By Caroline Mansfield, Cape Coral, FL

Cape Coral rates fourth in the nation for married couples because, like the Emerald City in the "The Wizard of Oz," Cape Coral answers the door when strangers knock.  One has to be persistent to live here - just like it took persistence for Dorothy to talk her way into Oz. 

But once the gates of the city open up to you, then all the wonders of Cape Coral are revealed: Burrowing owls, American bald eagles flying overheard, endless sunshine (complete with bored weathermen on TV), strong conservative thought, patriotism, great home values (and who can overlook Big John standing 20 feet tall in Big John’s parking lot)

A talk radio show awhile back announced that Cape Coral rates fourth in cities with the most married couples.  The opinion on the show was that the population is filled with Midwesterners, and everyone knows Midwesterners trout a pretty good average of longer marriages.  But the strongest opinion expressed during the show was that Cape Coral has that, well you know, "THING"

It you have ever lived anywhere else you instinctively would know what this "THING" is.  There is something about the weather, the people and the warm, balmy breezes that wash away your cares.  It does not matter if you are visiting or relocating here, you will find yourself quickly "Cape Coralfied."

Everyone seems to be happy to be here.

Everyone wants to be here.

Only the occasional grouch is in denial of the obvious: Cape Coral is Florida’s secret Oz.

Granted, there are growing pains.  Zoning is one pain that eventually affects everyone. One needs an act of congress just to install a shed at their home.  Plus dock building and driveway expansions require the city’s scrutiny.  The gist of these restrictions is to keep Cape Coral’s Oz as familiar as possible. 

Ten years ago, Cape Coral Parkway (the Main Street of downtown) was a narrow four-lane speedway with nothing but weeds in the median.  Now it is complete with beautiful landscaping and lighting thru downtown. Also the city has brought us a beautiful six-lane East-West passage (Veterans Parkway) through the middle of Cape Coral to Pine Island Road. It is complete with lovely landscaping and a bike path.  It was all done in record time.  These changes are good even if they do alter the familiar. 

It is a life absent of big-city stresses that allows a married couple to age like fine wine.    It is a simple way of life, but one that works.

For true local and knowledgeable service in the Cape Coral FL Real Estate market and Fort Myers FL real Estate market and the the sounding areas, contact us Kurt and Helen Gearing at 888 812 5393