Relocating to the area (work N. Naples). (Cape Coral, Fort Myers: real estate, apartments)

[mp15601]

Hello everyone,
Where's a decent area within 35-40 minutes of N. Naples??
Rent around 700-800 3bdrm, preferrably single family home.
Read that Lehigh should be avoided.
Any help would great, moving from Pittsburgh.
Thanks in advance.

[justNancy]

I suggest you use the search feature on City-Data and read the numerous threads on this subject. We're all here to help, but this is a very common question, so you might get some helpful information that's already been posted.

I know the area very well since I worked in Naples and Fort Myers for many years and traveled in both directions from Bonita Springs. By the way, North Naples can be the area on the Lee/Collier border around Sterling Oaks, Wiggins Pass, Immokalee Road or even Pine Ridge and Airport. Sometimes people refer to sections of GGE as North Naples, so you might want to be more specific. Still, how long it will take you to commute depends on the time you leave and, of course, the traffic. Just one accident can slow things down dramatically.

In any case, finding a single family home for $700-$800 in a nice community within 35-40 minutes of Naples is going to be tough. Also, keep in mind that in Florida many of the rentals do not include water or any utilities and, when you rent a house, you also might be responsible for lawn care. So I assume you're talking about the basic rent plus utilities. Make sure when you're figuring out your budget you add water/sewer, electric and, if you need them, cable/satellite and internet service.

One of the most convenient areas near Naples is going to be off of Bonita Beach Road on the west side of 41 heading toward Bonita Beach. I lived there for many years, and I always felt safe. I lived less than 2 miles from Publix and walking distance to Barefoot Beach, which is gorgeous. It's a very mixed area with expensive homes on the river, small older homes, duplexes, apartments and mobile homes. Still, even an older 3 bedroom home will probably run about $1,000 a month (or more) unless prices have dropped since I moved in 2009.

Are you in the area? If so, the best way to find any rental that's priced reasonably is to drive around and look for signs on the front lawn. Then you need to do your due diligence and check out the owner to make sure the home isn't in foreclosure or that you're not being scammed. That's really not too difficult, because county records are public. You can also look in the Bonita Banner, Naples Daily News and on Craig's List for rentals. There are some real estate agencies and property management companies that specialize in rentals too.

Estero is a really nice area, but I doubt if you'll find a single family home for $800. Believe it or not, some people live in Cape Coral and commute over the bridge to Naples all the time, but they're usually homeowners. There might be some homes in Golden Gate City but it isn't my favorite area. Regarding Lehigh, it's much too far from Naples anyway, but I agree that it's not a place I'd want to live.

Keep in mind when you see rent that is much lower than everywhere else, there has to be a reason. There are no free lunches.

[Kim in FL]

Originally Posted by mp15601

Hello everyone,
Where's a decent area within 35-40 minutes of N. Naples??
Rent around 700-800 3bdrm, preferrably single family home.
Read that Lehigh should be avoided.
Any help would great, moving from Pittsburgh.
Thanks in advance.

Up your budget....with rent that cheap you're going to end up in the hood or ghetto.

[Florida Paradise]

excellent post

Originally Posted by justNancy

I suggest you use the search feature on City-Data and read the numerous threads on this subject. We're all here to help, but this is a very common question, so you might get some helpful information that's already been posted.

I know the area very well since I worked in Naples and Fort Myers for many years and traveled in both directions from Bonita Springs. By the way, North Naples can be the area on the Lee/Collier border around Sterling Oaks, Wiggins Pass, Immokalee Road or even Pine Ridge and Airport. Sometimes people refer to sections of GGE as North Naples, so you might want to be more specific. Still, how long it will take you to commute depends on the time you leave and, of course, the traffic. Just one accident can slow things down dramatically.

In any case, finding a single family home for $700-$800 in a nice community within 35-40 minutes of Naples is going to be tough. Also, keep in mind that in Florida many of the rentals do not include water or any utilities and, when you rent a house, you also might be responsible for lawn care. So I assume you're talking about the basic rent plus utilities. Make sure when you're figuring out your budget you add water/sewer, electric and, if you need them, cable/satellite and internet service.

One of the most convenient areas near Naples is going to be off of Bonita Beach Road on the west side of 41 heading toward Bonita Beach. I lived there for many years, and I always felt safe. I lived less than 2 miles from Publix and walking distance to Barefoot Beach, which is gorgeous. It's a very mixed area with expensive homes on the river, small older homes, duplexes, apartments and mobile homes. Still, even an older 3 bedroom home will probably run about $1,000 a month (or more) unless prices have dropped since I moved in 2009.

Are you in the area? If so, the best way to find any rental that's priced reasonably is to drive around and look for signs on the front lawn. Then you need to do your due diligence and check out the owner to make sure the home isn't in foreclosure or that you're not being scammed. That's really not too difficult, because county records are public. You can also look in the Bonita Banner, Naples Daily News and on Craig's List for rentals. There are some real estate agencies and property management companies that specialize in rentals too.

Estero is a really nice area, but I doubt if you'll find a single family home for $800. Believe it or not, some people live in Cape Coral and commute over the bridge to Naples all the time, but they're usually homeowners. There might be some homes in Golden Gate City but it isn't my favorite area. Regarding Lehigh, it's much too far from Naples anyway, but I agree that it's not a place I'd want to live.

Keep in mind when you see rent that is much lower than everywhere else, there has to be a reason. There are no free lunches.

[uncle ricky]

golden gate estates or immokalee