Lehigh Acres was originally called Lucky Lee Ranch a cattle farm and tax shelter started by businessman Lee Ratner in the 1950s.
Do you like sunshine, sand, warm weather and the beach, but not beachfront prices? If so, Lehigh Acres might be just the place for you, since its a residential area in south Florida thats near the water, but not right on the coast
Lehigh Acres was originally called Lucky Lee Ranch a cattle farm and tax shelter started by businessman Lee Ratner in the 1950s.
Do you like sunshine, sand, warm weather and the beach, but not beachfront prices? If so, Lehigh Acres might be just the place for you, since its a residential area in south Florida thats near the water, but not right on the coast. It seems to attract people who are into sports and outdoor recreation, which makes sense since it has multiple golf courses, tons of freshwater lakes and canals for fishing, miles of paved paths for walking and biking and lots of tennis courts for people to play matches on.
Moving to Lehigh Acres
Lehigh Acres became popular around 2005, when a surge in housing prices sent developers to build about 8,000 new homes in the area (which was more homes than had been built in the area since its founding more than 50 years prior). However, the recession didn't spare Lehigh Acres, and the price of houses plummeted by 2008. Today, you can find a cheap home to buy or an affordable rental apartment or rent to own home, which is why its a popular destination for so many snowbirds who don't want the cost of their home to break the bank.
Does moving to Lehigh Acres sound like it might be the right thing for you? If so, youll want to prepare for your apartment search before you start. There is a nearly 20% vacancy rate in Lehigh Acres, mostly thanks to the housing boom in the early 2000s. So, if you are looking for something specific in terms of size or price, theres a good chance you might find it in this area right off the bat. If you dont find what youre looking for right away, the city does have an annual residential turnover of 25%, so theres an even better chance that a place you like will open up within a year. When you do find a place you like, you might want to act fast to make sure it doesnt get snatched up before you can apply.
Most landlords in Lehigh Acres will want proof that you can afford a home there. The financial documents needed for this proof often include pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, proof of employment letters and also letters of reference from previous landlords. Like most other places in the country, you'll have to pay a security deposit, so make sure that you have enough money to pay at least two months rent upfront, as well as a brokers fee if you use a broker to help you locate a house.
Neighborhoods
Western Lehigh Acres: Western Lehigh Acres has some of the most expensive real estate in the area because it's closest to Fort Myers the biggest city nearby. This also means it's near the beach and the water, which makes it a draw for anyone who likes the outdoors and also anyone looking for more of a vacation home feel. $$$$
Eastern Lehigh Acres: Eastern Lehigh Acres is much more rural than Western Lehigh Acres. Thats because its farther away from the city of Fort Myers, but also because its adjacent to the Okaloacoochee Slough State Forest, a green and woodsy area. Choose here if you like somewhere quiet and affordable. It can feel pretty remote. $$
Southern Lehigh Acres: Southern Lehigh Acres is home to two of the areas best golf facilities the Majestic Golf Club and the Mirror Lakes Golf Club. These draws make this area a bit more expensive than the rest of the city, though the houses around the courses are still pretty affordable for golf club houses. $$$
Living in Lehigh Acres
When Lehigh Acres became a residential area, it started out as a subdivision that housed people who worked and played in nearby Fort Myers. Its grown to be much more than a subdivision, but it still does have that sort of suburban, quiet feel, a la Pleasantville. The tiny town has its own school system, including its own public high school, which is considered to be quite excellent Lehigh Senior High School. There are also excellent private and religious schools in the area, including Gunnery Road Christian Academy.
Families like Lehigh Acres for the safe, quiet living. They also like it for the outdoor opportunities, like golfing, fishing, biking and more. If golfing's not your thing, you can take the opportunity to birdwatch at Harns Marsh Nature Preserve, one of the nicest wildlife areas in the region. Greenbriar Equestrian Center also offers great horseback riding and lessons. Children can learn to ride and take care of horses, and you can also go watch more expert riders practice. If you just love the beach, you're in luck, because Fort Myers and its beaches are just 15 miles away. If you live in Lehigh Acres, a day at the beach is just a quick drive away, and you can sun yourself, swim, parasail or take part in any number of watersport activities.
If youre more of an indoor person, Lehigh Acres might not be the best place for you to call home, but there will be some places for you to be entertained and fed. If you like casual sports bars, theres no shortage of them in this area. A favorite with locals is Peters Sports Bar, which features all of your favorite sports teams on the TVs above the bars. Homestead Inn Bar and Grill is also a favorite; it serves up homemade, local cuisine, and you can get a taste of true local color here. If you like art, Lehigh Acres has a fair share of opportunities for you, too. The Viva! Lehigh Acres Latin Music Festival takes place each year, and it attracts people from all over who like to hear international music.
Lehigh Acres itself is a pretty small and quaint place. If you're looking for something really exciting, itll be best for you to go to nearby Fort Myers, which is actually a big beach city and known for being a place that's fun and entertaining. For historic sites, Edison and Ford Winter Estates is a great place to check out. This area offers 20 acres of historical sites and gardens, and you can learn more about the early settlers who lived in the area. If you like live theater, the Florida Repertory Theatre is a great destination to check out. Its housed in a historic arcade theater, and it offers some of the regions best professional live theatrical performances. For sports fans, JetBlue Park is a great destination; it offers the chance to watch live MLB baseball spring training practices. Hammond Stadium also has baseball games. You can trek there to watch spring training, as well as semi-professional and amateur ballgames.
Lehigh Acres has the reputation for being an all-American suburban town, and its restaurants, entertainment offerings and cultural experiences go right along with that feel. If what you're looking for is quiet, friendly living in the warm Florida sun, Lehigh Acres might be just the right place for you to call home.
