This is the eleventh installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Another great reason to retire in Florida (especially Cape Coral) is because it’s one of a few low tax states!

States with no income tax

In 2010, the average Cape Coral resident paid about $1,436 in property taxes. They also enjoyed paying no state income tax since Florida is one of 7 states that do not tax individual incomes.

A 6% sales tax, which ends up including many tourist dollars, helps to offset the lack of a state income tax.

Fortunately, Florida residents also avoid any inheritance or estate taxes. Taken as a whole, the local and state tax burden is very low in Florida.

In fact, The Tax Foundation estimates that Florida ranks 47 (out of 50), making it one of the lowest taxed states in the entire country. Furthermore, Florida’s successful Save Our Homes law has attracted thousands of people from other states.

Basically, the law limits the increase in a home’s assessed value to 3% a year. That means, even if property values are rising quickly, your tax burden won’t! When did this law take effect?

The Save Our Homes law was actually spearheaded by Lee County’s Kenneth M. Wilkinson, C.F.A. Mr. Wilkinson authored and led the campaign to get the law approved by Florida voters. Save Our Homes was approved in 1992 and enacted in 1995.

Since that time, Lee County has protected over $8.5 billion dollars of local home values. To qualify the Save Our Homes provision, you must be a full-time resident of Florida.

In Lee County, you can apply for a homestead tax exemption online (navigate to taxpayer services), by mail or in person. You will need to prove your residency with your Florida driver’s license, your voter’s registration, your Florida license tag and other documentation.

If you have more than one property, or rent your home to others, you may not qualify for the exemption. There are a few other rules to be aware of.

Your Cape Coral Realtor® will be able to provide you more detailed information about tax rates or how the Save Our Homes law works.

In my unbiased opinion , Florida is the best low tax state in the union and Cape Coral is perfect especially if you have a boat and want to retire in a canal-front home.

Please download my free eBook to your right for 11 other great reasons to retire in Cape Coral or contact me online for a tour of this beautiful, low cost, city!

~A.J.

This is the tenth installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Cape Coral Median Sales Price For Homes: $98,500 (From 9/11 – 11/11)
 Home prices in Cape Coral have fallen more than 60% since peaking in 2006, making it an attractive bargain for retirees.

As of 2009, over 70% of the homes in the Cape are owner-occupied. There are 434 homes or condos per square mile, meaning that Cape Coral enjoys a low population density. Averaged together, most homes and condos in the Cape were built around 1993. Some are older, but there are also newer or renovated units. Cape Coral itself was only developed in the 1960’s, and didn’t hit it’s boom until the mid-90’s, so most homes on the market are relatively new.

Cape Coral is divided into 4 quadrants:

The Southeast part of the Cape is typically the busiest, with access to the Fort Myers bridges and a downtown area with bars and businesses. It’s also home to the Cape Coral Yacht Club, which boosts lovely waterfront property.

Just north of that area is Northeast Cape Coral. Homes in this area usually do not have gulf access, but there are larger properties and gorgeous communities such as Coral Lakes and Bella Vida, especially approaching North Fort Myers. If you are looking for a nice home on a larger piece of land, this area will offer some of the best deals.

Northwest Cape Coral brings you close to the rustic fishing communities of St James City, Matlacha, and Bokeelia located on beautiful Pine Island.

Finally, the Southwest area of Cape Coral is home to many gated communities, including Cape Harbour, Tarpon Point, Emerald Cove, and Sandoval, all of which offer many beautiful amenities for their residents.

Cape Coral is also a safe city to call home. A 2005 comparison of several cities found that Cape Coral was the third safest city in Florida!

If you’d like to come down to Florida a take a spin with me through the neighborhoods of Cape Coral to scope out a few homes for sale, call me at 239-565-7867. Hope to hear from you soon!

-AJ

This is the ninth installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

If you are a sports fan, and thinking of buying real estate in Cape Coral, then you’re off to a great start. Cape Coral is ideal for sports lovers – with its close proximity to the spring training stadiums for the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox. Learn more…

Hammond Stadium, located at 14100 Six Miles Cypress Parkway, is only a short drive from Cape Coral. It’s been the spring training home of the Minnesota Twins for over 20 years. In fact, the beautiful facility was home to the Twins when they won the World Series in 1991.

The field is situated on the Lee County Complex – which has an additional 4 full fields and 2 half fields. The stadium itself is named after Deputy County Commissioner Bill Hammond, who championed the cause of getting the 7,500 seat stadium built for the Twins.

Hammond Stadium is also home to the minor league Fort Myers Miracle team. The team is a local favorite and celebrates their season with several fun promotions like “Dog Days” as well as other food and drink specials.

Former Boston residents are always excited to learn that living in Cape Coral means being able to watch the Red Sox spring training! The Boston Red Sox started training in Fort Myers in 1993, when they left Winter Park, which is farther north in Florida. Their first stadium was located in downtown Fort Myers. The City of Palms Park served the Red Sox well for many years, and it experienced sold out crowds.

In 2008, the Red Sox decided to stay in Lee County, but move to a brand new stadium located further south. The new ballpark, which cost an estimated $80 million to build, is scheduled to be completed in 2012 – in time for this coming spring training season! This new park, JetBlue Park at Fenway South, will be large enough to have training for the Boston Red Sox as well as their minor league affiliate, the Gulf Coast League Red Sox.

If you are ready to live in a place close to the spring training stadiums for the Minnesota Twins and Boston Red Sox, this Cape Coral Realtor is here to help! Whether you are a real estate buyer or seller, I will find the solution that fits your real estate needs. Residential and investment properties are my specialties. Read what my clients say and let me help you with one of the most important transactions you will ever make! Contact me on line, call (239) 565-7867, or follow AJ Ackerman on Twitter.

- A.J.

According to a recent study conducted by Inman, Cape Coral & Fort Myers are 2ND in the Top 10 Markets for Foreign Real Estate Buyers!

I’ve worked with quite a few foreign buyers over the last few months, and I’m glad to see my area is doing so well.

If you think I can help you, or someone you know, with buying or selling real estate in Lee County (including Cape Coral, and Fort Myers) — feel free to give me a call at (239) 565-7867 or contact me online.

PS – On a related note, our neighboring county, Collier (home to Naples & Marco Island) is looking good too:

HOUSING INVENTORY DROPS, SALES UP

The first quarter’s available housing inventory was down 13 percent compared with the first quarter of 2011, according to a report released by the Naples Area Board of Realtors (NABOR), which tracks home listings and sales within Collier County (excluding Marco Island). The first quarter showed 7,596 available properties compared with 8,762 properties from 2011. Overall pending sales increased 14 percent in the $300,000 to $500,000 category, 29 percent in the $500,000 to $1 million category and 14 percent in the $1 million to $2 million category. Closed sales increased 21 percent in the $500,000 to $1 million category.

This is the eighth installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Cape Coral has over 100,000 residents, and they must be hungry, because the Cape also has over 1,000 restaurants! You can eat almost any type of food in Cape Coral, at a variety of price points. These are some that are popular with Cape Coral residents as well as people from all of Lee County.

Mexican Food: Iguana Mia
1027 E. Cape Coral Parkway, Cape Coral, FL 33904
Even if you are new to the area, it won’t be hard to spot the bright lime green Iguana Mia restaurant in Cape Coral. They opened for business in 1990, and have stayed at the same site in Cape Coral for all these years. But the restaurant was so popular with locals, they expanded to two additional locations in Fort Myers and Bonita Springs. One of their most popular dishes is the deep fried chimichanga. Have it with an oversize margarita and you’ll be glad you did!

Waterfront Dining: Rumrunners
5848 Cape Harbour Drive, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Rumrunners is located in the spectacular Cape Harbour in Southwest Cape and offers an unbeatable waterfront dining experience. The owners have other successful restaurants outside of Cape Coral,, including Bistro 41 and the Aqua Grill. Rumrunners is most loved for its fresh seafood dishes, but steak lovers also commend their rib eye.

An Ethnic Treat: Siam Hut
4521 Del Prado Boulevard, Cape Coral, FL 33904
This tiny gem of a restaurant takes awhile for new residents to find. Its unassuming appearance in a tiny plaza doesn’t hint at the amazing Thai food inside. But if you go once, you’re sure to come back. Siam Hut serves traditional Thai food, and their pad thai dish is one of the most often requested. Be forewarned: if you request it extra spicy, they will take you very seriously!

For Italian Lovers: Ariani Ristorante Italiano
1529 Southeast 15th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33990
If you want unbeatable Italian food in a cozy, romantic setting, then look no further than Ariani’s Ristorante Italiano. Ariani’s is one of Florida’s Top 500 restaurants and has earned 4 stars from the local food critic Jean Le Boeuf of the News-Press. All the dishes are outstanding, but what will really impress you is the service. Don’t hesitate to ask your server for a wine recommendation; Ariani’s appreciates good wine as much as good food!

Residents of the Cape won’t be disappointed by the choices for eating out close to home. Cape Coral offers many more great restaurants for everyone to enjoy. Need more recommendations? Just ask your Century 21 Realtor®.

Are are ready to buy your dream Cape Coral home? Well, this Southwest Florida Realtor is here to help you find the perfect home for you! With over 14 years of experience, I am here to give you the real estate services you deserve and I will find the solution that fits your real estate needs. If you are ready to make a real estate transaction or if you have further questions contact me on line or call (239) 565-7867. I’ll even send you a FREE Cape Coral Map if you’d like!

- A.J.

This is the seventh installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

As a retiree, you may find yourself busy with volunteering, hobbies, cooking, crafts, entertaining, relaxing and making new friends. But for some, the best “hobby” of all time is…

…shopping. Lucky for retirees in Cape Coral, this area is a mecca for shopping enthusiasts.

Coconut Pointe® – This shopping center boasts 113 stores and 25 restaurants – all surrounding several acres of lakes with a boardwalk. It is a “Main Street-style” shopping destination with Mediterranean Revival-style architecture that is designed to fit gracefully with the architectural flavor of Southwest Florida…and in my humble opinion, it’s the best mall around!

Gulf Coast Town Center – This is a destination shopping mall featuring national retailers. This outdoor mall currently has over 100 stores and restaurants on 200 acres, with even more scheduled to open.

Tanger Outlets – If you’re headed to the beach or coming back from a trip to Sanibel, you’ll be close to the Tanger Outlets. This mall has more than 30 upscale designer outlets and brand name manufacturers like Brooks Brothers, Bon Worth, Coldwater Creek, Lane Bryant, and more.

Miromar Outlets – This is another outlet store, located further south in Estero. This larger mall has over 140 stores, as well as lots of tasty restaurants if you need to refuel during your shopping excursion.

Bell Tower Shops – This open air shopping plaza is best known for being a great place to shop or have a nice dinner before or after seeing a movie at the Regal Cinemas. The Bell Tower Shops are conveniently located on Daniels Parkway and U.S. 41. This mall hosts many special events, like Yappy Hour for dogs, live music concert series at the fountain, and several charity events. Notable retailers in the Bell Tower include Brookstone, Chico’s, Clarks, Draper’s and Damon’s, and Soma Intimates. There are also some amazing restaurants, including Blue Pointe Seafood, Cru, Bistro 41, Grimaldi’s Pizzaria, and Da Ru Ma Japenese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar.

In central and downtown Fort Myers, shoppers can browse traditional retailers like Sears and J.C. Penny’s in the Edison Mall or visit boutiques and antique shops in downtown Fort Myers. The Franklin Shops on First Street is home to many cute and quirky independently owned shops that specialize in unique gifts, art, and clothing.

If you’re looking for a good bargain, you could try the nearby Fleamasters Fleamarket, which features over 900 booths that feature one-of-a-kind merchandise.

Cape Coral residents don’t have to travel far to get to Coralwood Shopping Center, which is located in Cape Coral on Del Prado just north of the Midpoint Bridge.

After a long day of shopping, wouldn’t you love to kick back and relax on the porch of your dream waterfront home? This Lee County Realtor would love to help you find that dream home. I am here to give you the real estate services you deserve. Residential and investment properties are my specialties. Read what my clients say and let me help you with one of the most important transactions you will ever make! Contact me on line, call (239) 565-7867, or connect with me on Facebook.

- A.J.

This is the sixth installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Cape Coral is fortunate to be home to many artistic and creative residents, many of whom are retirees. If you are worrying about not having enough to do when you retire, put your fears to rest!

One of Cape Coral’s crowning glories is its Cultural Park. The aptly named Cultural Park Theatre is located at the park. It provides a creative opportunity for theatrical residents who want to try their hand at acting or directing. Several plays and productions are produced each year, tapping into the amazing local talent.

Just a few minutes away in the other parts of Lee County, you can enjoy theatrical productions by:

• The Schoolhouse Theater on Sanibel
• The Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at Edison College
• The Seminole Gulf Railway Dinner Train Theater
• The Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers
• The Florida Repertory Theatre in downtown Fort Myers

Artistic retirees can join the Cape Coral Art League. They offer classes all year long and host workshops with nationally recognized artists. The art league has been active in Cape Coral for over 40 years, and they have over 200 members who participate in the activities and events.

Many retirees who are aviation enthusiasts have a side hobby of flying radio-controlled airplanes. The Cape has plenty of wide open spaces that are perfect for this pastime, including Seahawk Park, which is a 13.5 acre area that features a landing strip just for these type of planes. Every March, the Cape Coral SeaHawks host their annual Air Show, where they demonstrate how to fly large-scale model aircraft. It’s a fun event – and a fun place to visit – for aviation fanatics of any age.

There are also great places to entertain children and grandchildren in Cape Coral. If you’ve decided to make Cape Coral your home, chances are good that your family members up north will be visiting you soon and often! If you need to entertain your younger family members while they are in Cape Coral, consider SunSplash Family Waterpark for a day of a cool, wet fun. If your family likes action and excitement, take them to Mike Greenwell’s Family Fun Park for go carts, mini-golf, batting cages, arcade games and more.

If you are ready to own your piece of beautiful Cape Coral, this Cape Coral Realtor is here to help! My goal is to help the community with the most exciting investment they may ever make: REAL ESTATE! Residential and investment properties are my specialties, just read what my clients say. If you would like to learn more or have further questions contact me on line, call (239) 565-7867, or follow AJ Ackerman on Twitter.

- A.J.

This is the fifth installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Between its sandy beaches and natural preserves, Southwest Florida has many attractions. But, for die hard golfers, the best attractions in the area are the golf courses!

With over 100 golf courses already being enjoyed by golfers – and many more to come – the Southwest Florida area is a golfer’s paradise. Why is that?

It’s been calculated that this area has more golf holes per person than any area of the United States!

If you’re visiting Cape Coral or the surrounding area, it’s easy to see why it’s considered the Golf Capital of the World. The area has public, semi-private and private courses in every area. The wide variety of choices means there is a golf course for every preference and budget. Prices will vary depending on the type of course and the season. Green fee discounts are especially common from June to September.

Most importantly, our mild climate allows golfers to enjoy their sport all year long. Greens and grasses thrive under the careful management of our course directors, and golfers are only stopped by the occasional rain shower (which typically passes in 15 minutes). Otherwise, you can be golfing 365 days a year in Cape Coral! Here are just a few of the private and public courses in Cape Coral, FL:

Coral Oaks
1800 N.W. 28th Ave.
Public Course

Hunters Run
1006 S.E. Fourth Place
Public Course

Palmetto Pine Country
1940 S.W. Ninth Court
Private Course

Club Royal Tee
11460 Royal Tee Circle
Public Course

Golf lovers naturally gravitate to choosing a retirement home in Cape Coral. Learn more about homes in Cape Coral that are close to great golfing at www.AckermanSWFL.com. Whether you are a real estate buyer or seller in Southwest Florida, I will find the solution that fits your real estate needs. If you are ready to make a real estate transaction or if you have further questions contact me on line, call (239) 565-7867, or connect with me on Facebook. I’ll even send you a FREE Cape Coral Map if you’d like!

- A.J.

This is the fourth installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

If you read our last tip, you know that Cape Coral has access to some of the most amazing beaches in Florida. But, the nature in Cape Coral is not limited to the beach. If you love the outdoors, Cape Coral has an abundance of activities for nature lovers of every kind. The city is home to several parks, including Saratoga Lake Park, Horton Park, Four Freedoms Park and more….

One of the better known parks for nature lovers is the Rotary Park Environmental Center. Through a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection and additional funding from local Rotary Clubs, this park has helped to preserve almost 100 acres of pristine Florida salt marsh.

You can explore the grounds on a nature trail or take advantage of the many gardening and environmental classes at the center. There’s also a butterfly house that is home to different species of butterflies and plants. If your dog enjoys nature as much as you do, he can accompany you to the park’s Wagging Tails Dog Park!

Another beautiful local park in Cape Coral is the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. Many kayakers are especially fond of this park, which rents kayaks during season (from October to May). Whether you are walking along the trails or kayaking down the waterways, you will probably see many native Florida critters in their natural habitat. Common wildlife sightings include birds like eagles, herons and ibis, as well as raccoon, opossum, armadillo, alligators and more. The park’s 365 acres are protected to preserve this natural legacy for generations of Cape Coral residents in the future.

Not all wildlife in Cape Coral is found in a park. You might be surprised to learn that Cape Coral has the largest population of burrowing owls in the entire state of Florida!

Some Cape Coral residents share their neighborhoods with these special owls. The burrowing owl is a tiny owl that lives on the ground, unlike other species of its kind which normally nest in trees. This owl is both unique and in danger. It’s an endangered species in Canada, and a species of special concern in Florida.

The Cape Coral burrowing owl population is estimated to include over 1,000 pairs of birds. Fortunately, they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and many Cape Coral residents have joined forces to help this cute creature. So, if you enjoy the pristine nature of this area, like many other residents, Cape Coral could be the perfect home for you.

If you are ready to live in a place surrounded by nature, this Cape Coral Realtor is here to help! Whether you are a real estate buyer or seller, I will find the solution that fits your real estate needs. Residential and investment properties are my specialties. Read what my clients say and let me help you with one of the most important transactions you will ever make! Contact me on line, call (239) 565-7867, or follow AJ Ackerman on Twitter.

- A.J.

This is the third installment of Top 12 Reasons to Retire in Cape Coral, Florida which can also be downloaded from our free eBook library.

Whether you’re traveling to the beaches of southwest Florida by car, or straight from your Cape Coral dock, you’ll be happy when you get there. Either way, it’s only a short journey to some of the most fabulous beaches that southwest Florida has to offer.

With white, sugar sand and the gentle Gulf waves, the southwest Florida beaches are perfect for beach bums of every age! No matter what type of activity you enjoy, you’ll find it at these beaches. Enjoy things like fishing, boating, parasailing, riding on jet skis or wave runners, building sand castles, or just relax and bask in the sun, while sipping on a cool beverage (tiny umbrella optional).

Residents of Cape Coral are lucky to be able to choose from dozens of local beaches, depending on their particular tastes. What are some of the great local beaches?

Dog lovers should check out “Dog Beach” in Bonita Springs – where pups are free to run and play off their leashes. There’s free parking at Bunche Beach, near the Iona area. At Fort Myers Beach, you will find all kinds of bars, restaurants and nightlife to keep you entertained all day long. The quieter beaches of Sanibel and Captiva are well known for being among the best places in the world for shell collectors.

Most Florida retirees want to stay as active as possible, and there’s no better place to do that than at one of the beaches near Cape Coral! Walking in the sand is great for toning your legs and thighs. You can also play Frisbee or catch. Bending over to look for shells is also a great way to stay flexible. If you need a break from the heat, you can walk a short distance to a variety of beach shops, and get a good workout along the way!

For adventurous retirees, the beaches offer more intense sports like paddle-boarding and kite surfing. If you have a boat (or a friend with a boat), waterskiing can also be a fun sport to try.

But, even if you have no intention of leaving your chair and umbrella, the beach is still the perfect place to be. Enjoy quiet sunsets, the gentle lapping of waves on the shore, and birds gliding through the clear skies. If that sounds like a retirement plan that you’d sign up for, then consider making your home in Cape Coral.

Are are ready to buy your dream beachfront home? Well, this Southwest Florida Realtor is here to help find the perfect home for you! With over 14 years of experience, I am here to give you the real estate services you deserve. Whether you are a real estate buyer or seller in Southwest Florida, I will find the solution that fits your real estate needs. If you are ready to make a real estate transaction or if you have further questions contact me on line, call (239) 565-7867, or connect with me on Facebook. I’ll even send you a FREE Cape Coral Map if you’d like!

- A.J.