Cape Coral is Southwest Florida’s largest city, a Lee County waterfront community with more than 400 miles of navigable canals. Browse Cape Coral homes for sale below, from Gulf-access and freshwater canal homes to new construction, condos and vacant-lot builds.
Cape Coral snapshot from U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts (2025 population estimate and ACS home values), the City of Cape Coral and FEMA CRS reports. Listing prices change daily; see the live MLS listings below.
About Cape Coral, Florida
Cape Coral began in 1957, when developers bought the land that became a master-planned canal community, and it incorporated as a city on August 18, 1970. With an estimated 236,264 residents on about 106 square miles, it is now the largest city in Southwest Florida, and the city projects roughly 375,000 residents at build-out.
Cape Coral’s defining feature is water: more than 400 miles of canals, many with direct access to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico, make it one of the most boat-friendly cities in the country.
Cape Coral Housing Options
- Gulf-access canal homes: the most sought-after homes, with boat lifts and docks and routes to the Gulf.
- Freshwater canal and lake homes: waterfront living at lower prices, ideal for kayaking and fishing.
- Dry-lot homes: the most affordable single-family homes in the city.
- Condos and marina communities: such as Cape Harbour and Tarpon Point.
- New construction: on individual lots and in new subdivisions in the north and northwest Cape.
For waterfront homes, the number of bridges, bridge heights and travel time to open water have a big effect on price.
Cape Coral Neighborhoods
Popular areas include the Yacht Club area and SW Cape for river and Gulf access, Cape Harbour and Tarpon Point for marina living, Pelican, and the growing NW and North Cape, including Burnt Store and Seven Islands. The removal of the Chiquita Lock in June 2025 improved Gulf access for many southwest Cape canals, a change worth considering when comparing waterfront homes.
Cape Coral New Construction & Builders
Much of Cape Coral’s new construction is single-family homes built on individual lots, especially in the NW and North Cape, alongside newer subdivisions such as D.R. Horton’s Stonewater and Lennar’s Palmetta Pines townhomes. When buying new, confirm whether city water and sewer are available or scheduled under the Utilities Extension Project, since that affects both cost and timing. Compare nearby options in our Fort Myers new construction guide.
Cape Coral Utilities & UEP Assessments
Electricity in Cape Coral is provided by LCEC. Many areas still rely on wells and septic systems, and the city’s Utilities Extension Project (UEP) is bringing city water, sewer and irrigation to these areas in phases. Property owners pay special assessments, either prepaid or financed over many years, and must connect within a set time after notice. Ask whether a home or lot has utilities, whether an assessment has been paid, and whether its area is in an upcoming UEP phase.
Things to Do & Amenities in Cape Coral
- Boating, fishing and waterfront dining on the canals and river
- Cape Coral Yacht Club beach, pool and fishing pier
- Sun Splash Family Waterpark
- Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve and kayak trails
- Florida’s largest population of burrowing owls
- Quick trips to Fort Myers, Sanibel and Pine Island
See more in our things to do in Southwest Florida guide.
Cape Coral Location & Commute
Cape Coral sits across the Caloosahatchee River from Fort Myers, connected by the Cape Coral and Midpoint bridges. Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and Punta Gorda Airport are each within about 20 miles. Estero is roughly 30 to 40 minutes southeast, depending on traffic and bridges.
Cape Coral Flood & Hurricane Notes
Hurricane Ian caused major damage in Cape Coral in 2022, and insurance costs rose significantly afterward. Elevation, flood zone, seawall condition and post-Ian repair permits are critical for any purchase. The city has kept its Community Rating System Class 5 rating, worth up to a 25% discount on NFIP flood insurance. Our Southwest Florida Hurricane Center has evacuation zones and insurance tips.
Cape Coral Real Estate Market Snapshot
The Census Bureau puts Cape Coral’s median owner-occupied home value at about $374,000, one of the more affordable figures in coastal Southwest Florida. Prices range from dry-lot homes and condos to Gulf-access estates with direct sailboat access in the millions. Selling? Get a free valuation on our What’s My Home Worth? page.
Tips for Buying in Cape Coral
For waterfront homes, confirm Gulf access, bridges, seawall and dock condition, and boat lift capacity. For every home, check the flood zone and elevation, UEP utility status and assessments, roof age and wind mitigation, and get insurance quotes during your inspection period. If you are buying a lot to build on, confirm utilities, flood elevation requirements and permitting timelines first. Estimate payments with our mortgage calculator.
Living in Cape Coral
Cape Coral life is built around the water. Many residents keep a boat behind the house and head out to the river, Pine Island Sound or the Gulf for fishing, sandbar days and sunset cruises, while others kayak the freshwater canals. The city has its own parks, golf, youth sports and a growing restaurant scene, especially around Cape Harbour and the south Cape entertainment district.
Because most of the city is single-family neighborhoods rather than gated communities, many homes have no HOA at all, which appeals to buyers who want more freedom with their property, boats and vehicles.
Cape Coral FAQ
What is the difference between Gulf-access and freshwater canals in Cape Coral?
Gulf-access canals connect to the river and the Gulf for boating, while freshwater canals do not. Gulf-access homes generally sell for much more.
What is the UEP assessment in Cape Coral?
The Utilities Extension Project brings city water, sewer and irrigation to areas on wells and septic. Owners pay special assessments, prepaid or financed, and must connect after notice.
Did the Chiquita Lock removal change boating in Cape Coral?
Yes. The lock was removed in June 2025, improving Gulf access for many southwest Cape canals.
Who provides electricity in Cape Coral?
LCEC provides electric service in Cape Coral.
How far is Cape Coral from the airport and beaches?
RSW and Punta Gorda airports are each within about 20 miles. Beaches such as Sanibel and Fort Myers Beach are reached over the bridges.
Is Cape Coral affordable?
Compared with Naples, Bonita Springs and Estero, generally yes. The median owner-occupied home value is about $374,000, though waterfront homes cost much more.
Cape Coral Neighborhoods & Nearby Cities
Across the river, Fort Myers offers historic neighborhoods and downtown living, and Estero, Bonita Springs and Naples are to the south. You can also browse North Fort Myers and Lehigh Acres listings.
Explore nearby: Fort Myers homes · Estero homes · Bonita Springs homes · Naples homes
