While growth has slowed somewhat for parts of the region, the numbers released this week by the U.S. Census Bureau for 2007 shows the areas population is not only still growing, but also diversifying in both age and race. In fact, Lee County, which includes Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Estero and Ft. Myers, had the fastest growth rate in the state.

Lee County saw a decrease in its population’s median age from 45.2 in 2000 to 42.4 in 2007. Residents between the age of 25 and 34 grew almost 65% during the period while residents age 65 and older fell to only 22% of the overall population. Minority residents also grew substantially over the last seven years, with the largest increases coming from the Hispanic and Asian populations (141% & 114%).

Tags: growth, SW Florida

The mid year 2008 Bonita Bay real estate market statistics for both homes and condominium sales are listed below. Bonita Bay is Bonita Springs premier gated community and is a highly sought after place to live. Encompassing 2,400 acres, Bonita Bay is also the flagship community of the Bonita Bay Group here in Southwest Florida. More than half the community is devoted to open space, including three Arthur Hills-designed golf courses and 12 miles of biking and walking paths. Golf Club members also have access to two Tom Fazio courses at the Bonita Bay Club East. Located on more than 1,000 acres of Cypress wetlands, there will be no residences permitted at Club East and these courses are enclosed by natural Florida surroundings providing a pure golfing experience.

Tags: real estate, sales, SW Florida

The mid year 2008 Fort Myers Beach real estate sales statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Fort Myers Beach is the happening locale on the Southwest Florida Lee Island Coast. Fort Myers Beach offers every amenity you can imagine- from seven miles of wide sandy beaches, golf, boating, fishing and more than anything else - relaxing. The Beach as its known, is eclectic and diverse. It draws visitors from all over the world and you’ll find all sorts of folks from generations of families to Easter Break kids. There’s nothing else quite like it anywhere in Southwest Florida.

Fort Myers Beach Sales Data

Fort Myers Beach Home Sales January-June 2008*:

• 51 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $449,823

Tags: real estate, sales, SW Florida

The mid year 2008 Estero real estate sales statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Estero is ideally located between Ft. Myers and Bonita Springs and is currently in the process of building and developing wherever you travel. It is one of the last areas to be developed in south Lee County and the community offers excellent schools, health care, and of course, year round sunshine.

Estero Sales Data

Estero Home Sales January-June 2008*:

• 260 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $401,252
• Median Sales Price - $307,500
• Average Days on Market - 149
• Price/Square Foot - $168.35

Estero Condominium Sales January-June 2008*:

• 185 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $238,090

Tags: real estate, sales, SW Florida

The mid year 2008 Bonita Springs real estate market statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Bonita Springs, known as the Gateway to the Gulf, is one of the fastest growing coastal cities in Southwest Florida. Located between Ft. Myers and Naples, Bonita Springs offers endless lifestyle choices while still maintaining its small town charm.

Bonita Springs Sales Data

Bonita Springs Home Sales January - June 2008*:

• 495 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $579,448
• Median Sales Price - $387,500
• Average Days on Market - 184
• Price/Square Foot - $220.20

Bonita Springs Condominium Sales January - June 2008*:

• 451 Closed Sales
• Average Sales Price - $373,942
• Median Sales Price - $283,250

Tags: real estate, sales, SW Florida

Southwest Florida home buyers are back! In May, home sales rose again in the Bonita Springs, Estero and Naples markets. The move marks five straight months of gains and has continued into the month of June too. While many folks were predicting a slow down as season wound down, it just did not materialize. If anything, things are getting stronger as buyers recognize that their opportunity to grab an affordable slice of the Florida lifestyle is now.

Overall sales in Naples grew 6% in May and pending sales rose 37%. The rise in sales was led by an 18% jump in single family homes with pending sales for this category up a whopping 87%. Sales in the Bonita Springs-Estero area also saw some substantial sales increases. Overall sales were up 63% and pending sales rose 20%. Single family home sales again led the way with an 83% increase year over year and the median home price fell to $365,000.

Tags: real estate, sales, SW Florida

The first quarter 2008 Brooks real estate market statistics for both homes and condominiums are listed below. Encompassing 2,532 acres of natural Florida surroundings, The Brooks is master planned gated community consisting of five major and distinct communities - Copperleaf, Lighthouse Bay, Rapallo, Shadowwood and Spring Run. Each community is gated and sports a different kind of lifestyle. All five communities pivot around The Town Center and The Commons Club at The Brooks which also provides numerous amenities. With its central location in Bonita Springs and its variety of lifestyle choices and price ranges, The Brooks is a highly sought after place to live.

The Brooks Sales Data

The Brooks Home Sales Jan-Mar 2008*:

• 32 Closed Sales

Tags: real estate, sales, SW Florida