Neighborhood represents the shift in Southwest Florida homebuilding
When Hurricane Ian hit the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area in September of 2022, it hastened the shift of homebuilding in Southwest Florida. Two years later, the nearby community of Lehigh Acres has become the focus of the region’s latest housing boom. The neighborhood that best illustrates the shift is Alabama, which features a variety of residential options in the heart of Lehigh Acres about 15 miles from the Fort Myers waterfront. “If you are on the water, you still have not recovered,” says Mike Bone of DR Horton Realty of Southwest Florida, which represents one of the region’s premier homebuilders. “But inland, people are moving on. They’re building homes and buying homes.”
Lehigh Acres, including Alabama, is one of the most affordable areas in Southwest Florida.
Alabama features friendly communities with traditional suburban layouts and quiet streets.
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Inland neighborhood offers a lower price point
Like many of the existing homes, the typical new home is free of HOA restrictions and features a driveway, attached garage and ample yard space. “Right now in Lehigh Acres, you can get a 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath, two-car-garage home for around $310,000,” says Bone, who adds that a similar home in Fort Myers or Cape Coral would cost between $375,000 and $410,000. “It’s one of the most affordable areas in Southwest Florida.” Lennar, another major Florida homebuilder, is responsible for a collection of new homes in the Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club, Alabama’s premier gated community. New condos also are being built there. Monthly HOA fees are $512 for a single-family home and $656 for a two-bedroom condo. Multi-level Spanish Mediterranean homes and attached villas in the gated community of Marblebrook stand out among existing options. The standard monthly HOA fee is $110. Woodcrest Village offers midcentury designs in a 55-plus community. The monthly HOA fee is $150. The neighborhood's oldest homes were built primarily in the 1980s and feature ranch-style designs. Overall, prices typically range from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$500,000s. “Lehigh Acres has the lowest price point of all the communities we serve,” Bone says. Homeowners should be aware that Lehigh Acres is a census-designated place, not a city. Therefore, many homes are serviced by septic tanks and well water. Given its inland location, the neighborhood is not at risk of flooding. However, wind damage can be a major risk during hurricane season.
The average home price in Alabama is around $300,000, with options across various styles.
Alabama includes bungalow-style homes with shade trees and private yards.
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Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club, Veterans Park offer plenty of recreational activities
An Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club membership offers additional amenities that include a community center with a pool, tennis and pickleball courts and fitness facilities. The 18-hole course is open to the public, so all residents can enjoy the impeccably maintained layout. Golfers also have access to Majestic Golf Club, which offers an 18-hole course just outside the community. Veterans Park in neighboring Eisenhower is a popular spot for community activity filled with recreational amenities. A lake, skate park and splash pad are highlights. The park is home to Lehigh Youth Soccer, and cricket is among the organized sports that use its athletic fields. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nature trails at the nearby Wild Strand Turkey Preserve. Boaters and anglers can find plenty of opportunities on the Caloosahatchee River and the adjacent waters of the Intracoastal Waterway that separate Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club in Alabama features a public 18-hole course and gated homes.
Veterans Park near Alabama offers a skatepark, splash pad, and fields for organized sports.
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Lehigh Acres Elementary, Lehigh Acres Middle, East Lee County High rated C-plus
The neighborhood is served by the Lee County School District and zoned for a trio of schools rated C-plus by Niche. Younger students can attend Lehigh Acres Elementary and Lehigh Acres Middle schools. Older students can attend East Lee County High School, which offers the Cambridge International program. Lee County does offer the opportunity to submit school-choice applications for students entering middle and high school and those who are either new to a district or have recently moved within one.
Lehigh Acres Middle School near Alabama is rated C+ and serves local students.
East Lee County High School near Alabama offers the Cambridge International program.
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Fresco Y Mas grocery store, Joe's Cafe are located nearby
With more housing comes more infrastructure, and neighborhoods such as Alabama are conveniently located near several shopping and dining destinations. Publix anchors Homestead Plaza, which is among several retail centers along Homestead Road on the neighborhood’s east side. Fresco y Mas is an alternative grocery option located along the corridor, and nearby Joe’s Café is a popular breakfast stop. Walmart Supercenter is located just north of the neighborhood on Lee Boulevard. Maggy’s House is a new, highly-rated addition to the Lehigh Acres dining scene. Food trucks provide quick bites for diners on the go.
Fresco y Mas is a favorite grocery store for Alabama residents seeking Latin food staples.
Save-A-Lot in Alabama is a convenient spot for stocking up on everyday grocery essentials.
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Lehigh Regional Medical Center is a short trip from the neighborhood
Homestead Road provides plenty of bus stops for those who want or need public transportation. One of the nearby stops is Lehigh Regional Medical Center, located minutes away on Lee Boulevard. State Road 82, which forms the neighborhood’s southern border, leads directly to Downtown Fort Myers the Caloosahatchee River that separates it from Cape Coral. Southwest Florida International Airport is about 17 miles away.
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 Alabama neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Alabama
US
Homicide
3
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
4
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Alabama Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Alabama, Lehigh Acres sell after 132 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Alabama, Lehigh Acres over the last 12 months is $310,995, down 7% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Welcome to your perfect retreat at Ibis Landing Golf and Country Club! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo is thoughtfully designed with comfort and style in mind. Being offered fully decorated and furnished, it's ready for you to call it "home". Each bedroom is strategically positioned for maximum privacy, with the primary offering an en-suite bathroom and the 2 guest rooms sharing an
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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.
