Neighborhood represents the shift in Southwest Florida homebuilding
When Hurricane Ian hit the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area in September of 2022, it hastened the shift of homebuilding in Southwest Florida. Two years later, the nearby community of Lehigh Acres has become the focus of the region’s latest housing boom. The neighborhood that best illustrates the shift is Alabama, which features a variety of residential options in the heart of Lehigh Acres about 15 miles from the Fort Myers waterfront. “If you are on the water, you still have not recovered,” says Mike Bone of DR Horton Realty of Southwest Florida, which represents one of the region’s premier homebuilders. “But inland, people are moving on. They’re building homes and buying homes.”
Lehigh Acres is considered to be one of the most affordable areas in Southwest Florida.
Alabama features friendly communities with traditional suburban layouts.
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Inland neighborhood offers a lower price point
Like many of the existing homes, the typical new home is free of HOA restrictions and features a driveway, attached garage and ample yard space. “Right now in Lehigh Acres, you can get a 1,500-square-foot, three-bedroom, two-bath, two-car-garage home for around $310,000,” says Bone, who adds that a similar home in Fort Myers or Cape Coral would cost between $375,000 and $410,000. “It’s one of the most affordable areas in Southwest Florida.” Lennar, another major Florida homebuilder, is responsible for a collection of new homes in the Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club, Alabama’s premier gated community. New condos also are being built there. Monthly HOA fees are $512 for a single-family home and $656 for a two-bedroom condo. Multi-level Spanish Mediterranean homes and attached villas in the gated community of Marblebrook stand out among existing options. The standard monthly HOA fee is $110. Woodcrest Village offers midcentury designs in a 55-plus community. The monthly HOA fee is $150. The neighborhood's oldest homes were built primarily in the 1980s and feature ranch-style designs. Overall, prices typically range from the mid-$200,000s to the mid-$500,000s. “Lehigh Acres has the lowest price point of all the communities we serve,” Bone says. Homeowners should be aware that Lehigh Acres is a census-designated place, not a city. Therefore, many homes are serviced by septic tanks and well water. Given its inland location, the neighborhood is not at risk of flooding. However, wind damage can be a major risk during hurricane season.
Alabama has many traditional suburban style homes with a variety of designs.
Alabama features many bungalow style homes with shading trees and private lots.
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Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club, Veterans Park offer plenty of recreational activities
An Ibis Landing Golf & Country Club membership offers additional amenities that include a community center with a pool, tennis and pickleball courts and fitness facilities. The 18-hole course is open to the public, so all residents can enjoy the impeccably maintained layout. Golfers also have access to Majestic Golf Club, which offers an 18-hole course just outside the community. Veterans Park in neighboring Eisenhower is a popular spot for community activity filled with recreational amenities. A lake, skate park and splash pad are highlights. The park is home to Lehigh Youth Soccer, and cricket is among the organized sports that use its athletic fields. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the nature trails at the nearby Wild Strand Turkey Preserve. Boaters and anglers can find plenty of opportunities on the Caloosahatchee River and the adjacent waters of the Intracoastal Waterway that separate Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
Ibis Landing Golf
& Country Club is an 18 hole course, open to the public.
Veterans Park is a popular spot for community activity filled with recreational amenities.
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Lehigh Acres Elementary, Lehigh Acres Middle, East Lee County High rated C-plus
The neighborhood is served by the Lee County School District and zoned for a trio of schools rated C-plus by Niche. Younger students can attend Lehigh Acres Elementary and Lehigh Acres Middle schools. Older students can attend East Lee County High School, which offers the Cambridge International program. Lee County does offer the opportunity to submit school-choice applications for students entering middle and high school and those who are either new to a district or have recently moved within one.
Lehigh Acres Middle School in Lehigh Acres is a C+ rated school.
East Lee County HIgh School is a great school to enroll your child for their future education.
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Fresco Y Mas grocery store, Joe's Cafe are located nearby
With more housing comes more infrastructure, and neighborhoods such as Alabama are conveniently located near several shopping and dining destinations. Publix anchors Homestead Plaza, which is among several retail centers along Homestead Road on the neighborhood’s east side. Fresco y Mas is an alternative grocery option located along the corridor, and nearby Joe’s Café is a popular breakfast stop. Walmart Supercenter is located just north of the neighborhood on Lee Boulevard. Maggy’s House is a new, highly-rated addition to the Lehigh Acres dining scene. Food trucks provide quick bites for diners on the go.
Fresco y Mas is a popular grocery store amongst residents of Alabama.
Save-A-Lot is one of a handful of grocers available to the Alabama neighborhood.
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Lehigh Regional Medical Center is a short trip from the neighborhood
Homestead Road provides plenty of bus stops for those who want or need public transportation. One of the nearby stops is Lehigh Regional Medical Center, located minutes away on Lee Boulevard. State Road 82, which forms the neighborhood’s southern border, leads directly to Downtown Fort Myers the Caloosahatchee River that separates it from Cape Coral. Southwest Florida International Airport is about 17 miles away.
Alabama residents can catch public transportation along most major roadways.
Alabama resides within Lehigh Acres, which is undergoing the region’s latest housing boom.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bent Danholm,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Veterans Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Dog Park
Lehigh Acres Trailhead Park
Bike Trails
Picnic Area
Trails
Jim Fleming Ecological Park
Picnic Area
Trails
Parking Lot
Lehigh Acres Park
Baseball/Softball
Football
Grills
Charlie R. Mathney Park
Fishing
Picnic Area
Parking Lot
Transit
Airport
Southwest Florida International
20 min drive
Bus
Broad St N & Broad St W-Eb
Bus
Lee Blvd & Bella Ct-Eb
Bus
Andros St & Palm Blvd
Bus
Lee Blvd & Hazelwood Ave S-Eb2
Bus
Palm Blvd & Stafford Creek Blvd
Bus
Palm Blvd & Alabama Rd S
Bus
Broad St N & Broad St W-Wb
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Alabama
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
4
4
Assault with Weapon
4
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
4
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
3
4
Larceny
4
4
Crime Score
4
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Alabama, Lehigh Acres sell after 104 days on the market compared to the national average of 47 days. The average sale price for homes in Alabama, Lehigh Acres over the last 12 months is $307,223, up 3% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
***NEW CONSTRUCTION, NO WAIT, MOVE IN READY!*** Elevate your lifestyle with the opulence of the Sanibel floorplan presented by Carpenter Homes—a masterpiece within the Florida Living Series, certified by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC). This home features 4 bedrooms and 2 full bathrooms. This dream home is designed and built to immerse you in luxury. As you enter, a beautiful kitchen
Welcome to this MAGNIFICENT (2024) BUILT 3 bed 2.5 BATH completed Brand NEW CONSTRUCTION home nestled away on an OVERSIZED CORNER lot. This open floor plan spotlights an enticing LUXURY vinyl flooring throughout, Admirable double glass door entry & tray ceilings for a GRAND elevation, gorgeous QUARTZ countertops with an awarding breakfast bar, and MODERN GLOSS European cabinetry. It highlights
Situated on an oversized third of an acre corner lot, this beautifully crafted 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom new construction home offers just under 1,500 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. From the pavered driveway to the stone-accented entryway, every detail has been carefully considered to create a modern curb appeal. Inside, 24x48 tile flooring flows throughout, blending style and
The Jasper Model floor plan starting at $329k. 1,550 SF home offers the perfect opportunity to create your dream living space. With 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 modern bathrooms, and an additional versatile den, there’s plenty of room for your family, home office, or hobbies. The property comes with permit in hand and is ready for construction to begin immediately, allowing you to work with the builder
This well-maintained 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers comfort, privacy, and fantastic outdoor living. Located in a quiet neighborhood, the property features a fully fenced yard and a screened-in pool with oversized lanai, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. Home is being offered furnished - turnkey. Recent upgrades include; new roof in 2023, new metal fence, lanai screen in 2021, pool pump
Build Your Dream Home! Discover the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in beautiful Southwest Florida! This spacious lot offers no deed restrictions and no HOA, giving you the freedom to design and enjoy your property your way. Located in a highly desirable area, you'll be just minutes from top-rated golf courses, stunning beaches, waterfront dining, shopping, and RSW International
Includes lawn service! Three bedrooms, two full bathrooms plus a den. Ultra modern home for you to call your own! Tile throughout, granite countertops in kitchen, quartz countertops in bathrooms, epoxy garage flooring, washer and dryer hookup inside, and open lanai. Requirements include: 600+ credit score, monthly income of 3x the monthly rent, clean housing history and clean criminal background.
Welcome to your perfect retreat at Ibis Landing Golf and Country Club! This stunning 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo is thoughtfully designed with comfort and style in mind. Being offered fully decorated and furnished, it's ready for you to call it "home". Each bedroom is strategically positioned for maximum privacy, with the primary offering an en-suite bathroom and the 2 guest rooms sharing an
Please note that the advertised price may exclude additional fees. These include a mandatory $55 application fee per applicant; a one-time $75 admin fee; a $11 monthly utility management fee; fees for amenities like smart home or internet service; and optional conditional fees for services like self-guided tours with third-party provider Rently ($1.99 to $11.99), pet fees/rent, or pool
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Bent Danholm,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
19,119
Median Age
37
Population Density
4 ppl/acre
Population under 18
27.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
15.5%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$42,827
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$57,494
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
82.4%
College Graduates
14.7%
Below the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
4.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
65.4%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
53''
Average Winter Low Temperature
53°F
Average Summer High Temperature
92°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
25/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
6/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
