Lehigh Acres

Lehigh Acres is a diverse community in Southwest Florida, specifically in Lee County, and is located near Fort Myers. Here are some highlighted aspects about Lehigh Acres:

Geography and Nature: Lehigh Acres is situated in the eastern part of Lee County and is characterized by its extensive system of canals and lakes, with 175 miles of canals and 16 well-stocked lakes, making it a perfect destination for both fishing enthusiasts and beginners1. The locality covers a total area of 94.2 square miles, of which 92.7 are land and 1.5 are water.

Residential Development: The community mainly consists of pre-planned single-family residential lots, most of which are a quarter or half-acre3. Since its foundation in the 1950s, Lehigh Acres has experienced considerable growth, becoming one of the fastest-growing communities in Florida and the United States2.

Population and Demographics: The population of Lehigh Acres was approximately 135,272 people according to the 2020 census, with a median age of 33.8 years and a median household income of $52,894 in 2021.

Education and Families: Lehigh Acres has been rated a B in terms of being a good place for families and has a diversity rated at A+, although the housing aspect received a C+ rating.

History and Economic Development: Lehigh Acres was developed in the 1950s by Chicago businessman Lee Ratner. He initially acquired the land for cattle breeding, but later partnered with other entrepreneurs to start selling lands in the area. Since then, the community has grown significantly, experiencing a construction boom between 2003 and 2007, although it also suffered a setback during the 2008 housing crisis. However, property values have been recovering since 2014.

Infrastructure and Community Development: In 1992, Lee County declared Lehigh Acres as a blighted area and authorized its Community Redevelopment Agency to take measures to improve the infrastructure and planning elements neglected by the original developer. This indicates an ongoing effort to improve the quality of life in the community.

Lehigh Acres is a growing community with a mix of residential spaces, recreational opportunities, and a history of development and economic recovery. Its proximity to Fort Myers and other surrounding cities, along with its natural environment, make it attractive to a wide range of residents.