Southwest Florida waterfront at sunset
Explore SWFL Cities

Cape Coral, Florida

Best for canal-side living, boating and neighborhood connections.

  • Canal Living
  • Boating
  • Parks

At a glance

236,264
Population
25.0%
Residents 65+
$78,104
Median income
$380K
Median home price
Lee Co. ~0.83% effective
Property tax
~$3,700/mo
Monthly budget
$1,858
Median rent
265
Sunny days
17 (car-dependent)
Walk score
RSW ~20 mi
Airport
Cape Coral Hospital
Healthcare
Violent crime 10.7 (US 22.7)
Safety

Climate: Subtropical: hot, rainy summers (June–Sept) and mild, dry winters · State tax: No state personal income tax (Florida Dept. of Revenue)

Sources (as of Oct 2026): population (July 1, 2025 est.), residents 65+, median household income and median rent (2020–2024 ACS) from U.S. Census QuickFacts; home prices, days on market and price change from Redfin, 3 months ending Aug 2026; property tax from Census ACS county effective rates; monthly budget for one adult from MIT Living Wage (Lee Co.) and WatchPennies (Collier Co.); sunny days and violent-crime scores (1–100) from BestPlaces; walkability from Walk Score; airport distances approximate. Figures change—verify before deciding.

Why retire in Cape Coral?

Cape Coral offers a waterfront-oriented setting with many different neighborhood experiences. Your best fit depends on how you want to spend your days, the support you need and the responsibilities you want in a home.

Pros

  • Canal-side and boating-oriented home options
  • Parks and ecological preserves
  • Local hospital care at Cape Coral Hospital

Consider

  • Verify canal access and any bridge or boating restrictions
  • Review flood exposure, insurance and maintenance costs
  • Check current attraction access and operating conditions

Lifestyle

Boating, park visits and neighborhood activities can be part of your routine. Explore different areas and consider how comfortable you would be with travel to friends, shopping and medical appointments.

Housing options

Explore single-family homes and condos, with special attention to waterfront maintenance where relevant. Verify utilities, assessments, canal access and accessibility before committing to a property.

Places to visit

  • Cape Coral Yacht Club
  • Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
  • Rotary Park
  • Sun Splash Family Waterpark

Healthcare

Cape Coral Hospital, part of Lee Health, serves the area. Confirm specialist access, insurance acceptance and any care that requires travel outside the city.

Living Here Resources

  • Explore independent living, assisted living and memory care based on your needs.
  • Ask about care services, residency terms and current availability directly.
  • Visit local senior programs and community groups to find your connections.
  • Discuss future care and moving plans with your family and trusted advisors.
Explore 55+ & Senior Living Options

Local housing market

$380K
Median sale price
61 days
Median days on market
+5.5%
Price change (YoY)
Compare cost of living with your current city

Not sure which city fits you? Let's talk.