2 Florida Cities People Are Moving To
People are flocking to certain parts of the Sunshine State in droves to purchase property. Specifically, Cape Coral and Florida.
These two tropical cities made Redfin’s list of “Top 10 Areas People Are Moving To” during the fourth quarter of 2024. Respectively, Cape Coral held the second spot on the list, while Sarasota placed seventh.
For You: I’m a Real Estate Agent: These 5 Florida Cities Are Becoming Unaffordable
Read More: How To Start Investing In Real Estate – Even If You’re Not Rich
Located on the state’s west coast, these two Florida cities clearly have something drawing new residents. Ray Collins, real estate agent with Coldwell Banker in Sarasota, shared a few ideas of what might be inspiring people to move to these areas.
“The Gulf Coast is the kinder and gentler side of Florida,” he said. “I-95 runs down from New York [and] New Jersey into South Florida and I-75 comes down from the Midwest and creates a better quality of life from Sarasota to Cape Coral.”
Keep reading to learn more about these Florida cities and what could be causing the mass influx of new residents.
Cape Coral
As of November 2024, the median sale price of Cape Coral homes was $389,450, according to Redfin. This is notably more affordable than the median sale price of $429,963 for all U.S. homes.
Located 15 minutes from Fort Myers, Cape Coral has more than 400 miles of canals. This family-friendly city boasts more than 1,500 acres of parks and plenty of places to spot wildlife, including Four Mile Cover Ecological Preserve, Sirenia Vista Park and Rotary Park Environmental Center, according to Visit Florida.
See Next: 3 Best Florida Cities To Buy Property in the Next 5 Years, According To Real Estate Agents
Cape Coral also has a thriving cultural scene and variety of local restaurants to choose from. Additionally, public schools in the area are above average, according to Niche.com.
“When I lived in the Cape Coral area 35 years ago, it was an after-thought to Fort Myers,” Collins said, who also has a unique prospective of these areas, as he was previously a news anchor and reporter in Sarasota and Cape Coral areas. “It was a series of roads and canals.,” he said. “There was ‘no there, there.'”
Since then, he said things have dramatically changed.
“But now developers have carefully built on this sprawling city and made it one of the best kept secrets in Southwest Florida,” he said. “I recall Lee County building the Midpoint Bridge between Fort Myers and Cape Coral, which made Cape Coral even more of a player.”
Sarasota
Not nearly as affordable as Cape Coral, the median sale price of Sarasota homes was $655,000 as of November 2024, according to Redfin. While this is still much higher than the median sale price for all U.S. homes, many people are clearly undeterred.
“Sarasota has quietly continued to become the most sophisticated and polished city in Florida,” Collins said. “It is elegant, cultured and smack dab on the water.”
Once a top place to retire, he said the city has evolved into one of the top places to live.
“Whereas South Florida is overdeveloped, the Sarasota area is one of the cities that still has room to grow,” he said. “New construction is building out east and many upgraded homes are going up along the water.”
Ultimately, he summed Sarasota up as being all about quality of life.
John Forberger, real estate agent at Douglas Elliman in Sarasota, also understands the city’s draw to new residents.
“Sarasota offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness and diverse lifestyles, making it a top choice for homebuyers,” he said. “Its laid-back charm balances ‘Old Florida’ vibes with modern sophistication — whether you’re strolling Lido Beach, exploring Selby Botanical Gardens or dining at St. Armands Circle.”
Filled with niche pockets to explore, the city offers something for everyone.
“Neighborhoods like bayside Cherokee Park and Oyster Bay each have their own character, with serene streets and daily wildlife sightings, from manatees to bald eagles,” he said. “Known as Florida’s ‘Cultural Capital,’ Sarasota boasts 13 theaters within a mile of downtown, along with world-class arts venues.”
Plus, he said the city’s laid-back vibe means you can wear a suit to a show or Hoka sneakers and shorts. In the past, he said Sarasota was considered a sleepy town, but this is no longer the case.
More From GOBankingRates
I'm a Financial Advisor: My Wealthiest Clients All Do These 3 Things
3 Things You Must Do When Your Savings Reach $50,000
9 Things You Must Do To Grow Your Wealth in 2025
This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 2 Florida Cities People Are Moving To
