Caloosahatchee - Cape Coral, FL

Cape Coral was originally inhabited by the Calusas Indians prior to an influx of settlers to the area in the 1800s. Brothers Leonard and Jack Rosen purchased the land eventually developed into Cape Coral and had plans to make the largest preplanned community in the country. The goal was to create an area for purchasing a piece of paradise that could eventually be a retirement space for northern investors. As development continued into the 1900s, land values soared and infrastructure made Cape Coral an ideal retirement a tourist destination.

The Cape Coral Historical Society and Museum hosts a number of artifacts and documents to preserve the history of the area. Annually, the city hosts the St. Andrew Festival which affords residents the opportunity to enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere locally.

Residents and visitors to Caloosahatchee have a number of dining options nearby. The restaurants and bars tend to be locally owned with few chain restaurants in the immediate vicinity. Most restaurants lie near the southern end of Caloosahatchee along Cape Coral Parkway. Locals enjoy a little jazz with their meals at Slate's Restaurant. An upscale Cajun eatery, Slate's serves up New Orleans classics such as gumbo, shrimp n' grits and crawfish etouffee. The fresh seafood paired with classic Cajun spices satisfies the appetite, while the jazz and decor round out the experience. Try the New Orleans alfredo, which has a creamy seafood flavor served mild, medium, or hot.

Nevermind Awesome Bar and Eatery has a unique name, but don't let that fool you into thinking it doesn't care about the food. The chefs at this tapas bar take great pride in hand picking the freshest ingredients to prepare an ever-changing menu. You might find it difficult to choose just one plate, so they are designed to be shared in the tapas style. The truffle fries accompany most plates, and the truffle wings are crispy with just the right hint of oil. The burgers are juicy and flavorful. For dessert, try the chocolate fudge cronut, a rich yet not overly filling take on the popular cronut found in New York City. For a fun night out, locals convene along Cape Coral Parkway at one of the many local bars and restaurants. Nightclubs can be found across the river nearer to Fort Myers. Dixie Roadhouse, Tubby's City Hangout, and the Dek Bar all offer drink specials or host happy hours.The bartenders are personable, and the bar food complements the atmosphere which tends to be laid-back and relaxed.

Personal vehicles make up the majority of travel in the Calooshatchee area. Biking and walking paths allow residents to get out and enjoy the bright sunshine throughout the neighborhood. Lee County transit operates local buses with a majority of stops along Cape Coral Parkway just to the south of Caloosahatchee. Cabs can be hailed along Cape Coral Parkway as well, with few taxis operating within the neighborhood unless called. Uber operates in the area with service to Fort Myers as well.

Public parking typically has no charge at retail spaces, and within the communities, driveway parking may be required as the narrow roads do not allow for street parking. Bikers have dedicated lanes making it easy to reach the major roadways and shops from any point in the area.

Several parks can be found throughout the Caloosahatchee neighborhood. Rubicond Park, Veterans Park and Jaycee Park are all free to enter and within biking and walking distance for most residents. Your four-legged friends can enjoy some fresh air and room to run at Wagging Tails Dog Park located within Rotary Park. Jaycee Park has fitness trails and picnic areas, making it ideal for outdoor exercise. Veterans park contains bocce and basketball courts and picnic areas, while Rubicond park serves as a small neighborhood park great for an evening stroll.

Though the local neighborhood parks do not host large annual events, the city of Cape Coral puts on numerous events such as the Sounds of Jazz and Wine Festival and the Coconut Festival each fall.

The cost of living in Caloosahatchee sits about on par with the Florida average. You can expect to pay $1.50 to reach downtown Fort Myers by public transit and $30 for cab or Uber service. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Caloosahatchee costs around $900.

You can find a pint of beer for $3 at any of the local bars and restaurants, with daily specials and happy hours easing the strain on your wallet. Gas prices generally sit around eight percent above the national average.

The southern end of Caloosahatchee hosts most of the shopping and dining options. The remote location and residential area make clothing boutiques and retail centers less prevalent. Many residents travel across the Cape Coral Bridge to reach retailers and clothing chains.

Locals looking to remain on the island have limited options for deals. It's All Good Consignment Boutique contains a mixture of clothing and home goods. The wide variety of products make this store one worth visiting to find antiques or lightly used artistic pieces. The unique collectibles and one-off items delight bargain hunters and pickers as family heirlooms and historical pieces scatter the shelves from time to time.

What 2 Wear sits near the north end of Caloosahatchee. The shop's owner began by reselling items on eBay and has expanded considerably since the early days. The unique shopping experience includes one-of-a-kind fashions, so you can be sure no one will have the same outfit. The owner is knowledgeable and eager to help. Located just across the river this boutique exhibits top brand designers and locally sourced clothing lines for a mixture of popular designs and unique, one of a kind options. Once you've found the perfect outfit, finish the look with accessories and bags from the best international designers.

Publix serves as the main grocery store in the area where shoppers can pick up food staples and necessities. Back to Nature Organic Market serves as the farm-to-table choice for residents of Caloosahatchee. Herbs and fresh produce line the shelves, and a smoothie and juice bar allows shoppers to enjoy the freshest liquefied meals possible.