Nestled between the Gulf of Mexico and the river for which it is named, Caloosahatchee is a densely populated Cape Coral neighborhood of almost 15,000 homes and condos. More than 90 percent of the properties offer direct access from their backyards to the surrounding waters via the maze of canals that dot the community. The inland waterways provide residents with a nautical lifestyle at appealing prices. “Cape Coral is called Canal City and Waterfront Wonderland for a reason,” says Brooke Cole, a Managing Broker of RE/MAX Nautical Realty who has sold dozens of homes in the neighborhood. “It just makes living on the water more accessible and affordable because we have so many canals.” The neighborhood also offers residents the ease and convenience of being home to the city’s premier commercial district.
Estate homes on the Caloosahatchee River
Homes and condominiums are neatly arranged on streets truncated by the canals. Traditional ranch-style homes are prominent, and they mingle with a collection of contemporary custom designs offering similar features such as private driveways, attached garages and spacious front yards. Prices typically range from around $300,000 to $800,000-plus. Prices tend to increase closer to the river, with new construction and larger homes listing between $1 million and $2 million-plus and the occasional estate-style home located on the river listing in excess of $10 million. Condos typically range from around $150,000 for a small unit in an age-restricted community to the mid-$500,000s for a large waterfront unit offering luxury amenities. The Caloosahatchee Connect Project, a combined effort of the cities of Cape Coral and Fort Myers, was recently completed after five years. A new pipeline will transport water daily from Fort Myers to Cape Coral to help keep the freshwater canals elevated. The tradeoff for being surrounded by water is the heightened risk of flooding, especially in the wake of a hurricane. The area was hit hard by Hurricane Ian in September of 2022, so prospective homebuyers should factor in the cost of flood insurance when searching for a home in Cape Coral.
Cruise to the Gulf of Mexico
Life on the water is the preferred activity for neighborhood residents, who can walk out to their backyard, traverse the canal on which they live and within minutes be cruising down the Caloosahatchee River and into the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico. “You can load up your boat, head out to the barrier islands, hang out with your friends and goof off all day,” says James Sommers, a Realtor with more than 20 years of experience in Cape Coral and Fort Myers. “If you live here and you’re bored, it’s your own fault.” In addition to the boating, fishing and other water-based opportunities provided by the neighborhood’s location, residents have several local parks at which to enjoy a diverse selection of amenities. Four Freedoms Park has a community center that features programming for all ages, with activities that range from reading to sewing to salsa dancing. Jaycee Park provides a picturesque green space for relaxing walks along the riverfront. A beach on the river is the main attraction at Yacht Club Community Park, where an extensive renovation will provide upgraded amenities, including a resort-style pool.
Eclectic restaurants in South Cape
The neighborhood is home to a bustling commercial section known as South Cape, which is considered Cape Coral’s downtown. “Lots of bars and lots of eclectic restaurants,” Sommers says. “There aren’t many chains, just a lot of really cool places.” Italian restaurants and pizza shops are prominent, and Trattoria Ciao is a neighborhood favorite. Ford’s Garage, a popular local franchise known for burgers and beer, and Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar are other featured destinations in South Cape. Notable eateries elsewhere include Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails, which serves up highly rated contemporary fare, and Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, a popular gathering spot on the river. South Cape also offers several convenient shops, where residents can stock up on groceries, fill prescriptions and even buy bait. Publix and Target are located just outside the neighborhood among a cluster of retail stores.
Career programs at Cape Coral High
The School District of Lee County serves the neighborhood. The district recently unveiled a plan that allows parents to have more choice in which schools their children attend. Parents can send their children to schools within their proximity zones, such as Cape Elementary School, a neighborhood institution rated B-plus by Niche; Gulf Middle School, also rated B-plus; and Cape Coral High, an A-rated International Baccalaureate school. At Cape Coral High, students can enroll in Career Academies that help prepare them for jobs after graduation in disciplines such as Pharmacy Tech, Information and Design Technology and Hospitality and Tourism.
Holiday events near the Cape Coral Bridge
Cape Coral hosts community events throughout the year, and many of them take place in Caloosahatchee, from movies in the park to free outdoor concerts. Red, White, and Boom is the city’s Fourth of July event, and it is held at the foot of the Cape Coral Bridge on the neighborhood’s east side. Four Freedoms Park hosts the Cape Coral Holiday Boat-A-Long, where residents decorate their boats and parade around Bimini Basin. The Cape Coral Farmers Market is held every Saturday in the heart of South Cape.
LeeTran buses serve the area
Neighboring Fort Myers is just minutes away across the Cape Coral Bridge and the Midpoint Bridge, both of which are conveniently located in Caloosahatchee. Lee County officials recently endorsed a plan to replace the Cape Coral Bridge and expand it from four to six lanes. Construction is expected to begin in 2026. LeeTran buses provide public transportation at multiple stops throughout the neighborhood. The Southwest Florida International Airport is located about 15 miles away in Fort Myers.
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.
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On average, homes in Caloosahatchee, Cape Coral sell after 134 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Caloosahatchee, Cape Coral over the last 12 months is $397,000, down 6% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Welcome to Your Dream Home in SWFL! Step inside this beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offering 1,775 sq ft of comfortable living space on a spacious corner lot. The open-concept layout features large white tiles throughout the main living areas, while wood-look tile adds warmth to all bedrooms.The modern kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances, sleek quartz countertops, and ample
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Welcome to 112 Bayshore Drive, a beautifully renovated single-family home located in one of Cape Coral’s most desirable neighborhoods. This spacious three-bedroom, two-bathroom residence offers 1,681 square feet of living space and features a split-bedroom floor plan for added privacy and comfort.Inside, you’ll find a bright and open great room layout with modern finishes throughout. The home
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