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Diplomat

Diplomat

$308,952 Average Value
$243 Average Price per Sq Ft
35 Homes For Sale

Miles of Cape Coral’s iconic canals

Diplomat is a growing neighborhood in northeast Cape Coral that offers a wide variety of homes. It’s about 10 miles from downtown and crosses city limits into North Fort Myers. Despite the growing pains of continued development, including the ongoing construction of city water and sewage, Diplomat has many sought-after features. Miles of Cape Coral’s iconic canals run behind hundreds of properties, many of which have docks for small watercraft and fishing. “The city has a sophisticated waterway system that you can’t find anywhere else in the world,” says Albert Baeza, a longtime Realtor with RE/MAX Gulf Coast Realty. “A lot run all the way to the Gulf [of Mexico], too.” Beautiful local parks are another draw. Yellow Fever Creek Preserve is in the heart of the neighborhood, featuring hiking trails that wind through gorgeous subtropical greenery.
Miles of Cape Coral’s iconic canals run behind hundreds of properties in Diplomat.
Miles of Cape Coral’s iconic canals run behind hundreds of properties in Diplomat.
Diplomat is located about 10 miles of Downtown Cape Coral & just 3 miles of Downtown Fort Myers.
Diplomat is located about 10 miles of Downtown Cape Coral & just 3 miles of Downtown Fort Myers.
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Diplomat’s variety of properties

While most of what is on Diplomat’s market are single-family homes and vacant lots, there are a couple of subdivisions with townhouse and condo units ranging from $180,000 to the high $300,000s. There are also several 55-plus communities, such as Windmill Village, with manufactured homes ranging from $50,000 to just under $300,000. The neighborhood’s oldest properties are small cottages built in the 1950s and ‘60s, and the 1980s ushered in ranch-style homes. These residences range from $170,000 to $450,000. In the 1990s and early 2000s, New Traditional houses brought more square footage, and this trend continues with more contemporary new builds. Most New Traditional houses are classic three-bedroom, two-bathroom properties that fall between $300,000 and $650,000; however, those with four or more bedrooms can range from $700,000 to the low $800,000s. Generally, lots are modest, usually under a quarter acre. According to Baeza, Diplomat has always been “the most economical area for Cape Coral lots, but when they do get that water and sewer, there will be assessments, and prices will go up.” Still, for the time being, he says the price range is “relatively affordable and favorable,” especially for first-time homebuyers and investors.
Waterfront homes with private docks go for a premium price in the Diplomat neighborhood.
Waterfront homes with private docks go for a premium price in the Diplomat neighborhood.
Homes in Diplomat enjoy sizable lots with ample front and back yards.
Homes in Diplomat enjoy sizable lots with ample front and back yards.
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Trails in Yellow Fever Creek Preserve

On the city’s outskirts, Diplomat isn’t far from the countryside, and that’s most apparent in its parks. Yellow Fever Creek Preserve spans more than 300 acres of pine flatwoods. The green space is popular among outdoorsy locals who can fish, bike, hike and spot wildlife between the trees. The city is further developing the park along its titular creek. Additions will include a visitor’s center, campgrounds, a disc golf course and more trails. Just north of Diplomat, Prairie Pines Preserve is another sprawling green space featuring various types of Florida terrain, from marshes to flatwoods to prairie. Evergreens, ferns and giant air plants make way for miles of hiking and equestrian trails. More traditional park amenities, like playgrounds and basketball courts, are less than a mile away from the neighborhood at Gator Trails Park, which officially opened in 2023.
Yellow Fever Creek Park has miles of trails for walking and riding horses in Diplomat.
Yellow Fever Creek Park has miles of trails for walking and riding horses in Diplomat.
Yellow Fever Creek Preserve Cape Coral has a small pond as it's centerpiece stocked with fish.
Yellow Fever Creek Preserve Cape Coral has a small pond as it's centerpiece stocked with fish.
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The Shell Factory

The Shell Factory and Nature Park is a local attraction. It has an open-air bar and a popular seafood grill, but most visitors head there for the gift shop or nature park. The 50,000-square-foot gift shop has the world’s most extensive collection of seashells. It also features unique fossils, beautiful coral jewelry and even shell candles, which is why it’s been a holiday staple for over 80 years. Outside, visitors can interact with rescued animals like armadillos, sloths and – if they dare – alligators.

Pine Island Road and must-have local barbecue

Pine Island Road is on Diplomat’s south side. Target, Walmart and other big-box stores sit on either side of the thoroughfare, along with Mission BBQ, Chick-fil-A, Five Guys and other restaurant chains. Locally owned spots are nearby, too. Smoke’n Pit Barbecue is a family-owned and -operated restaurant that’s been in business for over 25 years. Their hearty barbecue specials come with at least one slice of Texas toast and two or three other Southern sides, from fried okra to black-eyed peas.
Smoke-N-Pit Bar-B-Que is just minutes from Diplomat and is well known for their pulled pork.
Smoke-N-Pit Bar-B-Que is just minutes from Diplomat and is well known for their pulled pork.
PetSmart is located in the Northpoint Shopping Center amongst other big box retailers.
PetSmart is located in the Northpoint Shopping Center amongst other big box retailers.
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AVID supports college-bound students

Cape Coral is served by the School District of Lee County, which includes two neighborhood schools, Diplomat Elementary and Diplomat Middle. Both receive B-plus grades from Niche. Island Coast High School earns a C-plus and features Advanced Placement Via Determination, an academic support and college readiness program that assists students with rigorous classes and transitioning from K-12 to higher education.
Diplomat teens can attend the Island Coast High School rated B- on Niche.
Diplomat teens can attend the Island Coast High School rated B- on Niche.
Diplomat Elementary School is a B rated school with grades PreK - 5th grade
Diplomat Elementary School is a B rated school with grades PreK - 5th grade
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Cape Coral is car-dependent

Diplomat is about 10 miles from Cape Coral’s downtown. LeeTrans bus stops are on main roads like Littleton Road, but for the most part, the city is car-dependent. Access to Interstate 75 is about 8 miles from the community, and the closest hospital, Cape Coral Hospital, is 5 miles away. Frequent flyers and potential snowbird residents should know it’s about a 25-mile drive to Southwest Florida International Airport.
While Cape Coral is largely car dependent, LeeTran services Diplomat at Merchant's Crossing.
While Cape Coral is largely car dependent, LeeTran services Diplomat at Merchant's Crossing.
Various shops, restaurants and stores are located in the plaza in the Diplomat neighborhood.
Various shops, restaurants and stores are located in the plaza in the Diplomat neighborhood.
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Hurricane season on the Gulf Coast

Diplomat may be at minimal risk for flooding, but according to Risk Factor, it has an extreme wind factor. This makes hurricane season, from June 1st to November 30th, something to remember.
Carousel Boat Ramp in Diplomat is open to the public and enjoys Gulf access.
Carousel Boat Ramp in Diplomat is open to the public and enjoys Gulf access.
Diplomat has many sought-after features like canals that connect to the Gulf of Mexico.
Diplomat has many sought-after features like canals that connect to the Gulf of Mexico.
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Micaela Willoughby
Written By
Micaela Willoughby
Bre Gillian
Photography Contributed By
Bre Gillian

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
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

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Karen Brucker, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Southwest Florida International

33 min drive

Bus

Pine Island Rd & Pacific Ave

Bus

N Cleveland Ave & Saturn Cir

Bus

Littleton Rd & Windmill Blvd

Bus

N Tamiami Trail & Stockton St

Bus

Pine Island Road & Northeast 23 Ave

Bus

Laurel Ln & N Second St

Bus

Pine Island Rd & Woodward Ave

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Diplomat US
Homicide 4 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 4 4
Robbery 3 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 3 4
Larceny 3 4
Crime Score 3 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Diplomat Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$420,090
Median Sale Price
$449,900
Median Single Family Sale Price
$422,090
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$640,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$289,500
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
451
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
15%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$243

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
10,168
Number of Homes for Sale
35
Median Year Built
2003
Months of Supply
0.90
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,611
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,658
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,200
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
961
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,018

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Aug 3
    11am - 1pm

    1707 NE 12th St, Cape Coral, FL 33909

    $609,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 1,960 Sq Ft
    • 1707 NE 12th St

    Welcome to a stunning new construction home designed for luxury, comfort, and the ultimate Florida lifestyle. This 3-bedroom plus den, 3-bathroom residence offers 1,960 square feet of living space and a total of 3,232 square feet, providing ample room for relaxation and entertaining.Inside, the home features an open-concept split bedroom floor plan that ensures both privacy and

    Agent Photo
    Steven Torres
    John R Wood Properties
    (239) 372-9908
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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    12am - 2pm

    1901 NE 22nd Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33909

    $315,999

    • 3 Beds
    • 2 Baths
    • 1,586 Sq Ft
    • 1901 NE 22nd Ave
    • New 10 days ago

    Welcome to this beautifully maintained 2004-built home, ideally located in a quiet and rapidly growing area of Cape Coral. This move-in-ready property blends modern upgrades with functional design, perfect for comfortable Florida living. Step into a spacious great room with vaulted ceilings and imported 20-inch Italian tile flooring, creating a bright, open atmosphere. The stylish kitchen

    Taquisha Mccluster LPT REALTY, LLC

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  • Saturday, Aug 2
    12 - 5pm

    1645 Lake Jessup Cir, Cape Coral, FL 33909

    $259,990

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 1,816 Sq Ft
    • 1645 Lake Jessup Cir
    • New 14 days ago

    The Alder is a beautiful brand new 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 1 and a half car garage townhome by Centex in the established highly desired Coral Lakes Community. This home boast Quartz countertops and white cabinetry throughout the home. 18x18 ceramic tile downstairs and in the wet areas upstairs. This split bedroom floor plan offers spacious bedrooms with walk-in closets, tiled showers and a dual sink

    Amber Teeters Pulte Realty Inc

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Karen Brucker, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Owners

Demographics

Total Population
32,631
Median Age
50
Population Density
3 ppl/acre
Population under 18
19.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
31.3%
Above the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$55,115
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$65,995

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
89.9%
College Graduates
17.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
7.5%
% Population in Labor Force
52.1%
Below the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
57''
Average Winter Low Temperature
55°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Somewhat Bikeable

Bike Score®

26 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

4 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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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.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Diplomat