Rural residential living with new construction and large lots
Homeowners in Joel are more likely to see wildlife crossing the street than their neighbors. This rural community 20 miles outside of downtown Fort Myers features ranch-style homes scattered throughout quiet streets. Many houses back up one of the area’s nature preserves or winding canals. New construction is common, with prospective homeowners taking advantage of lots that run up to half an acre. “People really like the size of the vacant lots,” says Yvonne Doll, a local broker associate at Riverside Real Estate. “Here, you can get out of the city, and there are no HOAs.”
Joel is an idyllic place for homes with big lots.
The Joel neighborhood is located 20 miles outside of downtown Fort Myers in Lehigh Acres.
1/2
Kayak or hike at Frank Mann Preserve
Frank Mann was a long-time resident and commissioner of Lee County known for protecting the natural areas of his home county. Today, that defense is represented in Frank Mann Preserve, a 600-plus acre park in the neighborhood. Visitors can launch kayaks and cast fishing lines in ponds scattered throughout the area, or they can explore the hiking trails and keep an eye out for native waterfowl. Lehigh Acres Park is 6 miles away and features various athletic facilities, including baseball diamonds, soccer fields and tennis courts. For golfers, there is the 18-hole course at Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club and for the sunbathers, Fort Myers Beach is 34 miles away.
Frank Mann Preserve in the Joel neighborhood is managed by Lee County Parks.
Frank Mann Preserve is a 600-plus acre park in the Joel neighborhood.
1/2
Florida ranch-style homes with backyard swimming pools
Florida ranch-style homes with Mediterranean flair sit on large, grassy lots. “Significant growth east of Interstate 75 and south of the Caloosahatchee River are driving the construction of well-built single-story homes in the Lehigh area,” says Debra Thomas, Realtor with Express Realty and a lifelong Southwest Florida Resident. “Young families, empty nesters and young retirees that are enamored with a single-story lifestyle enjoy the variety of home styles here.” The single-family builds feature stucco exteriors with roofing that ranges from tiled to sheet metal. Many houses have screened-in backyard swimming pools with multicar garages in the front. Young palm trees and well-manicured lawns are common, and properties back up to Florida’s natural scenic landscape of towering pine trees and silver saw palmettos. Three-bedroom homes range between $200,000 and $400,000, while larger four-bedroom villas can reach $550,000. The East Green Condominium Complex provides a multifamily option. Two-bedroom units sell from $130,000 to $215,000. Empty plots of land are widespread and readily available for those looking to build their dream home. Half-acre lots sell between $15,000 and $40,000. Because of the neighborhood’s rapid development, many properties still rely on septic tanks and well water for utilities.
Single-family builds in Joel have stucco exteriors and roofs ranging from shingle to metal.
Joel has several duplex urbanizations with their amenities.
1/2
Restaurants and grocery stores along Joel Boulevard
Commercial activity within the area is limited, but a few restaurants are located along Joel Boulevard. Havana Bakery is a popular eatery that serves authentic Cuban dishes like ham croquetas and empanadas. Down the street, Hungry Howie’s Pizza & Subs is a local chain with a loyal following thanks to its original flavored crust pizza. Jack’s Market and Dollar General provide the neighborhood with close weekly groceries. More shopping and dining is available at The Forum, a mixed-use commercial development 16 miles away.
Jack's Market in Joel is open daily from 8am - 9pm.
Havana Cafe in the Joel neighborhood offers sweet treats as well as lunch items.
1/2
STEAM Magnet Program at Lehigh Acres Middle School
The Lee County School District serves the neighborhood and offers an open-choice enrollment system. Lehigh Elementary, Lehigh Acres Middle School and East Lee County High School all receive a C-plus rating on Niche. Lehigh Acres Middle School’s STEAM Magnet Program immerses students in engineering, robotics and coding. East Lee County High School offers numerous career and technical education academies in fields ranging from agriculture and natural resources to digital information technology. Gunnery Road Christian Academy is a highly rated private education option 10 miles away.
Lehigh Acres Middle School in Lehigh Acres is a public school grades 6-8th grade.
East Lee County High School offers extracurricular activities for students.
1/2
Travel to Fort Myers
Joel’s rural seclusion means it is car-dependent and commutes into nearby centers can be lengthy. Fort Myers and Cape Coral are 20 and 30 miles away, respectively. Miami is 142 miles away, down Interstate 75. Southwest Florida International Airport is 25 miles away and offers multiple domestic and international flights. LeeTran is the county’s public transportation system and services numerous stops along Leeland Heights Boulevard. Lehigh Regional Medical Center is the closest hospital, just 7 miles away.
The Joel neighborhood is serviced by Lee County Transit, making most stops along Joel Blvd.
Joel provides locals with public transportation, connecting them to the greater area.
1/2
Monthly events in downtown Fort Myers
Downtown Fort Myers is 20 miles away and hosts year-round events, including the monthly Art Walk, which takes place on the first Friday of each month. This gathering lights up the River District’s streets with creative endeavors from local and regional artists. On the third Friday of every month, The Music Walk follows in similar footsteps and features an evening of free live music ranging from blues and jazz to rock and roll.
Art Walk takes place on the 1st Friday of each month in downtown Fort Myers.
On the 3rd Friday of each month, downtown Fort Myers holds a Music Walk celebration.
1/2
Hurricane Risks
Southwest Florida is prone to hurricanes and has received direct hits from multiple strong storms, including Hurricane Ian in 2022. Most of Joel lies in a FEMA-designated flood zone, with the flooding risk rated as Moderate. Homeowners are encouraged to review available flood insurance policies and resources provided by Lee County.
Joel is located within a flood zone accorded to the FEMA maps.
Water is just a stone's throw away, anywhere in Joel; making it a flood zone.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Are you familiar with the Joel neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Joel
US
Homicide
1
4
Sexual Assault
3
4
Assault with Weapon
3
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
3
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
3
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Joel Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Joel, Lehigh Acres sell after 104 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Joel, Lehigh Acres over the last 12 months is $335,990, down 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Nice lot to build your Dream Home. Centrally located in Lehigh Acres with easy access to Sunshine Rd, State Rd. 82 and I-75, you are close to RSW International Airport, JetBlue Stadium, Restaurants and so much more. *We are happy to report that there was NO flooding from Hurricane Milton.*Preferred Lender is Groves Capital. They do land and construction loans.
Move Right into this TURNKEY/FURNISHED 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, POOL HOME with GOLF COURSE VIEW! This Attached Villa has been Well Maintained and Many Items that Typically are of Concern to Any Buyer have Already Been Recently Addressed, such as: NEW ROOF and HVAC (2023), HOT WATER HEATER (2025), REFRIGERATOR (2023), LUXURY VINYL FLOOING THROUGHOUT (2024), POOL HEATER (2022), POOL CAGE SCREENS (2025)
Live here year round or use this condo as you winter retreat. It has tile and laminate flooring, fresh paint, upgraded kitchen with granite counter tops and silver fridge, dishwasher, range, and microwave. The upgrades in this condo, will give the new owner comfort and delight. From the dining area, you can sit on your balcony and have a clear view of the large community pool. 55 and older
Looking for privacy? This absolute charmer is available and ready for the next owners. Situated on a large corner lot giving you a beautiful lake view, this meticulously cared for pool home is located in one of Lehigh's most desirable neighborhoods. Newer Roof (2021) New Whirlpool Appliances including Oven, Dishwasher, and Refrigerator in 2022, Freshly Painted, Updated Flooring in the living
Imagine the possibilities with this spacious half-acre lot in Lehigh Acres—an ideal setting to build your dream home. This oversized parcel offers room for a pool, extra garage, or garden, giving you the space to create exactly what you’ve envisioned. Conveniently located with easy access to main roads, you’ll enjoy a smooth commute to schools, shopping, dining, and entertainment. Best of all,
READY NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME 2025! 4 Bed / 2 baths - Discover this stunning brand-new construction home in the fast-growing community of Lehigh Acres! On an open floor plan with countless upgrades with 2371 Total Sqft. This single-family home offers luxury features throughout along with quality high-end construction-Double Door Entry, Open Concept Floor, Impact Windows and Doors, Cathedral
READY NEW CONSTRUCTION HOME 2025! 4 Bed / 2 baths - Discover this stunning brand-new construction home in the fast-growing community of Lehigh Acres! On an open floor plan with countless upgrades with 2371 Total Sqft. This single-family home offers luxury features throughout along with quality high-end construction-Double Door Entry, Open Concept Floor, Impact Windows and Doors, Cathedral
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
