Cape Coral is one of the nation's fastest growing and most desirable cities. With over 400 miles of fresh and saltwater canals, it is a boater's dream-come-true. Many people keep their boat docked behind their home with the Gulf of Mexico just minutes away. Cape Coral consistently ranks among the fastest growing Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA's) in the nation, and is growing nearly twice as   fast as the state of Florida as a whole. Just minutes from pristine beaches and Gulf waters, Cape Coral really does have something for everyone!

Just 39 years young, Cape Coral is growing like a healthy adolescent. In 1957, the enterprising Rosen brothers purchased 7,000 swampy acres and transformed them into a livable place. Cape Coral was born!  The city has grown up fast; now 85,000 year-round residents enjoy  the moderate climate along the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast.    The world's largest reverse-osmosis plant    keeps Cape  Corallites flush in potable water. That way they can enjoy picnics, swimming and other leisure activities in their well-developed city park system. The Caloosahatchee River runs through town. So does a 400 mile network of fresh and saltwater canals, which can complicate driving for newcomers. A prominent landmark is the Cape Coral Bridge, connecting the city to Fort Myers -- 15.9 million vehicles crossed over in 1994 alone.

 Area flora and fauna includes "walking" mangrove trees, burrowing owls and the great manatee. Take care around those endangered walrus-like creatures, though, because "even luring one with lettuce can bring fines up to $20,000 and a year as a guest of the state."