$578,066Average Value$441Average Price per Sq Ft34Homes For Sale
Still following that dream
Though rebuilding after a direct hit by Hurricane Ian, Matlacha remains one of Florida's most unique coastal communities, offering a small village of creative maritime homeowners who care deeply for their home's serene past, present and future. "Matlacha was built as a fill-in island for the building of the Matlacha Pass Bridge in 1926," says Realtor Mike Shevlin of Sunbelt Realty, who has lived in Matlacha for over 40 years. "It started going downhill in the 70s and 80s as it became a squatters island for rough and tumble fishermen, then a few people started doing some commercial stuff and fixing up some shacks, and all of a sudden it became a cool place."
Inspiring scenery and activities
Matlacha's artsy community is inseparable from its natural surroundings, which inspires the minds of locals to open art galleries with lush gardens, craft sculptures of dolphins and design custom mailboxes using seashells. But it is just as much an active community as it is a creative one, demonstrated by several public boat slips around town, which locals use to access the over 200 acres of the Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. Before Ian, locals could use the pier at Bat House Park for fishing, but it remains temporarily closed for repairs. However, Matlacha Community Park is open again and offers basketball, baseball and dock fishing amenities.
Matlacha Community Park has many fishing and seafood related supplies.
You can go out to the open water any day you want when you live in Matlacha neighborhood.
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Older beach bungalows and modern villas
Practically every home in Matlacha is on the water, which can become a concern in high-powered storms yet offers envious access to open waters. Those homes, like the town's residents, follow no overarching pattern. Each one is unique from the last, even in similar architectural styles, because of how locals personalize their homes. But whether it is a terracotta roof Mediterranean villa, an eclectic beach bungalow or a multi-colored mid-century rambler, Matlacha does not come cheap. Most homes sell at a low end of $500,000, while newer, larger homes sell for closer to $800,000, and some have sold for over $1 million. "There's a lot of restoration still going on and we're going to get it back to better than it was before," says Shevlin. "The question our community faces now is: do we maintain our old historic design or go for something new and modern?"
You can find a few larger multi level homes in Matlacha neighborhood.
Most of the homes are built in Key West style in Matlacha neighborhood.
Blue is the dominant color when it comes to bungalow homes in Matlacha neighborhood.
There are plenty of waterfront properties to chose from in Matlacha neighborhood.
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A community for the crafty
It's easy to meet one's neighbors on the small island. Its namesake park includes a community center that serves as the meeting place for most local clubs, like open-play pickleball and the quilters club. However, like Bat House Park, it remains temporarily closed due to hurricane damage. But some recurring events have returned to Matlacha, like art classes and shows at the Pine Island Art Association.
You can take home your favorite fish as a souvenir from Matlacha.
Many local artists sell their work in Matlacha neighborhood.
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Happy hour at the Blue Dog
Some businesses have reopened their doors since Hurricane Ian and have returned to being their usual hangout spots for locals and passers-through. The Blue Dog Bar & Grill is one of the most frequented restaurants in town, offering a cutesy watering hole that serves American fare and seafood platters on its canal-side patio. And for an island community, Matlacha is well-served for weekly essentials. "Matlacha is smack in the middle of two Publixes, one in Cape Coral, just off Burnt Store Road, and another to the west on Pine Island," says Shevlin.
Blue Dog Restaurant is serving local seafood oriented menu to the residents in Matlacha.
Grab a beer and kick back at the Blue Dog Bar and Grill.
Hook'd Up Bait Co is a family-owned bait and tackle shop that is a one-stop.
When it comes to grocery locals like to visit Joes Farmers Market close to Matlacha.
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Students ride for free
Students in Matlacha have a unique school structure. Busses come onto the island every day to transport students to and from Pine Island Elementary, a small school of just over 200 students that has a Niche score of B. "Pine Island Elementary is actually a top school, but it's really a neighborhood school for kids on the barrier islands," says Shevlin. From there, students have open choice for their next school through Florida's unrestricted open enrollment system. Most choose to move on to Trafalgar Middle, which has a Niche score of A-minus, then Mariner High, which has a Niche score of B-plus.
One-way in, one-way out
With the recent reconstruction of the Matlacha Pass Bridge, traffic on and off the island is steadily improving. While students get bussed to school, there is no public transportation, so a car is necessary to reach groceries and more extensive services such as hospitals and major employers. But Pine Island Road's walkable main drag offers a cluster of limited amenities.
Locals have to cross the connecting bridge to get back to the main land from Matlacha.
You will have to protect your property from constant water and heavy weather conditions.
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Written By
Tom Jakob
Photography Contributed By
Gabor Kovacs
Video By
TJ Wengert
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Rebecca Bradley,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Matlacha, FL sell after 14751 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Matlacha, FL over the last 12 months is $475,000, down 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience premier waterfront luxury in this impeccably renovated 2-bed, 2-bath coastal sanctuary in vibrant Matlacha, Florida. Reimagined with high-end finishes and engineered with elite safety features, this residence delivers refined living with instant access to some of Southwest Florida’s most prized waters. Set along the tranquil back bay of Matlacha Pass, the property offers exceptional
Rare waterfront opportunity in the heart of iconic Matlacha, offering a true multi-generational floor plan with a full mother-in-law suite, all situated on two spacious lots with exceptional features throughout. With 128 feet of waterfront and direct Gulf access, the property includes a 7,000 lb covered boat lift with fish-cleaning station and a 2017 saltwater solar-heated pool with tanning
Located in the heart of Matlacha, 11494 May Street is a designated historic cottage that captures the character and charm of Old Florida. The home’s original features have been well cared for and have served the sellers comfortably for years. The new owners can enjoy its vintage appeal as is or choose to enhance and modernize it to their taste. With its historical designation, buyers can also
This charming home in the picturesque town of Matlacha is just footsteps away from the historic downtown and seconds to open water! This cozy abode features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, and a garage, perfect for a peaceful retreat. The kitchen boasts stainless steel appliances and sleek tile flooring, creating a modern and inviting space to whip up your favorite meals. Step into the new Florida room
Experience premier waterfront luxury in this impeccably renovated 2-bed, 2-bath coastal sanctuary in vibrant Matlacha, Florida. Reimagined with high-end finishes and engineered with elite safety features, this residence delivers refined living with instant access to some of Southwest Florida’s most prized waters. Set along the tranquil back bay of Matlacha Pass, the property offers exceptional
WOW! OWNER FINANCING!! AMBERJACK HARBOR, CLEARED 60FT. WIDE LOT southern exposure, WITH DIRECT GULF ACCESS, NO BRIDGES, DEEP WATER DOCKAGE, NEW SEAWALL, NEW WRAP AROUND COMPOSITE DOCK WITH NEW REMOTE CONTROLED 10K LB. BOAT LIFT AND 2 JET SKI LIFTS, WATER AND ELECTRIC @ DOCK, MINUTES AWAY FROM BOCA GRANDE WITH THE BEST TARPON FISHING IN THE WORLD! READY TO BUILD ON, WATER AND SEWER, LOCATED IN
Enjoy the breathtaking sunset views from this amazing Matlacha property. Its's all about location and this is the location to be. Just a few steps from downtown Matlacha and just a few minutes to the open waters of the gulf. The property has a historic home on it. The home can be lifted and repaired or you may choose to start fresh and build your own million dollar dream home. With this view, a
Welcome to this opportunity in the charming and colorful fishing village of Matlacha! This waterfront property with direct Gulf access offers the perfect canvas for your coastal dream home. Located just minutes to the open water of Charlotte Harbor and easy boat ride to Cayo Costa, Boca Grande, Sanibel, Captiva, Ft. Myers Beach, all the outer islands and the Gulf waters providing some of the best
Discover a rare opportunity in Matlacha, Florida - a cleared vacant waterfront lot of approximately 0.15 acres, offering direct canal frontage with wide water views of Matlacha Pass. This exceptional parcel is ideal for building your custom home, island retreat, or boater's paradise in one of Southwest Florida's most coveted fishing and coastal communities. Highlights & Features: Canal-front
This canal front residential property is located at 2650 Coco Plum Drive in Cape Coral, Florida, within the Matlacha area of Lee County. The property sits along a saltwater canal that provides access to surrounding waterways consistent with local conditions and navigational regulations. Matlacha is a coastal community positioned between Pine Island and the mainland, known for its compact layout,
Perfect Opportunity to Customize a Well Built Matlacha Home! This home sits on 100ft of deep-water Gulf access and is the second home from Matlacha Pass which provides open water views! Matlacha is a waterman’s paradise surrounded by world class fishing, pristine beaches, abundant native wildlife and offers access to the Great Calusa Blueway Kayak Trail. Everything Matlacha has to offer,
Wonderful seaside cottage with open water views! On any given day, take in the beautiful sunrise while drinking your coffee on the screened lanai. If you're lucky, you may watch dolphins feeding or otters at play. This is a fully renovated and restored property that proves the resiliency and spirit of this special little island. The home has superior wind protection with impact windows, doors,
YOUR MATLACHA WATERFRONT DREAM STARTS HERE – FULLY RENOVATED 3+DEN / 2 BATH – DIRECT GULF ACCESS! ALL HURRICANE IMPACT WINDOWS AND NEW ROOF - all the work has been mdone for you! Imagine waking up every morning to the calm of the water, sipping your coffee while boats drift by and the island comes to life. This beautifully updated waterfront home is not just a place to live it is a lifestyle
(Due to Hurricane Damage this home will need many repairs done) Handyman Special!! Yes this community does allow renting! Motivated Seller! This Home is For Sale, and the Land is Leased. Landlease fee is $800 per month with Canal Water Access!! and Water, Sewer, Trash, Lot Maintenance all included. There are No property taxes and No HOA fees either! Come experience the Beautiful and Charming, Old
Stunning waterfront estate set on 2.24 acres in the heart of Matlacha—truly a boater’s paradise just minutes from some of Florida’s finest boating, including Boca Grande and Sanibel. This turnkey 4,021 sq ft residence offers 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and a third-floor den with breathtaking 360 views of Pine Island and the surrounding bay, with water views gracing nearly every room. The fully updated
Check out this rare annual listing in the heart of Matlacha. This cozy 1/1 is perfect for one or two people. Completely remodeled in 2023! The updated kitchen has lots of storage and beautiful countertops. Rent included utilities! (Electric, water, sewer, and internet.) Tile floors throughout with lots of natural light. Check this one out today!
The advertised rate of $9,776/month is the lowest available price, based on a 30 day(s) stay with a move-in date of March 6, 2026.Rates vary depending on the duration of stay, season, and other parameters. For exact pricing and additional pricing components, please visit our website and enter your desired move-in and move-out dates. The rate is applicable when billed upfront; it can be
Experience old Florida island living at this incredible waterfront cottage home on Matlacha Island featuring massive 180-degree water views, a huge private pool, an authentic Seminole Indian Cheekee hut, and your own private boat ramp. This is not just a canal cottage — it’s a full waterfront lifestyle property designed for relaxation & entertaining with unforgettable views & memories! This
Looking for the island life? You found it with this 2/1.5 direct gulf access 1/2 a duplex. This home is fully furnished turnkey and awaits you to call it home. Offering comfortable living space, it is equipped with living room, eat-in kitchen with tons of cabinets and a separate family room overlooking the canal. The huge, covered dock offers great fishing right from your back yard and a private
Escape to Paradise in Matlacha with Direct Gulf Access!Enjoy an unforgettable getaway in this stunning fully remodeled home located on a canal with direct Gulf access – no bridges. Perfect for boating enthusiasts, it features a private deck and brand-new boat lift, ready for you to bring your own boat and explore the florida warm waters.Inside, you’ll find a modern design with elegant
Totally renovated studio available for long term rental!!!Excellent location in Matlacha, across Yucatan Bar and Grill. Enjoy the private boat dock and fish snooks from your backyard. Direct Gulf access. New appliances, freshly painted, new floors and walls. Call today for details.
Outstanding waterfroont stilt home with incredible view of Matlacha Pass. Three bedrooms, three baths with flexible floorplan. Third floor Crow's nest, Available Nov, Dec, Jan & Mar 2026. Nov. 2025 $4000, Dec 2025-Jan 2026 $5500.
Wonderful waterfront Matlacha 2 bedroom, 2 bath Vacation home totally remodeled . Stunning view with gorgeous Sunsets on this waterfront property with new Seawall & Lift. Beautiful kitchen with white shaker cabinets and granite counters. Large lanai with Southern exposure. Available Apr-Dec for $2000 per month and Jan-Mar 2026 for $4500.
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