Ft Myers or Cape Coral for a Townhouse ? (Fort Myers, Naples: short sales, rent)

[myperneik]

I'm looking to buy a townhouse somewhere in the $120k range as a 4 month winter residence. I have vacationed in the area but never for more than 2 weeks. Any suggestions on what is available in these 2 areas and the differences between Cape Coral and Ft Myers?

[Lfredp]

when you find out , please let me know

[justNancy]

Originally Posted by myperneik

I'm looking to buy a townhouse somewhere in the $120k range as a 4 month winter residence. I have vacationed in the area but never for more than 2 weeks. Any suggestions on what is available in these 2 areas and the differences between Cape Coral and Ft Myers?

I spent over an hour talking to a Realtor yesterday. I live here and want to buy a home (I rent now) and she told me to continue renting. She warned me that, if I move to a gated community or one with an HOA, I might end up paying more than expected in fees because so many units are empty. She also said prices are still falling.

I was looking in Naples, but I think I can offer you an opinion about Cape Coral vs Fort Myers. Fort Myers has more of a "city" atmosphere, although there are a variety of developments. The Cape is huge and there are about 150,000 people living in there vs about 50,000 in Fort Myers. However, you'd never know it, except for the traffic. You'll probably always want to travel to Fort Myers if you enjoy going out at night and, depending on what part of the Cape you live in, it might involve crossing one of the toll bridges.

I admit I'm not crazy about Cape Coral, so I probably shouldn't be posting, but the only way you are ever going to make up your mind is to spend a couple of weeks driving around. I suggest you wait until April or May when the resort prices drop, since it's still "Season" here.

I just wanted to add this link I found online yesterday when hunting around. It gives a long list of gated communities in all the areas. I wouldn't feel safe in Fort Myers without some kind of security. What's funny is that I keep seeing "deals" listed and they turn out to be short sales or there is something wrong. As far as prices go, you'd probably be better off buying a house if you move to the Cape. I've looked at several that are in the $100,000 price range and are beautiful. They're more work to maintain, but you won't have a monthly HOA and you can pay a service to watch your home when you're gone. Just a thought.

[URL]http://www.greaterftmyers.com/fort-myers-gated-communities.php[/URL]