Southwest Florida's Coastal Regions
Choose Your Coastal Region First!
Because there are so many beautiful "coasts" in Southwest Florida; we've managed to name them all. Each region offers its own enticements along with that tempting tropical climate we enjoy year round. Although you should choose your area based on the lifestyle selection you want, every locale will include SW Florida's beautiful and natural surroundings, the balmy Gulf breezes, and the pristine waterways and beaches that draw all our new residents and vacationers here in the first place. The bottom line is simple, "no place else in the country," has the lifestyle choices offered here in Florida's Gulf coast cities.
Lee Island Coast Cities and Region
The acknowledged frontrunner for best living is on Southwest Florida's Lee Island Coast which includes Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero, Ft. Myers, Ft. Myers Beach, and the Islands of Sanibel and Captiva.
Its recognition as the leading coastal area in SW Florida comes from an incomparable dedication to protecting the natural surroundings that make it a dream destination. The beaches are wide and sandy, and very clean, plus safe for families. This area attracts visitors and residents alike, from around the world – it's truly an international destination. Bonita Springs is increasingly popular for the well designed commercial and residential gated communities that predominate in this coastal city. It's also boasts two of the World's Top Ten Beaches - Barefoot Beach and Lover's Key, both are protected parks. And, some of the best golf in the country is here with tournament play courses featuring breath taking homes and condos designed to be both year round and second home vacation properties.
Paradise Coast Cities and Region
Immediately south of the Lee Island coast is Naples and Marco Island – our Paradise Coast. Naples long enjoyed an international jet-set destination address on the Southwest Gulf coast because of its 5th Avenue and 3rd Street designer shopping and five star dining, artists, world class resorts, Gulf front mansions, and famous residents. Some of the most expensive property in the world is in Naples, along the Southwest Gulf coast, but it’s not all luxury, many families and second home owners still can find affordable homes.
Both the Lee Island and Paradise coast's cities are not employment centers, this part of the Gulf coast is geared more towards resort vacations, low key beach living, dining and shopping, and second home owners. The largest employers in the area are the healthcare system and school districts. Cape Coral and Ft. Myers are two cities that are not beach towns, but they offer affordable housing. Many homes, especially in Cape Coral, offer Gulf access via a system of canals and waterways to both the Caloosahatchee River and Pine Island Sound, which lead to the Gulf. Homes in Cape Coral are some of the most reasonably priced in Southwest Florida. Our area is also the warmest on the Southwest Gulf coast with average winter temperatures in the 80's and very low humidity.
Central Coast Cities and Region
North of the Lee Island coast is Pt. Charlotte, Punta Gorda and the Cape Haze Peninsula which includes Boca Grande, Englewood and Gasparilla Island – this Central Coast area is being rapidly developed as it is where you can still find affordable Gulf access properties available. However, there is little industry in this locale and it's primarily a fishing area as beach access is difficult without a long car ride or owning a boat. Boca Grande and Gasparilla are quite expensive; whereas, Pt. Charlotte and Punta Gorda feature reasonably priced properties. Both of these cities are growing quickly as there is a good amount of vacant land available inland from Port Charlotte Harbor.
Sun and Cultural Coast Cities and Region
The larger cities of St. Petersburg and Sarasota are located on the Sun Coast and Cultural Coasts. This is where you’ll find lots of job opportunities, all types of housing, and the amenities of living in a city. The Tampa and St. Petersburg areas are Clearwater, Dunedin, and St. Pete Beach and the coastal islands of Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Anna Maria grace the Sarasota coastal area. The weather here is much cooler in the winter, averaging about 7-10 degrees less than the Lee Island coastal cities, and being larger cities, you’ll find more jobs, heavier traffic, and fewer vacationers.
Once you've decided to join us here in paradise - our job is making that happen! We'll help make your transition simple and easy. You can buy your new Southwest Florida home or condo with the confidence someone's on your side and looking out for your best interests.
We'd love the chance to show you what our beautiful Florida Gulf coast cities have to offer. So, just call us with any questions you may have or for an appointment that's easy and convenient for you. Our goal is to help you find your Southwest Florida dream home. Let the professionals of Gulf Coast Associates show you how their area knowledge, experience, marketing savvy, and technological expertise will work best for you! To ask a question or get started on a more in-depth search of the Southwest Florida coastal regions, contact us directly. One of our Realtor® associates will be glad to help with all your SW Florida real estate needs!
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Page Authored by Benjamin Dona of Gulf Coast Associates, Realtors
