Trading the Windy City for Paradise: A Chicagoan’s Comprehensive Guide to Moving to Cape Coral
As someone who moved from Chicago to the sunny Cape Coral, Florida in 2014, I know how big of a change it can be to go from city life to the easy-going vibes of Cape Coral. Which is why I wanted to share with you a comprehensive and easy-to-understand guide on what you can expect when making such a move and how these two fantastic places differ.
What’s Different?
Swapping Chicago for Cape Coral means more than a change of scenery. There are several key differences between these two places that you should consider when moving.
Weather: No More Frigid Winters
One of the first things you’ll notice when moving from Chicago to Cape Coral is how different the weather is. The climates in both cities are practically opposites, so let’s dive into some details about each city:
The Windy City – Chicago’s Climate
Chicago gets its nickname “The Windy City” for good reason – it can get quite chilly in the winter and BOY does the wind blow! The city experiences four distinct seasons with cold winters and hot summers. With temperatures often dropping below freezing during December, January, and February, snowfall becomes a common occurrence.
Summer in Chicago brings warmer weather with average highs around 85°F but also comes with humidity. Sweltering heatwaves are not uncommon either during summer months.
Sunshine State Living - Cape Coral’s Climate
Cape Coral lies within Southwest Florida’s tropical zone characterized by warm weather year-round. You’ll enjoy mild winters with average lows around 55°F in January and hot summers averaging highs near 92°F in July.
However, Florida is known for its afternoon rain showers during summertime which become quite routine and offer some relief from the heat. The only caveat is when the rain comes early, the humidity can make the heat even worse!
With its subtropical climate comes more opportunities for outdoor activities all year long – whether it’s lounging on sandy beaches, sailing away to the surrounding islands on your boat, exploring nature preserves nearby or enjoying a round of golf under the sun.
Cost: More Bang for Your Buck
Life in Chicago can get pricey, especially if you live in popular neighborhoods. But in Cape Coral, your dollar goes further – housing costs less and so do everyday expenses like entertainment. Groceries are an exception, however.
Let’s take a closer look at various aspects of the cost of living differences between each city:
Housing Costs
In Chicago, housing costs are generally higher than the national average due to high demand in prime locations and limited space. Rents for apartments or condos in popular neighborhoods like Lincoln Park, Wicker Park or River North can be quite steep. Similarly, home prices have been on the rise in recent years.
On the other hand, Cape Coral offers more budget-friendly housing options with lower home prices and property taxes. The median home price is significantly less compared to Chicago which makes it an attractive choice for those looking to buy. However, Cape Coral’s housing prices have been increasing significantly since the pandemic and there is much less of a gap between the two than there were just a few short years ago.
Transportation
Chicago has an extensive public transportation system including buses (CTA), trains (the “L”), taxis, and rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft. While convenient for getting around the city without a car, these transportation options come with associated costs such as monthly passes or per-ride fees.
Cape Coral doesn’t have as expansive a public transportation network. Leetran provides the busing services and is limited in its breadth. This means that car ownership is much more common than in Chicago. With generally lower gas prices and the cost of Florida vehicle registration compared to Illinois, owning a car is quite a bit more affordable.
Groceries & Dining Out
Grocery prices tend to be high in densely populated areas like Chicago due to increased demand and higher overheads for businesses operating within the city limits.
In Cape Coral, grocery prices are, typically, even higher. Be prepared to allocate a portion of your cost-of-living savings towards your grocery budget. One surprising example is that a case of beer can cost almost twice as much as it does in Chicago!
Utilities
Utility costs in Cape Coral are generally lower than in Chicago. While electricity rates may be comparable between the two cities, other utilities, like water, tend to be less expensive in Cape Coral. Further, heating and cooking are fully electric, so say goodbye to the gas bill. This can contribute to significant savings on monthly bills.
Education
When moving with your family, the quality of education is an essential factor to consider. Both Chicago and Cape Coral have unique educational landscapes:
Chicago’s Schools
Chicago has a vast public school system serving over 350,000 students across more than 600 schools. Additionally, the city offers numerous prestigious private schools as well as top-ranked colleges and universities like Northwestern University, The University of Chicago, and DePaul University.
The wide range of institutions provides opportunities for quality education at all levels but navigating the choices can be challenging.
Cape Coral’s Schools
Cape Coral offers a smaller but well-regarded Lee County Public School System that includes elementary, middle and high schools as well as charter school options within the city limits. In addition to public schools, there are also private school options available.
Florida Gulf Coast University (Fort Myers) and Florida Southwest University (Punta Gorda) serve as the prominent higher education institutions for those residing in Cape Coral and Fort Myers, who seek higher learning opportunities close to home.
Finding A Home: Easier Than You Think
If you’re wondering about finding a new home after relocating, don’t worry! The real estate markets in these two cities have their own unique characteristics.
Homes in Chicago: Variety Galore
In Chicago, there’s a wide selection of homes – from downtown condos and townhomes to charming bungalows and single-family homes further away from the city center. Due to high demand for properties in prime locations like Lincoln Park, Gold Coast, or River North neighborhoods, competition can be intense which could lead to bidding wars or even losing out on your dream home despite offering above the asking price.
The diverse housing options make it possible to find a place that suits your taste and needs, but navigating the competitive market can be challenging – especially for first-time buyers.
Homes in Cape Coral: Space & Waterfront Views
Cape Coral offers an abundance of single-family homes with good-sized yards, plus lots of waterfront properties thanks to its vast canal system – great for anyone who loves boating! With over 400 miles of canals, Cape Coral has more navigable waterways than any other city in the world. However, the rapid growth of migration to our beautiful climate over the last few years has put a strain on the availability of homes and builders have struggled to keep up as of late.
While you’ll find mostly ranch-style homes throughout the area, a variety of architectural styles are also available such as Mediterranean-inspired villas, duplexes, gorgeous condos and modern custom-built houses.
Work Life: Opportunities Await
When moving to a new city, you might wonder about job prospects. Here’s what to expect in both cities:
Jobs in Chicago: A Strong Economy
Chicago has a robust economy with job opportunities across various sectors like finance, healthcare, technology, manufacturing and more. Some of the largest employers in Chicago include J.P. Morgan Chase, United Airlines and Abbott Laboratories among others.
As one of the largest cities in the United States, Chicago’s job market remains competitive but offers numerous options for career growth at established companies or promising startups alike.
Jobs in Cape Coral: A Different Mix
While Cape Coral doesn’t have the same variety of jobs as Chicago due to its smaller size and more localized economy, there are still many options available in fields like healthcare (Lee Health & Cape Coral Hospital), retail trade (Publix Super Markets), construction (LCEC) and tourism (local hotels & restaurants).
Nearby Fort Myers also offers additional employment opportunities if you don’t mind a short commute - major employers include Gartner Inc., Florida Gulf Coast University and Hertz Corporation.
Fun Stuff: What To Do For Entertainment
The vibe of each city is different and influences your day-to-day life when moving.
Fun in Chicago: Rich Cultural Scene
In Chicago, you’ll find world-class museums like The Art Institute of Chicago, The Field Museum and the Museum of Science & Industry to explore. Theater enthusiasts can enjoy Broadway productions at major venues like the CIBC Theatre or catch more intimate plays at one of over 200 smaller theaters throughout the city.
Chicago also has a lively sports scene with passionate fans supporting their beloved Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls and Blackhawks. If you’re an avid sports fan, there’s no shortage of games to attend throughout the year.
Summertime brings an array of festivals celebrating art, music and food throughout the diverse neighborhoods - like Pitchfork Music Festival in Union Park or Taste of Chicago in Grant Park among many others.
Fun in Cape Coral: Laid-Back Beach Life
Cape Coral is all about enjoying the great outdoors – from beautiful beaches like Fort Myers Beach or Sanibel Island which are just a short drive away to parks filled with nature such as Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve or Rotary Park Environmental Center where you can walk through mangroves or spot local wildlife up close. Yes, even alligators!
Community events bring people together year-round including art walks downtown during cooler months and holiday boat parades along Cape Coral’s waterways during festive times including Venetian Night.
Fishing enthusiasts will be thrilled by ample opportunities for both freshwater and saltwater fishing while golfers have access to numerous golf courses within Cape Coral itself as well as nearby cities like Bonita Springs or Naples.
Wrapping Up
Moving from Chicago to Cape Coral means big changes – from enjoying warm weather year round to finding affordable housing and experiencing a more relaxed lifestyle. It’s important to consider these factors when thinking about making such a move.
With its sunshine-filled days perfect for beach trips or lounging by the pool — plus lower living expenses and plenty of housing options — Cape Coral could be just the spot for those looking for a fresh start away from busy city life. The area offers numerous amenities, outdoor recreational activities, and a strong sense of community spirit - all while being just a short drive away from the more urban offerings in neighboring Fort Myers.
As someone who has lived in both places, I’m sure you’ll find your happy place here in Cape Coral just like I did back in 2014!