Sunshine’s name could be considered one of the few bright spots in Lehigh Acres's unfortunate history. In the years following 2008, some in the press dubbed the area “ground zero” of the national foreclosure crisis. Today, there are still many abandoned homes and even more vacant lots, but as Fort Myers grows, investors and first-time homebuyers are attracted to the low prices and roominess of properties in unincorporated communities like Sunshine. “Sunshine is one of the town’s more populated neighborhoods,” says Sarah Garrett, a Realtor with Alliance Realty Group who has been selling in Lehigh Acres since 2006. “It was a highly built-out area in the early 2000s because everyone wanted to be close to all Lehigh’s shops and restaurants.” Over time, many of those businesses dwindled. Still, what the neighborhood lacks in commercial development, it makes up for with immediate access to State Road 82, which provides a direct route into downtown Fort Myers, less than 15 miles away.
Sunshine is a sprawling Lehigh Acres neighborhood with empty lots and new construction.
Investors and first-time homebuyers are attracted to the low prices in Sunshine.
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Southwest Florida houses in the $300,000s
While most of what’s for sale in Sunshine are empty quarter- and half-acre lots, new construction is on the rise, and renovated properties are cropping up on the market, too. The neighborhood’s oldest homes are Minimal Traditional ranch-style houses built in the 1980s. The Spanish Revival style was all the rage in the early 2000s, introducing arches and barrel-roof tiles to the neighborhood. New builds feature Spanish Revival elements with a streamlined contemporary finish. Overall prices for single-family homes range from around $300,000 to $500,000. There are no HOAs or flood zones in the neighborhood.
Aerial view of the green and spacious Sunshine neighborhood.
Traditional family homes lining up on the spacious streets of Sunshine neighborhood.
There are also larger family homes available in Sunshine neighborhood.
Sunshine has quite the variety of architectural styles amongst its streets.
Overall prices for single-family homes range from around $300,000 to $500,000 in Sunshine.
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Boardwalk trails at Wild Turkey Strand Preserve
On the south side of Sunshine, Wild Turkey Strand Preserve takes hikers on a journey through 3,000-plus acres of swamps and marshes on a boardwalk with views of alligators and other Southwest Florida wildlife. Jim Fleming Ecological Park offers a similar experience but on a much smaller scale, with about 3 acres of wetlands. For a community park experience, locals can drive 5 miles to Veterans Park, which offers fields used by local adult and youth leagues, a skate park and plenty of other activities. Garrett says the park is popular for hosting special occasions. “They have several pavilions where people throw birthday parties and a lot of land where you can have a picnic or set up a volleyball net.”
Jim Fleming Ecological Park has a memorial right at the entrance.
You can take a relaxing walk on the walking trails in Wild Turkey Strand Preserve park.
Jim Flemming Eco Park is the perfect spot for a serene afternoon amongst nature.
The Club at Westminster is perfect for Sunshine residents who enjoy pickle ball.
Food Trucks are a popular option in the Sunshine neighborhood with many along Lee Blvd.
Sunshine residents will enjoy the popular tortoise enclosure at Buckingham Farms.
There are no HOAs or flood zones in the Sunshine neighborhood.
New construction is popping up all over Lehigh Acres and Sunshine is no exception.
Home in the Sunshine neighborhood typically have attached garages and spacious yards.
Sunshine has quite the variety of architectural styles amongst its streets.
Overall prices for single-family homes range from around $300,000 to $500,000 in Sunshine.
Downtown Fort Myers is located just 15 miles away from the Sunshine neighborhood.
The Sunshine neighborhood enjoys spacious lots with lush greenery.
Buckingham Farms is a great place for Sunshine to enjoy farm fresh meals.
Havana Bakery is close to Sunshine and is well known for its sandwiches and sweets.
Sunshine enjoys the perks of South Florida weather with year round outdoor dining.
Latin grocers such as Key Food Market and Bravo Supermarket provide service to Sunshine.
Sunshine enjoys access to many chain stores along Lee Blvd such as Aldi Supermarket.
Bravo is a popular independently owned and operated grocer for Sunshine.
Wild Turkey Strand Preserve takes hikers on a journey through 3,000-plus acres of nature.
Veterans Park is located just 5 miles from Sunshine and has many new amenities.
Jim Fleming Ecological Park features a central platform with benches on the boardwalk.
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Art programs at Lehigh Senior High
Lehigh Acres is served by the School District of Lee County, which includes Sunshine Elementary and Varsity Lakes Middle, both of which earn a C-plus grade from Niche. Lehigh Senior High is right next to the middle school. It gets a B-plus grade. The school’s Center for the Arts has programs for theater, band and dance. Students can graduate with advanced diplomas and college credit through the Cambridge/Advanced International Certificate of Education program.
Varsity Lakes Middle School welcomes students with a large sign, and private driveway.
Lehigh Senior High School in Lehigh Acres serves 2291 students in grades 9 through 12.
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Local food trucks and chains on Lee Boulevard
Lee Boulevard is great for picking up dinner, thanks to several food trucks being located along the busy thoroughfare. These unassuming spots feature a variety of cuisines, from the Mexican street fare served at Las Gorditas Treats to the Jamaican comfort foods at One Spice Kitchen. Chains like Beef 'O' Brady’s and Perkins are on the same strip. Lee Boulevard also has places to shop with big box retailers like Walmart and grocery stores like Bravo Supermarkets, Aldi and Key Food.
If you like street food you will love the food trucks around the neighborhood in Sunshine.
Aldi is an option for grocery in Sunshine neighborhood.
Locals like to get their grocery from small businesses in Sunshine neighborhood.
Food Trucks are a popular option in the Sunshine neighborhood with many along Lee Blvd.
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State Road 82 to downtown and I-75
Lehigh Acres is a car-dependent area; however, LeeTrans bus stops are accessible on Lee Boulevard. State Road 82 runs along the south side of the neighborhood. The thoroughfare has a ramp onto Interstate 75, about 10 miles west, and runs into downtown Fort Myers, which is about 13 miles west of Sunshine. The community is 5 miles from Lehigh Regional Medical Center and 12 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport.
Downtown Fort Myers is located just 15 miles away from the Sunshine neighborhood.
Lee Tran services the Sunshine neighborhood with stops all along Lee Blvd.
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
Javier Santana,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Gateway Neighborhood Park
Basketball
Volleyball
Playground
Jim Fleming Ecological Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Parking Lot
Buckingham Trails Preserve
Bike Trails
Trails
Sherman Soccer Complex
Dog Park
Soccer
Trails
Lehigh Acres Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Grills
Transit
Airport
Southwest Florida International
12 min drive
Bus
Lee Blvd & Gunnery Rd N-Eb
Bus
Lee Blvd & Bruce Ave N
Bus
Lee Blvd & Colin Ave N-Eb
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Sunshine
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
3
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
3
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Sunshine, Lehigh Acres sell after 112 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in Sunshine, Lehigh Acres over the last 12 months is $343,993, down 1% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Javier Santana,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
13,924
Median Age
33
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
31.2%
Above the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
7.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$57,021
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$62,658
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
78.6%
College Graduates
15.4%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
3.4%
% Population in Labor Force
76.2%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
53''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
1/ 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.
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.
