by Mike Colpitts 
Despite changes in the housing market, new home developments boom in Fort Myers, as demand for new homes rises across Fort Myers, North Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Cape Coral, and Naples. With developers focused on creating communities that offer a blend of affordability, luxury, and sustainable living, these areas will continue to attract diverse populations of homebuyers.
The rapid growth of new home developments in Fort Myers and surrounding communities is reshaping the region, offering a wide range of housing options that cater to people of all lifestyles—from retirees looking for a quiet beachfront retreat to young families searching for affordable suburban living. Some 72 new developments are in some form of new construction.
Fort Myers is one of the most dynamic areas for new home construction in Southwest Florida. The city’s central location along the Caloosahatchee River, combined with its proximity to popular destinations like Sanibel Island and Cape Coral, makes it an attractive place to live. The city has seen a rise in master-planned communities, many of which cater to young professionals, families, and retirees.
One prominent development in Fort Myers is The Plantation, a 1,000-acre master-planned community that offers a wide range of housing options. The community includes single-family homes, townhomes, and apartments, along with amenities such as golf courses, fitness centers, and walking trails. New home builders like Lennar Homes and Pulte Homes are actively constructing homes in The Plantation, offering modern designs with energy-efficient features. The community’s strategic location, along with its diverse housing options, has made it one of the most popular destinations for new homeowners in the city.
As new home developments boom in Fort Myers, the Verandah is a luxury residential community located along the Caloosahatchee River. Verandah offers custom homes and resort-style living with features like a private golf course, a clubhouse, and miles of biking and walking trails. The development appeals to affluent buyers who are looking for an upscale, yet tranquil living environment with access to outdoor activities.
North Fort Myers: Affordable Housing and Riverfront Living
North Fort Myers, located just across the river from downtown Fort Myers, offers more affordable housing options and is quickly becoming an area of interest for new homebuyers. The area’s proximity to Fort Myers and its access to the river make it an attractive location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle, but with easy access to the city’s amenities and employment opportunities.
New home construction in North Fort Myers is largely centered around Shannon Park and North Fort Myers Village, both of which offer affordable single-family homes and townhomes. These developments are ideal for first-time homebuyers and growing families, offering homes with modern finishes and easy access to local schools, parks, and shopping centers.
Additionally, there are luxury developments along the river in North Fort Myers, such as Tamiami Village and Riverbend Estates, which provide residents with private docks, water views, and a laid-back atmosphere. These new home developments tend to attract retirees and snowbirds who desire a more peaceful environment with water access but still wish to be close to the urban amenities offered by Fort Myers.
Fort Myers Beach: Coastal Living with a High Demand for New Homes
Fort Myers Beach, with its stunning white sand beaches and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the most desirable locations for new home construction in the region. Although the area’s real estate market has traditionally catered to vacation rentals and second homes, there is a growing trend of full-time residents looking to settle in this idyllic coastal community.
Newly planned developments along the beach have focused on luxury waterfront condos, as well as single-family homes with sweeping Gulf views. Builders such as Sanibel-Captiva Builders and Coastal Construction Group have focused on creating upscale residences with sustainable features and energy-efficient designs that align with the region’s environmentally conscious mentality. These homes often feature open floor plans, high-end finishes, and amenities such as pools, outdoor kitchens, and boat docks.
In addition to private residences, Fort Myers Beach has seen the development of mixed-use properties that combine residential and commercial spaces. These developments create vibrant communities where residents can live, work, and play within walking distance of beaches, restaurants, and shops.
Cape Coral: Boating Community and Waterfront Properties
Cape Coral is one of the fastest-growing cities in Florida, and it is well known for its extensive canal system and boating culture. The city’s real estate market is seeing a surge in new home construction, particularly in the waterfront property sector. Cape Coral’s canals provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, making it an attractive location for those who love boating, fishing, and outdoor activities.
New home developments also boom in Cape Coral, which is heavily focused on luxury waterfront properties. Developers like Highmark Builders and Stock Development have capitalized on the demand for upscale homes with private docks, pools, and expansive views of the water. The city has also seen an influx of developments geared toward middle-class homebuyers, such as Zev Cohen and Associates’ Palmetto Point project, which offers single-family homes with modern amenities at more affordable prices.
One of the city’s largest developments is Banyan Bay, a master-planned community offering a variety of housing options, from townhomes to large custom estates. The development’s emphasis on outdoor living and eco-friendly design appeals to buyers looking for a blend of luxury and sustainability. The rise of both affordable and high-end construction in Cape Coral signals the city’s continued growth and its ability to attract a diverse range of residents.
New Home Developments Boom in Naples: Luxury and Resort-Style Living
Naples, located at the southern end of the Gulf Coast, is known for its luxury homes, pristine beaches, and upscale lifestyle. As one of the wealthiest areas in Florida, the demand for new construction in Naples remains strong, with a particular focus on high-end single-family homes and exclusive gated communities.
The Pelican Bay neighborhood in Naples is one of the most desirable areas for new home construction, offering stunning waterfront estates and golf course front homes. Similarly, developments such as Tiburon and Mediterra provide custom homes, resort-style amenities, and private golf courses. These communities offer a blend of modern luxury with traditional Floridian charm, attracting retirees and affluent individuals looking to live in an exclusive and peaceful environment.
In addition to these established luxury communities, Naples has also seen the rise of mixed-use developments that combine residential properties with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. Projects like Mercato and The Isles of Collier Preserve offer homeowners the ability to enjoy both resort-style living and urban amenities, making them particularly appealing to those looking for a more dynamic lifestyle in addition to their private retreats.
Mike Colpitts represents home buyers, not builders and sells new homes throughout the area. Mike can help you in your quest to find the place that you call home.