$578,510Average Value$401Average Price per Sq Ft30Homes 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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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.
1/4
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.
1/2
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
Kelly Barnes,
an experienced agent in this area.
On average, homes in Matlacha, FL sell after 13183 days on the market compared to the national average of 53 days. The median sale price for homes in Matlacha, FL over the last 12 months is $455,000, down 17% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Life feels a little easier when the water is always calling — and here, it’s calling from your own backyard. This home sits on a Gulf-access canal where a quick ride brings you straight into open waters, making every day an invitation to explore. Head out at sunrise for a quiet fishing run, cruise to lunch by boat, chase dolphins along the way, or anchor at your favorite sandbar just because the
Welcome to Your Waterfront Oasis — a modern upscale Hurricane-Resilient Home Designed for Comfort, Style, and Peace of Mind.Offering 1,935 sq. ft. of meticulously maintained heated/cooled living space (2,692 sq. ft. total), this beautifully upgraded residence combines modern luxury with exceptional durability and low-maintenance living.Step inside to discover epoxy terrazzo flooring
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
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
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
Property Id: 2244576Coastal Cottage, with full view of Matlacha pass and a boat slip on your own lot. It is completely updated with newly renovated bathroom. It is partially furnished and your only utility to pay is electric. Ikea kitchen with deep drawers and lots of storage, while still feeling very open. Kitchen has snack bar and place for a dining table. The bedroom can accommodate a
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
** VACATION / SHORT TERM RENTAL ** Available weekly, monthly (weekly rates are different than published monthly rates, must inquire). 3 month min Jan-Mar. Can book multiple months. Welcome to this completely updated artsy colorful home located in the heart of Matlacha. 2 bedrooms both Queen Beds, 1 full bathroom & 1/2 bathroom, all new tile plank flooring thru-out with new kitchen cabinets & all
Walk Score® measures the walkability of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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.
