight.

[@livinginfl]

I guess that is somewhat accurate. If your truck is a work truck with advertisements on it, the city won't allow that. A regular personal pickup truck is fine. Thank you for watching!

[@commonsense5741]

The rainy season is every day after 2PM.

[@livinginfl]

It used to be. That's how I remember it. It doesn't seem like it's been that way the last few years. Thank you for watching!

[@jeffsfloatingmatdemo7282]

Being on the water in the Cape is cheap because the water coming down the river is absolutely horrific! Blue green algae can make it hard to breath and it kills thousands of fish. We used to have birds at our dock when cleaning fish, but now there is not a bird in sight. If you are moving to Florida for the water, do not choose the Cape!

[@livinginfl]

Sorry to hear that. You have blue green algae now? I haven't heard of any blue green algae in years.

[@papawx3]

If you loved Governor Hochul's New York, you're going to love the Cape even more! Same corruption, similar insane city codes and the same authoritarian mindset in government.

[@livinginfl]

You could always do something about it! Thank you for watching.

[@fustelo_Chanel]

If you wanna live in peace ❤, moves to cape coral! If you wanna a party and more shops then you have to move to Miami! 😂😂😂

[@livinginfl]

There is more partying in Miami! LOL. Thank you for watching!

[@lhyork1608]

All lots on my street are double lots …….we didn’t pay more than any other place

[@livinginfl]

Glad to hear it! Thank you for watching!

[@dotdotscottschott7529]

You know where the exit door is peeps

[@livinginfl]

We're not going anywhere. We love it here. Thank you for watching!

[@tifftoes5628]

Ocean n hurricane ! Heat up ! Beware crocodile

[@livinginfl]

Thanks for watching.

[@MargieVanHoose]

Why does she keep looking off to her right??

[@livinginfl]

She does that when she's thinking about what she's saying. Thank you for watching.

[@charlesdavaro8554]

Better start looking around the country everything you mentioned is in most states in America

[@livinginfl]

Agreed! They are the typical reasons we here from people that don't like it. Thank you for watching!

[@NYLily07]

Love the cape!

[@livinginfl]

We do too! No such thing as perfect, but there is a such thing as perfect enough. :) Thank you for watching and commenting!

[@ThomasVogel-w8x]

Cape coral has allways sucked. They charge money on the bridges to get there . When you leave for Fort Myers it's free. Cape coral sucks big time .

[@livinginfl]

I hate the tolls as well. I've found that to be the case in most coastal locations in Florida. Tolls everywhere. I think it's obsessive taxation. What are we going to do about it? Thank you for watching!

[@mzus50]

Not a Word about Well water smell & expensive Water Filtrations, CC is a shitty Area from the beginning with all.the fake canals

[@livinginfl]

Sorry you feel that way. Thank you for watching!

[@gabrielarich2015]

Valid points but I feel like this screams don’t move here, we’re overpopulated 😂 I guess people just have to live where they can.

[@livinginfl]

Not at all! Does feel overpopulated at times, sure. I've found that to be the case at a lot of places we travel to, especially in places that are more desirable. Thank you for watching!

[@sherrysandor-kelly57]

Very depressing place,Cape Coral

[@livinginfl]

I guess it depends on how you see the glass. Half full, or Half empty. We love Cape Coral. Thank you for watching.

[@jennyhong6746]

Happy is an inside job. You can be happy anywhere, in any environment. I was depressed in Bali…one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Cape is not the most thrilling for young people, so I can understand why you say this…but that’s why my friends and I create events for the community. It takes a village. Lol.