1814 Diplomat Pkwy W

Saturated with canals and ponds, the neighborhood of Mariner in Cape Coral resembles a sort of Venice, Italy -- but with roomier homes for rent and spacious plots of land. Locals take advantage of the waterways by doing a little fishing and kayaking. When not on the water, locals like to enjoy a drink or two at Bubba’s Roadhouse and Saloon, or grab a bite at one of the eateries along Pine Island Road.

For a little more excitement, locals drive 10 miles south to downtown, located on the Caloosahatchee River. Not only does the area burst with eateries, but the area is just a few minutes away from Cape Harbour. For an outdoor getaway, locals travel 10 miles southeast from Mariner to Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, a nature park with 6,000-plus feet of trails and ample opportunity for wildlife sightings.