Moving to Lehigh Acres, Florida: A Comprehensive Relocation Guide

Considering moving to Lehigh Acres, Florida? This sprawling Lee County community offers affordable housing, growing population, and Fort Myers proximity. With approximately 125,000 residents in 2025, Lehigh Acres combines suburban development with convenient access to Southwest Florida beaches and amenities.

Demographic Profile to Consider If Moving to Lehigh Acres:

Lehigh Acres’ 2025 population is approximately 125,000 residents in this large unincorporated community in eastern Lee County. The median age is around 38 years, with diverse households including young families, working professionals, and retirees. The population is approximately 52% White, 32% Hispanic, 10% Black or African American. Developed primarily from the 1950s as one of the largest pre-planned communities, Lehigh Acres features a grid street system spanning over 95 square miles. The community continues developing with newer subdivisions attracting families seeking affordable Southwest Florida living. Lehigh Acres serves as a bedroom community for Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and the broader region. The area’s size creates distinct neighborhoods from established areas to new developments.

Cost of Living to Consider If Moving to Lehigh Acres:

Lehigh Acres offers exceptional affordability for Southwest Florida. Median home values range from $280,000 to $360,000 in 2025, significantly lower than Fort Myers or Cape Coral while maintaining regional access. The median household income is approximately $58,000. Rental properties average $1,500 to $2,000 monthly. Florida’s absence of state income tax benefits residents. Overall cost of living is moderate, making Lehigh Acres highly attractive for first-time buyers, young families, and those seeking affordable Southwest Florida living. The community provides significant value for those willing to commute to Gulf Coast beaches and employment centers. Housing costs create accessibility for diverse income levels seeking the Florida lifestyle.

Economy and Job Market:

Lehigh Acres residents typically commute to jobs throughout Lee County. Major nearby employers include Lee Health hospital system, Lee County School District, retail centers, and various businesses in Fort Myers and Cape Coral. The community itself hosts retail along Lee Boulevard and other corridors providing local service employment. Many residents work in healthcare, construction, retail, hospitality, and service industries. The broader Southwest Florida economy offers opportunities, though commuting is necessary for most employment. Typical commute times to Fort Myers or Cape Coral range 25-40 minutes. The affordable housing attracts workers serving the region’s tourism and service economies. Some residents are retirees or seasonal workers.

Education:

Lee County School District serves Lehigh Acres students with numerous schools including Lehigh Senior High School, East Lee County High School, and various elementary and middle schools. The large district continues building schools to accommodate growth. Florida SouthWestern State College campuses provide associate degrees and workforce training. Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers offers comprehensive four-year programs. The school district serves the rapidly growing population, with newer schools in developing areas often receiving higher ratings. Educational quality varies by school, with families researching specific schools when selecting neighborhoods.

Recreation and Lifestyle:

Lehigh Acres maintains parks including Veterans Park with sports facilities, Harns Marsh Preserve offering nature trails and bird watching, and various neighborhood parks. The community emphasizes suburban family living with youth sports and recreation programs. Residents enjoy access to Southwest Florida beaches including Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel Island within 30-40 minutes. Lee County’s parks and preserves provide outdoor recreation. Shopping centers along major corridors serve daily needs. The lifestyle focuses on affordable family living with regional amenities accessible by car. The subtropical climate enables year-round outdoor activities. The community continues developing commercial and recreational facilities to serve the growing population.

Healthcare and Services:

Lehigh Acres residents access healthcare through Lehigh Regional Medical Center providing emergency and medical services. Additional Lee Health facilities throughout Lee County offer comprehensive care. Numerous medical offices and urgent care centers operate in the community. The region’s healthcare infrastructure serves the growing population, with continued expansion matching development.

Transportation:

Lehigh Acres is accessed via State Road 82 (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard), Homestead Road, and Lee Boulevard connecting to Interstate 75 and other Lee County destinations. Southwest Florida International Airport is approximately 30-40 minutes west. LeeTran provides limited bus service. Most residents rely on personal vehicles. The community’s vast size and grid layout make walkability limited. Commuting to employment centers and beaches requires driving, with residents factoring travel times into housing decisions.

Conclusion:

Moving to Lehigh Acres in 2025 offers affordable Southwest Florida living with growing communities, family-friendly neighborhoods, and Fort Myers access. The area’s combination of low housing costs, new development, and proximity to Gulf Coast beaches makes it ideal for first-time buyers, young families, and budget-conscious residents seeking the Florida lifestyle without premium pricing.