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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 110 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Joel, Lehigh Acres over the last 12 months is $335,000, down 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
UPDATED AND MOVE-IN READY in the desirable Fairways Condo 55+ community of Lehigh Acres! This beautifully renovated first-floor 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit offers peace of mind with major improvements already completed, including a new A/C system, new electrical panel, new hot water heater, and brand-new stainless steel appliances. Inside, you’ll find new luxury plank flooring, fresh interior paint,
Full of charm and great potential, this cozy home is perfect for anyone looking for a comfortable monthly payment or an excellent investment opportunity. Its location is very convenient, close to Richmond Ave and Williams Ave, with easy access to main roads while still enjoying a peaceful neighborhood. Sitting on a corner lot, it offers plenty of parking space, ideal for guests and multiple
COME SEE THIS ENCLOSED SWIMMING POOL Built 1 year ago and Experience modern living in this beautifully designed three-bedroom, two-bathroom home built in 2023 with living space over 1,493SQFT. The gourmet kitchen showcases sleek cabinetry, quartz countertops, and stainless-steel appliances, seamlessly flowing into the spacious living and dining areas. The primary suite offers a luxurious retreat
Huge price drop for quick sale. Extra large home on an Acre land in fast growing Lehigh Acres. Far from city noise and traffic, yet close to shopping, school and SW Florida International Airport with enough room for a large family to live, play and work. Remodeling has just finished and the house is ready to welcome your family.This house may be leased for $3900/month
$36,000 price reduction. Incentives from seller towards buyer's out of pocket available.Stop the search. You just found your perfect future home in SW Florida. Away from city noise and extreme regulations, yet close enough to Fort Myers downtown, highway 75, SW Florida International Airport, FGCU and SkyPlex with all their potential to turn Lehigh Acres to one of the fastest growing areas in
Charming pool home perfectly positioned on a spacious corner lot with serene lake views in one of Lehigh Acres’ most desirable neighborhoods. This meticulously maintained pool home has 2 bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, a 1 car garage and offers peace, space, and pride of ownership throughout. Enjoy worry-free living with a new roof (2021) and new Whirlpool appliances (2022) including oven,
UPDATED AND MOVE-IN READY in the desirable Fairways Condo 55+ community of Lehigh Acres! This beautifully renovated first-floor 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit offers peace of mind with major improvements already completed, including a new A/C system, new electrical panel, new hot water heater, and brand-new stainless steel appliances. Inside, you’ll find new luxury plank flooring, fresh interior paint,
Move-in ready and furnished, this well maintained 2 bedroom, 1 bath end unit condominium is located on the second floor of a two story building within the intimate Golf View Condominiums, a 55+ community consisting of just 32 residences. The unit offers approximately 908 square feet of living space with tile and luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout, along with an updated kitchen and bathroom.
A prime residential multifamily lot located in a sought-after area of Lehigh. Conveniently close to shopping, dining, and the central hub of activity. Surrounded by newer homes, with quick access to Fort Myers and beyond. An ideal spot to build your dream residence or a profitable investment property.
Exclusively presented by Sunland Real Estate: this prime half-acre (.50 acre) residential lot in Northern Lehigh Acres, just off Joal Blvd, is ready for development. On a quiet dead-end road with nice homes around. Sitting high and dry, safely outside any flood zone, this lot offers an excellent opportunity to build in one of Southwest Florida’s fastest-growing communities. Lehigh Acres is
1603 Columbus Ave in Lehigh Acres presents a rare half-acre lot in a quiet residential setting, ideal for investors, builders, and anyone planning a custom home with extra space and privacy. This larger parcel offers room for a spacious floor plan, a workshop, RV or boat parking, a pool, or outdoor living areas—features that continue to rank high with Florida buyers. Despite the peaceful setting,
Perfect opportunity to own a brand-new, never-lived-in builder model in one of the fastest-growing areas of Southwest Florida. This stunning new construction home features a 100% concrete shell, offering exceptional durability and peace of mind. Built with top-of-the-line hurricane impact windows and doors, the home provides superior protection against the elements while maintaining a bright,
Excellent value on a 0.25-acre corner lot ready for a family. This is a nice, quiet location, not too far from everything you would need. Short drive to the airport and many restaurants and shopping. Check it out today and build the home of your dreams.
Extra large home on an Acre land in fast growing Lehigh Acres. Far from city noise and traffic, yet close to shopping, school and SW Florida International Airport with enough room for a large family to live, play and work. Remodeling has just finished and the house is ready to welcome your family.
Live Like The Locals Do! Whatever You Are Feeling That Day, This Area Delivers!Now Driving Up, You Will Appreciate The Attached Garage and Extensive Driveway For Guests. Take A Breath And Embrace This Home Upon Walking In With High Ceilings, A Huge Living Area that Leads To The Spacious Kitchen That Will Make You Fall In Love At First Sight! SO MUCH STORAGE! Espresso Cabinets and Granite
YOU DON"T WANT TO MISS THIS ONE! Totally remodeled from top to bottom. Enjoy peaceful living in this charming 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom end-unit condo located in a welcoming 55+ community. Situated on the first floor, this home offers a private, quiet setting. Residents can take advantage of the community pool, perfect for relaxing and enjoying Florida’s warm weather. The open great-room concept
Beautiful, pet-friendly home coming soon! Apply now, Move-In is available on or after the listed date. Upon approval, $500 reservation deposit to reserve (applied to security deposit and/or refundable). Application fee: $50 per adult. Security Deposit: one month’s rent. Pet fees: $250 + $35/mo per pet. Some homes may include pool ($150/mo), septic ($15/mo), and/or HOA fees; other fees may apply.
Be the first to live in this beautiful brand-new construction home located in a quiet and growing neighborhood of Lehigh Acres. This modern property features 3 spacious bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms with an open-concept layout designed for comfortable living.The home offers a bright living area, a contemporary kitchen with modern cabinetry and stainless-steel appliances, and elegant finishes
Viviana Valderrama AgueroMGR Realty Services, Inc.
Welcome to your dream home! Step inside this pet-friendly home featuring modern finishings and a layout designed with functionality in mind. Enjoy the storage space found in the kitchen and closets as well as the spacious living areas and natural light throughout. Enjoy outdoor living in your yard, perfect for gathering, relaxing, or gardening!Take advantage of the incredible location,
Enjoy stress-free living in this charming 55+ community, perfect for those looking to escape the snow or settle into a peaceful, full-time residence. This well-maintained 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom home offers a spacious great room, a functional galley kitchen, and a private gated front entry with an enclosed atrium that adds both charm and privacy. The bedroom easily accommodates a king-size bed,
SECURE $1395! YOU PICK Your Lease Term!16 Month OR 2 Yr Lease!RUN! It WILL Go Back UP!Looking to Live The Local Life In Lehigh Acres Fl? This Location Offers The Best Of Both Worlds From Lush Nature Preserves Like Frank Mann Preserve, Hickey Creek and Wildlife, and Veterans Park OR Take Highway 867 All The Way Down To Coast To Fort Myers Beach and The Islands Surrounding
One or more photo(s) has been virtually staged, AI generated or rendered. Welcome to your beautifully renovated retreat in the heart of Lehigh Acres, FL! This charming single-family home offers 1,639 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space, blending comfort, style, and functionality. Step inside to discover an open and inviting floor plan highlighted by sleek tile flooring that flows
Looking To Experience The Local Lifestyle In Fort Myers? This Location Truly Offers The Best Of Both Worlds Surrounded By Lush Nature Preserves Like Frank Mann Preserve, Hickey Creek, And Veterans Park, While Still Just A Scenic Drive Down Highway 867 To Fort Myers Beach And The Nearby Islands. Even Better, These Waters Are Incredibly Dog-Friendly!Closer To Home, You'll Find An Endless
Welcome to your perfect year-round retreat! This beautifully updated 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom end-unit condo is located in a peaceful 55+ community and is ready for immediate move-in. Featuring fresh paint, new flooring, and updated appliances, this unit offers a clean, modern feel with comfortable living spaces throughout. As an end unit, enjoy added privacy and extra natural light, creating a
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