$577,781Average Value$421Average Price per Sq Ft22Homes 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
Dave Cuffe PA,
an experienced agent in this area.
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On average, homes in Matlacha, FL sell after 156 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Matlacha, FL over the last 12 months is $500,000, up 11% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Experience the Matlacha island lifestyle from this charming historic home featuring direct water access, impact windows, a private garage, and an oversized yard. Located directly across from Matlacha Park and the public boat launch, this property places you just steps from historic downtown Matlacha, waterfront restaurants, art galleries, local shops, fishing, kayaking, and open-water adventures.
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
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
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
-Seller pays 1st month's rent. -Kayaks included. -Water, sewer, and trash included. Seller is motivated and open to offers! Yes the Park does allow subletting/renting/Airbnb of your homes!! Fully Renovated from the ground up! All New Everything! Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances! Washer and Dryer Hookups! Outdoor Shower can be hooked up! Right on the Canal, Bring your Boat! Come experience the
Gulf Access! Seller is motivated and open to offers! Yes the Park does allow renting and Airbnb!! The monthly lot rent is $1175 which includes all Water Access Boats/Canals, water, sewer, trash, and lot maintenance! There are no property taxes and no HOA fees either!! This home is completely renovated after Hurricane and is now in Move In Ready Condition!! Seller can install Washer and dryer
Rentals and Airbnb are allowed yes! Coastal cottage and what a view! From the bedroom, kitchen, dining area and living room you get to enjoy Matlacha pass and surrounding waters. There's even a boat slip so you can get out on the water. Spacious, fresh interior feels like you're on vacation every day. Very clean with huge walk-in tiled shower, room for a queen size bed and a pull-out sofa for
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
Yes the park does allow subletting/renting/leasing Air BnB and Vrbo with your home!! The landlease fee is only $1,175 per month including the Canal/Boat Access! Including your Water, Sewer, Trash, lot maintenance and more! There are No property taxes and No additional HOA fees either! This is a 2 story waterfront Island home, with water views in every direction!! High cathedral ceilings, updated
Transferable FEMA Insurance! expires on 11/27/2027 Gulf Access! Fully Renovated and Move in Ready!! Yes the Park does allow Airbnb and Rentals!! The monthly lot rent includes all Water Access/Canals, water, sewer, trash, and lot maintenance! There are no property taxes and no HOA fees! Come experience the Beautiful and Charming, Old Fishing Village, of Matlacha! This Waterfront Community, full of
Gulf Access! Fully Renovated and Move in Ready!! Yes the Park does allow Airbnb and Rentals! The monthly lot rent is $1175 which includes all Water Access/Canals, water, sewer, trash, and lot maintenance! There are no property taxes and no HOA fees! Come experience the beautiful and charming old fishing village of Matlacha Florida! This historic waterfront community, full of fisherman and
WEEKLY, MONTHLY, OR SEASONAL RENTAL AVAILABLE – 7-NIGHT MINIMUM STAY! Escape to paradise in this beautifully remodeled, turnkey furnished waterfront home located on a coveted peninsula in the charming island community of Matlacha. Surrounded by sparkling bay waters and breathtaking sunsets, this exceptional property offers 2 bedrooms plus a den and 2 full bathrooms, providing plenty of space for
Outstanding waterfront stilt home with incredible view of Matlacha Pass. Three bedrooms. three baths with spacious open floorplan. Third floor Crow's Nest with of view of Pine Island and Sanibel. Available June-Oct for $4000 per month plus taxes and Dec & Jan $5500 plus taxes.
Direct Gulf Access!! Totally renovated 2 bedrooms plus den 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.
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
Delightful waterfront Matlacha 2 bedroom 2 bath Vacation home totally remodeled. Stunning view with gorgeous Sunsets and includes seawall and lift. Modern kitchen with white shaker cabinets and granite counters. Large lanai with Southern exposure. Available Season 2027 at $4500 per month. Off Season $2800.
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
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