The Area

Lee County | Lehigh Acres | Population Growth | Education | Working Families | Business Environment

Lee County Overview

Nestled on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, Lee County encompasses the closely linked cities of Lehigh Acres, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Bonita Springs and Sanibel and Captiva islands. One of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation, it spans 804 square miles.

A variety of factors attract visitors and fuel remarkable business and population growth in the county. Key natural attractions include a mild climate and beautiful beaches. An abundance of business opportunities and low unemployment rates make year-round living highly practical and attractive. Dominated by workingage residents, Lee County’s 18-24 year old population is growing about twice as fast as Florida’s population and many times faster than the population of the United States.

What Others Are Saying About Lee County

Forbes, Inc. and Money magazines have recognized the area as one of the top places to live and do business in the nation.

The U.S. Census Bureau ranked Cape Coral - Fort Myers as the 9th fastest growing metropolitan area in the country between 2000 and 2003. (2005)

Inc. Magazine ranked Fort Myers - Cape Coral 9th among its top 25 medium metropolitan cities for entrepreneurs. (2005)

Forbes Magazine ranked Fort Myers - Cape Coral 2nd among the Top 150 Cities for Job Growth in 2005.

U.S. Housing Markets ranked Fort Myers - Cape Coral as the number one housing market in a metropolitan area in the nation for the second year in a row. (2004)

The Milkin Institute named Fort Myers - Cape Coral best performing city in the nation for job growth in the 2004 survey of Best Performing Cities:“Where America’s Jobs are Created.”

The Boyd Study, Inc. found Fort Myers - Cape Coral 5th among the top 50 locations in the nation to locate a corporate headquarters. (2004)

Time Magazine featured Lee County in their November 24, 2003 cover story as one of the“Hot Towns” for jobs.

Lehigh Acres

Lehigh Acres is one of Lee County’s fastest growing cities.The current population of 60,631 is projected to grow by 38 percent by 2012. The city’s average household income, which already exceeds the national average, is also expected to increase by 19 percent.

As part of Lee County, a longtime tourist destination that is now breaking records in population and business growth, Lehigh Acres offers close proximity to I-75, Southwest Florida International Airport, Florida Gulf Coast University and abundant job opportunities.The nearby islands of Fort Myers Beach, Sanibel and Captiva also offer beautiful white sand beaches and access to the sparkling emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

In addition to this attractive setting, the Lehigh Acres community has a character all its own.Approximately 85 percent of residents own their home, and the majority of them are working families. Most fall into the 25-44 age bracket. Their relatively high average income and sense of community make Lehigh Acres’ growing citizenship a lucrative and loyal market for businesses moving into the area.

Population Growth

Lehigh Acres’ population has increased 81 percent since 2000.The current population of 60,631 is projected to increase by an additional 38 percent in the next five years. Strategic Location Only 10 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres’ businesses and residents enjoy the opportunity to travel conveniently to points across the globe. Miami,Tampa and Orlando are easily accessed via I-75, a major interstate corridor soon to be expanded. It is common for residents to commute between Lehigh Acres and nearby communities such as Fort Myers via the county’s expanding road networks.

Working Families

Lehigh Acres residents are primarily working families. Most residents are between 25 and 44 years of age, and the city’s unemployment rate is below the state and national average. The median household Key Benefits to Doing Business in Lehigh Acres income of $49,341 is expected to grow 17 percent by 2012. Approximately 85 percent of residents own their own home and most have a high school education or higher.

Educational Opportunities

Lehigh Acres is just 22 miles from Florida Gulf Coast University, a state public university that is experiencing rapid growth and fueling the area’s continued economic expansion. Additional educational opportunities include Edison College, 19 miles away in Fort Myers, and numerous private universities that cater to the continuing education needs of Lee County’s working population.

Positive Business Environment

Lee County government’s pro-business stance has resulted in a highly skilled workforce, advanced infrastructure and low business costs. In 2006, Lee County businesses saw gross and taxable sales increase by approximately 8 percent. Additionally, local retail activity climbed an average of 5.4 percent each month.

 


RE/MAX Edge

Jim Boback: (239) 466-7770 
JB@BobackCommercialGroup.com

Chuck Smith: 239.826.3337
CS@BobackCommercialGroup.com